"Lomesome Polecat", a Spitfire Mk IX of 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, USAAF, and its pilot at Montecorvino, Salerno, Italy, Autumn 1943. Note the ramp in PSP (pierced steel planking). Victor Sierra

Lomesome Polecat

Spitfire Mk IX of 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, 15th Air Force, USAAF, standing at Montecorvino Airfield, near Salerno, Italy, Autumn 1943. From Montecorvino the activity of Spitfires of 31st FG consisted mostly of flying patrols over the Salerno beaches after the landing. The Spitfires of 31st FG were Mk.Vb, Mk.VIII and Mk.IX like the plane of the photo. In the course of 1944 the British-built fighter of 31st FG were replaced by Mustang, P-51B and P-51D. Victor Sierra 

American Spitfire 

NOTE: this photo replace the former (New..) uploaded in error. Text correct:
Pilots and ground crew of 31st Fighter Group USAAF checking out they new fighter, the North American P-51B Mustang, acquired for replacement of Spitfire (in background). Pomigliano d'Arco, near Naples, Italy, March 1944. Victor Sierra

 