112 Plane Codes

I encourage anyone that has more information (Flight Log Book entries) or photos on 112 Squadron please send an e-mail to raf_112_sqdn@yahoo.com before the history is lost.

This is Tomahawk Mk. I, modified to the RAF specification with four wing-mounted 0.303" Browning. Installation of British radio equipment resulted in a radio mast halfway down the rear fuselage.

P-40 VARIANTS

1940	Hawk 81A-1	P-40	200
1940	Hawk 81A-1	Tomahawk Mk. I	140	Total: 00340

1941	Hawk 81A-2	P-40B	131
1941	Hawk 81A-2	Tomahawk Mk. IIA	110	Total: 00241

1941	Hawk 81A-3	P-40C	193
1941	Hawk 81A-3	Tomahawk Mk. IIB	930	Total: 01123

1940	Hawk 87A-2	P-40D	23
1941	Hawk 87A-3/B-2	P-40E	820
1941	Hawk 87A-1/-2	Kittyhawk Mk. I	560
1941	Hawk 87A-3/-4	Kittyhawk Mk. IA, 24915/24921 (ET239/ET245) to RAF Desert Air Force	1500	Total: 02903

1941	Hawk 87B-3	P-40F	1082
1942	Hawk 87	P-40K	1108
1942	Hawk 87B-4	P-40L	700
1942	Hawk 87	P-40M	336
1942	Hawk 87	Kittyhawk Mk. II / IIA	330
1942	Hawk 87	Kittyhawk Mk. III	616	Total: 04172

1943	Hawk 87W	P-40N	5220
1943	Hawk 87V	Kittyhawk Mk. IV	588	Total: 05808

Grand Total: 14587

Tomahawk Mk. I
RAF version of the P-40, 4 wing guns, 2 nose guns.
Redesignated as Tomahawk Mk. II after modifications.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

(RAF) AH741 / AH840

This was in the days before Lend-Lease, and so the aircraft had only RAF serial numbers and markings, and were not issued USAAC serials or designations. The Curtiss construction numbers were 14446/14545 and 14091/14130. RAF serials were AH741/AH880. At least three (AH774, AH793, and AH840) were retained in Canada but still retaining their RAF serials.

However, Britain quickly concluded that these planes were not suitable for combat, since they lacked armor protection for the pilot, armor-glass windshields, or self-sealing fuel tanks. Nevertheless, since a German invasion was feared to be imminent, they were actually issued to several operational squadrons

14446 / 14545

(RAF) AH841 / AH880,

However, the Hun never invaded England, and so the Tomahawk Is were used only for training roles within Britain. Overseas, the first Desert Air Force squadron to be equipped with Tomahawks was No. 112 which exchanged its Gloster Gladiators for the Curtiss fighter. No 112 Squadron became famous for its "shark's tooth" insignia on the engine cowling, and this scheme was later adopted by the American Volunteer Group in China

Tomahawk II was the designation given to a new and improved export Tomahawk, one which was better equipped for combat. It was functionally equivalent to the P-40B and P-40C then being issued to USAAC units. Unfortunately, some discrepancies exist in Curtiss records matching Tomahawk designations to RAF serial numbers and correlations to P-40s.

14091 / 14130

AH851 P Lydda base late June 1941. this might have been the aircraft of Flt Lt Knowles of 3 Sqn RAAF

Total:

Tomahawk Mk IIA RAF #AH925

Tomahawk Mk. IIA (Model H81-A2).
RAF version of the P-40B-CU Allison, V-1710-33, 1040 Horse Power, Guns 2-.50 N, 4-.30 W. Model 81A-2 as P-40 with armored windscreen, pilot armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, and increased armament.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The Tomahawk IIA (Model H81A-2) was generally equivalent to the US P-40B. It had protective armor and externally-covered self-sealing tanks. 110 were built for the RAF under a direct-purchase contract. . RAF serials were AH881/990, with Curtiss construction numbers being 14131/14220 and 14582/14601. It carried two 0.30-inch machine guns in the wings in addition to the two 0.50-in guns in the fuselage. A British radio was fitted. Tomahawk IIA AH938 was transferred to Canada as an instructional airframe. AH936, 952, 965/971, 974/895, 987, 989, and 990 were delivered to the Soviet Union.

(RAF) AH881 / AH970	14131 / 14220	.
(RAF) AH971 / AH990	14582 / 14601	Total: 00110
1 to Canada, 23 to Russia.

P-40C Tomahawk Mk IIB

112 Sqn had approximately 67 (later count now takes this to at least 83) Tomahawks few of the code letters have been identified the Sqn operated the Tomahawk IIB from July to December 1941. During this period, the use of squadron code letters had been discontinued in North Africa, aircraft carrying only individual identity letters in light gray or white, this practice only lasted from September to end of November and that by October 1941 the GA had started to appear on the aircraft still in gray letters

Tomahawk Mk. IIB
RAF version of the P-40C-CU, Model 81A-3, as P-40B with revised equipment and fuel tanks. Allison V-1710-33 , 1040 Horse Power, B models and Tomahawk IIBs ran into the C-model batch. There was very little difference between these models and parts certainly just ran through.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

Tomahawk Mk. IIB - export equivalent of the P-40C. 930 were built. 100 of these planes were transferred to China for the "Flying Tigers", and 195 were sent to Russia. Mk. IIB was also extensively used by RAF and SAAF in Africa - as much as sixteen squadrons were equipped with the type. Armament was again increased to four (some sources state six) wing-mounted 0.303" guns in addition to two 0.50" guns in the fuselage. The US radio equipment was retained on this model. The Tomahawk IIB (Model H81-A3) was generally equivalent to the US P-40C. It had four 0.303-inch Browning machine guns in the wings in addition to the two nose-mounted 0.50-in guns. Whereas the Tomahawk IIA had a British radio, the Tomahawk IIB had US equipment. The British did not like the externally sealed tanks of the Tomahawk IIA, so these were replaced by internally-sealed tanks on the Tomahawk IIB. A total of 930 of these planes were produced in four lots. RAF serials were AH991/999 (c/n 14658/14666), AK100/570 (c/n 14582/14951, 15243,/15522), AM370/519 (c/n 15823/15972), and AN218/517 (c/n 17817/18116). AK210/224 and AK226/241 were lost at sea in transit.AK254, 434, 40, 448, 470, and 561 were transferred from the RAF to the Royal Egyptian Air Force

Why serial numbers are hard to trace:

Dear Mr. Brown:

We received your e-mail communication of December 28, 2005, requesting Individual Aircraft Record Cards for two groups of Curtiss Tomahawk and Kittyhawk series aircraft that you believe were provided to British Commonwealth forces under the provisions of the Lend-Lease Program.

The 14 aircraft that you listed were acquired by the British Commonwealth directly from Curtiss and were apparently not Lend-Lease acquired aircraft per se, as none of them received U.S. Army Air Corps or U.S. Army Air Forces serial numbers in the P-40C or P-40E series. According to the information we have, these aircraft were:

(Note I believe these are manufacturers serial numbers / production numbers (Rob))

15243 was H87A-3 AK862

15522 was H81A-2 AK570 which went on to China as ‘36’

15823 was H81A-2 ‘1’ for China

15972 was H81A-2 AM519 and went on to China

17817 was H81A-2 AN218

18116 was H8 1A-2 AN517

14972 was H87A-3 AK591

15251 was H87A-3 AK870

15342 was H87A-3 AK871

15421 was not found in Curtiss records and may be an error

18695 was H87A-3 AK951

18743 was H87A-3 AK999

18744 was H87A-3 AL100

18874 was H87A-3 AK571

We do not have Individual Aircraft History Cards for these aircraft, as the USAAC/USAAF either (a) did not operate them with their RAF serials or (b) because they were not acquired with USAAC/USAAF funds and thus had no USAAC/USAAF serial numbers issued to them. The solitary source for individual aircraft histories of the aircraft that actually reached Commonwealth service would probably be the RAF Museum at Hendon.

Sincerely,

Dan Hagedorn

Research Team Leader

Archives Division, NASM MRC-322

PO Box 37012

Washington , DC 20013-7012

To Russia, The regiment was reformed on 2 November into a 2-squadron composition (TOE 105/177) and on 27 December 1941 it had 15 Tomahawk IIBs (AN974, 978, AK172, 197, 243, 247, 250, 258, 321, 327, 342, 345, 363, 388, and 493), Over the 14 months of its intensive exploitation, only five aircraft (AN974, AK316, 196, 243, and 321) were written off. But around New Years Day Soviet PVO outdid itself: five I-16s, and later antiaircraft gunners, attacked the Tomahawk AN507 of Junior Lieutenant P. G. Maz. He made a forced landing, resulting in heavy damage to the engine, and the aircraft was sent off for repairs. On 17 February 1942, one of the best pilots of the regiment, HSU Senior Lieutenant S. G. Ridnyy (Tomahawk AK325) suffered an engine failure on takeoff and was killed in crash. Despite this abundance of accidents and incidents, the general impression of the pilots of 126th IAP regarding this aircraft remained good. The Tomahawk had qualities that were lacking in aircraft of Soviet production.Therefore a majority of the victories in the 126th IAP were group victories: HSU S. G. Ridnyy (AN965)-9 personal plus 17 in group; HSU V. G. Kamenshchikov-7 + 10; and regiment commander V. M. Naydenko-5 + 11 [9]. Twelve pilots became aces (five or more victories), and 31 pilots of the regiment were awarded orders and medals for the battle for Moscow.

The first regiment in the north to receive Tomahawks was 147th IAP. Because the combat in this zone was of a positional nature, transition training was conducted in the operational zone. The regiment continued to fight in its I-153s and trained on the Tomahawk IIB and Hurricane IIB during breaks in combat. The first Tomahawks arrived in early December 1941 (AK295, 296, and 318) and transition training was completed by the end of January 1942. By mid-April the regiment was fighting in two types of fighters, with flights I and III in II Squadron equipped with two Tomahawks and two Hurricanes.

