Mustangs at Brussels-Melsbroek

[digiartist]

Hi there, does anyone know if there were any P-51s on the ground during Bodenplatte at Brussels-Melsbroek?
I've seen that there were a number of visiting US aircraft during the attack but I've not been able to find out which types.
Cheers in advance.

[Leendert]

If US aircraft present, then at least B-24s. Both 42-50894 (44th BG) and 42-40070 (467th BG) were destroyed.

Most victims were RAF aircaft.

Regards,

Leendert

[Fairlop]

Hi,

Franks´ Bodenplatte mentions a few of B-17s & P-47s were at B-58.

Regards,
Michal

[digiartist]

Thanks for the info guys, very helpful.

[Alex Smart]

Hi,
B17 43-38406 I beleive was too.
B24 44-40070 from the 467th cade "Q2-F" and named MadamoselleZigZig.
P51 44-14375 was damaged I beleive.
RAF Mustangs included AG544,AG628,AG639,AG544,AL955,AP178 and AP194.But these were I beleive at B-78.
On the Home Front, at Steeple Morden B17 42-37911 crash landed and among the P51's damaged/destroyed were 44-11359,44-13571,44-13691,44-14374,44-14434,44-14704,44-15279 and 44-15346.

Alex

[Leendert]

Alex,

P-51 44-14375 (1st FG) was at nearby Evere airfield.

B-17 44-8258 (401 BG) was destroyed at Melsbroek as well. Had made a forced landing there on 11 Dec 44.

The USAAF P-51s you mention were damaged at Steeple Morden on 1 Jan 45, so not directly involved in Bodenplatte.
Several got lost in action on later dates.

Regards,

Leendert