Sergeant Wilco thoroughly investigated the authenticity of the aircraft, the design and production of the decals. The hand-painted scale model was commissioned by Delware Trading and executed with great attention to detail by Bert de Jong.
The P-51D Mustang 'Miss Helen' with serial number 44-72216 arrived at Honington airfield (England) on April 10, 1945. On April 14, 1945, the aircraft was officially assigned to the 352nd Fighter Group and Captain Ray Littge of the 487th Fighter Squadron had the honor of piloting it. The blue-painted nose of the aircraft is a tribute to the 'Blue-nosed Bastards of Bodney', the airfield from which the 352nd Fighter Group operated. Ray named the plane 'Miss Helen' after his fiancée, Helen Fisher.
Ray became an 'Ace' by shooting down 10.5 enemy aircraft, destroying 13 ground targets and shooting down 3 V-1 flying bombs. He returned to the US in 1945 but tragically lost his life in a crash with an F-84 Thunderjet on May 20, 1949.
The aircraft, serial number 44-72216, survived World War II and was subsequently restored. The restoration process was a labor of love for the team that worked on it. They meticulously researched every detail of the aircraft's history and design and painstakingly restored it to its former glory.
Today, 'Miss Helen' is a beloved piece of aviation history and a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought in World War II. It serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of those who served and the lasting legacy of their contributions to our freedom.
During the war, the courage and bravery of the pilots who fought for freedom were truly remarkable. These pilots often found themselves in dangerous situations, facing the enemy in the airspace. They flew tirelessly, risking their lives every time they took to the skies, all to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear.
Despite the risks, these brave pilots never wavered in their dedication to their cause. They were determined to do whatever it took to defeat the enemy and protect their countrymen. They flew countless missions, braving enemy fire and extreme weather conditions, always with the ultimate goal of victory in mind.
Their dedication and unwavering courage in the face of danger served as an inspiration to all around them. Their selflessness and willingness to risk their lives for the greater good will always be remembered as a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination.
Today we honor the memory of these brave pilots and the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Their legacy lives on and we must never forget the incredible courage and bravery they showed during those dark days of war. Their unwavering spirit and dedication will always serve as an inspiration to future generations and remind us of the true meaning of heroism and the importance of fighting for what we believe in.
By the way, you can actually admire the P-51D Mustang called "Miss Helen" at Duxford Airfield in England.
Special Hand made