The regiment became the 20th Guards IAP on 1 April 1942 and was reformed on the new TOE 015/134. By 1 May it had given up its Hurricanes and added to its on-hand Tomahawk IIBs (AK170, 180, 194, 202, 205, 263, 267, 306, 339, 344, 473, and 483) a number of P-40Es (583, 586, 600, 664, 787, 789, 796, 810 - 814, 823, 824, 849, 860, 1101, and 1108 )[18]. Despite the good flying characteristics of the Tomahawk, the transition to it did not occur without incident. Two aircraft were destroyed in December: AK318 caught fire in the air and AK296 was destroyed in a spin. The first combat loss in the north was AK295, which was shot down in aerial combat on 1 February 1942

There was an Amendment No. 3 to the Directorate of Technical Developments Circular No. 144 dated 10 April 1942 ( note the date ) which formalised Middle Eastern camouflage as Dark Earth/ Mid-Stone/ Azure Blue but specifically noted that spinners (on day fighters that is) were to be Dark Earth ie. camouflage.
This would suggest that prior use of red was unofficial, and it's early application (probably first by 112 Sqdn. alongside their "sharkmouths" in 1941) was an individualistic feature soon copied by others---250 RAF and 3 RAAF. on their Tomahawks.

http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/articles/romanenko/p-40/index.htm

(RAF) Tomahawk IIB AH991 / AH999	14658/14666	.
(RAF) Tomahawk IIB AK100 / AK290	14761 / 14951 (36 to American Volunteer Group) AK283 noted in his log book as Flown by Sgt Houston 20 Nov 1941 Please note the following: Rob I have checked the files I have and this aircraft (AK283) was sent to Russia during Sept 1941, and flew with 1./147IAP and was noted being damaged whilst with that Unit 12 Dec 1941. I suggest that the aircraft is actually AN283 which was noted being shipped to the Middle East during Jun 1941 and active with 112 Sqdn between 3rd Nov 1941 to 27th Dec 1941. Aircraft was noted having suffered damage on operations being piloted by Flg Off Humphreys (again with 112 Sqdn). I suggest that the mistake is what normally happens and that is that the aircraft was mixed up in the serial numbers (AK, AM and AN serials make it quite hard), this is a very common mistake, not just seen in logbooks but ORB's, reports etc. Many people have told me in good faith which aircraft was flown, but only a detailed check of the records (be they ORB, AM1170 or AM78 cards) will give the full answer. Further looking at the date flown, I believe that it would fit well with AN283. being on the Sqdn during the reported period. If you want I can check and confirm with the ORB as well. Buz	.
(RAF) Tomahawk IIB AK291 / AK570 (38)	15243 / 15522 AK327, AK330 Westerna claimed 3 victories in this aircraft (AK354, GA L, c/n 41-14865) served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; delivered 21/5/41; on 8/6/41 it was flown by John Saunders on 3 Sqdn's first operational Tomahawk flight; on 19/6/41 Sgt M P A Randall (407080) crashed on landing at Lydda when oil obscured his vision; it was repaired then later transferred 112 Sqdn flown by Neville Duke December 1941 (AK367 ,41-14878 S or C unknown) (AK377,GA V), 41-14888 AK382 Code N/A, 41-14893, Flown by "Bowks" Bowker RAF 112 Sqdn 27/8/1941. Served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control was coded 'V' with 'Tindian' a contraction of 'Tim Indian' on the port cowl and was usually flown by F/O Thomas Hamilton Trimble (260652); it was supplied from 112 Sqdn; on 22/11/41 it was flown by F/O Trimble when on a wing op and they were formed into a defensive circle (contrary to accepted practice) losing 6 a/c; on 29/11/41 it was damaged on take-off with F/O Geoffrey Talbot Chinchen (250704) being ok. (AK390, W, 41-14901, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; delivered from 112 Sqdn; on 22/11/41 it was shot down by a Bf109 near El Adem with pilot being F/O W Kloster (650) who survived (AK402 GA F , 41-14913 lost 30/11/41 flown by Neville Duke) served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; 19/10/41 flown out to 107 MU for 180 hour inspection; transferred to 112 Sqdn. The plane P/O Neville Duke was shot down in by Otto Schulz (4/JG27)on 30 Nov 1941 AK405, GA A 41-14916 AK 413,GA K, 41 14923 transferred in from 3 Sqdn RAAF flown by Neville Duke November 1941) (AK417,K "NAN", 41- 14927 P/O Jack Bartle, Australian Ace, 112 Sqdn. RAF, El Adem - Egypt, October 1941. 6,5 victories.) AK418, 41- 14928 lost 20/12/41 flown by Sgt Archibald Henry "Fergie" Ferguson, 404542, RAAF, while with RAF 112 Sqdn AK426, 41-14937 AK448, 41-14954 AK451, 41-15322 AK457,GA O, 41-15328 lost 12/12/41, Sgt Houston AK461,A 41-15332 lost 25/11/41, Flown by "Bowks" Bowker 2 Sept 1941 AK463 Flown to the Sqdn by Fg Off Cockrane 5 August 1941, from Takoradi, Ghana, Africa, on 16 July 1941 he and 8 other pilots flew there in a captured JU52 AK762 was destroyed 7th MAY 1942. No mention of the accident in the ORB.AK762 was destroyed by fire whilst on strength 112Sqdn when a electrical short in the guns caused the aircraft to burn AK474, was flown by Neville Bowker 16 August 1941, was not a 112 Sqn plane, 41-15426 of 3 Sqdn hit AK365 41-14876 a 3 Sqdn plane which was Delivered 19/5/41 to RAF, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF, under RAF control; was in a collision with AK365 26/5/41.This shows how early 3 Sqdn was supplied with Tomahawks. AK466 manufactures number 15337 went to the AVG with a tail number P-8101, as did AK467 P-8102, 15338, AK468, 15339 (AK475.GA J, 41- 15427 see photo page one) AK476 41- 15428, lost 12/12/41, AK481, 41-15433, this one is also claimed to have gone to the AVG AK495, 41- 15447 lost 25/09/41 AK499 Code N/A, 41-15451 served with 3 Sqn RAAF under RAF control; delivered from 112 Sqdn; on 9/12/41 it went missing in action on sweep s of El Adem with Sgt Alan Cecil Cameron (404085) who evaded capture and walked back in 3 days. AK502 41- 15454 lost 3/10/41, AK503, 41-15455 (AK509 GA N later T ), 41- 15461, lost 09/12/41, AK531, 41-15483 AK533, 41-15485 AK534, 41-15486 AK538, 41-15490 (AK541,Q) 41-15493 AK544, 41-15496 AK547 . 41-15499, Code N/A photographed at Bengasi 1941 AK561, 41-15513 AK565, 41-15515
(RAF) Tomahawk IIB AM370 / AM519 (13)	15823 / 15972 (64 went to American Volunteer Group) AM384, 41-15837, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; supplied from 112 Sqdn; on 30/11/41 in this a/c F/O Tom Trimble shot down 2 Macchi MC200 and damaged 3 Junkers Ju87s; on 13/12/41 he was shot down in this a/c near Martuba probably by Marseille (AM390, W), 41-15843, flown by Neville Duke November 1941 lost 23/11/41) AM396 41-15849, lost 12/10/41, AM403, 41-15856 (AM406, 41- 15859, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; from 112 Sqdn; on 25/11/41 P/O Ed H Jackson shot down a Bf110; transferred to 4 Sqdn SAAF, AM410,41-15863, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF, under RAF control. From 112 Sqdn; Transferred 5 Sqdn SA AM432, 41-15885 AM436 Flown to the Sqdn by Fg Off Harrison 5 August 1941, from Takoradi, Ghana, Africa, on 16 July 1941 he and 8 other pilots flew there in a captured JU52 AM438, 41-15891 AM442 , 41- 15895 AM444 , 41-15897, lost 12/10/41, AM448, 41-15901 AM481, 41- 15934	.
(RAF) Tomahawk IIB AN218 / AN517 (32)	17817 / 18116 (AN218,B, Menace serial number 17817)Sept 1941 Bowker flew this one on occasion, 17817 was H81A-2 AN218 AN220 serial number 17819, lost12/10/41 AN231, AN242 AN263, AN265, AN274, 41- 17873, served with 3 Sqdn RAAF under RAF control; 13/12/41 Sgt Alan Cecil Cameron (404085) was shot down by a Bf109; 17/12/41 was transferred to 112 Sqdn. AN283 lost 27/12/41 AN289, (AN303,E, Westerna flew this one on occasion) AN309, AN326 AN327 AN330 lost 22/11/41 AN331, AN336 Code N/A served with 3 Sqdn RAAF, under RAF control; was coded N while with them; F/O Nicky Barr shot down a Bf110 on 12/12/41 and then the next day he destroyed a Bf109 and a Ju88; on 17/12/41 it was transferred to 112 Sqdn. (AN337,GA F, flown by Neville Duke December 1941, lost 05/12/41) (AN338, N lost 30/11/41 (AN340, GA B, flown by Sqn Ldr Morello and by Neville Duke December 1941, lost 20/12/41) AN354, (AN372 GA Q lost 20/12/41) AN381, AN413 lost 12/12/41, GA K , served with 112 Sqdn RAF, under RAF control; was coded 'K' and had 'Nan' in outline under the cockpit and forward of that a Kangaroo also in outline while with 112 Sqdn AN414, AN415, GA M, another Bowker flew, AN417, AN418, GA P AN436, AN439, AN442, AN446, (AN509,T, Bowker flew this one as well)	.
100 to China for "Flying Tigers" all from the AK / AM allotment, 195 to Russia. Aircraft also sent to Australia, Egypt, South Africa, Turkey

P-40D

P-40D-CU, allocated registrations AK571 to AL230. The first 20 aircraft were fitted with 4 machine guns in the wings, the remaining 540 had 6 wing guns, and had the company designation H87A-2.
Redesigned fuselage, chin intake, cockpit windows,
engine upgrade, 4 wing guns only.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

P-40D - delivered from May 1941. The engine was finally upgraded to V-1710-39, which produced more power and had better high altitude performance. The engine was now 18 inches shorter, and the prop thrust line 8 inches higher. The airframe adaptation was therefore extensive, and prompted a new internal Curtiss designation of Model 87. The aircraft received an entirely new fuselage with shorter nose, enlarged chin intake and sleeker cross-section that we today associate with the P-40. The fuselage guns were deleted, four 0.50" guns being installed in the wings. Armour protection was improved, and wing hardpoints introduced to carry bombs.
Only 22 Ds were produced before the order was changed to accommodate six guns. Curtiss promptly responded to this request, but the modified aircraft received the designation P-40E.

P-40E Kittyhawk Mk I

P-40E
As P-40D, 6 wing guns.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The Squadron re-equipped with Kittyhawks in December 1941 the new code letters "GA" were used. The propeller spinner is painted the normal red recognition colour used on fighters right through the war in the Mediterranean Theatre.. 112 Sqn used approx. 182 Kittyhawk I and Ia's, of these they lost 43 to Operational accidents and training, and another 71 as combat losses.

According to the official requirements, Curtiss applied USAAF stars to all P-40E-1s that left the factory in “flyaway” condition. In other words, if a pilot climbed into the cockpit and flew the plane away from the Curtiss factory, it had USAAF markings already applied. Since most or all of these planes were going to the USAAF anyway, this makes sense. This would have applied to P-40E-1s in British camouflage that were earmarked directly to USAAF units.

The second fact Dana Bell discovered clears up decades of confusion and argument. If the P-40E-1 left the factory in crates, NO INSIGNIA was to be applied! Rather, decals for Nationalist Chinese, USAAF, and RAF markings were to be included in the crates for EACH airframe, along with a quart of decal lacquer. The appropriate markings were to be applied only when the aircraft was assembled in the combat theater.

Kittyhawk Mk. I
RAF version of the P-40D / E.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The first 20 were delivered to P-40D specifications, remaining ones being identical to P-40Es with exception of British equipment such as radio installation.

Based on the 4-gun Model 87A-2 P-40D:

(RAF) Kittyhawk Mk. I, AK571 / AK591, would have been 4 gun models before switching to the six gun aircraft for the remainder of its purchase of 560 (serially between AK592 and AL230).

(10 listed as per above information these would have been 4 gun models)

14952 / 14971

AK571.

