Jan Zumbach....

[Airframes]

The one marked with his initials is certainly a Mustang III. But from memory, I think Zumbach was at that time the Wing leader of 133 Wing, at Coolham, comprising 129, 306 and 315 Squadrons, all with the Mustang III (P-51B/C), so the aircraft would have had AEAF stripes, at least up until about August/September 1944, the upper stripes being removed from around late July.
I'd need to check his actual role at the period though.
EDIT: Just looked at the video - it appears to show 123 Wing aircraft, pre D-Day, all three Squadrons receiving the Mustang III in March and April.

Corrected: Wing should be 133, and Squadrons should have read 129, 306 and 315.

 

[Wurger]

Isn't Jan Zumbach's Mustang a III?

Yes it is. It was his personal kite but wasn't a machine of the 303rd Squadron . W/Cdr Jan Zumbach flown the one with JZ code when being the commander of the No.133 Wing. The Wing was a part of the No.18 Sector. If you look at the Mustang standing behind the Zumbach's P-51 , you can notice the code letters UZ what means the Mustang III was either the plane of the squadron or just kept there for maintenance, etc.... Also the picture could have been taken during his visiting there, much later than the Invasion time.

 

[Lucky13]

Cheers gentlemen, had me confused there for a while...

Pour yourselves a large C- or T-Stoff!

 

[Airframes]

In the 'still' photo, the aircraft in the background have the 'UZ' codes of 306 Sqn, part of 133 Wing, based at Coolham.
The Selsey - based 135 Wing, were equipped with the Spitfire MkIX.

 

[Lucky13]

Thinking of getting Tamiya's 1/48 Mustang III for this, seen them for about the same price as ICM/Revell offering, smart move....or?

How do the compare?

 

[Airframes]

The ICM P-51B/C/Mustang III is basically the Tamiya kit, with a couple of extra parts. Both are nice kits, although the 'Malcom' hood is a one-piece moulding, with the original, framed hood supplied for open or closed, as separate hoods.
The ICM kit including the USAAF ground crew is good value for money, as the figures included are around £7 as a separate kit.

 

[Lucky13]

Right....thanks awfully old chap, have a large snifter what!

 

[Wurger]

In the book about the 306th Squadron I found the pic with the Mustang III coded JZ. Believing the caption , the pic was taken in August 1944 at the Brenzett airfield.

 

[Airframes]

Yes my friend, Brenzett was the forwarding operating field, and appears to be the same place in both the still photo and the video.

 

[Wurger]

Yep... I agree.

 

[Wayne Little]

For decals of all scales of the Wing Commander Jan Zumbach's Mustang III HB861 in August of 1944, you may try to buy the AJ-Press book...

awesome book and decals!

 

[Lucky13]

As i said in the 'Latest Purchase' thread, this will look nice with his Spitfire/Mustang...

 

[Wurger]

 

[Lucky13]

When did the Polish Air Force start to use these eagles Wojtek? Got to be one of the best looking pilot wings, anywhere!

 

[Wurger]

The Polish Pilot Badge was introduced on the February the 19th 1919, the order 24/19. The military decoration was Władysław Gruberski's design. He was a professor of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. The badge is called "Gapa" popularly. Pilots and Navigators , who accomplished seven combat missions at least , are entitled to waer the badge with the laurel wreath of green colour otherwise it is golden. Usually there is a small number or M letter in the wreath that indicates the specialist's level - Master,I,II,III class.

And here is my one...

 

[Lucky13]

Thanks my friend!

 

[Wurger]

My pleasure.

 

[Wayne Little]

real nice Wojtek!

 

[Wurger]

THX.

 

[Lucky13]

Does the PAF still use the same wings?