“Hotrod” Jug

By the time this limited-production high-performance version of Maj. Michael Jackson’s Teddy was photographed in early spring 1945 at Boxted, the 56th FG had been operating with Thunderbolts for almost three years. Initially constituted in November 1940 as the 56th Pursuit Group, with three Squadrons (61st, 62nd and 63rd) operating a mix of training aircraft and basing, they were posted in scattered locations in defense of New York City in early 1942. With the 63rd actually based at Republic’s Farmingdale factory, it was a natural for the 56th to be tapped to be the premier Thunderbolt unit in May 1942.

Training and wringing out operational problems throughout the rest of the year, the 56th and attached service groups transited the “pond” along with 11,000 other servicemen on the RMS Queen Elizabeth in early January 1943 to their first base at Kings Cliffe in the UK. From there, the 56th’s history is legendary: operating initially alongside the 4th and 78th FGs, they pioneered fighter-escort missions for the 8th Bomber Command, keeping that type and mission throughout the war.

As with most aircraft designs that survived production throughout the war, the P-47 underwent numerous “improvement” models to keep the pace with refined technology and enemy threats. The advent of jet- and rocket-propelled Luftwaffe aircraft, along with the V-1 Buzz Bomb threat in 1944, prompted Allied responses that Republic developed into the M model “Jug,” optimized for speed. Initially, three D models were pulled from the production line and outfitted with a

P&W R-2800-57 (C) model Double Wasp that was under development for naval fighters. This ultimate 2,800hp juggernaut could push the M up to 473mph, making it the Allies’ fastest prop-driven fighter to see service.

Also fitted were under-wing airbrakes to aid in quick slowdowns once in target range.

Initially, and ultimately, all deliveries of the subtype began exclusively to the Group in early January 1945, with group commander David Schilling receiving the first mount. Within weeks, the 61st Squadron had fully transitioned to the M, but once in combat, serious problems surfaced initially with in-flight engine failures and loss of power at altitude issues. Pratt & Whitney and Republic field techs soon isolated the engine plague to cracked ignition harnesses on the C models, possibly related to their intended use in Pacificoperated fighters that would not see the expected high altitude/low temperatures experienced in ETO skies. Hardened harnesses were retrofitted, but the types’ service problems were just beginning. As more Ms entered service, newer problems arose with engine corrosion, carburetors and cylinder overcoolings. By early March, ground crews were overwhelmed with the type, and all Ms were grounded for complete engine and accessory changes that adversely affected Group readiness. Nonetheless, by April, the Ms were back in the air, but their intended clash with German jets were few in the having and the Buzz Bomb threat was essentially over, well contained by other types.

The Group ultimately went back to ground strafing to war’s end and remained in the UK until disbanded in September. Along with Maj. Jackson’s Teddy, the Group’s remaining “Hotrods” were all sent for scrapping in Liverpool. —Stan Piet