(AK578, GA-V, 112 Squadron, Egypt, September 1942 flown by Neville Duke January 1942) (AK578,GAV, was the plane Butch Jeffries posed with, this aircraft was the regular mount of Flight Officer Neville Duke during the first months of 1942. On the 14th February he shared in No.112 Squadron's achievements when the unit enjoyed considerable success near Tobruk - Duke sent a C.200 crashing into the ground and shared in the destruction of a second. These were his final claims in the Curtis and his only ones in a Kittyhawk. AK578 saw further action with Nos 4 and 5 Sqns SAAF before going on to No.73 OTU. It was listed as missing during a training flight with this unit in March 1944)

AK585, The RAF only took delivery of 20 of the four gun aircraft

AK582. 4/1/42, engine cut on take-off, crash landed Msus, Libya

(AK583,GA H later X)

AK584, Flown by Knapik 12/2/42

AK585,

AK586,

AK590 GA E

Based on the 6-gun Model 87A-3 P-40E:

(RAF) Kittyhawk Mk. I, AK591 / AK870 (60 listed so far)

14972 / 15251

AK593

(AK595,GA Y)

AK601

AK602, 14983

AK603. 14984, shot down and abandoned 24/7/42, SOC 28/7/42, it had only been with the unit for 1 day when lost

( note from 450 Sqdn, Chapter 5 War in the Western Desert, 27th December 1941,Kittyhawk I's (H-87A2) 'A', AK603; 'B' (While on 450 Sqdn strength), AK606; 'C', AK609; 'D', AK618 and 'J', AK670 were ferried to the unit (450 Sqdn). Flying training for the new pilots continued.
(Strictly speaking the aircraft code letters did not appear on the aircraft until circa 7th January 1941 onwards when a single code letter was applied to each aircraft.)

AK630, 15011

AK632, 15013

AK634 GA F

AK637, 15018

AK639

(AK651,GA Z)

(AK652,GA D)

AK 653, GA G, Flown by Sgt Simonsen 26 Jan 1942

AK654 GA Y

(AK658,GA Z Later X ) Caldwell's A/C name Grim Jester Yellow Script, in similar position to London Pride

AK664,

AK667, GA L

AK672

(AH673,GA F)

AK675,

(AK677,GA L later G, by 26th Jun1942)

AK 678 GA X

(AK682,GA U) , 15063

AK685,

AK687

(AK690 GAE)

AK692, Flown by Knapik 22/2/42

(AK694.GAY)

AK697, 1/1/1942 - hit telegraph lines in dust
storm 11 km east of Cairo; DBR pilot died next day of injuries

(AK700,GAB, usually flown by Plt Off Bartle)

(AK701,GA T later F)

AK702, GA P

AK703. GA X, usually flown by Plt Off Westenra AK703 had been on 450 Sqdn strength on, 28 Dec 1941 (Max Jenkins logbook: Experience on type. 1.00hr. (AK703)

AK705

(AK707,GA Y damaged in strafe),

AK716

AK728,

AK740

(AK743, GAL)

AK744,

AK746,

AK761,

AK762,

AK763,

AK766,

(AK770, GA J, Taken On Strength May 1942, crash landed in June 1942, captured by the Italians during the June retreat)

(AK772,GA Y "London Pride" P/O Burney, shot down 30 May 1942 this plane was also flown by the Polish pilots)

AK777,

AK781,

AK782,

AK784, SOC, Air Britain has for 13-1-1943

AK787,

(AK788, GAN)

AK802, Flown by Knapik 18/2/42

AK804,

AK808,

AK814,

AK829, Prior service with 250 Sqdn coded LD-U

(AK832, GAB )

AK834,

AK847 - Coded GA-V

AK852,

(AK865, GAB)

(AK866 GAZ)

GAV_Curtiss_Kittyhawk_Mk_I.jpg (182532 bytes)

(RAF) Kittyhawk Mk. I, AK871 / AK950 (22 listed so far)

15342 / 15421

(AK874,GAF)

AK878,

(AK882,GAH)

AK886

AK890 GAM

(AK892,GAD shot down 10/7/42, Flying Officer Knoll, plane had been Coded GA-T on 7 July 1942)

AK894,

(AK900,GAA on 10 March 1941 Caldwell made his first ever bomb drop tests in this Kittyhawk Mk I)

(AK901 GAW)

AK905, This is Kittyhawk I AK905 (civil reg. CF-OGZ) which is currently owned and flown by Rudy Frasca.

AK906,

(AK907 GA M) ,

AK909, according to the report the aircraft was to take off as part of formation heading to LG106 whilst dark. Aircraft swung on take off and Collided with another taxing aircraft at LG102. 26 Jun 1942 (Aircraft had been on strength for approx 1 month at the time of the accident) J. A. Milne broke his spine in this aircraft.

AK910,

(AK920,GA-?)

AK924

AK936

AK937, 15408

AK944

AK945

AK949

(RAF) Kittyhawk Mk. I, AK951 / AK999 (8 listed to date)

18695 / 18743 .

(AK957,GAD) 18701

AK959, 18703

AK960 GA J

AK988,

AK994, 18738

(AK995 GAD)

AK985, 18739

AK999 18743

(RAF) Kittyhawk Mk. I, AL100 / AL230 (24 ? )

18744 / 18874

AL105,

AL107

AL108

AL121,

AL122,

AL127,

AL128 GA D

(AL149,GA U),

AL156

(AL161,GA ?, Billy Drakes personal plane for a time) AL175, 18819

AL178 GA C

AL182

AL185,

AL192,RAE, GEORGE, 111, Northfield Road. 1179958, Flight Sergeant, Pilot, 112 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 2nd October 1942, aged 20. Buried in Alamein war Cemetery, Egypt. Grave reference: XXXIII. D. 7.
02-Oct-42 Kittyhawk I AL192 dived into ground after take-off from LG.90, Egypt due to engine fire.)

AL196,

AL201

AL204 GA A

(AL209,GAF) , 18852

AL211, 18855

AL218 belonged to a Kittyhawk I on charge with 112 Squadron, 3 Squadron RAAF and MECCU ( Middle East Central Gunnery School) the aircraft was struck off charge 20 November 1944

AL219, 18861

(AL225, GAT), 18867, 112 SQDN On 21 Jun.1942 Fl/Lt. R.M.Leu (Australia) force landed near Sidi Azeiz and the aircraft was captured, he became POW)

AL228 GA H

(AL492,GAB)

540

Total: 00560

72 to RCAF, some to Turkey.

The US firm Curtiss-Wright Corp. was working on a new model of P-40 equipped with an 1150HP Allison V-1710-39 engine. The plane which had the H87A-2 factory designation would later be called P-40D “Kittyhawk-1” Even before the first prototype flight RAF ordered 560 of this model. Later some of the planes were transferred to Canada and 24 were leased to Turkey under the “Lend-Lease Agreement”. The planes were deployed at the 3rd & 4th Companies of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Regiment. The planes were already in poor conditions at the time of arrival and starting in 1944 they were started to be replaced by Spitfire Mk.Vs. 9 of them which were stil flyable were used as trainers for Spitfires.

THKv seri No TuAF serials	RAF seri No RAF serials	Fabrika No Factory serials	THKv seri No TuAF serials	Fabrika No RAF serials	Geliþ Tarihi Factory serials
3701	AK680	15061	3713	AL178	18822
3702	AK726	15107	3714	AL186	18830
3703	AK778	15159	3715	AL188	18832
3704	AK601	14982	3716	AL203	18847
3705	AK636	15017	3717
3706	AK882	15353	3718
3707	AK931	15402	3719
3708	AK939	15399	3720
3709	AK960	18704	3721
3710	AK971	18715	3722
3711	AK992	18736	3723
3712	AK995	18739	3724

RAF & factory serials correspond but TuAF & RAF serials may not correspond

(*)Courtesy “Turkish Military Aviation, 1912-2000” O.Nikolajsen & B.Yýlmazer

http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/1923ve50/kittyhawk.asp

Kittyhawk Mk. IA
RAF Lend-Lease version of the 6-gun P-40E, US designation
was P-40E-1. or P-40E-1-CU, P-40E for lend-lease as Kittyhawk IA., Allison V-1710-39 1150 Horse Power
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The first 20 were delivered to P-40D specifications, remaining ones being identical to P-40Es with exception of British equipment such as radio installation. The designation Kittyhawk Mk. IA was used for the latter to distinguish between these two variants. Totally Britain received ca. 1500 Mk. Is. The American designation P-40E-1 was adopted to identify the 1500 Kittyhawk Mk. IAs shipped to Britain early in the Lend-Lease program to distinguish their British equipment from those in the US service. Many were actually retained for US service, identifiable by their British-style camouflage

41-24776 / 41-25195Curtiss P-40E-1 c/n 18795/19214 (not sure these are correct). Lend-Lease contract for RAF as Kittyhawk IA ET100/ET519
Delivered to RAF as:
(RAF) ET100 / ET519 (5 Listed so far this serial)

18795 / 19214

24877/24912 to RAF as ET201/ET236 and delivered to RAF Desert Air Force 24879 (CW 664 c/n 19320, RAF ET203) to USSR Dec 31, 1941.

24922/24997 were RAF ET246/ET321 but were all diverted elsewhere and not delivered to RAF

(ET269,GAC the confusion over serial numbers strikes again, 24945 (ET269) retained in USA. Crashed 10 mi E of Lake Wales, FL with 50th PG. Pilot killed)

(ET510.GA Q, 25186 to RAF as ET510, plane later coded with a ? mark by 1 July 1942)

ET511, 25187 to RAF as Kittyhawk I ET511

(ET515,GA J, was coded GA-Y by 21 July 1942, 25191 to RAF as Kittyhawk I ET515. SOC Sep 28, 1944 )

ET519 GA G, 25195 to RAF as Kittyhawk I ET519. SOC Feb 1, 1944

41-35874 / 41-36953, Curtiss P-40E-1 c/n 19395/20474 (not sure these are right, might be 19707/20786) All to RAF as Kittyhawk IA ET520/ET999, EV100/EV699 under Lend-Lease.
Delivered to RAF as:
(RAF) ET520 / ET999
(RAF) EV100 / EV699 1500 (approximately 37 listed so far)

19395 / 20474

(ET524, GA X, 41-35878 (c/n 19711) to RAF as ET524. SOC Sep 1, 1943)

(ET526,Cuddon, 41-35880 (c/n 19713) to RAF as ET526. Lost Jul 3, 1942.)

ET 527 GA J, 35881 to RAF as ET527. SOC Sep 8, 1942

ET 611 possibly GAV, 35965 (ET611) to RAAF as A29-91 Apr 1942. Burned Jul 12, 1943 following forced landing 1 mi S of Yelta Satellite Aerodrome near Mildura. RAF records have this plane as serving with RAF as ET611 and being SOC Feb 1, 1944

ET661 GA C , 36015 (CW 1122, c/n 19848, ET661) to USSR Mar 9, 1942 ???????

ET724

(ET773,GAC, 41-36087 to RAF as ET733)

(ET783,GAG, 41-36137 (ET783) to New Zealand as NZ3037. Some have NZ3037 as being 42-36135. RAF records say that ET783 served with 250 Sqdn and then 5 Sqdn SAAF and was SOC Feb 1, 1944.)

