The remains of Chuck Yeager P51B Glamourus Glen

[gilles collaveri]

hi everybody,

we have been searching in France the remains of Chuck Yeager's first Mustang "Glamourus Glen", which was shot down between Bordeaux and Toulouse on 5 March 1944 and we found them;

We also discovered the remains of the Fw190 that shot him down (Chuck's wingman shot him down a few minutes later and it crashed a few kilometers from Glamourus Glen);

You can read the full story of these parts here :

http://aerocherche.fr/index.php/arti...ces-d-un-mythe

A link on the top of the page takes you to the English version.

and you can now see theses parts in Toulouse museum "Aeroscopia", near he A380 assembly line,

This month is the 70th anniversary of Chuck breaking the sound barrier, so, it was a good time to share this story with you.

It is important to say that this operation was performed with all the necessary authorizations: French administration, land's owner authorization, etc.. and that the parts found - as part of aviation heritage - will never be sold or trigger any business.

your comments are welcome.

GC

[gilles collaveri]

and here is the pictures of the exhibition in Toulouse:

[Alfred.MONZAT]

During a dogfight, outnumbered, that german pilot followed him from 6000 to 600 meters to shot him ?

Great job anyway.

[CJE]

Well done, Gilles!

[gilles collaveri]

That is a good point, Alfred.

In fact, the article is based on Chuck's memories (from his autobiography).

Some doubt may always remain, which is normal considering the complexity of such fight.

GC

[Alfred.MONZAT]

I'm sure I've read somewhere that his wingman's combat report did not mention that. But I wouldn't spoil a justification for comparable behavior from US pilots... Anyway that's not the first time pilots of the 357th FG told what people want to hear or such post-war fairy tales.

[gilles collaveri]

I have to say that I would love to read Captain William "Obee" O'Brien Combat report, but I don't know how get it.

[Rottler]

According to the MACR 2788 F/O Yeager’s flight was bounced by E/A and he was last seen as he took evasive action. He was last sighted by 1st Lt William R. McGinley.

Statement of 1st Lt McGinley from 6 March 1944:
We had made R/V with the bombers and were protecting them at the target area. I was leading the second element in a flight of four. We had just gone down to investigate some planes near the bombers. I was bringing my element into formation with the leader when F/O Yeager called for a break to the right. I broke and saw a Me 109 making a pass at us. Captain O’Brien, who was leading the formation called for us to keep protecting him while he went after the E/A. I circled and kept looking into the sun. From the time that F/O Yeager called the break I did not see him again. I joined formation with two ships from another squadron and came home with them.


In the MACR documents is listed the “Report for the Adjutant General’s Office“:
Source: Charles E Yeager, F/O, T-970
E&E #660
Date: 21 May 1944, MIA 5 March 1944.
Unit: 363 Fighter Squadron, 357 Fighter Group.

In the E & E Casualty Questionnaire #660 from 21 May 1944 is noted:

Date, time and approximate location of plane crash or landing:
5 March 1944, 1240 hours, near GRIGNOL, France (GIRONDE).

Nature and extent of damage to plane when source bailed out:
20 mm hit in tail which severed elv. control cables, oxygen system cut.

At approximately what altitude did source bail out?:
18,000 feet

What members of the crew bailed out? Did their parachutes open?:
Pilot, chute opened

Did the plane explode on striking the ground?:
Yes

Did source examine the wreckage of the plane? If so, what was its conditions?:
Yes –No parts left – just a smoldering hole.

Regards
Leo

[gilles collaveri]

Thanks Leo

GC