Adrian Dwyer Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Further to the post concerning the wartime experiences of my late father-in-law (Blag) in Italy, here are a few images of the aircraft that came before and after his Spitfires. Specifically: Tiger Moth (Britain) Master II (South Africa) Harvard II (South Africa) Mustang IV (Italy) There was always real warmth in his voice when he spoke of the Spitfire. However, after flying through the Italian winter of '44-'45, he was exceptionally appreciative of the cockpit heater in his Mustangs! If you have enjoyed the Spitfire thread or this one, do please raise a glass to Blag and the boys of 145 Squadron, Desert Air Force, next time you open a bottle of Vermouth! Thanks to all who have commented or just looked at the threads. A 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted August 6, 2023 Author Share Posted August 6, 2023 And now the Mustangs (1945-46) 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted August 6, 2023 Share Posted August 6, 2023 Wow, cool photo's. Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted August 6, 2023 Author Share Posted August 6, 2023 2 hours ago, Enigma said: Wow, cool photo's. Thanks for sharing! There are not many photos in Blag's collection (if there were more, I haven't found them) but they are so evocative. The Mustang 'squadron takeoff' just exudes raw power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rootes75 Posted August 7, 2023 Share Posted August 7, 2023 The second Mustang pic looks particularly evocative with the crew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted August 7, 2023 Author Share Posted August 7, 2023 11 hours ago, Rootes75 said: The second Mustang pic looks particularly evocative with the crew. Blag is standing in the middle. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlymb Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 23 hours ago, Rootes75 said: The second Mustang pic looks particularly evocative with the crew. That would make a great album cover 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted August 8, 2023 Author Share Posted August 8, 2023 This is the only image in the collection of a US marked Mk.III Mustang. What are we thinking: flew in to be taken on strength as part of the conversion from Spitfire to Mustang, or just dropped in? One of Blag's 145 Sqn Spitfire VIIIs is in the foreground (ZX R is the aircraft Blag flew during the Rover Paddy - army close support mission - mentioned in the news clipping shown in the first thread) . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlymb Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 On 8/6/2023 at 1:26 PM, Adrian Dwyer said: I think the center Mustang could be a Mk.III? Very difficult to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted August 8, 2023 Author Share Posted August 8, 2023 11 minutes ago, earlymb said: I think the center Mustang could be a Mk.III? Very difficult to see You may be correct: to my eyes, the cockpit canopy does not seem to 'bubble'. Blag's logbook records he flew only the Mustang IV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.