P-47D Thunderbolt

Description

This is a rare P-47D Razor Back project. It was used by the 78th Fighter Group at Duxford during World War II. The plane's serial number is 42-25690. It was built by Republic in Farmingdale, NY. The tail number is 225690. It got to England on February 22, 1944. It was assigned to the 84th Fighter Squadron with codes WZ-U. The 78th Fighter Group was part of the 8th Air Force at Duxford, Station 357. The pilot, 2nd Lt Dwight G Belt, named it "Lady Helen" after his wife. On October 1, 1944, it crashed near Greenstead Green, Halstead, Essex after hitting a B-17G in the air. Both planes were on a training mission. The P-47 pilot died. In October 1977, the crash site was dug up. The remains are at the Thameside Aviation Museum, Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex, England. In July 2025, Historic & Classic Aircraft Sales Ltd got the 2,2 tonnes of wreckage to restore it to flying condition.