P-51D Mustang 44-13686 “Rugged Rebel” code 5E-N, pilot LtCol Allison Brooks of the 1st Scouting Force, 17 October 1944
1st Scouting Force / 857th Bomb Squadron – overview
Aircraft:
- P-51D Mustangs: July 1944 – May 1945
Aircraft Finish and Markings:
- Natural Metal Finish: All aircraft were left in their natural metal finish.
355th Fighter Group Aircraft (Experimental Period):
- Identification: Aircraft used during the experimental period were borrowed from the 355th Fighter Group.
- Distinguishing Mark: A black bar was painted below the squadron letters to distinguish these aircraft.
Honington Period and 364th Fighter Group Aircraft:
- August 1944: The 1st Scouting Force was established at Honington, utilizing aircraft from the 364th Fighter Group.
- Additional P-51Ds: Six more P-51D Mustangs were received specifically for Scouting Force operations.
- Initial Markings: These aircraft, originally assigned to the 385th Fighter Squadron, carried the unit’s standard markings.
September 1944 – Scouting Force Markings:
- Red Stripes: A 3-inch red stripe was added around the top and bottom edges of the vertical and horizontal tail surfaces.
- Removal of 385th Fighter Squadron Triangle: The triangle on the vertical tail, a mark of the 385th Fighter Squadron, was removed.
- Individual Aircraft Letter: A black, 24-inch high individual aircraft letter was painted on the fin, directly on the bare metal.
- Spinner: The spinner was painted red.
- Nose Band: The blue and white nose band, characteristic of the 364th Fighter Group, was either overpainted white or removed.
Mixed Markings (Until Early 1945):
- Retention of Blue and White Nose Band: Some P-51s in the Scouting Force retained the blue and white striped nose band despite adopting the other Scouting Force markings. The reason for this inconsistency is not documented.
Transition to 857th Bomb Squadron (March 1945):
- New Designation: The 1st Scouting Force was re-designated as the 857th Bomb Squadron when it moved to Bassingbourn.
- Squadron Code Change: The code “9H,” in 24-inch high black characters, replaced the previous “5E” code on the rear fuselages of the Mustangs.
- Other Markings: No other significant changes to the markings occurred, aside from the squadron code.
- Training Aircraft: At least one P-51B was assigned to the unit for training purposes.