Jersey Jerk's first flight

The latest warbird to arrive in the United Kingdom, Mustang 'Jersey Jerk' made its first flight after assembly and repainting from Sywell Aerodrome on 5 May 2024. The fighter, registered since 8 February as G-JERK, is said to have been flown by pilot Cameron Rolph-Smith. This Australian pilot is the man who did her last flight in Australia.

Thanks to our friend and local Sywell correspondent, Nigel Harrison, you can enjoy photos of 'Jersey Jerk's first flight.

Although externally a North American P-51, G-JERK is actually a license built Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) CA-18 Mk.21 (1435) that used to fly as VH-MFT 'Snifter'. Scramble reported earlier here and here on the history of the plane and its arrival at Sywell Aerodrome on 7 November 2023.

Air Leasing made the decision to repaint it in the colours of Mustang ‘44-15152’ with code ‘QI-T’ which was adorned with the name 'Jersey Jerk. It was flown by Maj. Donald J. Strait, a pilot of the USAAF 361st Fighter Squadron. The 361st FS, together with 359th and 360th, formed the 356th Fighter Group. During World War II the group was an Eighth Air Force fighter unit stationed in England, and was assigned to RAF Martlesham Heath, east of Ipswich, in 1943.

Photos: Nigel Harrison