The weeks after the war ended were largely given over to repairs and
maintenance, and various parades marking the end of the war in Europe.
It was also a time when attention could be focused on other issues. There
had been tremendous rivalry between some elements of the 78th and the 91st
Bomb Group based at nearby Bassingbourn (with whom the 78th had stayed
in December 1944 whilst the PSP runway was being laid at Duxford) over
the delicate but important issue of women. On one occasion a joint party
given by the 78th and 91st culminated in the 91st's canine mascot "Redline"
being abducted by the 78th. A parade was held shortly afterwards at Duxford
at which all three 78th squadrons had their P-51s lined up in immaculate
condition across the airfield. Just before the inspection commenced a lone
B-17 rumbled low across the field, the bomb doors opened and half a ton
of horse manure spread itself across the lines of gleaming aircraft and
crews, a gift from the 91st. Next day at Bassingbourn the 91st waited to
see what retaliation the 78th would take. At mid-day a lone P-51 flew across
the airfield leaving a wreath fluttering to earth. The 91st approached
the wreath with caution and found inscribed thereon " In memory of your
Commanding Officer who yesterday over Duxford, fell from one of his aircraft".
The incident was immortalised by US cartoonist Bob Stevens, who is
an honorary member of the 91st Bomb Group Association:
78th FG's pristine P-51s lined up at Duxford after the war awaiting......
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*in association with Duxford Aviation Society and Cambridgeshire County
Council. The contents of this UNOFFICIAL website does not in any way reflect
the opinions or ideas of any owner or operator present or past involved
with the location popularly known as Duxford Airfield.
