|
Allied and Soviet Air Forces Please use this forum to discuss the Air Forces of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
THE P-38 "California Cutie" fin?
Hello,
Last week, a P-38 fin was auctioned in France. In fact, this nice piece (which I missed by inch...) was found near former A-78, so Florennes airfield in Belgium. No background story about it but it may come from either a 429th FS (474th FG) or 485th FS (370th FG) crash-landed P-38 - with pilot unhurt - as a material loss. Both units were stationned at A-78. The serial, albeit uncompleted, may be of interest as it could be "42-67916", aka the 'famous' "California Cutie" previously flown with 55th FS (20th FG) ? Perhaps likely as 8th AF P-38 were shifted to 9th AF unit when converted to P-51 (mid'44). It seems there is any entry of P-38 loss whose serial ends with "7916" so mystery remains. Moreover I am wondering if "(My) California Cutie" is a common nickname ? By such a pure coincidence, there is - at least - "My California Cutie" (7F*O) flown by Lt. Stan Ordway (485th FS) from A-78... Interestingly, this ship was damaged in December 1944. However pictures show it unpainted (no olive drab color) and without serial... There are others yellow numbers on the fin I managed to picture before this relic flew away from its nest...It is a shame this piece was not displayed in our "Spitfire Museum" at Florennes airbase. Money wins over History. Anyway, enjoy. ClinA-78 Last edited by ClinA-78; 9th May 2020 at 10:30. |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
two combats in SCW 21 and 22 february 38 | GMichalski | Pre-WW2 Military and Naval Aviation | 2 | 17th January 2015 00:35 |
IAR 37 and 38 info | James A Pratt III | Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces | 0 | 3rd November 2014 22:46 |
Photographer of VC 38 | djltucker | Japanese and Allied Air Forces in the Far East | 0 | 6th May 2014 03:39 |
Help Identify a German Tail Fin | Kickinghorse1 | Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces | 5 | 29th November 2013 13:11 |
Bf 109G fin | Stig Jarlevik | Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces | 21 | 3rd April 2013 03:30 |