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.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

Benjamin M Hagan

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: O-797821
Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
Role/Job: Pilot

Albert George Homeyer

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron 369th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: 38050895 / O-674306
Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Role/Job: Fighter pilot

Cyril W Jones

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 496th Fighter Training Group 370th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: O-802034
Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

D H Laing

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 369th Fighter Squadron
Service Numbers: 38566669 / O-811931
Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
Role/Job: Fighter pilot

Clifford H Marcus

Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
Nationality: American
Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron 3rd Gunnery & Tow Target Flight No 121 'Eagle' Squadron
Service Numbers: O-885301
Highest Rank: Lieutenant
Role/Job: Fighter Pilot