Warbird Information Exchange

Hi All,

My Dad, Lt. Stanley Canner was a Mustang fighter and tactical reconnaissance pilot during WWII with 9AF 12TRS 67TRG 10PRG. He was based at site A-9 Le Molay, France at the beginning of July 1944. On 14 July 1944, while returning from a mission southwest of Paris, he and his wingman were attacked by about 20 Me 109s. My Dad was hit with two 20mm cannon shells (one in the cockpit and one in the engine) by Obstlt. Herbert Ihlefeld, Commander of Stab/JG 1 (his 116th victory) and had to bail. His wingman made it back to base unharmed. My Dad evaded for six weeks with the help of the Maquis until the area he was hiding in was liberated by advancing Canadian troops.

He was flying F6-C (recon version of P-51) serial number 42-103222 (MACR 6662) which crashed in St. Marie Anglais and was destroyed. This aircraft arrived in England 29 March 1944 and was assigned to 8AF. It was then assigned to 9AF 8 May 1944. While it was with the 12TRS it would have had the squad marking of ZM but I am unaware of the letter I.D.

I'm trying to locate photos, or any information regarding this A/C. Also if anyone who served may remember him. He passed away in 1984.

Thank you,

Neil Canner