P-51D Mustang Big Beautiful Doll Kit - 1:72 model kit

P-51D-25 Mustang Polish 303 Squadron 1:72

North American P-51 Mustang - an American single-engine fighter of the Second World War period designed for the RAF, produced at North American Aviation (NAA) plants in the United States (plants in California and Texas) and in much smaller numbers by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Australia. It was used by the US and its allies in both the Second World War and the Korean War (as an attack aircraft). The successful 1940 design meant that the last combat aircraft project based on the P-51 was not closed until 1986,

The 303 Squadron ranks as one of the best fighter units of the Second World War. At the time of the Battle of Britain in 1940, it was credited with 126 certain kills scored officially during the war, putting it in first place among the fighter squadrons taking part in the battle. After the war, however, it turned out that the sum of victories credited to the Allied pilots was about one and a half times higher than the actual German losses (over-reporting of fighter units for various reasons was the rule in virtually all conflicts). It is undeniable that 303 Squadron's score of 126 kills is the best of the Allied squadrons.

Witold Łokuciewski, alias Tolo (born 2 February 1917 in Novocherkassk, Russia, died 17 April 1990 in Warsaw) - Colonel pilot of the Polish Army, Major (Squadron Leader) of the Royal Air Force, fighter ace of World War II. Knight of the Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari.

During the French campaign, from 17 May 1940, he fought in France (2nd Chimney Key ‘Op’) on MS 406 aircraft. After a radio appeal by French Prime Minister Marshal Philippe Pétain for a ceasefire, the key ceased flying on 18 June and was evacuated to the UK on 21 June (he was given the service number P1492). From 2 August 1940, he was a pilot in 303 Squadron. On 20 November 1941, he became commander of ‘A’ Squadron in the squadron.

On 13 March 1942, his aircraft was damaged over occupied France and, after an emergency landing, Łokuciewski was taken prisoner by the Germans. He was imprisoned by the Germans in Stalag Luft III in Żagań. On 15 August 1943, he participated in the escape of 26 prisoners from the camp. After a few days, he was caught by the Germans in Legnica. He participated in the preparations for the famous Great Escape.

At the end of the war in May 1945, he was liberated and returned to England. On 29 November 1945, he was again assigned to 303 Squadron. On 1 February 1946, he became commander of 303 Squadron and served in that capacity until its dissolution in December 1946.

Kit contents:

• Model aircraft
• Assembly instructions.
• U.S.A. Air Force 84th Squadron USAF Tactical Number: 472218 Europe 1944/45.
• Plastic model glue with brush

Extras:

• Polish Air Force 303 Squadron tactical number EN951 pilot 303 Squadron commander Witold Łokuciewski Hethel airbase 1945 UK .
• German Air Force aircraft captured by Luftwaffe Nimecy 1945 .
• French Air Force fighter squadron Armee Iaire Indochina 1949 .
• Italian Air Force squadron 92 Squadriglia Italian Air Force 1948 .
• Swiss Air Force Squadron 16 Air Base: Dubendorf Switzerland 1950 .
• Swedish Air Force F16 Squadron Flygvapment Upsala Sweden 1948 .

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)