Does anyone own a copy of “The Pioneer Mustang Group” by Steve Blake?

[357th_KW]

I’m hoping this may contain a breakdown of each mission, and associated kill claims and losses, hopefully with aircraft serial numbers.  Unfortunately it’s fairly expensive and not readily available in digital form, so I’m hesitant to sink $60 on it.  Any reviews would be appreciated, and if someone was willing to spend a bit of time digging info regarding a few specific missions for me, that would be amazing.

[LukeFF]

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a mission-by-mission list, unlike other USAAF unit histories out there published by Schiffer. I do have a copy of the Group's mission summary from about January - May 1945, if that would help. It's a bit more detailed in terms of who flew on what mission, claims, losses, etc.

 

That said, the description in the book of the missions flown is pretty detailed, so if you can find a copy for a reasonable price IMO it is still worth picking up.

[357th_KW]

I’m specifically looking for late 43 through D-Day info, but feel free to PM that 45 info to me if it’s not too much trouble- I’m sure I’ll find it useful at some point.  Thanks!

 

 

2 hours ago, LukeFF said:

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a mission-by-mission list, unlike other USAAF unit histories out there published by Schiffer. I do have a copy of the Group's mission summary from about January - May 1945, if that would help. It's a bit more detailed in terms of who flew on what mission, claims, losses, etc.

 

That said, the description in the book of the missions flown is pretty detailed, so if you can find a copy for a reasonable price IMO it is still worth picking up.

 

[Bremspropeller]

On 10/26/2022 at 9:49 PM, 357th_KW said:

I’m hoping this may contain a breakdown of each mission, and associated kill claims and losses, hopefully with aircraft serial numbers.

This can mostly be found in Appendix E, pg 392-413 for kill-claims (naturally not each mission, but just those missions with claims).

The data-set isn't complete, though (serials missing on some entries).

 

Might not be QUITE what you're looking for, but not too far off, either. I'd generally recommend the book, though I'd try to look for a lower priced option. Maybe the greedbay or used offerings.

 

 

[LukeFF]

17 hours ago, 357th_KW said:

I’m specifically looking for late 43 through D-Day info, but feel free to PM that 45 info to me if it’s not too much trouble- I’m sure I’ll find it useful at some point.  Thanks!

 

Okay, I'll try to remember to send that over this weekend.

[357th_KW]

Well I bit the bullet and bought a copy of this book.  It's gorgeous, full of info, and has exactly what I was looking for in the appendices: a listing of all combat losses by date with the airframe serial # and macr #, and a list of claims by date with the type pf claim etc.

[=LD=Bulldog*]

If the same Steve Blake, I commissioned him for Lightning Strikes.

 

Bulldog

[Freycinet]

What do you mean that you commissioned him? - Did you charge him with the task of writing the book!?

[=LD=Bulldog*]

No.