‘Grumpy’s’ return to Europe
North American B-25 Mitchell N25644 (c/n 100-20644) is bound to return to Europe. The bomber, to most people best known under its name ‘Grumpy’ has been purchased by Hugo Mathis in Switzerland. Mathis is widely known for his airshow appearances with his ‘Classic Formation’ of one DC-3 and three Beech 18s.
The B-25 was built as USAAF 43-3318 but delivered to the RCAF as KL161. It was used by the Canadians from 1945 to 1962 after which the plane was sold as CF-OGQ. In 1966 the Mitchell was sold to the USA as N88972 and was converted into a firebomber. After a career with two companies in Fairbanks (AK) the Mitchell was stored there for a number of years until it was sold to the UK in 1987.
Duxford became the new home for the B-25 which was painted in a wartime RCAF colourscheme with original serial KL161, code ‘VO-B’. It was operated by TFC (The Fighter Collection) as a sign of which the plane was adorned with a large ‘Indian Chief’s’ head on the starboard side of the nose. This was later removed. But KL161 was more commonly known under its nickname ‘Grumpy’ after the drawing of the dwarf with the same name on the port side of the nose. The Mitchell was reregistered as G-BYDR in 1999.
After TFC’s decision not to fly multiengine warbirds anymore ‘Grumpy’ was put up for sale. It was sold to Paul Allen / Vulcan Warbirds in 2002 and registered as N25644. ‘Grumpy’ was last flown in the U.K. before public during Flying Legends at Duxford in 2009 in a formation with the French and Dutch DBAF Mitchell and a TFC P-40. In that same year, N25644 was ferried to the USA, where the plane was reregistered as N88972 to the Historic Flight Foundation in Seattle (WA). In recent years the B-25 was flown out of Spokane (WA).
According to aircraft broker Platinum Fighter Sales the plane was flown to the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras (OR), for some maintenance before it makes the trek to Europe. Of course Scramble will keep you informed on the arrival of Europe’s third airworthy Mitchell!
Photo: Gert Jan Mentink (Duxford, 11 July 2004)