Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
SquadronUpdated caption to show unit and pilot associations
Formed by Col. Peaslee following presentation of his theory to Gen. Doolittle. The purpose of the Scouting Force concept was for experienced, tour expired lead bomber pilots, escorted by volunteer fighter pilots, to fly ahead of bomber formations to determine weather conditions over the target, and if unfavourable direct the bomber stream to secondary or tertiary targets. Following 35 successful missions between 16th July and 12th September 1944, flown from Steeple Morden, the concept was proved and a Scouting Force formed for each of the three Air Divisions. Peaslee went to lead the 1st Scouting Force at Honington while the 2nd Scouting Force continued at Steeple Morden. Although based at Steeple Morden and acting as a fourth squadron with the 355th FG, who provided all logistical support, the SFX was considered a 1st Air Division unit. With the 355th FG, the SFX differentiated their aircraft by underscoring the two code letters used by the three regular 355th FG squadrons. These codes will be shown as WR/-, OS/- and YF/-. The three different codes indicated which of the three 355th FG squadrons maintained the individual aircraft, which were split fairly evenly between them. The SFX initially had a strength of eight ex-bomber pilots and eight fighter pilots.
Commanding Officers
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 384th Bomb Group 1st Scouting Force Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Service Numbers: O-17061
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Pilot
Connections
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People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 2nd Scouting Force 354th Fighter Squadron 358th Fighter Squadron 385th Fighter Squadron Headquarters (355th Fighter Group) Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Service Numbers: O-796104
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 305th Bomb Group 355th Fighter Group Headquarters Squadron (355th Fighter Group) Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 305th Bomb Group Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 2nd Scouting Force 354th Fighter Squadron Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Service Numbers: O-759024
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: Rugged Rebel III Rugged Rebel
- Unit: 364th Fighter Group 1st Scouting Force 384th Fighter Squadron Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: G.I.Jive
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 1st Scouting Force 357th Fighter Squadron Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: Frances Anne
- Unit: 1st Scouting Force Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Unit: 355th Fighter Group 2nd Scouting Force 357th Fighter Squadron Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: Weepin Deacon II / Eaglebeak
- Unit: 364th Fighter Group 1st Scouting Force 384th Fighter Squadron Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX)
Revisions
Details from "Fighting Scouts of the 8th Air Force" by E. Richard "Dick" Atkins, Taylor Publishing, Dallas, TX, 1966 plus personal research and that of Ted Damick.