Nutloose (#1),
Fascinating ! 74 years ago last February I was in his shoes. Like him, I did (could?) not assume the worst at first, and kidded myself that "the engine's OK" - it wasn't ! Putting the gear down (before a landing on firm ground is "in the bag") is a no-no, but his ATC was only trying to help. Anyway, he remembered later, and got it up when it was obvious that he wouldn't make the airfield. Well flown, Sir !
At least, he finished up with the thing in one piece, and walked away from it. I left mine in bits strewn along a quarter mile of the Arakan, and they had to carry us out - both alive but not kicking much.
Puzzled: did I hear mention of "eject" ? From a P.51 ? Surely not ! Would dearly have liked to try one (with the Packard Merlin of course), to compare with the Spitfires I knew. (Silly me - NOTHING can be as good as a Spit!)
Danny,