As regular readers will remember, at time of writing, AirCorps Aviation was in the final stages of completing the magnificent restoration of a rare, razorback Republic P-47D Thunderbolt for the Dakota Territory Air Museum. The fighter is one of several, world-class efforts which the now-famed restoration shop in Bemidji, Minnesota has rolled out of its doors over the past decade or so. Not an organization to rest on its laurels, AirCorps is already working hard on a number of other projects, one of which they began in mid-2021 for the Wings of the North Air Museum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. This latest project is based around the wreck of a rare, early-model Mustang, P-51B 42-106602, nicknamed Shillelagh, which has an extensive combat history. Two of those who flew the Mustang also have interesting histories: David O’Hara, Shillelagh’s regular pilot (who also named her) and Kenneth H. Dahlberg, the triple-ace and former Prisoner Of War who was at the controls on the fighter’
As most readers will be well aware, AirCorps Aviation has completed numerous world-class aircraft restorations over the past decade or so at their now-famed workshop in Bemidji, Minnesota. Not an organization to rest on its laurels, AirCorps is working hard on a number of fascinating projects at present, one of which they started in mid-2021 for the Wings of the North Air Museum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. This particular effort is based around the mortal remains of a rare, early-model Mustang with an extensive combat history, this being P-51B 42-106602 nicknamed Shillelagh. Two of those who flew the Mustang also have interesting histories: David O’Hara, Shillelagh’s regular pilot (who named her) and Kenneth H. Dahlberg, the triple-ace and former Prisoner Of War who was at the controls on the fighter’s final mission. As already noted, Shillelagh’s rebuild began in earnest at AirCorps Aviation during 2021, and much has taken place in the interim. So without further ado, he
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The Spitfire was…
“
…my first love. I had been interested in the Second World War as a boy, then it all rather went out the window in my teens. Then, in my late twenties, I was playing cricket and while I was batting a roaring, pirouetting vision appeared far over mid-wicket. Turning to the umpire, I said, ‘What is that??’ And he replied solemnly, ‘That’s a Spitfire.’ It was a massive Damascene moment. The following weekend was Flying Legends at Duxford, so I took myself off, drooled over the warbirds and especially Spitfires and bought a first edition of David Crook’s ‘Spitfire Pilot’ about his time in 609 Squadron in the Battle of Britain. It was the kickstart of my enduring fascination with the war and, as it turned out, my career. I absolutely love the Spitfire – who doesn’t? – and have loved watching them, flying in one, writing about them and getting a little thrill every time I see one. As I’ve got older and learned more, I’ve