On Wednesday, 20th February 2008,  a number of members attended for the official hanging of the Mustang.  Of course,  it had already been put into place,  but there was much to be said about this particular aircraft!

 

Tom Taylor welcomed everyone, particularly representatives from 442 Squadron:  Lt.Col. Christian Lalande, CO of 442 Squadron, Major Ralph and CWO Rick Skryzala.  He also welcomed Russ Hellberg and Lou Lepine from 101 (North Island) Squadron, Port Hardy.

 

Also in attendance were Duke Warren, Stocky Edwards and John Pomietlartz all of whom flew the Mustang as well as several members who worked on it….Dennis Viklund, Roger MacNeil, Mo Morrison.  John Pomietlartz told me he considered it the Cadillac of airplanes!!!

 

Tom turned the microphone over to Al Hampshire and his address follows;

 

442 Squadron P-51D Mustang BU-T Tail#9575

 

This aircraft was a radio control flying model which came to 888 Wing via 101 Squadron in Port Hardy with the request that we may be able to display it in the Wing building.  After some discussion it was suggested that, since we have a 407 Squadron Argus, a 409 Squadron Voodoo and a Harvard trainer (also from 101 Squadron.) this replica would be installed in honour of 442 Squadron.

 

The Squadron has had a long and colourful history associated with the Mustang even flying the last operational sortie at the conclusion of WWII in Mustang Y2-C.

 

On April 15 1946 the Squadron was ordered to reform at Sea Island, BC and was named "City of Vancouver Auxiliary Fighter Squadron" and assigned designator BU, graduating to Vampires in 1948-49.  During the winter of 1950-51 the Squadron was flying Vampires and Mustangs with the last Vampires being struck off strength by March 31st, 1951.

 

The Squadron was deployed many times over the years and won several trophies for bombing and gunnery excellence during exercises.  The Mustangs were phased out by October 1952 with the return to Vampires which were replaced by the F-86 Saber in January 1957 with the designator SL.

 

And so our story begins with the question "How best to honour 442 Squadron with this model to be hung in a place for all to view?"  Much research was done as to the feasibility of decorating this replica in the colours and markings of the WWII aircraft Y2-C.  It was soon learned that the decals, roundels and white lettering in this scale were not readily available but could be printed by special order which would incur huge costs.

 

In keeping within budgets and the ease of accomplishing close accuracy it was decided to do the paint scheme in 442 Auxiliary colours, designator, tail number and call letter of a P-51 on Squadron strength in 1952 therefore BUT tail #9575 were chosen.

 

As stated this had been a flying model and as such had suffered a few nasty scrapes with the ground when the undercarriage did not fully extend and the main wheel doors were missing.  Patchwork was done and paint applied in hopes that it would not be too unsightly.  A colour photograph of the actual aircraft could not be located but we have it from a good source that the markings were in fact red!

 

In the near future a brass marker will be affixed to this model naming this day and dedication in the name of 442 Squadron whom we hope accepts our efforts.  Our doors are open to all personnel and you are invited to join us any time and perhaps enjoy a pint.

 

We wish to acknowledge the following references consulted in the restoration:

442 Squadron History  by Capts. Grant MacDonald and Terry Strocel, and Airforce Winter Edition 2006/07 issue "Return of the Mustang" by Mike Henniger.

 

Wing member Andrew (Bunt) Ireland was a servicing technician with 14(F) Squadron (which would later become 442 Squadron) who went with 15 Kittyhawks to Umnak Island in the Aluetians in 1943.

 

Another member is Dennis Viklund who was an airframe technician on Mustangs with City of Winnipeg reserve.

 

There are others here today who may have a story to tell (true or not!) regarding 442 Squadron past or present and in particular the Mustang.

 

Russ Hellberg, Vice-President of 101 (North Island) Squadron reminded Al that the Mustang as well as the Harvard were actually on loan….although as President Tom Taylor pointed out, once they have been on hand for awhile they are eventually included in the inventory!!!  Russ presented Al with a plaque for the Mustang as well as one or the Harvard and they read as follows:

"This award winning model of the P-51 Mustang was constructed and raced by 101 Sqn. member Grant Empey.  It was donated to the Squadron by Diane Empey in memory of her husband in 2004.  It was loaned to 888 Wing for display purposes on 20 Feb 2008"

 

"This model of the Harvard was constructed and raced by 101 Sqn. member Grant Empey.  It was donated to the Squadron by Diane Empey in memory of her husband in 2004.  It was loaned to 888 Wing for display purposes on 11 July 2007."

 

Photographs: Click on any photo for actual view

Courtesy of Nils Ling and Joyce Hallowell