(ET789,GAC) which Sgt Hogg force landed at El Daba.12th September 1942, 41-36143 to RAF as ET789. Damaged by Bf 109 and crash landed in desert Sep 12, 1942, was recovered) 36143 to RAF as ET789. Damaged by Bf 109 and crashlanded in desert Sep 12, 1942

(ET790,GA ? carried the name "Christine" under the cockpit opening, Billy Drake flew, 41-36144 to RAF as ET790, also the plane that Plt Off John Satterehwaite Barrow, 118054, RAFVR was lost in due to flak damage on 22 July 1942)

ET794,possibly GA-C, (not confirmed) 41-36148 to RAF as ET794. Ditched during ground attack mission Jul 10, 1942, Sgt White

(ET795,GA-C, 41-36149 to RAF as ET795. Diverted to USAAF, 49th FG, 9th FS. RAF records say that this plane was indeed delivered to them and was wrecked at El Hanwirrya Sep 30, 1942 when crash landed after catching fire in midair)

(ET865,GA K, Young?, 41-36219 to RAF as ET865. SOC Feb 1, 1944)

ET902 GA G, 36256 to RAF as ET902. SOC Sep 1, 1943

ET910, 36264 to RAF as ET910. SOC Feb 1, 1944

(ET919,GAC later GAT, 41-36273 to RAF as ET919. Wrecked when crash landed at El Imayed following flak damage Oct 7, 1942.ET919 H-87A-3 6 Gun 450Sqn RAF (RAAF) Code OK-T ex 250 Sqdn., to 112 Sqdn. GAC later Coded GA-T

ET977 GA W, 36331 to RAF as ET977. MIA near Benghazi Nov 18, 1942, presumably shot down by Bf 110s.

ET990,GAQ), 36343

(ET1017, (was really EV117 mistakenly marked) GAV, 41-36371 to RAF as EV117. Mistakenly marked as ET1017. )

(ET1024, GA L, (was really EV124 mistakenly marked ,GAL, 36378 to RAF as EV124. Mistakenly marked as ET1024)

EV136 GA Q, 36390 to RAF as EV136. Missing from training flight near Amriya Jan 5, 1943

EV162 GA V, 36416 to RAF as EV162. Wrecked when hit run on landing and undercarriage collapsed, Berka Feb 26, 1943

(EV165 GA ?, Drake, 41-36419 to RAF as EV165)

(EV166,GA J ) 36422 to RAF as EV166 fate unknown

(EV168 GA ? Drake, 41-36422 to RAF as EV168. Shot down Oct 27, 1942 from escort mission, Fuka, North Africa.)

(EV315,GAP late model E with Fin Fillet resembling a short tail K, ditched in the sea near LG18, 20/10/42, 36569 to RAF as EV315. Ditched in sea near LG18 North Africa Oct 20, 1942.)

EV318 GA L, 36572 to RAF as EV318

EV319 GA G, 36573 to RAF as EV319. Lost Oct 25, 1942

EV339 GA A, had Sally V + painted just under and in front of the cockpit, 36593 to RAF as EV339. Missing near Mersa Matruh during delivery flight Apr 4, 1943

EV340, 36594 to RAF as EV340. Spun into ground at LG.91 during combat practice

(EV344,GA A same type as EV315, 41-36598 to RAF as EV344. )

EV360, GA F, Blonde Bombshell with an angel painted under the cockpit for his girlfriend Manon of Ottawa, 36614 to RAF as EV360. Shot down by flak off Bomba Nov 13, 1942

(EV365, GA A, 41-36619 to RAF as EV365. SOC Feb 1, 1944)

EV368. GA A, 41-36622 to RAF as EV368. SOC Feb 22, 1945

Total: 01500

78 to RAAF, 12 to RCAF, 62 to RNZAF, 17 to Turkey

P-40F
As P-40E, engine upgrade, nose-top intake deleted.
First 699 with "short" P-40E fuselage, 612 with "long" fuselage.
1081 delivered as P-40F.
230 delivered to RAF as Kittyhawk Mk. II.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

P-40F - In USAF service the type received the name Warhawk. The engine was exchanged once more, this time to he vastly superior Roll-Royce Merlin 28 (later Packard Merlin V-1650-1) with a single-stage supercharger built into the P-40D airframe . With the new engine the carburettor air intake on top of the cowling was removed. The first 699 production aircraft were designated only P-40F, after which the subtype numbers were introduced to keep track of modification introduced directly in production. The "dash numbers" were assigned according to the system: -1, -5, -10, -15, -20 and so on, with interval of 5. Thus the first P-40Fs were retroactively treated as P-40F-1, and subsequent modifications were designated P-40F-5, P-40F-10, P-40F-15, P-40F-20. Actually the official designations carried an additional suffix -CU indicating Curtiss production facilities, like P-40F-10-CU. The P-40F-5 and later production models had the rear fuselage lengthened with over 2 feet to improve directional stability. Of note is that only fin and rudder were moved back, the horizontal tailplane remained in the same position

FL273 and FL369-448 were returned to the USAAF for use in North Africa in 1942/43. FL230/232, 235, 236, 239/240 were lost at sea before reaching the RAF. FL263, 270, 276, 280, 383, 305, and 307 were handed over to the Free French, who operated them in North Africa. 100 were transferred to the USSR.
The designation YP-40F was unofficially assigned to P-40F Ser No 41-13602 used for experimental tests of the cooling system and the tail rudder. The coolant system was moved aft in several different configurations, including a mounting fitted inside a thickened wing-root section.

Kittyhawk Mk. II - of over 1300 P-40Fs produced, 150 were supplied to Britain under Lend-Lease and designated Kittyhawk Mk. II, in common with the later P-40L model. The RAF didn't actually use their Mk. IIs - 80 were returned to USAAF for Tunisian campaign, 100 went to Soviet Union, and a handful were handed over to Free French AF in Africa.

P-40G - name given to 44 existing airframes retrofitted in summer 1941 with wings from Tomahawk Mk. IIA and consequently armed with only four small-calibre guns. Sixteen were shipped to Soviet Union, the rest being used in the US for training duties

P-40H, P-40I, P-40J - designation never used. The P-40J was a projected P-40E with supercharger, but the idea was dropped at an early stage.

P-40K in desert camo

P-40K
As P-40E, engine / armament upgrade, many block no. changes.
First 200 with "short" fuselage, 1100 with "long" fuselage.
1108 delivered as P-40K.
192 delivered to RAF as Kittyhawk Mk. III.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

P-40K - originally planned as final production variant. Although a P-40F proved a superior machine due to the installation of the Merlin engine, the Allison-powered versions were still produced because of the limited supply of the Merlins. The P-40K was powered by the new V-1710-73. The first production machine rolled off in August 1942. Early production K models were similar in shape to P-40E, but the dorsal fin was added to improve the stability with the new engine. From the P-40K-10 series the problem was solved by adapting the long rear fuselage of the P-40F.

P-40L
As P-40F, lightweight version, 4 wing guns, reduced armour.
First 50 with "short" fuselage, 650 with "long" fuselage.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

P-40L - this version was envisaged as a lightweight fighter. Based on P-40F-5, the weight was saved by reducing armament to four 0.50" calibre guns, removing some armour and reducing fuel capacity. In the initial production batches, however, these changes were not performed, which makes it very hard to distinguish them from P-40F. From the P-40L-5 batch onwards the modifications were carried out. The performance improvement over the P-40F proved to be insignificant. Nevertheless 700 aircraft were built. One hundred P-40Ls were sent to Britain as Kittyhawk IIs with no mark distinctions from the P-40Fs. The RAF serials for the P-40Ls were FS400/FS499. 160 other P-40Ls reached the RAF as Kittyhawk IIIs. Their serials were FL714/FL730, FR116/FR140, FR385/FR392, and FR413/FR521.

42-10430 / 42-11129	?	Total: 00700
1 to RNZAF by mistake, returned to US. 607 additional airframes cancelled

P-40M
As "long" fuselage P-40K, for Lend-Lease, engine upgrade, minor changes.
336 delivered as P-40M.
264 delivered as Kittyhawk Mk. III.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

Kittyhawk Mk. II
RAF version of the P-40F / L.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The Sqdn had started to trade out its Kittyhawk Mk. IA in October 1942 by 31 January 1943, all them had been replaced by Kittyhawk Mk. III. To carry the 500 pound bombs aluminum wheels instead of steel wheel where used and the aircraft carried smaller batteries to help reduce the all up weight.

Please Note

P40F/L Kittyhawk II/IIA NO P40L were known as Kittyhawk MKIII- This is an error that I've seen repeated time and time again. The RAF was originally allocated 230 P40F of which 80 were retained by the US , leaving a total of 150. Of this 150 some 23 were lost in transit thus leaving a total of 127 net receipts

P40L - 100 received FS400-499. Used basically by 3 SQ RAAF I've codes for 55 of these. At no time whatsoever were they classed as Kittyhawk MKIII They were classed as Kittyhawk MKIIA

112 Sqdn used only a very few of these according to Sqdn Ldr Drake

Above information supplied by: Terry McGrady, he has most graciously provided most all plane numbers and codes found listed on this page. His work spans 35 years of cross referenced research on various planes and units.

P-40F/L Kittyhawk Mk II FL220

Delivered from P-40F s/n: Kittyhawk II
(RAF) P-40F s/n: Kittyhawk II, FL219 / FL448 (3 listed to date for RAF 112 Sqdn) TAIL: 41-13697 ... 41-14299 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk	FL298 Lost to aerial combat near Marble Arch,15 Dec 1942, 40-13909 to RAF as Kittyhawk IIA FL298 Jul 1942. Shot down by Bf 109s near Marble Arch Dec 15, 1942 (FL321,GAF, SOC 08 Mar 1944 (No. 3 Sqn RAAF)) , 40-13985 to RAF as Kittyhawk IIA FL321. SOC Mar 8, 1944 FL337 DBR (damaged beyond repair) Forced landed after aerial combat near LG.21, 26 Oct 1942 30-14009 to RAF as Kittyhawk IIA FL337 Jul 1942. Wrecked when crash landed near LG.21 Oct 26, 1942 after being damaged by Bf 109s.	230	.
Many to Free French and Russia.
Based on P-40L: Kittyhawk IIA
(RAF) FS400 / FS499	?	100	Total: 00330

Kittyhawk Mk. III
RAF version of the P-40K / L / M.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

112sqdn had approx 173 Kittyhawk III's, of these 70 plus lost or damaged in combat and a further 23 lost to operational accidents and training they came to the squadron during early October 1942

P-40M - In 1943 the short supply of Merlin engines again forced Curtiss to re-introduce the Allison powerplant to production lines, resulting in the P-40M. The engine used was V-1710-18. The airframe was similar to P-40K-20, the visible difference being an introduction of a rectangular cooling panel in front of the exhaust stacks. Deliveries started in November 1942. This version was built exclusively for Lend-Lease "export" and was used by RAF, SAAF, RAAF and RNZAF under the designation Kittyhawk Mk. III. Some machines, however found their way to US service in China and the Mediterranean.

BLUE= Photos , Repeated numbers in bold black are due to reissue at a later date one plane 1943,the other 1944 I have not separated the year of issue here.

