140Wing
Recruit
Despite joining some time ago, this is my first post.
I hope that someone can answer this question.
RAF Mustang III's were marked with white bands to wings, tailplane and fin/rudder to comply with VIII and IX USAAF orders of 20.12.43. The tailplane rudder stripes were ordered removed on 23.11.44 but the wing bands were retained.
However, I am led to believe that the wing bands were removed later but I would like confirmation?
Belgian, Lieutenant General Baron Michel 'Mike' Donnet, commander of B Wing (64,126,234 Sqns.) at RAF Bentwaters in 1945 flew his personal Mustang III MLD (KH500) at this time and up until mid-April, 1945. I have known Mike for many years and I once asked him about the markings on B Wing's Mustangs in 1945. He assured me that his aircraft did not have white stripes on the wings but he was unsure whether the other Mustangs had these or not.
I have a photograph given to me by one of the pilots with 234 Sqn, this is undated but it shows a Mustang (AZ-E) with the white wing stripes.
Attached are a couple of pics showing artist interpretations of Mike Donnet's encounter with ME 262s over Hamburg on April 9, 1945. Mike was consulted by the artists for both pictures to ensure accuracy, no white stripes on the wings.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Derek
I hope that someone can answer this question.
RAF Mustang III's were marked with white bands to wings, tailplane and fin/rudder to comply with VIII and IX USAAF orders of 20.12.43. The tailplane rudder stripes were ordered removed on 23.11.44 but the wing bands were retained.
However, I am led to believe that the wing bands were removed later but I would like confirmation?
Belgian, Lieutenant General Baron Michel 'Mike' Donnet, commander of B Wing (64,126,234 Sqns.) at RAF Bentwaters in 1945 flew his personal Mustang III MLD (KH500) at this time and up until mid-April, 1945. I have known Mike for many years and I once asked him about the markings on B Wing's Mustangs in 1945. He assured me that his aircraft did not have white stripes on the wings but he was unsure whether the other Mustangs had these or not.
I have a photograph given to me by one of the pilots with 234 Sqn, this is undated but it shows a Mustang (AZ-E) with the white wing stripes.
Attached are a couple of pics showing artist interpretations of Mike Donnet's encounter with ME 262s over Hamburg on April 9, 1945. Mike was consulted by the artists for both pictures to ensure accuracy, no white stripes on the wings.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Derek
