Here is a pretty good film about a P-51 Mustang pilot and in a larger sense, about the pilots and the plane during WWII. My uncle flew one during WWII and was shot down over France. With the help of the French Underground he was able to make it back to friendly lines. No doubt there are many stories of the veterans to which we all owe a debt of gratitude.

http://www.asb.tv/videos/view.php?v=1bf99434&br=500

 

Hey Mike, what an excellent vid and a cool story too. The Mustang P51 was a great American fighter plane and one I was interested to know more about having an interest in WW11 History.
For me, I loved the Hurricane and of course the Spitfire. The Hurricane could take more damage but the Spitfire was faster and much more maneouverable and was a real thing of beauty, but one which struck fear into the hearts of their enemy and chosen target.
Spitfire

I sincerely admire people such as your uncle and the pilots who flew these planes and fought for Freedom.
At one point in the Battle of Britain, only 600+ Spitfies and Hurricanes stood against the might of the German Luftwaffe and the invasion of Britain, before America entered the war
Winston Churchill said of the British Pilots " Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed, by so many, to so few"
I guess that also goes for the American / Canadian / Free French / Poles and others who put their life on the line too.

We owe them a debt of gratitude as you say, which we can never repay!

Thanks for sharing that video Mike

 

You're very welcome Jim. Whenever I see a veteran with his service hat I make it a point to shake his hand and thank him for his service. I think each generation that serves his or her country rises up to the challenge. Just as my father's generation passed the torch to my generation, my generation has done likewise to our suceeding generation. I am retired US Army now, but thank those who could be my sons or daughters.

 

So you've did your bit as well Mike? Good on ya mate
I must admit to almost being kinda envious, if that makes sense ( which it doesn't )
I almost signed up to join the army when I was 16 and straight outta school. I went to the Army careers office, talked to the Staff sergeant there, got the forms etc and went home and filled them in, ready to go.
Two days later an offer came through for an apprenticeship came through locally and I took ( the better option ) or so I thought.......Still regret it to this day.

I've spoke at length to my son about "the Forces" as an option as he's just left school, but don't think its for him. he's signed up for a College course as a prelude to applying for the Police force.....Not a bad choice if he gets in there I guess

Kudos to you for your service Mike

 

Jim - when you mentioned Spitfire, I remember this video from Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpq4Tu2NnrQ

Warning: there's foul language involved.

Enjoy!

 

Carelm thanks for sharing. That was a great video of probably the best propeller fighter plane ever built. The later series "e" I think, is just plain sexy.

 

Awesome video!!!

 

I can't believe I missed this one.

Great Video Mike.

I am right around the corner from one of the main locations used by the Resistance, in the form of the Shelburn line from Bonaparte Beach at Plouha.

The brave group managed to help over 130 allied airmen to escape, which was not without risk.

We have many small monuments to individuals or groups who were executed by firing squad or hung in the surrounding villages.

Resistance link.

If you know some of your uncle's history let me know and I'll see if I can get you some more info from this end.

Cheers,
Richard

 

I've seen this video a few times now, and I'm always in awe. We really all aught to be thankful more often.

 

I had an uncle who was a USAAC Major out of Hickory NC who flew P 38s out of Iceland, the UK and France. He made it back okay but he was never the same Eagle that went over due to Narcolepsy. ie, induced by oxygen deprivation.
The sound and fury of those young warriors and old warbirds is the stuff of ---?
What I would give for 1 ride with Major Matt Scales.