Delivered from P-40K s/n:
(RAF) FL875 / FL905 short tail K serial FL883 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk c/n 15523/16122	FL876, 32-45763 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL875 Jul 1942. SOC Sep 1, 1943 (FL880,GAZ, 42- 45768, Jul 1942. SOC Aug 1, 1943 ) (FL882,GAA, later (March?) GAH 45770, Jul 1942. SOC Mar 8, 1944 ) (FL883, GAP) (FL886,GAB, later GAK shot down Feb 1944 Pilot Tex Gray,45774,Jul 1942. DBR when force landed near Anzio Feb 29, 1944 following flak damage) (FL890,GAD, 45778 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL890 Jul 1942. Wrecked when swung on landing and hit Kittyhawk FL891, 42-45779 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL891 Jul 1942. SOC Apr 26, 1945 (FL895,GAA) 42-45783 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL895 Jul 1942. SOC Jun 30, 1944 (FL897,GAA) 42-45785 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL897 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 FL901 42- 45804 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL901 Jul 1942. SOC Apr 26, 1945 42-45789 is recorded in ORB 15/12/42 flown by Sgt Middlemist	.	.
(RAF) FR111 / FR115 short tail	(FR115 GAB) 42-45813 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR115 Jul 1942. SOC Feb 22, 1945.	.	.
	(FR195 GAF)
(RAF) FR210 / FR361 short tail TAIL: 42-9730 ... 42-9929 Curtiss P-40K-5-CU Warhawk c/n 21114/21313	(FR211,GAE) 42-45815 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR211 Jul 1942. Wrecked when struck Tomahawk FR266 (ex 42-45856) during takeoff LG.96 Nov 1, 1942 (FR212) 42-45816 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR212 Jul 1942. Missing near Cap Bon Apr 22, 1943. Presumably shot down by Bf 109s (FR213,GAQ also GA ? when flown by Drake) 42-45817 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR213 Jul 1942. No record of fate (FR214,GAA with Sqn 16/10/42 until 13/1/43) 42-45818 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR214 Jul 1942. Missing from bomber escort mission Jan 13, 1943, location unknown (FR215, GAV) Flown By Howard Phillips 31/10/42 when forced to return to base with raising temperature and falling oil pressure asked by Drake if he damaged the plane he said no Drake replied "Have a Beer", 42-45819 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR215 Jul 1942. SOC Apr 21, 1944 (FR216,GAP) 42-45820 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR216 Jul 1942. SOC Feb 24, 1943 (FR217,GAC) 42-45821 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR217 Jul 1942. Lost Nov 11, 1942 (FR219 GAL) 42-45823 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR219 Jul 1942. SOC Apr 22, 1945 (FR221,GAT) 42-45825 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR221 Jul 1942. Wrecked when struck sand dunes 8 mi SE of Castel Benito May 28, 1943 during blind approach practice (FR222,GAB and later GAP) 42-45826 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR222 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR224,GAB) (FR229,GAQ) FR230 (FR236,GAT later GAS, then G, flown by Flt Sgt J S Jellet) (FR238,GAF) 42-45828 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR238 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 FR240 GA A, 45830 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR240 Jul 1942. Shot down by Bf 109s over L.G.21 Oct 21, 1942 (FR241,GAR) 42-45922 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR241 Jul 1942. SOC Oct 31, 1943, plane had prior service in 250 Sudan Squadron as LD R, at LG 91, Egypt, during Operation LIGHTFOOT, the first phase of the Alamein offensive. FR241 is an early ‘short-tail’ Mark III with a dorsal fin (FR245,GAB) 42-45835 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR245 Jul 1942. SOC May 31, 1944 (FR248), 42-45838 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR248 Jul 1942. Missing from escort mission to Gazala Oct 21, 1942 (FR255 GA J ) WD Brown wounded 11 Dec 1942, 45845 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR255 Jul 1942. SOC Feb 22, 1945 (FR257,GAH), 42-45847 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR257 Jul 1942. (Bernie Peters logged 38 flights in it), SOC Mar 29, 1945 FR258, 45848 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR258 Jul 1942. DBR Feb 18, 1944 (FR259,GAX) 42-45849 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR259 Jul 1942. Belly landed in minefield at Medenine Main Mar 26, 1943 after engine failed on takeoff ( previous information is incorrect the plane was damaged in ops 8/11/42 and crash landed) FR261, 42-45851 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR261 Jul 1942. SOC Apr 26, 1945 FR262, GA Z, 42-45852 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR262 Jul 1942. Missing from fighter- bomber mission to Fuka Oct 27, 1942 (FR263,GAX), 45853 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR263 Jul 1942. Missing from bomber escort mission Oct 26, 1942 (FR264,GAW, Margeret, Artie Shaw (Can) flew this plane) 45854 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR264 Jul 1942. Lost Nov 1, 1942 (FR266,GAH flown by Sgt David Brown 9 November 1942) 42-45856 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR266 Jul 1942. Wrecked when collided with Kittyhawk FR211 (42-45815) during takeoff at L.G.76 Nov 11, 1942 (FR271)GA L, 42-45861 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR271 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 8, 1944 FR275, 42-45865 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR275 Jul 1942. Missing Mar 10, 1943, presumably shot down by Bf 109s NW of Foum tatouine (FR276,GA J) 42-45866 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR276 Jul 1942. Missing Apr 22, 1943, presumably shot down by Bf 109s off Cap B (FR277,GAE) 42-45867 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR277 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 8, 1944, From Buz, FR277 - 112 Sqdn and 239Wg TF - Became Kittyhawk III in RAF Service, En-Route to Middle East on "SS Santa Cecila" 7/11/42, Arrived Middle East 28/2/43, Damaged by AA fire over Cape Bon (Pilot FlgOff J.A.Burcham) 11/5/43 112Sqdn, Damaged when aircraft suffered engine failure and belly landed (Pilot Fsgt K.S.Stokes 656779) 14/8/43 3RSU, To North Africa 1/11/43, SOC 8/3/44 (the belly landing probably caused this one to be written off as the date 8/3/44 is an administrative write off date as the aircraft could not be found in records or service (FR279,GA J) 42-45869 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR279 Jul 1942. Missing Jan 14, 1943, presumably shot down by enemy aircraft near Bir Dufan. (FR281,GAD) 42-45923 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR281 Jul 1942. Missing from armed recon mission Oct 31, 1942. FR282,GAX) (FR283,GAP) (FR287GAX) (FR288,GA Z) (FR289,GA Z then X) FR292, 42-45924 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR292 Jul 1942. Missing from bomber escort mision Oct 9, 1942. Presumably shot down by Bf 109s. (FR293, GA ? Drake) 42-45883 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR293 Jul 1942. Wrecked when undercarriage collapsed during emergency landing at Azizia Main Aug 13, 1943 after engine over sped and ran away during takeoff. (FR295,GAG) 42-45885 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR295 Jul 1942. Missing Mar 10, 1943, presumably shot down by Bf 109s NW of Foum Tatouine FR296.GAR) 42-45886 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR296 Jul 1942. Crash landed after flak damage Dec 24, 1942 FR297 GAF) 42-45887 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR297 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR299,GAV,GAW) 42-45889 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR299 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR302, GAI later FR302.GAT with red arrow painted across the exhaust ports) 42-45892 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR302 GA T, Jul 1942. Ditched off Sicily Aug 4, 1943 following engine failure (FR309,GAQ) 42-45899 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR309 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 14, 1946 FR311, 42-45925 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR311 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR312,GA J ) 42-45926 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR312 Jul 1942. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR315,GAC) 42-45929 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR315 Jul 1942. SOC Feb 29, 1944 (FR317,GAH) 42-46110 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR317. DBR when belly landed 2 mi NW of Syracuse Jul 21, 1943 following engine failure (FR320,GA J ) 42-46113 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR320. Missing from bomber escort mission Jan 13, 1943 (FR324,GAE) 42-46117 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR324. SOC Mar 14, 1946 (FR325,GAV) 42-46118 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR325. Crashed after colliding with Kittyhawk FL325 (41-13986) near Ben Gardane Jan 22, 1943 FR326, 42-46119 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR326. DBR when belly landed at Sorman West Jun 25, 1943 after engine failed on takeoff. FR335, 42-46128 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR335. SOC Mar 8, 1945 FR336 42-46129 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR336. SOC Apr 26, 1945 (FR338,GA?) 42-46131 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR338. SOC Mar 14, 1946 (FR344,GAR) 42-46137 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR344. SOC Feb 24, 1943 FR345 42-46138 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR345. Missing near Bir Dufan Jan 14, 1943, presumably shot down by enemy fighters FR-348 42-46141 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR348. Crashed into sea 5 mi N of Zuara May 24, 1943 following engine failure (FR350,GAV) 42-46143 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR350. SOC Mar 8, 1944 (FR354,GAW) 42-46147 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR354. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR355,GAR) 42-46148 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR355. SOC Mar 29, 1945 FR357, 42-46150 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR357. SOC Sep 1, 1943 FR358, 42-46151 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR358. SOC Mar 29, 1945 FR361, 42-46154 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR361. Missing NW of Foum Tatouine Mar 10, 1943, presumably shot down by Bf 109s FR362	.	.
(RAF) FL710 / FL713 short tail	(FL710,GA J) 42-46155 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL710. Crashlanded atSorman Jun 21, 1943 after stalling on approach Kittyhawk MK III 245788 painted on rudder GA E, unknown which serial group it belongs too	192	.
Based on the P-40L:
(RAF) FL714 / FL730 42-9730 ... 42-9929 Curtiss P-40K-5-CU Warhawk c/n 21114/21313	(FL714,GAF) 42-9770 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL714. No record of fate FL730, GA P 42-9853 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FL730. MIA from ground attack mission Feb 5, 1943, presumed shot down by Bf 109s. (FL740,GA?)	.	.
(RAF) FR116 / FR140	(FR115,GA B later W) (FR118,GAF, 42-9856 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR118. Wrecked when belly landed at Zavia May 5, 1943 after engine failed.) (FR121,GAK, 42-9858 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR121. Crashed when abandoned SE of Todi Apr 6, 1944 following flak damage.) (FR127, GA B, 42-9887 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR127. DBR when belly landed near Timini Jan 2, 1943 (FR130, GA Z, 42-9890 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR130. Missing from fighter-bomber escort mission to El Hamma Feb 27, 1943.) FR131, 42-9891 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR131. Missing NW of Foum Tatouine Mar 10, 1943, believed shot down by Bf 109s. (FR132,GAT, 42-9892 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR132. SOC Feb 29, 1945) FR136 (42-9896) at Beari Sep 27, 1943.,9896 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR136. DBR when struck while parked by Kittyhawk FL890 (ex 42-45778) at Bari Sep 27, 1943) FR137, GAZ, 42-9897 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR137. DBR when belly landed at Mellaha Aug 18, 1943 after undercarriage jammed. FR137 - 112 and 159RSU - En-Route to Middle East 31/10/42, Damaged when aircraft Crash landed (Pilot Sgt W.R.Blake R.97463) 7/4/43 112Sqdn, Pilot smelt burning and decided to land, but was unable to lower u/c, and aircraft bellylanded at Mellaha 18/8/43, SOC 1/11/43 FR140, 42-9900 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR140. SOC Apr 28, 1945 (FR195,GAF) listed as Kittyhawk Mk III this probably should be FL195 incorrectly recorded in the ORB	.	.
(RAF) FR385 / FR392 short tail	FR385, 42-9901 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR385. Wrecked when taxied into marker drum and undercarriage collapsed, LG.08 Mar 25, 1945 FR388,GAZ flown by Bert Horden called it "Zephyr Breezes" fitter was "Nick" Nicholas and GA J, flown by Fg Off "Mat" Matthia, 42-9904 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR388, GAZ, 20 Dec 43, Bernie Peters Cat II, 42- 9904 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR388. SOC Mar 29, 1945) FR389,GAR, 42-9905 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR389. Wrecked when overshot takeoff in dust and hit trees, Grottaglie Sep 16, 1943) FR390.GAF, later GAQ, 42-9906 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR390. SOC Apr 26, 1945) FR391 42-9907 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR391. SOC Mar 29, 1945 FR391 (42-9907) at Bari Sep 27, 1943 (FR392,GAE, 42-9908 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR392. SOC Jul 13, 1943)	.	.
(RAF) FR413 / FR521 Long Tail K series FR460-471 were wasted	(FR412,GAD, 42-9928 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR412. SOC Mar 8, 1944) FR413, 42-9929 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR413. Wrecked when swung on landing and undercarriage collapsed, Ben Gargane Jul 16, 1943 FR414, Curtiss P-40K-10-CU, 42-9930 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR414. SOC Mar 8, 1944 (FR420,GAR, 42-9936 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR420. SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR422,GAN, 42-9938 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR422. SOC Mar 8, 1944) FR424, 42-9956 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR424. DBR when crash landed on runway at Azizia Jun 13, 1943 after engine failed on takeoff (FR429,GAP, 42-9961 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR429. Missing from ground attack mission over Sicily Aug 4, 1943) (FR439.GAK, 42-10060 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR439. SOC Feb 22, 1945) (FR440,GAV, 42-10061 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR440. DBR when belly landed S of Fayid after engine failed during overshoot.) FR443, 42-10064 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR443. SOC Feb 22, 1945 FR445, 42-10066 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR445. SOC Mar 8, 1944 (FR452,GAC, 42-10073 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR452. SOC Feb 22, 1945) (FR453,GAK, 42-10074 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR453. Missing off Cape Bon Apr 22, 1943) (FR455,GAB, 42-10077 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR456. SOC Mar 8, 1944) (FR472,GAI,GAL &GAZ, Curtiss P-40K-15-CU, 42-10329 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR472. SOC May 31, 1944) (FR474,GAJinx flown by Capt. Matt Mathias,Curtiss P-40K-15-CU, 42-10331 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR474. SOC Mar 29, 1945) FR478, 42-10335 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR478. SOC Mar 8, 1944 FR482, GA N, 42-10339 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR482. Crashed near Salerno Sep 10, 1943 after pilot bailed out after engine failed. (FR483,GAK, 42-10340 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR483. SOC Feb 22, 1945) FR484, 42-10341 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR484. SOC May 31, 1944 (FR489,GAH, 42-10349 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR489. Crashed after pilot bailed out near Catania Aug 4, 1943) (FR491,GAR, 42-10351 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR491. SOC Feb 22, 1945) (FR492,GAV, 42-10352 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR492. SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR494,GAW, 42-10359 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR494. SOC Feb 22, 1945) (FR502,GAD, 42-10372 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR502. Wrecked when force landed near Rome Mar 8, 1944 following engine failure) (FR507,GAR, 42-10382 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR507. SOC Feb 22,1945) (FR509,GAR, 42-10388 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR509. SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR511,GAQ, later GAH and then GAD, then GAF, 42-10392 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR511. Missing from ground attack mission over Sicily Aug 3, 1943) (Conflict on this one as I have Flight Log of Reg Drown's showing GAF FR511 being flown on 14 Aug 43) (FR516,GAA then GAP, 42-10403 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR516. SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR517,GAR, 42-10404 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR517. Wrecked when struck by Kittyhawk FR338 (ex 42-46131) while taxing at El Ejem Apr 18, 1943) (FR520,GAF, 42-10413 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR520. Wrecked when undercarriage retracted in error whilst taxing at Alem Main May 5, 1943) (FR521,GAD then GAJ then GAN 42-10414 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR521. SOC Feb 22, 1945) (FR542, GAC )	156
Delivered from P-40M s/n: Curtiss P-40M-10-CU 43-5723/6002 c/n 27411/27690 + Appear in Sqn records but maybe Mitchell Numbers or perhaps the Letters maybe wrong ie FR instead of FL ect. ++ 3 of 3 unaltered US serial Numbers
(RAF) FR779 / FR872 M series	(FR691) (FR710,GAC ) (FR789, 43-5580, Missing from armed reconnaissance missing Sep 20, 1943.) (FR790, GAX, 43-5583, SOC May 31, 1944) (FR 793.GA J, Curtiss P-40M-5-CU, 43-5586, Missing from attack on enemy motor transport near Lentini Jul 13, 1943 ) (FR795,GAB, 43-5588,Lost Mar 3, 1944) (FR796,GAN, 43-5591, SOC Mar 27, 1945) (FR801,GAH, 43-5598, SOC Feb 29, 1944) (FR803,GAF, 43-5600, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR806,GAQ, 43-5605, SOC Mar 29, 1945) Its only known Sqdn service was with 112 Sqdn, where it arrived on 19th Jul 1943 when it replaced the missing Kittyhawk III FR511 GA-Q, and stayed with that Unit until 20th Dec 1943 when it was last noted with the Unit thence being replaced by FR229 GA-Q on the 22 nd Dec 1943. I assume having completed the number of sorties (at least 110) it had with 112Sqdn I would believe that it was well and truly due a overhaul, (FR811,GAM, 43-5612, Missing Apr 8, 1944) (FR812,GAB, 43-5613, Crashed N of Genazzano Mar 13, 1944 after pilot bailed out following flak hit) (FR812,GAR letter change date unknown see above was GAR when it went in) (FR814,GAT, 43-5615, Missing from armed recon mission to Eboli Sep 20, 1943) (FR819,GAV, 43-5622, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR820,GAE, 43-5623, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR823,GAP later,GAQ, 43-5628, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR824,GAA, 43-5629, Lost Mar 10, 1944) (FR825,GAB, 43-5630, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR827. GAV, 43-5632, SOC Feb 22, 1945) FR833, Curtiss P-40M-10-CU ,43-5727, Wrecked when overshot landing during thunderstorm and struck Kittyhawk (FR835,GAZ, 43-5729, Lost Sep 15, 1943) (FR837,GAZ, 43-5731, SOC Mar 14, 1946) (FR838,GAD,43-5732, SOC Mar 29, 1945) (FR839,GA J,43-5733, Hit by blak and ditched off San Vitro Dec 31, 1943) (FR849,GAZ, 43-5743, Missing from ground attack mission over Sicily Aug 7, 1943) (FR857,GAV, 43-5751, Missing near Rieti Apr 9, 1944, presumed shot down by Fw 190s) (FR860,GAD,43-5754 WO WD Brown KIA Italy 1943) Shot down with No 112 Sqdn Sep 19, 1943, Italy. Spun into ground during armed recon mission. (FR861,GAM, 43-5755, Force landed north of Trogir, Yugoslavia Mar 22, 1944 following flak hit) (FR862,GAE, 43-5756, Missing Mar 23, 1944.) FR863, GAJ, then GAS, 43-5757 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR863. Lost Sep 10, 1943 <- incorrect Reg Drown Flight Log Book shows this plane was flown on 20 Oct 1943 by 8 Feb 1944 it had been recoded to GAS (FR864,GAM, 43-5758, Crashed at Ripa Dec 20, 1943 after pilot bailed out following flak hit) (FR866 GAT, 43- 5760, (GAK on 16 Sep 43 to GAD on 17 Sept 43) then GAM, 43-5760, Struck pole during attack near Melito Aug 21, 1943) (245789++GAD, to RAAF as A29-353 Apr 1943.) (245790++GAB, to New Zealand as NZ3087. Sold to J. Larsen Mar 2, 1948) (245798++GAD, to RAAF as A29-354 Apr 1943.) (FR870,GAS) 43-5764 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR870. Crash landed at Sta Maria Nuova Nov 3, 1943 after being damaged by explosion of own bombs (FR871,GAP) 43-5765 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR871. SOC Mar 29, 1945 (FR872,GAP) 43-5766 to RAF as Kittyhawk III FR872. Lost Feb 12, 1944	.	.
(RAF) FR884, FR885 43-5723 ... 43-6002 Curtiss P-40M-10-CU Warhawk c/n 27411/27690	FR879+) (FR880 FR882 FR885, (FR902,GAQ) (FR 919 GAL)	.
(RAF) FS270 / FS399	all diverted to USSR 130 in total	.
(RAF) FS100 / FS269	5815/5864 were to have gone to RAF as FS100/FS149, but were diverted to USSR and did not see any RAF service.	264	Total: 00612

