Aviation Classics 2 P-51 Mustang preview

SECOND IN A SERIES OF SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS FOCUSING ON FAMOUS AIRCRAFT AND EVENTS

ISSUE 2

9 781906 167332

No. 002 ISBN: 978-1-906167-33-2 £6.99

00699 >

www.aviationclassics.co.uk

Three Mustangs in formation over Colchester, Essex, en route to Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire, on 15 August 2009. Nearest the camera is P-51D 44-13521 (G-MRLL) Marinell being flown by Maurice Hammond. Next is P-51D ‘414419’ (G-MSTG) Janie piloted by Dave Evans. Behind that is CAC-18 Mustang 22 ‘472218’ (G-HAEC) Big Beautiful Doll with Rob Davies MBE at the controls. Jarrod Cotter

Contents 6 Introduction 8 Marinell makes it home 18 D-Day – the 339th’s story 28 The Mustang ‘office’ 32 The RAF’s free-roaming fighter 40 Taking the Horse’s reins 44 Mrs. Virginia and the Air Commandos 52 The King’s Cliffe ‘Loco Busters’ 58 Mustang evolution 64 Mustangs over Israel 68 Janie the former Kiwi 74 ‘The Duxford Eagles’ 80 ‘Red Tail’ resurrection 86 The Tuskegee Airmen 88 Warbird kaleidoscope 94 Mustang target markers 102 One-trick ponies 110 ‘Little Friends’ 114 NA-73X – Birth of a legendary fighter 116 He was someone who was trying to kill me, is all…

124 Return to combat 126 Their final flight

Editor:

Jarrod Cotter jcotter@mortons.co.uk Janet Richardson Dan Savage Stephen C Ananian, Col Clarence E ‘Bud’ Anderson, Louise Blackah, Paul Bowen, Martyn Chorlton, Doug Fisher, Juanita Franzi, Scott Germain, Philip Makanna, Paul Marsh, Frank B Mormillo, Robert Owen

Production editor: Publisher: Contributors:

Designers:

Justin Blackamore, Charlotte Pearson, Darren Hendley, Leanne Cropley Craig Lamb clamb@mortons.co.uk

Production manager:

Divisional advertising manager: Tracey Glover-Brown tglover-brown@mortons.co.uk Advertising sales executive: Nikita Leak nleak@mortons.co.uk 01507 529416 Magazine sales manager: Brand manager:

Paul Deacon pdeacon@mortons.co.uk Sarah Downing sdowning@mortons.co.uk 01507 529549

Operations Director: Commercial Director: Business Development Director: Managing Director:

Dan Savage Nigel Hole Terry Clark Brian Hill

Editorial address:

Aviation Classics Mortons Media Group Ltd PO Box 99 Horncastle Lincs LN9 6JR www.aviationclassics.co.uk

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William Gibbons and Son, Wolverhampton

© 2010 Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN No 978-1-906167-33-2

Stallions 51’s Crazy Horse and Crazy Horse 2 caught in a tremendously atmospheric US skyscape. Paul Bowen Cover picture: CAC-18 Mustang 22 ‘472217’ Big Beautiful Doll being flown by Rob Davies MBE, P-51D 44-13521 Marinell piloted by Maurice Hammond, and P-51D ‘414419’ Janie flown by Dave Evans all in neat formation above the clouds over East Anglia – once the wartime home to USAAF P-51s. Jarrod Cotter

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P-51 Mustang 5

Introduction

I

’d like to begin this issue of Aviation Classics by saying thank-you to the hundreds of people who came along to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitors Centre on 28 October 2009 to support our launch. The event exceeded expectations and it was fortunate that the weather was very kind, so that all those queuing outside could do so in some lovely autumnal sunshine! The Lancaster veterans who generously gave up their day had writer’s cramp by the time they’d finished signing copies of everyone’s Aviation Classics and the free commemorative launch prints – and it was especially heart-warming to see so many youngsters talking to them.

Thanks, too, to Chairman of Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association Stuart Stephenson MBE for formally opening the event, plus the staff here at Mortons who put in a great deal of time to make sure everything went smoothly – especially Sarah Downing and Charlotte Park.

My thanks must also go to all those who have since bought Issue 1 and the many who have taken the time to write and call in saying how much you enjoyed it. This has been most encouraging and something which I’ve used to build on for this edition on the North American P-51 Mustang – one of the most iconic fighters of World War Two. I sincerely hope that the mix of features within builds on

the recipe used for the Lancaster issue which a lot of you have commented on.

As you’ll see from page 130, we’ll keep the momentum going by turning our attention the Supermarine Spitfire for the next in this bi-monthly series. Then there might be a few exciting surprises to follow later in the year, so make sure you look out for Aviation Classics every other month in 2010!

