CAF Warbird Tube: The U.S. & The DH Mosquito

[@jakhaughton1800]

My favourite aircraft of all time.

[@petergreis2266]

If you visit the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton OH, you can see three of the British aircraft that the USAAF used during World War II. They have a Spitfire, Beaufighter and a Mosquito in US markings

[@rosssharp1433]

I have, indeed, been to the NMUSAF (I lived in the USA for 23 years). As well as these types, the USAAF operated several British utility/trainer types including the DH89 Dominie and the DH82 Tiger Moth

[@kevinbowen8192]

One of my favorite WWII aircraft along with the PBY Catalina.

[@WilliamTurner-v2f]

My mother worked on the Mosquito for over 2 years welding the wing fuel tanks .She loved that aircraft as if it was a family member.

[@trevormitchell5499]

Thanks for a fascinating account of a part of the Mosquito's history I knew nothing about. As one of the several interesting asides, Ross mentioned the state of the UK's finances post-war and unless I misheard him gave the impression that Britain missed out on the Marshall Plan aid. Far from it, we received a larger share than any European nation, the U.K. got $2.7 billion of the total $12 billion allocated to the European Recovery Programme. Whether or not our successive governments spent it wisely is the subject of a whole other programme!

[@rosssharp1433]

Actually, I was trying to indicate that the UK's finances were so dire that even the Marshall Plan wasn't able to lift us out of the disastrous situation we were in - even bread was rationed. p.s. I still have my ration book!

[@grahamgillies6907]

Even in Australia the Mosquito served with distinction in the Pacific theatre. One Hundred and Eighty Mosquitos were shipped directly from Britain to Australia, with a further 220 Mk Vl derivatives locally produced by De Havilland Australia. These aircraft serving with both the RAAF and New Zealand RNZAF units until the early 1950s. Fortunately a few airframes are currently on static display with one fully restored Mosquito Mk VI currently flying with warbirds bi annual display meets in both NZ and Australia.

[@brivas3343]

Sorry I missed the live cast. Was not aware that the USAAF had as much involvement with the Mosquito as was mentioned here. Thank you for this presentation, very informative.

[@alecblunden8615]

The USAAF used large numbers of British types, such as the Spitfire and Beaufighter.

[@rosssharp1433]

No problem! Just think how the war might have changed if General Arnold had got his way, and established Mosquito production in the USA!

[@jacktattis]

I would also say Mossie PR planes dried up in the ETO because the RAF went to Spitfires to save on Merlins used Once the Spitfire Mk XI entered service in Dec 42 , the RAF had a plane that could go to 44000ft .

[@rosssharp1433]

True, but the PR Spitfire didn't have the range of a Mosquito, or the second pair of eyes in the cockpit (vital for survival) or the extensive camera fit, or....I could go on! Let's finish with a few statistics for the late war Mosquito PR.34....Speed 435mph, Service ceiling 43,000, Still air range 3,400 miles! And it could lose an engine and still get you home!

[@jacktattis]

@@rosssharp1433 Horses for courses in the ETO the RAF PR units had no problems with navigation and the Spitfire could go as far as Poland if needed . In the Burma Theatre and S /W Pacific we needed those extra eyes and range.

[@jacktattis]

@@rosssharp1433 Oh and in Nov 45 a Mk XI Spitfire was chosen as the plane to aerial map Argentina not the Mossie He flew to Buenos Aires from Hurn via Gibraltar, Dakar, Natal, Rio De Janeiro Montevideo The longest leg was 8.5 hours .

[@pippin1ful]

I was born in February 1940. I will try and answer any questions on how it was, in England during that time during the war. I remember quite a lot, being a kid at this time.

[@ABrit-bt6ce]

Dudes, you have a channel. I'm up for that.

[@stuartlynn-q8q]

I didn't know if any mosquitos in US service either. Good stuff 👍

[@rosssharp1433]

Thank you! I am currently researching combats between Mosquitoes and the Me 262; I have a friend (103 years old!) who was attacked in his Mosquito at night by an Me 262 - and managed to avoid being shot down.

[@ivanconnolly7332]

Great research.

[@rosssharp1433]

Thank you! It's one of the things I love doing - more to come, I hope!

[@ivanconnolly7332]

The Russian's reverse engineered "derwent" had reduced performance due to lack of specific materials. the Russians were already working on a derwent type engine built to use available metals, this was the Mig 15's powerplant, I watched Ed Nash's .

[@mickroyton6447]

I am a navigator like to fly but only merchant navy Captain to have won a war

[@springford9511]

At 30min 9sec in to video, I notice that at the left hand end of the flight line there is a spinner and part prop sticking up that looks identical to the ones on the foreground Mosquito. Maybe another of those "very rare" versions? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4ebYa2PqMSdfaM

[@pjmoseley243]

I bet a squadron of Mosquitos would chase off some of these modern fighters easey peasey what does anyone else think?

[@CAFMediaTV]

That's something we'd like to see.

[@johngettins794]

The story of the jet engines from the UK sold to the USSR has been researched a bit more by Ed Nash recently. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWaomGmHi5iYaMk

[@rosssharp1433]

Thank you!!