Operation Lusty – How Watson’s Whizzers brought Luftwaffe trophy birds home

Watson’s Team pose in front of a group of their Me 262s. From left to right are: First Lt. James K. Holt, Capt. Robert J. Anspach, First Lt. William V. Haynes, Col. Harold E. Watson, Capt. Kenneth E. Dahlstrom, Capt. Fred L. Hillis, First. Lts. Robert Strobell and Roy W. Brown. The Me 262 in the foreground is “Cookie VII” with “Jabo Bait” behind. (Photo courtesy of EN Archives)

215

The casual visitor to the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy facility at Dulles Airport near Washington, DC, might be surprised to discover, hidden among such famous airplanes as “Enola Gay” and a Concorde, a number of beautifully restored German aircraft of the Second World War. These include the Ar 234 jet bomber, the Do 335 push-pull fighter, the He 219 night interceptor, and a bomb-carrying Fw 190. But does the visitor ever...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

You need to be a Flight Journal Digital Member to see the full article
Already a Member?

Purchase Options

membership

All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.