FRE 2983

IMAGE
Ground personnel of the 78th Fighter Group check a P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial number 44-72258) nicknamed "Big Beautiful Doll" , flown by Colonel J.D. Lander, before a mission.
Download Image

By downloading this image, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions

Ground personnel of the 78th Fighter Group check a P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial number 44-72218) nicknamed "Big Beautiful Doll" , flown by Colonel J.D. Lander, before a mission.

Connections

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

Units

People

John D Landers

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 357th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Group 55th Fighter Group 38th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-431968
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer

Aircraft

Crew of the 78th Fighter Group lounge in front of P-51 Mustang (WZ-I, serial no. 44-72218) at Duxford air base. This aircraft, bearing the nose art 'Big Beautiful Doll', was flown by Colonel John D Landers, Commanding Officer of the 78th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF between February and June 1945. 1945.

44-72218

  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Big Beautiful Doll
  • Unit: 357th Fighter Group 78th Fighter Group

Locations

Line up of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, at Duxford air base. September 1944. Printed caption on reverse of print: '55432 AC - War Birds Home To Rest - Republic P-47 Thunderbolts lined up on an 8th Air Force field in England after a daylight sweep over Germany. Crews have finished inspections and refueling.'

Duxford

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: "Duckpond"

Revisions

Date:
Contributorjrugman
ChangesChanges to person associations, place associations and aircraft associations
Sources

From caption and other AAM records showing the places where the plane was stationed.

Date:
Contributorjrugman
ChangesChanges to caption and aircraft associations
Sources

Incorrect serial number cataloged in caption. Changed due to other records on the site.

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection