FB355 "Mustang", "PK-K"

[Franek Grabowski]

This is a compilation of multitude of records, like ORBs, Authorisation Books, loss reports, log books, photos, etc.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

This is a compilation of multitude of records, like ORBs, Authorisation Books, loss reports, log books, photos, etc.

Thanks again Franek

Yes I realise something else than the AM 78 forms must be in play here.
Since I am one of those who prefers the AM 78 form instead of the ORB (if I MUST make choice... ),
I am in the case of FB353 interested in how the clerks could have missed out on two units (both
316 and 315Sq mentioned by you and Nick, so please what is the unit ID made from in this particular
case?
I am also interested in if the photo stated by Nick is available somewhere?

Cheers
Stig

[SteveB]

Hi
The photo of FB353/PKH can be found at the RAF Museum it is image no P017036.
Steve

[Stig Jarlevik]

....and you can read the RAF s/n?

I have since gone through my photo files and all I got is a pic of PK-H but the s/n is impossible
to read

Cheers
Stig

[Buckeye30]

Stig... the best example I've seen of this photo of PK-H is here; I'm sure I see "353" under the tail. She also has a distinctive non-standard pattern as on 353 with 316 Sqn. SZ-H.


https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/thread...i.23184/page-2


Regards
Nick

[Stig Jarlevik]

Nick

You're kidding me
One photo of a Mustang coded PK-H and it is even worse than the one I already have.....

Cheers
Stig

[Franek Grabowski]

Stig
Following so many years, I cannot provide you exact information on how the aircraft were identified. I think the serial FB355 has been mentioned in the ORB, but it does appear in several references like appropriate AIR 81 Cas file.
It is even simpler with FB353. The photo has been taken by a Strike Wing crew, and although I have not seen original print or a proper scan of such, the serial is decipherable on better copies. Noticeable is that all markings except PK code are typical for 316, and even the Sqn emblem is the one of 316. So the aircraft must have seen service there. In fact IIRC it does appear in the ORB as H363 (or 363H). Again, there are more documents allowing to cross check aircraft and movements.
As for your statement, there is no reason to consider F.78 better than F.540 and the opposite. Both are prone to errors, and if there is a one claiming one of them is flawless, it means he did not do homework properly.

[Stig Jarlevik]

I am fully aware of that Franek

Please check what I said about the AM 78 and ORB.

Also FB355 is not at odds with the AM 78, only the FB353.

Since the AM 78 does not mention FB353 with neither 316 nor 315Sq does the ORB?

I did consider that the aircraft might have been on loan, but two units??
Are any dates known when FB353 was with 316 and/or 315Sq?

Cheers
Stig

[Franek Grabowski]

F.78s were not of the best quality during the Summer of 1944. Yes, movements of FB353 are known, though I cannot give them from the memory. IIRC it arrived to No 316 in July, and in October or November 1944 transferred to No 315 until left behind at Peterhead for No 65. This is documented, but as I do not have documents at hand, and not quite interested, I cannot provide exact details. Others are doing the job, so it shall appear in print at some point.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks to Andy, I now have the AM 78 for FB353

Something is clearly wrong here and it is pretty clear that the clerks were not fully updated
with this aircraft's movements.

It was assigned to 3501SU 11.7.1944 and had a FB Cat AC accident 8.2.1945 with 65Sq

In between these two dates are 65Sq written without any assigned date!

Andy also checked the ORBs for both 315 and 316Sqs and both are unfortunately
not very precise.
315Sq does not mention any RAF serial numbers at all, only codes
316Sq says they had a "353H" in Sep/Oct 1944,which is a clear indication this was FB353 coded H
However 316Sq unit code was SZ meaning we do have FB353 now as SZ-H

So far all I can see is that there certainly did exist a Mustang III carrying the code PK-H
but that is not the same thing it actually was FB353.
It seems the photocaption of FB353 is the "only" proof there is.

Anyone else who has any document proving its transfer in Oct/Nov to 315Sq?

Cheers
Stig