Questions needed for a former 31st Fighter Group Mustang pilot

[Andrew Arthy]

Hi folks,

As the subject line says, there is an opportunity to ask some questions of a pilot who flew the Mustang over southern and central Europe between October 1944 and May 1945. See the post on the Air War Publications Facebook page:

Cheers,
Andrew A.

 

[SaparotRob]

What were our pilots briefed on about the ME-262?

 

[Andrew Arthy]

What were our pilots briefed on about the ME-262?

Thanks for that - I'll add it to the list. This pilot was actually one of the first in the Fifteenth Air Force to see an Me 262.

More questions are welcome!

Cheers,
Andrew A.

 

[Conslaw]

How much did they know about the upcoming P-80 American jet? Did they think the jet would make it to service before the war ended?

 

[Andrew Arthy]

Thanks very much for that question. I intend to email him this weekend, so more questions are very welcome!

On a related note, another 31st FG pilot wrote the following to me a few years ago: "23 April 1945 went with three others to Lesina to check out our first P.80 jet fighter. Had a cockpit check and we flew a 30 min 'rat' race. The P.80's went by us like we were standing still."

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com

 

[SaparotRob]

Kind of gives some idea to the speed advantage the ME-262 had.

 

[PonyOne]

Thanks very much for that question. I intend to email him this weekend, so more questions are very welcome!

On a related note, another 31st FG pilot wrote the following to me a few years ago: "23 April 1945 went with three others to Lesina to check out our first P.80 jet fighter. Had a cockpit check and we flew a 30 min 'rat' race. The P.80's went by us like we were standing still."

Cheers,
Andrew A.
Air War Publications - www.airwarpublications.com

Hi, I am a resident (actually old resident) of Lesina (FG) Italy. Currently living in Canada and one of my long going projects is the research on the P.80 trials that were conducted in or just outside Lesina. The air base is not far from the outskirts of the town, on a good day one can walk it in just under a couple of hours or by car in about 15 minutes. So, what can you share along with what I have, which is motly stories from old surviving residents, which by now are no longer with us. The information will be used to enhance the modelling I am planning to build for a display in 2025 in Lesina. Let me know, I appreciate the help.

 

[Andrew Arthy]

Hello Thomas,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, the extract I included above is all I have about the 31st Fighter Group's involvement with the P-80. Sorry that I can't be of further assistance.

Cheers,
Andrew A.

 

[PonyOne]

Hello Thomas,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, the extract I included above is all I have about the 31st Fighter Group's involvement with the P-80. Sorry that I can't be of further assistance.

Cheers,
Andrew A.

Ok, thanks. anyway, if you hear or pick up any bits here and there, let me know, I appreciate the effort, credits of participation will be made..