Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Hello,

recently I heard from a veteran of Polish unit which stationed in 1944 in Soviet Union (member of so called "People's Polish Army") a story about Mustang aircraft which due to some technical issues had to land and spend some time in Gostomel airfield, close to Kiev in Ukraine (then - Soviet Union). The veteran stationed there between June-August 1944.

The Mustang must have taken part in operation "Frantic". I am very curious if it is possible to trace the pilot of the machine, the unit to which it belonged and exact date and reason for landing in Gostomel?

Any suggestions and hints are welcome...

Wojtek

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Hello,
The answer to your question may well be in the link below.

http://www.mustangsmustangs.us/theha...o5&topic=364.0

Alex

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Or here

http://forum.armyairforces.com/Lotti...e-m162681.aspx

Alex

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

The detail u asked 4 is listed on two books " Fighting with the Soviets " and "The Poltawa Disaster " both covering the Frantic Joe and Frantic missions . When and if I will have the time , I'll look up for you

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Thank you very much. I am looking forward for the book check.

Regarding force landings in Russia, it might not be the case, as - according to the story - it was not the permanent loss of aircraft, but rather temporary stay on another airfield, not so far away.

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Coming back to the old thread. As the only matching Mustang seems to be:
21st June 1944 & 1Lt. Ralph K. Hofer, who landed "near Kiev" and later came back to allied territory, I would like to ask the following questions:
1. Is the exact code/serial known of the aircraft he used during this mission?
2. Is there any report known (for instance, for intelligence purposes) about how he was treated during his short stay in Soviet Union?

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

The only full biography of Hofer that I know of is Kidd Hofer -- Last of the Screwball Aces, by Troy White. It may have what you want. Troy's website is http://www.starduststudios.com/kidd-...ball-aces.html

He is now located in Australia, and suggests that people in Europe contact him for the price with shipping.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Probably the one he was lost with :

http://www.aircrewremembered.com/hofer-ralph.html

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

21 June 1944: F.O. 407.
Ramrod Shuttle to Ruhland, Germany, and Leszno, Poland - 0755 to 1450 hours.

"Salem Representative", was being flown by Preston B. Hardy (334th FS), on 21 June, 1944. Hofer having been sent packing to another squadron of the 4th FG.

Hofer was initially listed MIA until word filtered in later that he had landed at Kiev.

See:
Escort to Berlin:The 4th Fighter Group in World War II.
Fry,Garry L & Jeffery L Ethell.
New York:Arco Publishing,1980.
p.62.

Accurate? (source, now dated).

Col.

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Gentlemen:
I show that James W Russell Jr (0-694186) was the pilot in question on 21 June 1944. He force landed that day. The aircraft in question was most likely 44-13399, WD-O. The previous WD-O, 42-106464, was lost on 27 May 1944. Hope that this helps a bit. Ted51

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

Thank you for all comments and hints :)
But finally, none of the questions was answered...

Could anyone possesing the book about Hofer and 4th Group confirm that for sure I will find there these details?
Still I am interested only in any Mustang losses from Summer 1944 which could result in landing of a Mustang near Kiev.

Re: Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel
 

I stumbled across this thread by accident and thought I'd add to the information posted.
As mentioned in an earlier post, Hofer was flying QP-X (43-6746) on FRANTIC II (21 JUN 44) and was forced to land at a field near Kiev. He stayed for a short time, leaving on 25 JUN. He went to Piryatin to join three other Mustangs flying on to Italy on 29 JUN.
Troy White’s book states Hofer was detained in Kiev until they could verify he was an American pilot. It does not state where specifically in Kiev he was held.
Russell's kite 44-13399 remained in Russia and was salvaged there.
It is almost a certainty now that Hofer's Salem Representative (42-106924) did not go on FRANTIC II. New information has surfaced identifying a 4th FG P-51D wearing the coded QP-L in Italy (44-13314); Preston Hardy's log book corroborates this; it indicates he flew a P-51D coded QP-L to Russia.
The 4FG tower log indicates the presence of the P-51D coded QP-L as soon as 11 JUN. It was likely the replacement for Salem Representative, but Hofer was in hot water at that time for refusing to get inoculated so he could participate in FRANTIC II. The D model was likely held from him as a consequence.