P-40N
As P-40M, reduced weight version, redesigned cockpit windows,
4 wing guns, many block no. changes.
Produced 1943 - 1944
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

P-40N - This last production version was also the most numerous. A total of 5220 machines were built. Powered by V-1710-81 (later -99 or -115), it featured several changes to reduce weight. These included new light alloy coolers and radiators, smaller and lighter main undercarriage wheels, and several structural changes. Armament was reduced to 4 machine guns.

42-104429 / 42-106428	28191 / 30190	.
43-22752 / 43-24751	30691 / 32690	.
44-7001 / 44-8000	32741 / 33740	.
44-47749 / 44-47968	33741 / 33960	Total: 05220
553 to RAAF, 35 to RCAF, 172 to RNZAF as Kittyhawk Mk. IV. 41 to Brazil, 1097 to Russia. 780 additional airframes cancelled

Kittyhawk Mk. IV
RAF version of the P-40N.
Produced
Curtiss Buffalo, New York (CU)

The unit had approx 57 Kittyhawk Iv's of which 10 were damaged or lost, and a further 2 or 3 lost to operational accidents. Most of the rest were phased out when the unit changed to Mustangs,

Over 1000 machines were sent to Russia. 586 were ordered by the RAF, and designated Kittyhawk Mk. IV. The RAF diverted most of their machines to overseas service and to Soviet Union. Australia received 468 aircraft, 172 went to New Zealand. USAF used the type mostly for training.

+ Sqn records give this as FX951 probably incorrectly

(RAF) FT849 / FT954

104809/104812 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT901/FT904 No RAF service, were to be delivered to SAAF but lost at sea enroute

(FT854,GAP later GAB) 42-104759 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT854 May 1943. No record of fate. (see plane losses /damaged 7/4/44 Lt Ahern)

(FT857,GAE) 42-104762 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT857 May 1943. SOC Mar 14, 1946

FT919 42-104881 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT919. SOC Mar 14,1946

(FT921,GAZ) 42-104883 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT921. SOC Mar 14,1946

(FT945,GAV) 42-104909 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT945. DBR when engine failed on takeoff at Pontedera Mar 29, 1945

(FT947,GAM) 42-104911 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT947. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FT948,GA J ) 42-104912 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT948. Lost Jun 9, 1944

(FT949,GAH) 42-104913 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT949. Bernie Peters logged 36 flights in this particular aircraft , plane later, Crashed during attempted ditching off Ravenna Jan 27, 1945 following engine failure

(FT951,GAM +) 42-104915 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FT951. Crashed near Paliano Jun 2, 1944 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak hit.

