Although the North American P-51 Mustang is unquestionably regarded as one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the entire Second World War, it can be surprising to learn that the bubble canopy equipped ‘D’ variant of the fighter only started flying combat operations in the European Theatre from the summer of 1944 onwards. 

With its impressive reputation, the Mustang has long been a favourite with Warbird and Airshow enthusiasts, with one aircraft possessing a particularly rich heritage in the world of historic aviation. P-51D Mustang ‘Old Red Nose’ was purchased by a group of WWII veteran pilot friends in 1957, who pooled their resources to secure a Mustang they could all fly, with this aircraft now regarded as the founding aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). 

Always flown with a distinctive red spinner, this Mustang was colloquially known as ‘Old Red Nose’, so when it came time to select a suitable authentic wartime scheme for her, they selected one of the red nosed Mustangs of the 4th Fighter Group, which flew out of Debden in England during the Second World War, a unit which was the highest scoring USAAF Fighter Group in WWII. 

She was donated to the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) in 1991 and since that date, has been honouring the heroes of yesterday by informing the public about the people who built, flew and maintained these magnificent aeroplanes.