Beurling P-47 flight 1943

[Brian]

Hi guys

One for our American experts:

George Beurling, the Canadian fighter ace, apparently flew at least one sortie in a US P-47 circa July/August 1943. Can anyone put a date to this, or any other such flights?

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,

At that time only 4th, 56th and 78th FG had P-47s in England, I gathered.

Lt Col Thomas Hitchcock Jr, assistant air attache at the US Embassy at London, introduced him to a P-47 station "near by" where Beurling was posted at that time. If I'm correct, then this was Rednal, Shropshire, with 61 OTU.

The three USAAF P-47 airfields were not exactly near by, unless measured by American standards, or maybe London was meant where Beurling spent some weekends....

Regards,

Leendert

[Atcham Tower]

Must have been Atcham, which is less than ten miles from Rednal. USAAF 6th Fighter Wing (later 495th Fighter Training Group) operated P-47s from here 43/44.

[SMF144]

Hi Brian,

What's up? What are you working on now?

Stephen

[Leendert]

Atcham Tower,

Didn't the P-47s only arrive arrive in December 1943? Fighter Training Group engaged in escort missions over Europe?

If Beurling's story holds and Brian's assumption of July/August 1943 is correct, then 6th Fighter Wing still had Spitfires and P-39s at Atcham...
Regards,

Leendert

[Brian]

Thanks guys - at least that gives me a lead in the right direction. Hopefully more info will come to light. Perhaps one of our American friends has relevant ORBs.

Hi Stephen - good to hear from you again. Have you an interest in Beurling? Perhaps you have info you may wish to share, either here or by PM.

Cheers
Brian