(RAF) FX498 / FX847

(FX516,GAP) 42-105087 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX516. Crashed into Lake Trasimeno Apr 23, 1944 after flak hit

(FX541,GAA) 42-105218 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX541. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FX 544,GAK, carried the cartoon character Olive Oyl forward under the canopy) ) 42-105227 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX544. Crash landed 3 mi SW of Avezzano May 22, 1944 following flak damage

(FX552,GA J ) 42-105387 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX552. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX558,GAQ) 42-105399 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX558. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX560,GAX) 42-105401 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX560. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FX561,GAR later GA?) 42-105402 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX561. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FX563,GAF) 42-105404 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX563. SOC Mar 28, 1946

(FX566,GAS) 42-105407 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX566. SOC Aug 23, 1945

FX590 GAH, 42-105787 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX590. DBR when bellylanded on shore of Lake Trasimeno Oct 10, 1944 following engine failure at low altitude it was not with RAF 112 Sqdn when this occured

(FX622,GAW) 42-106217 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX622. Missing near Aquila May 3, 1944, presumed shot down

(FX641,GAX) 42-106245 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX641. To SAAF as 5097. SOC Feb 18, 1948

(FX658,GAN) 43-22886 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX658. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FX670,GAW) 43-22915 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX670. Shot down by flak May 30, 1944

(FX685,GAT) 43-22939 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX685. SOC May 1945

(FX687,GAK) 43-22942 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX687. Spun into ground at Subiaco Jun 2, 1944

(FX699,GAR later GAE) 43-23142 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX699. SOC Aug 23, 1945

(FX710,GAS) 43-23159 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX710. Crashed into sea Dec 20, 1944 after pilot bailed out following engine failure, not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occured

(FX719,GAH) 43-23174 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX719. SOC Jun 30, 1944

(FX724,GAK) 43-23288 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX724. SOC Feb 22, 1945

(FX729,GA J ) 43-23294 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX729. Missing Aug 24, 1944, not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occurred

(FX731,GAB) 43-23297 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX731. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX732,GAS) 43-23299 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX732. Hit trees on approach to Perugia and crashed Oct 31, 1944 following engine failure, not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occured

(FX733,GAN) 43-23316 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX733. Crashed Jul 24, 1944 after pilot bailed out following flak hit during close support mission. not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occured

(FX740,GA? carried the cartoon character Wimpy forward on the cowling) 43-23325 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX740. Missing Jun 1, 1944

(FX749,GAK ) 43-23623 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX749. SOC Mar 14, 1946.

(FX760,GAT then GA? cn 9150M) 43-23639 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX760. Shot down by flak during close support mission Aug 21, 1944 not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occurred

(FX762,GAE) 43-23642 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX762. Crashed near Argenta Apr 11, 1945 during attack on enemy artillery not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occurred

(FX768,GAX) 43-23681 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX768. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX777,GAE later GAC) 43-23695 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX777. SOC May 31, 1944

(FX776,GAF) 43-23693 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX776. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX781,GAC) 43-23701 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX781. SOC Mar 28, 1946

(FX788,GAZ) 43-23711 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX788. SOC Mar 28, 1946

( FX792,GAX) 43-23717 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX792. Crashed SW of Avezzano Jun 3, 1944 after pilot bailed out following flak hit

(FX793,GAX) 43-23734 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX793. Missing from mission to attack railways near Ferrara Dec 2, 1944 not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occurred

(FX799,GAW) 43-23743 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX799. SOC Mar 28, 1946

(FX800,GAR) 43-23744 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX800. Missing Jun 7, 1944

(FX804,GAR) 43-23750 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX804. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FX805,GAX) 43-23752 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX805. Crashed 13 mi SSE of Reggio Jan 24, 1945 after pilot bailed out following flak hit not sure it was on 112 Sqdn strength when this occurred

(FX827,GAC) 43-23924 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX827. SOC Feb 22, 1945

(FX831,GAB) 43-23929 to RAF as Kittyhawk IV FX831. SOC Mar 14, 1946

Total: 00588

130 to Russia. 456 to RAF

Mustang Mk. III, 112 Sqdn started converting to the Mustang III, on 24th June 1944. Fg Off Leonard (Len) Henry Cherry, 114723, was the first pilot of 112 Sqdn to fly the Mustang aircraft, which he did on the 16th Feb 1944
RAF version of the P-51B/C Some of the Mustangs of 112 Squadron where transferred to 249 Squadron use, where they were re-coded as 249 machines with 249's code of GN. Interestingly all three letters were small and placed in front of the roundel such as GN-Y

Produced
North American

(RAF) P-51B
FB100 / FB124

274 P-51B

626 P-51C

(RAF) P51C

FB135 / FB399

the FB serials seem to have been prefixed with 13 example FB13247 for GAQ

North American P-51C-1-NT Mustang III, c/n 103-22416/22765

(FB244,GA V then B) 42-103118 to RAF Jan 1944 as Mustang III FB224. DBR by heavy landing at Madelely Nov 12, 1946

FB244, 103-22475/42-103138, Served with 3 Sqdn under RAF Control 5/4/45 - 5/5/45. From 112Sqn. CV-V. To 450 Sqdn.

FB246 42-103140 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB246. Destroyed by fire when bellylanded at Lesi Nov 16, 1944 and struck Marauders HD436 (42-96363) and HD451 (42-96378)

(FB247,GAQ) 42-103141 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB247. Missing near Sarajevo from sweep Dec 11, 1944, North American P-51C-1-NT Mustang

(FB249,GAN) 42-103143 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB249. Crashed on takeoff, Crete Aug 2, 1944

(FB254,GAY) 42-103148 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB254. Crash landed Jan 11, 1945 following flak damage

(FB255,GAF later GAM MK III July to Sept, 1944) 42-103149 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB255. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FB255, GAZ MkIV Feb to March, 1945)

(FB257,GAH Later GAA) 42-103151 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB257. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FB259.GAE) 42-103153 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB259. Flew into box valley and crashed into mountain 30 mi W of Trento Jul 26, 1945

(FB260.GAK) 42-103154 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB260. SOC May 9, 1946

(FB262,GAK) 103-22493/42-103156, to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB262. Crashed at Casara Mar 3, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak damage, Served with 3 Sqdn under RAF Control 17/11/44 - 3/3/45. From 112Sqn. CV-T. Abandoned in flight by F/Off Tennant after flak damage 3 Mar 45, Casara.

(FB263,GAM) 42-103157 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB263. Crashed at San Felice

(FB272,GAW) 42-103166 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB272. SOC Oct 31, 1946

FB278 42-103172 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB278. Crashed into sea near Crete after pilot abandoned aircraft when bomb hung up.

(FB279.GAF) 42-103173 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB279. Wrecked when swung on takeoff and struck P-47, Fano Jan 3, 1945

(FB280,GAX) 42-103174 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB280. Crashed at Pragersko, Yugoslavia Jan 23, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak damage

FB286 42-103180 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB286. Wrecked when swung on takeoff and struck vehicle, Falerium Jun 28, 1944

(FB287,GA Jinx) 42-103181 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB287. Shot down by flak near San Felice Sep 16, 1944.

(FB288,GAZ) 42-103182 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB288. Crashed near Graz Apr 2, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following engine failure

(FB290,GAB, still had the early canopy, also served with 260 and 3 Sqdn, destroyed by flak 3 April 1945 while serving with 3 Sqn) 42-103184 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB290. Crashed near Maribor Apr 3, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak damage

(FB291,GAF carried the cartoon character Popeye forward under the canopy) 42-103185 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB291. Crashlanded near Crete Jul 13, 1944 following engine failure.

(FB296.GAR) 42-103190 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB296. Missing Aug 6, 1944

(FB297,GAX) 42-103191 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB297. Missing from close support mission Sep 4, 1944

(FB300.GAC) 42-103194 to RAF Mar 1944 as Mustang III FB300. SOC Aug 29, 1946

(FB304,GAJ) 42-103234 to RAF as Mustang III FB304 Mar 1944. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FB309.GAQ) 42-103239 to RAF as Mustang III FB309 Mar 1944. SOC May 9, 1946

(FB317,GAT) 42-103247 to RAF as Mustang III FB317 Mar 1944. Crashed on takeoff at Create Aug 1, 1944

(FB320,GAA Mk IIIb later GAZ then GAN) 42-103250 to RAF as Mustang III FB320 Mar 1944. Missing from sweep to Zagreb Nov 6, 1944

(FB323,GAE) 42-103253 to RAF as Mustang III FB323 Mar 1944. Missing from close support missions Sep 25, 1944

(FB326,GAH) 42-103256 to RAF as Mustang III FB326 Mar 1944. SOC Sep 28, 1944

(FB327,GAP) 42-103257 to RAF as Mustang III FB327 Mar 1944. Crashed near Brac Apr 11, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak damage

(FB328,GAS) 42-103258 to RAF as Mustang III FB328 Mar 1944. SOC Mar 14, 1946

(FB338,GAC<Daniel crashed it) 42-103268 to RAF as Mustang III FB338 Mar 1944. Crashed on takeoff, Crete Aug 27, 1944

(FB339,GAZ) 42-103269 to RAF as Mustang III FB339 Mar 1944. Wrecked when hit roller on landing, Capodichino Feb 16, 1945

(FB340,GAZ) 42-103270 to RAF as Mustang III FB340 Mar 1944. Wrecked when swung on takeoff and hit P-40, Crete Aug 9, 1944

(RAF) FR411 North American P-51B-5 Mustang c/n 104-22816/23305, 24431/24540, 24941/25140., 44-6565 to RAF as FR411, Merlin powered Nov 1943. Back to USAAF Dec 13, 1943 .

(RAF) P-51B

FX848 / FX999

North American Mustang III (P51B)
Contract AC-33923 Requisition BSC 282
RAF serial AAF Serial
FX848 43-12113
FX849 43-12122

All airframes were to be manufactured by North American at their factory in Inglewood, California and at a completely new plant built in great haste at Dallas, Texas. Inglewood-built Mustangs were designated P-51B, Dallas-built Mustangs were designated P-51C. These aircraft were almost identical, and can generally be distinguished only by serial number.

The first P-51B flew on May 5, 1943, and the first P-51C flew on August 5 of that year. Inglewood built 1988 P-51Bs and Dallas built 1750 P-51Cs. The P-51Cs on the 1942 and 1943 budgets were given the company designation NA-103. 1350 NA-103s were built. Texas-built aircraft in the 1944 budget were designated NA-111.
Initially, the P-51B and C had the Packard V-1560-3 engine rated at 1400 hp for takeoff and 1450 hp at 19,800 feet and carried four 0.50-inch machine guns with a total of 1260 rounds. There were four hundred P-51B-1-NAs and 250 P-51C-1-NTs built.

.

(RAF)P-51B

FZ100 / FZ197
. .

(RAF) P51C

HB821 / HB962
North American P-51C-10-NT Mustang c/n 103-26333/26532

(HB827.GAS) 42-103676 to RAF May 1944 as Mustang III HB827. Damaged by flak and crashed into house, Vimoutiers Aug 18, 1944
(HB830,GAH) 42-103679 to RAF May 1944 as Mustang III HB830. SOC Mar 14, 1946
(HB842,GAN) 42-103691 to RAF May 1944 as Mustang III HB842. SOC Mar 14, 1946
(HB893,GAK) 42-103862 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB893. Missing near Revenna Oct 22, 1944, Lt John Raymond Lund, 329087V, SAAF
(HB895,GAN) 42-103864 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB895. Missing Aug 28, 1944
(HB897,GAX) 42-103866 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB897. SOC Apr 26, 1945
(HB900,GA?) 42-103869 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB900. SOC Apr 14, 1946
(HB908,GAW) 42-103877 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB908. Crashed near San Vito Oct 30, 1944 after pilot bailed out following flak hit.
(HB913,GAS) 42-103882 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB913. Shot down by flak, Bastia, Italy Apr 12, 1945
(HB917,GAN) 42-103886 to RAF Jun 1944 as Mustang III HB917. Wrecked when overshot during attempted emergency landing and overturned, Lesi Oct 4, 1944
(HB925,GAR later GAZ) , North American P-51C-10-NT Mustang c/n series 103-26533/26882
(HB936,GAA) 43-24928 to RAF as Mustang III HB936. Missing Aug 30, 1944
(HB940.GAC) 43-24932 to RAF as Mustang III HB940. SOC Jan 30, 1947

.

