History of the 78th Fighter Group at RAF Duxford, UK
Wed May 15, 2013 5:41 pm
I've just written an article on the history of the 78th Fighter Group at RAF Duxford 1942-45 (link below), known as the 'Duxford Eagles', to tie in with the on-going events in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the USAAF in Europe (many UK events, such as Duxford, are choosing to mark the occasion in 2013 rather than 2012, despite the first units arriving in 1942...).
http://globalaviationresource.com/v2/2013/05/15/remembering-the-mighty-eighth-pt-3-history-78th-fighter-group-the-duxford-eagles/
That got me thinking about aircraft currently painted in 78th FG markings. In the UK, we have The Fighter Collection's Curtiss P-47G Thunderbolt 'Snafu' (pictured) and until 2011, we had Rob Davies' P-51D Mustang 'Big Beautiful Doll' (that aircraft was destroyed after a non-fatal mid-air collision with a Skyraider at the Duxford Flying Legends airshow, shortly after the aircraft had been sold to a German collector). I'm sure there must be several in the USA? Always interested to see what's flying on the other side of the Pond!
I hope you enjoy the article if you read it!
http://globalaviationresource.com/v2/2013/05/15/remembering-the-mighty-eighth-pt-3-history-78th-fighter-group-the-duxford-eagles/
That got me thinking about aircraft currently painted in 78th FG markings. In the UK, we have The Fighter Collection's Curtiss P-47G Thunderbolt 'Snafu' (pictured) and until 2011, we had Rob Davies' P-51D Mustang 'Big Beautiful Doll' (that aircraft was destroyed after a non-fatal mid-air collision with a Skyraider at the Duxford Flying Legends airshow, shortly after the aircraft had been sold to a German collector). I'm sure there must be several in the USA? Always interested to see what's flying on the other side of the Pond!
I hope you enjoy the article if you read it!