General Doolittle liked the idea and, based on availability of the only aircraft capable of making it all the way to the targets with the bombers, the mighty P-51 Mustang, authorized Budd Peaslee to test the idea. In June 1944, supported by the 355th Fighter Group, the Scouting Force (Experimental) (SFX) was formed at Steeple Morden, England. Budd arrived with 8 volunteer bomber pilots who had completed their combat tours. The 355th furnished 12 aircraft, Crew Chiefs and Assistants, quarters and all logistical support needed by the Scouts. The 355th also furnished 8 fighter pilots to fly wing on the bomber-lads. The idea was for the bomber pilots, who knew the bomber problems, to lead all aspects of the mission other than combat. When enemy fighters were encountered, the fighter pilot slipped into the lead. Eventually the bomber pilots became pretty good fighter pilots themselves. On July 1944, the SFX flew its first mission and continued on to prove the Scouting Force concept with the 35th and final successful mission completed on 12 September 1944.

 

 

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