P-51B-5 43-6431, flown by Claiborne Kinnard of the 354th FS, 355th FG, Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire, in April 1944. At the time Kinnard had ten victories. His grand total was 28, including 17 on 1 the ground. ETO P-51s had the tail band removed the previous month because it visually broke up the aircraft’s outline.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51 Mustang - СШАUSA - 1940

By early 1944 the P-51B, powered by a Packard Merlin engine, was beginning to write a new chapter in aerial warfare in the hands of the 354th FG. Here, early USAAF P-51 markings are displayed by a machine of the 355th Sqn.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51 Mustang - СШАUSA - 1940

Many early model Mustangs went into combat devoid of camouflage from December 1943. The original white type recognition markings were then changed to black, as typified by this 352nd FG aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51 Mustang - СШАUSA - 1940

The “Blue Nosers", alias the 352nd Group at Raydon, Suffolk, was an outstanding 8th AF Mustang unit. It moved to France in 1944 and stayed on to fight spectacularly in the Luftwaffe’s mass attack on Allied airfields on January 1, 1945. The pilot of P-51D-10 42-106703 was Lt Francis Horne.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51 Mustang - СШАUSA - 1940

P-51D-15 44-15056, flown by Capt Jack “Wild Bill” Crump of the 360th FS, 356th FG, based at Martlesham Heath in 1944. A portrait of Crump’s pet coyote, Jeep, which often accompanied him on combat missions, appears below the cockpit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

P-51D-20 44-72138 of the 343rd FS, 55th FG, as it appeared at the war’s end, in May 1945. The 55th drew occupation duty in Germany after hostilities ceased, and this Mustang may have been one of the aircraft that served there and was ultimately broken up when the unit returned home.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

George Preddy of the 328th Sqn was the top ace in the ETO when he was tragically shot down and killed by American ground fire on Christmas Day 1944. Here, one of Preddy’s well-decorated P-51Ds has its ammunition replenished at Raydon, home of the 352nd Group.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

In full flying kit with a blue-and-white-nosed P·51D, pilots strike a cheerful pose for the photographer at Honington, home base of the 364th Group.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Lines of kill markings stencilled on their Mustangs hallmarked the top pilots and fostered esprit de corps. Some units needed any boost to confidence, but not the 352nd, which turned in a final score of 519 enemy aircraft destroyed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Don Blakeslee of the 4th FG was one of the brilliant fighter leaders who made the 8th’s fighter force so highly effective, and a total P-51 devotee. He constantly pestered higher echelons to have Mustangs replace the P-47, and got his way in February 1944.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Mustangs could take it as well as give it out. This 55th Group P-51D came home after an argument with part of a ground target.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944