The P-51B/C versions of the Mustang entered service in the European Theatre of Operations towards the end of 1943, and went on to play a key role in breaking down the resistance of the Luftwaffe’s fighter arm – the Jagdverbände – throughout 1944. They were also used in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations and in the Burma and China campaigns. Apart from providing escort cover, Mustangs flew ground support missions and were actively involved in combating the V-1 rockets.

Of these, 900 were handed over to the RAF, the Polish Air Forces in Great Britain, the RAAF, the RACF and the Free French, who all operated them as the Mustang Mk III. Modifications made by the British included an improved cockpit canopy, which was known as the Malcolm hood and was also implemented in American P-51As and B/Cs, anti-glare panels behind the exhaust pipes, and slats at the openings of the dust filter.

The P-51B/C was armed with four 12.7 mm wing-mounted machine guns, while underwing pylons allowed it carry 250- and 500-pound bombs, as well as aluminium or paper fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 and 108 gallons, respectively.