P-51 loss on 2 April 1945

[drgondog]

Originally Posted by Alfred.MONZAT

There is no doubt the aircraft in the photo is 44-11341 of the 2nd SF but the damages look totaly different of the ones suffered on 8 January 1945 (http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/8884).


May it have been repared after all ?

I found nothing in Bill Marshall's book about the 355th FG and 2nd SF for the 2nd SF on 2 April 1945 but may he have something to add about this photo...

Regards

Alfred

Peter is correct about the 11/26/44 photo in the link of theCrash landing damage photo with Ceglarski at Steeple Morden.

Alfred - it could have been repaired but -

YF-D started life in the 358FS, then assigned to E Flight 358FS/2SF. It was damaged with Ceglarski at controls following a belly landing at Steeple Morden on November 26, 1944. On January 16, 1945 it C/L with Castleberry on the continent. Castelberry was not hurt but YF-D was seriously damaged and I think written off.

If repaired it would have returned most likely to another Group as it would have only remained in service with the 355th if flown back to Steeple Morden within several days