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The wreck of a P-51D Mustang (QP-B, 44-13372) of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, flown by of Lieutenant-Colonel James Clark after crash landing during a test flight by Lieutenant Willard G. Gillette. Official caption on image: "(33SGA168-1)(11-8-44) Crash - P-51D - #44-13372." Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Aug. 11, '44. L/Col James Clark's 334 P-51D, crashed on test flt by Lt. Gillette. QP-B, 44-13372. Note small kills by canopy. Source - Woody Jensen.'
Group
Some of the pilots of the 4th Fighter Group had seen many hours of combat by the time they joined the 4th Fighter Group as they had volunteered with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air Force. The three 'Eagle Squadrons' of RAF Fighter...
Squadron
The 334th Fighter Squadron was the successor to No. 71 Eagle squadron of the Royal Air Force when the 4th Fighter Group was activated on 12 September 1942. They were based at Debden Field, Essex. The "Fighting Eagles" as they were called, flew...
Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Pilot; Deputy Commanding Officer
Initially assigned to the 71st Eagle Squadron in June 1942. With the founding of the 4th Fighter Group that September, he was assigned to the 334th Squadron, where he eventually became its Commanding Officer.
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Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Fighter Pilot
Lt. Willard G "GI" Gillette was a colourful pilot who survived a mid-air collision, taxi accidents, and the loss of his P-51's tail section in a dive. He also lost a wingman to enemy action, prior to completing his tour of duty on 25 October 1944.
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P-51 Mustang
One-time personal aircraft of Lt Col James A. Clark and 1st Lt Willard G. Gillette.
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Military site : airfield
RAF Debden, construction of which began in 1935, is perhaps most famous as a Battle of Britain fighter airfield, partly responsible for the defence of London in 1940. In 1942 it was also home to three RAF 'Eagle Squadrons’ of volunteer American pilots...
