The USAAF very nearly didn't get the P-51 Mustang at all, had it not been for the Royal Air Force requirement for an alternative to the P-40. The aircraft was subsequently hugely improved bvy the addition of a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, again stipulated by the RAF Finally, in this form it became highly effective as a long-range escort fighter, capable of seeing Allied bombers all the way to Germany. The RAF initially took delivery of the Mustang I powered bv the Allison engine. This aircraft was found to be quicker than the contemporary Spitfire Mark V, although it was never reallyv regarded as an interceptor fighter - the Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109 were both more manoeuvrable at higher altitudes for example. The Mustang's primary role was as a low-level tactical fighter and the type was first stationed at RAF Burtonwood in October 1941. The remarkable similarity in size between the Allison and Merlin engine meant that only minor redesign of the forward fuselage was needed to test if the different engine would bring worthwhile improvements. The first Merlin-powered Mustang was flown on 13 October 1942 and the transformation was astonishing. Soon the P-51B entered service with the USAAF's Eighth Air Force, based in England. With drop tanks, the fighters could escort the bombers deep into Germain. The first victory came when Lt Charles F. Gumin of the 355th Fighter Squadron shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 over Bremen.
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