Jarrod Cotter Editor

Above: View from P-51D Marinell looking out towards Janie as Maurice Hammond’s brace of Mustangs ‘patrol’ the skies over East Anglia around 65 years after World War Two – keeping this aspect of wartime history alive as a reminder to later generations.

Jarrod Cotter

Left: A scene from the launch of Aviation Classics at the BBMF Visitors Centre at Coningsby on 28 October 2009.

Lancaster veterans Ron Clark DFC, AG ‘Buck’ Buckley, Harry Bontoft and Syd Marshall were kept extremely busy throughout the event signing copies of Issue 1 and the free commemorative launch prints. Janet Richardson

6 aviationclassics.co.uk

Marinell

makes it home Maurice Hammond’s recently restored former 339th Fighter Group P-51D finally made it back to Fowlmere in August 2009 – 65 years and two days since it took off from there and was shot down over France. Jarrod Cotter was there to record the emotive stor y of this incredible achievement.

O

n 15 August 2009 North American P-51D Mustang 44-13521 Marinell landed back at Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. It had last taken off from there on 13 August 1944, which prompted a voice to sound over the radio saying, “Welcome home Marinell.”

After spending five years rebuilding the fighter to achieve such a tribute to Lt Myer Winkelman who was killed that day 65 years ago, pilot Maurice Hammond simply replied

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“Thank-you” in an emotional voice as he taxied towards the parking area.

P-51D-5-NA 44-13521 was built at NAA’s Inglewood, California factory and taken on charge on 30 June 1944. It flew with the 339th Fighter Group’s 504th Fighter Squadron from Fowlmere. This Mustang was usually flown by Captain Bradford V Stevens, but it was being flown by 2nd Lt Myer Winkelman when it was shot down on a low-level bombing mission over France on 13 August 1944 resulting in the loss of life of its young USAAF pilot.

Maurice Hammond flying Marinell in the skies over East Anglia in tribute to Lt Myer Winkelman on 15 August 2009 – 65 years and two days since he was shot down over France.

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Captain Bradford Stevens stands beside Marinell circa summer 1944.

339th FG Association

Lt Myer Winkelman on the wing of a 504th FS Mustang. 339th FG Association

“1st Lt Hunter – leading my second element – pulled up onto my wing. He said later that he thought he had seen silver parts flying through the air over the bomb bursts.”

FLYING FROM FOWLMERE The 339th was amongst the last fighter groups assigned to the 8th Air Force, beginning operations on 30 April 1944. Some of the first groups started flying missions in late 1942.

Based at Fowlmere, close to Duxford, Cambridgeshire, the 339th comprised the 503rd, 504th and 505th Fighter Squadrons.

Pilots flew their last combat missions with the 339th on 21 April 1945, under a year since their first. The Group’s CO was Colonel John B Henry until 14 April 1945, with Lt Colonel William C Clark taking over from him just before Victory in Europe Day in early May 1945.

Amongst the numerous records achieved by the 339th were the most enemy aircraft destroyed (air and ground) by a group in its first year of combat (692) and most enemy aircraft destroyed (ground) by a group in its first year of combat (453). On 10 April 1945 the 339th became the first group to destroy 100-plus enemy aircraft on a single mission, when 105 were claimed.

Among the significant operations that the 339th played a major role in were the D-Day landings of early June 1944 (see pages 18-26 for some personal accounts of that period in the war from 339th FG personnel).

Marinell on the ground after a flight out of Hardwick in October 2009.

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P-51D 44-13521 about to taxi out and take-off from Fowlmere on 15 August 2009.

View out over the port wing as Marinell takes-off out of Fowlmere.

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Maurice Hammond in Marinell after returning the 339th Fighter Group aircraft to Fowlmere 65 years since it was last there.

With its 339th red and white checkerboard markings to the fore, this is Marinell ready for flight at Hardwick in August 2009.

One of two substantial fuselage sections of Marinell as bought from storage in France highlighting how complete the wreckage was. It also included much of the wing section and numerous other large parts.

Maurice Hammond 12 aviationclassics.co.uk

13 AUGUST 1944

On 13 August 1944, Captain Stevens carried out a bombing and strafing mission against railway targets in France flying Marinell.

As a result of these actions the 339th destroyed three locos and damaged six more, plus 20 boxcars were destroyed and a further 80 damaged. A roundhouse and a turntable were also hit, an oil car destroyed, as well as much significant damage to railroad tracks.

Having taken off at 08:33, Captain Stevens landed back at Fowlmere at 11:30. His report about the three-hour mission stated that heavy, intense and accurate flak had been observed.

Later that day Lt Winkelman set out on a dive-bombing mission to Beauvais, France, flying Marinell. He was hit and crashed at approximately 18:30 in the area of Feuquières.

