Identifier2008-11-06_image_001SourceThe Paul A. Ludwig Military Aviation Photograph Collection (2008-11-06), Folder 1DescriptionPhotograph of British and American servicemen, including members of VCS-7 (Fleet Composite Squadron 7) of the U.S. Navy, at a briefing for a gun-spotting mission over the Normandy beachhead, circa 1944. Identified individuals include: Wing Commander Robert J. Haridiman, Ensign Robert J. Adams, Major Noel East, Lieutenant Harris Hammersmith Jr., and Captain John Ruscoe.
Typed caption on verso: "80-G-302115 (National Archives). US Navy Unit VCS-7. Pilots are briefed before flying a gun spotting mission over the Normandy Beach heads, 1944. VCS-7 had switched from its SOC seaplanes to British 'Spitfire' fighters for this operation. Present are (L-R) WCDR. Robert J. Hardiman, RAF; CMDG Allied Spotter Pilots; Ens. Robert J. Adams, USNR; Maj. Noel East, Brit. Army Intelligence; Lt. Harris Hammersmith Jr., USNR; & Capt. John Ruscoe, Royal Artillery, Gunnery Liaison Officer. Photo Rec'd 17 Feb. 1945."
Stamped on verso: "Credit: National Archives. 80-G-302115."
[British and American servicemen at briefing for Normandy mission], [2008-11-06_image_001]. Museum of Flight Digital Collections, accessed 23/01/2026, https://digitalcollections.museumofflight.org/nodes/view/12266
![[British and American servicemen at briefing for Normandy mission]](/img/placeholder.gif?1762292655 "[British and American servicemen at briefing for Normandy mission]")