857 Squadron - Grumman Avenger - JZ 558 Question???

[Mark Copeland]

Hello Everyone!!!

I was wondering if I could beg the help of a WWII Fleet Air Arm Expert.
Your efforts would help make a project come true for a FAA - 857 SQDN Avenger pilot by the name of Peter Thompson.

Peter Thompson has been a resident here in South Minneapolis for several years. He is in his late 80s now and cares for his very ill wife. He is a wonderful chap and has been quite distracted of late caring for his wife.

I am looking for information on an 857 Sqdn. Grumman Avenger that Peter flew in 1945. The serial number was - JZ 558. The code markings on her were P1 - Roundel - ? She was flown many times by Peter during his tenure with 857 Squadron.

I was looking for the individual aircraft code letter for JZ 558. She was lost January 24, 1945.

Would anyone by chance have a reference for the code letter?

A friend of mine wants to paint a profile painting of the airplane for Peter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...you would really be helping out a fine man and terrific WWII veteran!!

Mark Copeland