The Hangar 11 Collection, a group of four restored warbirds flown at airshows in the UK and Europe, did a little investigating on it’s P-51D Tall in the Saddle, and made a discovery that led to a 91-year-old veteran being reunited with his original aircraft from World War II.
Owner Peter Teichman traced the lineage of the serial number of the Mustang back to the 332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Representatives of the Hangar 11 Collection collaborated with the CAF Red Tail Squadron to learn more about the aircraft’s history. It was brought to light that this particular aircraft, numbered A33, may have been the same Mustang piloted by original Tuskegee Airman George Hardy, a longtime supporter of the Squadron.
Photo courtesy of the Craig Huntly Collection
Teichman decided he wanted to paint the aircraft with its original markings, complete with red tail, to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, and wanted Hardy to be a part of the process and ensure the reproduction was accurate. Craig Huntly, nephew of an original Tuskegee Airman, provided the only two known photographs of Tall in the Saddle, which assisted in the accurate reproduction of the restored aircraft’s markings.
At the end of September, Hardy was flown to England accompanied by Huntly and reunited with the aircraft to the delight of the British press and local aviation and war history enthusiasts. The restoration was complete, and a flying piece of World War II history was once again united with its pilot.
Craig Huntly and original Tuskegee Airman George Hardy with his aircraft from World War II
Hardy’s visit included many events and fanfare over several days, and culminated in a flight in Tall in the Saddle into the Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath station in Suffolk, England, home of the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. The Mustang was displayed alongside the 48th’s F-15 aircraft, juxtaposing the fighters of yesterday and today.
Once again united with his P-51D, Hardy brought a great deal of inspirational to all those fortunate enough to meet him and see this remarkable aircraft up close. At each event, Hardy and Tall in the Saddle were greeted by crowds eager to share their respect and enthusiasm for these war heroes. A fitting tribute to a fine aviator, and the iconic signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Learn more at www.redtail.org.
