East Wretham

Airfield

Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3

media-377226.jpg FRE 547 Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394) piloted by Captain René L Burtner Jr. (This was the first of Capt. Burtner's three P-51Ds and is seen here before the application of the "Hubert" noseart) First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group. P-51Ds returning from mission.' Roger Freeman Collection

Added details of third aircraft

Object Number - FRE 547 - Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P,...

East Wretham was not improved to Class A standard. It retained its shorter runways, although eventually pierced-steel planking was laid to make take offs and landings easier for the Thunderbolt, and then Mustang, pilots. Steel matting was also laid to fashion more aircraft parking spaces on a site with only 27 hardstands. The 359th Fighter Group were based here between December 1943 and April 1945.

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People

Boyd Newman Adkins

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: T-062487 / O-2005203
Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

Benjamin H Albertson

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron 369th Fighter Squadron 370th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: O-435836
Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Role/Job: Fighter Pilot