Dave, my analysis is on TOCH but the issue is what source do you believe? as I have AL134 and AK693 as H87-A2 not H87-A3

Hi Paul

Just to add to this AL134 (HS-W) was flown by Flgoff R.A Dunbar when the aircraft was badly damaged by Bf109’s and was force landed 6/9/42, lots of nice photos of the damage to this aircraft, and clearly shows it to be finished with C type roundals as well.

AK693 (code unknown) was shot down by Bf109’s 16 May 42 while being flown by WOFF J.S.E.Bernier (would also have had expected to see the codes of MF showing on the aircraft under the HS)

Buz

Ferry flight

Gents

Lets lay this to rest. Copping was departing LG09 and going to LG100 (home of 53RSU), he however, was not alone. but in a flight of two.

This has been confirmed by a logbook extract I have (I’m trying to get formal release so I can post a quick scan of the page).

Buz

Would it have been armed for such a flight?

Hi D1566

All aircraft flying in to, from or around the forward operating area would have been armed.

Buz

Maybe.. A BIG BIG MAYBE

From KITTYHAWK PILOT

“The following day, 23 October 1942, the last day before the major Allied offensive, enemy fighters put forth a particularly fine effort. 260 pilots were involved in heavy dogfights and Sgt Cartwright recorded: “Pilots racing to go after recent victories. 1st show: 109’s shoot up Mink in N. Crash-lands. 2nd show: 109’s get going again and shoot down B and C — one pilot safe. 3rd show: they shoot down Sheppard (comes back O.K.) and damaged X and O badly. We only get one damaged and Shep got a Macchi.” Pilot Officer Mink, the American, was shot down in the first show by one of the German aces of Jagdgeschwader 27. Warrant Officer E. Tomlinson, one of the new Canadians with 260, was killed and Sergeant Colley was shot down in the second show. In the third show, Sergeant Sheppard was shot down and Kittys flown by P/O Thornhill and F/O Aitchison were badly shot up. It had been a good day for the Macchi pilots. No German claims were recorded for Tomlinson, Colley, Sheppard, Thornhill or Aitchison.
“The big push at Alamein started tonight when tanks advanced,” Sgt Cartwright wrote in his diary on 23 October 1942. The final battle for El Alamein had opened.”

Colley is F/Sgt (Pilot) John C. COLLEY – 1378464 – 260 Sqn (Nefatia, Libya), who died of wounds or injuries received in action 10-3-1943

Tomlinson is Canadian Warrant Officer Eric Tomlinson on El Alamein memorial

Colley forcelanded his aircraft on this date but got back ok…

Paul

Sorry to do this but incorrect types as 260SQDN was on Kittyhawk II’s at the time of the above combat

from the 540 for 260SQN

23/10/42 12 Kittyhawk II (plus pilots names and a summery if you want it)

From my own research, Mink’s aircraft HS-N is believed to be FL225, HS-B is FL229, HS-C is possibly FL222, Sheppard was in FL238 (HS-E or T), X is unidentified (may be FL346), and FL233 was HS-O.

260SQDN had converted to Kittyhawk II’s in Sep 1942, first flights with Kittyhawk II’s was the 1st Sep 1942, with full conversion by 3rd Spe 1942

Buz

I don’t know my P40’s lads but could this be her serial number??

Hi Peter

Just a quick look I would say possibly, however it would a non standard position and size for a Kittyhawk Serial.

Normally positioned a little further down towards the Mid fuselage line and further back towards the tail (not by much), I think you’ll find what is shown is a small removable panel situated in that position.

Buz

Buz, it’s a lend-lease aircraft then?

Hi MK959

Yes a lend lease aircraft, which would put her loss post late May 1942

Buz

Kittyhawk Site

Simon

I posted the reply to this on the RAF Commands board for you…

Buz

DX-D Tomahawk

Hi Gents

The Tomahawk is of 4SAAF as Don mentions however the codes were changed in late April (233Wg and 239Wg Sqdns’ had their codes changed at this time 450 from DJ/OK, 4SAAF DX/KJ, 2SAAF TA/DB, 260 MF/HS, 94 FZ/GO with 112, 250 and 3RAAF remaining as they were) not Jun as Don states (codes changed to KJ (photos exist with these codes on Tomahawks).

As for the aircraft, looking at all info presented and having worked out what happened to the other aircraft I believe this to be AN379 – AM379 was lost in Jul 1941, AK379 was still being flown at 71OTU when lost 01 Oct 42. Codes for 71OTU were Numbers Not codes per say…., and as for not having time to change them, well the aircraft has been at 71OTU for over 2 Months so very unlikely not to have been painted out, OTU’s had a little more time to do this than the Operational Units.

Buz