Last week, Norwegian Spitfire Foundation brought owner Shaun Patrick’s P-51 Mustang ‘The Shark’ to Norway. The visit was an immediate success. There were
displays flown at Sola, Notodden and Kjeller during the weekend. The Mustang was presented on primetime national TV in two nationwide channels (NRK & TV2). Some of the largest newspapers were also present, and the article in Aftenposten was one of the most viewed articles last week.
Kjeller Aerodrome outside Oslo is in danger of being closed. This is one of the oldest airfields in the world, and people from many organizations (including NSF) is working tirelessly to stop Kjeller from being converted into a suburban housing area (like many Battle of Britain airfields in Britain already have been). The Mustangs visit to Norway also has to be seen in this perspective. Kjeller is very important for Norwegian aviation and its history.
The Mustang was also brought to Norway last week to tell a story about three Norwegian P-51 Mustang pilots from World War II. Kristian Nyerrød, Werner Christie (Wing Commander Hunsdon Wing) and Arne Austeen (Squadron Leader 126 Squadron). A Mustang flying in the Norwegian skies serves as a reminder of their heroic efforts during the war, one of them (Austeen) also giving his life for our freedom.
Norwegian Spitfire Foundation would especially like to thank Kjeller Flyhistoriske Kulturpark and everyone involved with Kjellers historic aviation society for creating this event.