Major Bill C Routt, who was leading the mission, wrote the following in his report to the 339th’s Operations Officer: “2nd Lt Winkelman was flying on my wing on a divebombing mission. He was in formation with me when I started down on the target with a 4-5 second delay on the bombs. I pulled out between 1500 and 2000ft and broke to the right. Lt Winkelman was not with me when I pulled back up to 6000ft. 1st Lt Hunter – leading my second element – pulled up onto my wing. He said later that he thought he

The tail fin as it was before the aircraft’s restoration began, with ‘521’ of the original serial number visible on the starboard side. Maurice Hammond

had seen silver parts flying through the air over the bomb bursts.

“Lt Winkelman was last seen at 18:30 in the vicinity of Feuquières, France.”

Anti-aircraft fire is thought to be the most likely cause, as it had been so heavy around the 339th’s targets that day. The resultant Missing Aircrew Report (MACR) simply lists the reasons for the aircraft’s loss as ‘unknown’ though.

Notes from the MACR also include: “Craft: Mustang (B Star 5Q). Officer: Winkelman, Myer R, ASN 0-688887. Killed in action and buried at the French soldiers’ cemetery, Marisell in Beauvais, grave No.319.”

Lt Winkelman connects his g-suit before a sortie from Fowlmere.

339th FG Association P-51 Mustang 13

Three Mustangs running on the ground at Fowlmere – reminiscent of a scene at the airfield during 1944.

Mustangs fly over Fowlmere during a tailchase flying demonstration as part of the commemorations after Marinell’s return to the base.

Three Mustangs en route to Fowlmere on 15 August 2009 in a ceremonious formation as part of Marinell’s emotive return ‘home’. Nearest the camera is Marinell (G-MRLL) being flown by Maurice Hammond. It is being escorted by P-51D ‘414419’ (G-MSTG) Janie piloted by Dave Evans and CAC-18 Mustang 22 ‘472218’ (G-HAEC) Big Beautiful Doll flown by Rob Davies MBE.

MARINELL’S RESTORATION

After an eventful and significant day, Maurice Hammond flies Marinell over the East Anglian countryside on his way back to Hardwick on 15 August 2009.

After being inspected by the Luftwaffe and later cleared away, the wreckage of the P-51 was stored in a barn in France for more than 50 years. Maurice heard about it and acquired it in summer 1998. He had already rebuilt P-51D ‘414419’ Janie which first flew in 2001 after a 41⁄2 year restoration, then from 2003 spent the next five years restoring Marinell to airworthy condition.

Early aspects of the project were carried out in Maurice’s workshop in Suffolk. After around four years the fuselage was complete, so it was time to move it to his hangar at Hardwick on 15 September 2007.

The completed wing section was taken to Hardwick on 20 March 2008 and was put into place the following day. After a flurry of activity, before sundown Marinell was standing on its own undercarriage.

The engine was fitted on 22 March and concentrated work continued so well that by mid-May the Mustang’s systems were all in place. The first ground run of its Packard V-1650-7 Merlin took place on 21 June followed by more the next day.

P-51 Mustang 15

Marinell wears the accurate red and white checkerboard markings of the 339th, making this scene after its return to Fowlmere history in the making. Behind is Maurice Hammond’s North American Harvard which was flown by Leah Hammond on camera ship duties for the threeship formation to the airfield.

The P-51’s faithfully re-created name glints in the evening sunshine.

Looking towards Fowlmere airfield from Marinell. Note the hangar and grass taxiway leading to the runway.

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While on the ground at Fowlmere on this significant day, the pilots took the opportunity to visit the 339th Fighter Group memorial. From left to right are Chris Abrey, Maurice Hammond, Dave Evans and Rob Davies.

Marinell takes off from Hardwick during the late afternoon of 18 October 2009.

All photos Jarrod Cotter unless noted

Just over a month later came the event that all this work had been aimed at, when on 26 July Marinell’s first air test was successfully carried out. More soon followed over the coming weeks, and by 17 August most of the general handling checks had been completed. Testing to complete the remaining checks that were required continued leading to the P-51 getting its Permit to Fly on 10 September 2008.

Maurice has a tremendous passion for historic aircraft and those who flew them in wartime service to preserve freedom.

With the help and support of his family and team of volunteers he has been able to pay a tremendous tribute to lost US airmen by getting this combat veteran P-51 back in the air and based in the heart of 8th Air Force territory.

Some members of Lt Myer Winkelman’s family visited Hardwick in the summer of 2009 to see for themselves the aircraft in which their relative had fought in during World War Two. Taking Marinell back to Fowlmere for the 65th anniversary of the loss of its pilot was a truly emotive tribute to Lt Winkelman and all the many like him flew from these shores and never made it home. I With many thanks to Maurice and Diane Hammond. Thanks too to Leah Hammond, who flew the Harvard camera ship for the photo shoot. Also to Stephen C Ananian of the 339th FG Association for assistance with photos.

Close up of the face of the 339th Fighter Group memorial, which includes a map of the airfield as it was in the war.

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