North American P-51 Mustang Union Jack Rocks Glass

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The North American P-51 Mustang first entered service not with the USAAF, but with the Royal Air Force, making Britain the original combat operator of this iconic fighter. In 1940, the British Purchasing Commission ordered Mustangs to satisfy an urgent need for fast, long-range fighters. The initial models delivered were the Mustang Mk I (equivalent to the U.S. P-51), powered by an Allison engine. These began entering service with Army Co-operation Command in 1942, assigned to squadrons such as No. 2 and No. 268, primarily for reconnaissance, ground attack, and low-level missions over Europe.

While fast at low altitudes, early Mustangs underperformed at high altitude. This changed dramatically when the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was fitted to the airframe, creating the Mustang Mk III and Mk IV (equivalent to the P-51B/C and P-51D). The RAF received hundreds of these upgraded models under Lend-Lease. They were flown by Fighter Command and 2nd Tactical Air Force, including squadrons like No. 65, 122, 306 (Polish), and 315 (Polish).

RAF Mustangs excelled in long-range bomber escort, fighter sweeps, and interdiction missions. They were highly valued for range, performance, and versatility, serving into 1945.