Thanks to lend lease, the RAF was able to fly pretty much everything that was in the US inventory during WWII, and that includes the Mustang and the Thunderbolt fighter. It was the British who saw the potential of the early Mustang I and replaced its Allison engine with a Merlin. This was refined by North American into the Mustang that we have all come to know and love. While those flying the Mustang I in the tactical reconnaissance role were able to get some kills, it wasn't until the advent of the Mustang III (P-51B/C) that the scores started adding up. Interestingly, it was the Polish wings that were able to amass the highest totals using this variant. Many Mustang III squadrons were also part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force where they did sterling work as ground attack planes. It wasn't until the last few months of the war that the Mustang IV (P-51D) finally entered RAF service and so few successes were had with this new plane.

In addition to operations from the UK and Europe, the Mustand III and IV were also operated in Italy. As there were fewer opportunities due to fewer Lufwaffe planes, the pickings were rather slim.

The other major US fighter operated by the RAF was the Thunderbolt. This aircraft was destined for the CBI were it was operated from India against Japanese forces in Burma. By the time the Thunderbolt had reached these units, Japanese air presence was almost gone so the Thunderbolt was pretty much used as a fighter bomber. The lone RAF pilot to make ace while flying the P-47 did so while flying with the 61st Fighter Squadron on exchange duty. In fact, the majority of 'aces' in this book achieved acedom while flying other types. Fewer than a dozen actually got all their five victories with the Mustang or Thunderbolt alone.

The author has put together another superb book in the Aces series. This includes the required pilot stories as well as some development background for the aircraft.  Of course, there are super period photos of the men and planes as well as the expected center section of full color profiles by Chris Davey. There is also the usual table of pilots who achieved ace or near ace status flying the aircraft. In all, it makes for a great read and a super reference book. It is one that I have no trouble highly recommending to you.

May 2010

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