Very recently, to allow me to narrow down my airplane choice even more, I received a repaint of my favorite Mustang scheme ever in the form of our old friend Jerry Janes’ “Cottonmouth”, from Bladerunner900…thanks so very much Steve!! Now, to raise the cool factor even more, while researching the airplane’s history I made some very interesting discoveries that make this airplane even closer to my heart.
Mustang 44-73973 was taken on strength by the RCAF in January of 1951 as Mustang 9281 and from what I can see it spent the bulk of its career until it was struck off strength in August of 1958, with RCAF 403 City of Calgary Auxiliary squadron. Having lived all my life within about two miles of RCAF Station Lincoln Park, where 403 Squadron was based, makes it even more special to me!
Its life after the RCAF was even more interesting, as it went to El Salvador in 1969 and flew in the Football War in which Lynn Garrison flew as a mercenary. I’d heard Lynn’s name in the past but didn’t know anything about him. Lynn served with 403 Squadron for 1954 until 1964 and amassed a very large collection of vintage warbirds in the Calgary area, a few of which are still around; G-HURI was his airplane and his Spitfire is with Paul Allen’s collection in WA. Both were essentially stolen from him and sold without his knowledge after they were loaned to the City of Calgary…crazy story! Interestingly enough, he had another Hurricane, which is under restoration in Wetaskiwin, AB and a Mosquito which was finally pulled out of long term storage and transferred the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton, AB for restoration due to their experience with Merlins and general aircraft restorations…they have a running Lancaster (@Lewis
). 
Mustang 9281 operated by 403 City of Calgary Squadron RCAF. This photo was taken February 15, 1956 at RCAF Station Calgary, Alberta with Lynn Garrison in cockpit. 9281 was sold by Canadian government to James De Furia of New York and subsequently flew with the El Salvadorian Air Force during the 1969 Football War. Collector Jerry Janes brought 9281 back to Canada where it was restored and named "Cottonmouth."
Here she is as I knew her, circa 1979/80 ish...
Beating the crap out of High River Airport…she's beautiful from every angle
Cheers All & Thanks Very Much Again Steve!!
Rob