(RAF)

HK944 / HK947

(HK955, HK956 ex 12th USAAF planes) HK944 with HK947, HK955 and HK956. Series HK was reserved for the planes taken into account directly in the Middle East. The serials are as follows:
42-84117 HK946/F, to excess inventory list Jul 8, 1944
42-84107 HK947/A, to excess inventory list Jul 8, 1944
42-83906 HK955/D, to RAF Jul 9, 1943
42-83829 HK956/E, condemned Jul 2, 1944
42-83898 HK945/B, condemned excess inventory Jul 2, 1944
42-84018 HK944/C, condemned excess inventory Jul 8, 1944
HK956, 42-83829, saw middle East / Italy service with the RAF 1437 Flight, ( An independent flight is a military administrative structure which is used to command flying units where the number of aircraft is not large enough to warrant a fully fledged squadron.) as Apache A-36, coded E (from picture), condemned Jul 2, 1944, where it is being loaded by 53 RSU member Harold Wise, and crew, unfortunately no Squadron letter codes ( 1e GA prefix ect) are used, but the plane is painted in a camouflage pattern. Plane is said to have had prior service with 27th or 86th Fighter Group, 12th USAAF , Middle East.
HK944, 42-84018, GAC flown by Reg Drown, RAF 112 Sqdn, 23 Feb 1944 condemned excess inventory Jul 8, 1944

(RAF) P51C

KH421 / KH640
KH*** series ALL had Fin Fillets Factory Fitted and the bubble hood canopy

44-10859 ... 44-11036 North American P-51C-10-NT Mustang c/n 111-28992/29169

(KH467.GAZ) North American P-51C-10-NT Mustang c/n series 111-28951/28985, 44-10824 to RAF as Mustang III KH467. Shot down by flak near Trieste Apr 20, 1945
(KH512,GAB) 44-10914 to RAF as Mustang III KH512. SOC Aug 29, 1946
(KH526,GAS) 44-10928 to RAF as Mustang III KH526. SOC Sep 12, 1946
(KH531,GAE) 44-10956 to RAF as Mustang III KH531. SOC Mar 14, 1946
KH556 was not known to be a 112 Sqdn plane but does give reference to production numbers 44-10991 to RAF as KH566. Collided with Mustang FB135 (42-103029) during practice dogfight near Cantley May 23, 1945.
(KH571,GAV November to December, or GAW ?, then GA symbol for pi from January to May 1945)
(KH572,GAR) 44-10997 to RAF as Mustang III KH572. Wrecked when swung on takeoff and collided with C-47, Fano Feb 20, 1945
(KH579.GAL later GAF) 44-11004 to RAF as Mustang III KH579. SOC Feb 27, 1947
(KH586,GAJ later GAE) 44-11011 to RAF as Mustang III KH586. SOC Aug 29, 1946
(KH589,GA? later GAX) 44-11014 to RAF as Mustang III KH589. SOC Mar 14, 1946
(KH597,GAK) 44-11022 to RAF as Mustang III KH597. Undershot approach and crash landed at Lavariano Aug 3, 1946 after engine failed
((KH601.GAZ) 44-11026 to RAF as Mustang III KH601. Missing from sweep to Zagreb Nov 8, 1944
(KH627 GAB, A/C shot down at Sisak, Yugoslavia after an attack on a bridge, pilot KIA)
(KH628,GAY later GAR Mk IIIb)
(KH635,GAE) 44-11147 to RAF as Mustang III KH635. Shot down by flak while attacking River Po bridges Mar 11, 1945
(KH636,GAP) 44-11148 to RAF as Mustang III KH636. Destroyed by fire when bombs fell off on landing and exploded, Fano Feb 21, 1945
.

P-51K-10-NT Mustang IVa KM250, 111-30506/44-12373, Served with 450 Sqdn under RAF Control 11/7/45 - 27/7/45. OK-R. To 112 Sqdn.

(RAF)

SR406 / SR438, SR440
. .

Total: 900

Serial Numbers

The table below states serial numbers for the Merlin-powered Mustang variants.

Version

US serial numbers

RAF serial numbers

Mustang Mk. X

AM121, AM208, AL975, AM203, AL963

XP-51B

41-37350, 41-37421

P-51B-1-NA

43-12093..12492

P-51B-5-NA

43-6313..6562

P-51B-7-NA

43-6563..7112

P-51B-10-NA

42-106429..106540
42-106541..106738
43-7113..7202

P-51B-15-NA

42-106739..106978
43-24752..24901

P-51C-1-NT

42-102979..103328

P-51C-5-NT

42-103329..103778

P-51C-10-NT

42-103779..103978
43-24902..25251
44-10753..10782
44-10818..10852
44-10859..11036
44-11123..11152

P-51C-11-NT

44-10783..10817
44-10853..10858
44-11037..11122

Mustang Mk. II

A-36	NA-97	EW998	-	1
Mustang II	NA-99	FR890	FR939	50
Mustang II	P-51B/C	FB100	FB124	25
Mustang II	P-51B/C	FB135	FB399	265
Mustang II	P-51B/C	FR411	-	1
Mustang II	P-51B/C	FX848	FX999	152
Mustang II	P-51B/C	FZ100	FZ109	10
Mustang II	P-51B/C	HB821	HB962	142
Mustang II	P-51B/C	HK944	HK947	4
Mustang II	P-51B/C	HK955	HK956	2
Mustang II	P-51B/C	KH421	KH640	220
Mustang II	P-51B/C	SR406	SR438	33
Mustang II	P-51B/C	SR440	-

FB100..FB124, FB135..FB399, FR411, FX848..FX999, FZ100.FZ197, HB821..HB962, HK944..HK947, HK955, HK956, KH421..KH640, SR406..SR438, SR440

42-84117 HK946/F, to excess inventory list Jul 8, 1944

42-84107 HK947/A, to excess inventory list Jul 8, 1944

42-83906 HK955/D, to RAF Jul 9, 1943

42-83829 HK956/E, condemned Jul 2, 1944

42-83898 HK945/B, condemned excess inventory Jul 2, 1944

42-84018 HK944/C, when 1437 Flight disbanded in October 1943, this plane went to RAF 260 squadron for non operational training, condemned excess inventory Jul 8, 1944

XP-51D

42-12101, 42-12102

P-51D-5-NT

44-11153..11352

P-51D-20-NT

44-12853..13252

P-51D-25-NT

44-84390..84989, 45-11343..11542

P-51D-30-NT

45-11543..11742

P-51D-5-NA

44-13253..14052

P-51D-10-NA

44-14053..14852

P-51D-15-NA

44-14853..15752

P-51D-20-NA

44-63160..64159, 44-72027..72626

P-51D-25-NA

44-72627..74226

P-51D-30-NA

44-72227..75026

P-51K-1-NT

44-11353..11552

P-51K-5-NT

44-11553..11952

P-51K-10-NT

44-11953..12852

TP-51D

44-84610, 44-84611, 44-84662, 45-11443..11450

Mustang Mk. IV/IVA

KH641..KH670 (P-51D), KH671..KH870 (P-51K), KM100..KM492 (P-51K), KM493..KM743 (P-51D), KM744..KM799 (undelivered), TK589 (P-51D)

XP-51F

43-43332..43334

XP-51G / Mustang Mk. V

43-43335..43336

FR410.

XP-51J

44-76027, 44-76028.

P-51H

(not identified)

Cavalier F-51D

67-14862..14866, 67-22579..22582, 72-1526..1541

Mustang Mk. IV
RAF version of the P-51D / K
Produced
North American / also produced on license in Dallas Texas

(1995 Aerospace Publishing Ltd., Edited by David Donald) records that 1,454 P-51D aircraft were manufactured in Dallas, Texas "of which 280 to RAF as Mustang Mk IV".

The last version of the Mustang to see service with the RAF was the Mustang IV, equivalent to the USAAF's P-51D. This version incorporated a number of improvements, including a bubble hood and an increased armament of 6 x .50" machine guns.

North American Mustang Mk. IVA 112 Squadron, Royal Air Force Cervia, Italy, May 1945 The final piston-engine aircraft type operated by 112 Sqn, the Mustang IVA (P-51K); a mixture of Mk.IV's (P-51D) and IVA's were operated from February 1945 until December 1946. Up to approximately the end of hostilities in Europe these Mustangs were painted in the normal camouflage, just as the previous Mk.III illustration. After that they were left in natural metal finish with Olive Drab anti-dazzle panel in front of the cockpit, and the code letters in black instead of white, all other markings remaining the same. Note that yet again the serial number (KH774) is over painted, by the individual aircraft identification letter "S". The Mustang IV's and IVA's were used alongside the remaining Mk.III's mainly in the ground attack role with bombs, though they did also fly longer-range missions with fuel drop tanks under wing. After a period in Northern Italy on occupation duty after the war's end the Squadron was disbanded at Treviso on 30th December 1946.

(RAF) P-51D
KH641 / KH670

P-51D
Sent To India or scrapped
281

North American P-51K-5-NT from KH751 on

(RAF) P51K

KH671 / KH870

P-51K KH*** series ALL had Fin Fillets Factory Fitted

(KH672,GAB, 44-11375, North American P-51K-1-NT Mustang c/n 111-29486/29685, SOC Nov 19, 1946)
(KH701,GAQ, 44-11404, Crashed on approach at Fano and hit B-24 Dec 3, 1944)
(KH719,GAB, 44-11486 to RAF as KH719. lost Jul 26, 1945 when undercarriage jammed and pilot bailed out)

(KH720, GAM, in January was given the symbol of pi, 44-11487 to RAF as KH720. flew into box canyon W of Trento Jul 26, 1945)

(KH734,GAB, SOC Mar 14, 1946, 44-11501) (KH763,GAF,44-11591 North American P-51K-5-NT Mustang c/n 111-29686/30085) 44-11591 to RAF as Mustang IVA KH763. Hit trees and overturned during attempted forced landing 3 mi NE of Forli May 13, 1945 following engine failure.

(KH774,GAS, 44-11602, flown by Lt Blanchford 6/5/45) 44-11602 to RAF as Mustang IVA KH774. SOC Feb 27, 1947

(KH776,GA? later GAK, 44-11604)

KH793, GAL, Mk IV, 44-11701 to RAF as KH793)

(KH795.GAY later GAG, 44-11703)

(KH820 GAQ Mk IV. 44-11728 to RAF as KH820)

(KH824,GAV, 44-11732)

(KH832,GAK later GA J, 44-11820 )

(KH852.GAP, Later V ? 44-11840)

(KH862,GAX, 44-11850)

(KH872 GAJ) probably 44-11860

594

(RAF) P51K

KM100 / KM492

ex USAAF P-51D

North American P-51K-10-NT Mustang 11953/11992 to RAF as KM100/KM139,

12263/12433 to RAF as KM140/KM310

13221/13252 to RAF as KM664/KM695 North American P-51K-15-NT Mustang c/n 111-30686/30885, 111-36036/36135. 12553/12602 to RAF as as KM312/KM361

(KM107.GAM, 44-11960, flown by Flt Sgt R B Robinson 6/5/45)) 44-11960 to RAF as Mustang IVA KM107. Flew into mountain in box valley 30 mi W of Trento Jul 26, 1945

(KM124,GAS, 44-11977) SOC Feb 27, 1947

(KM127,GAX, 44-11980) Missing from ground support mission Apr 12, 1945

(KM135,GAK. 44-11988) 44-to RAF as Mustang IVA KM135. Crashed near Graz Apr 2, 1945 after pilot abandoned aircraft following flak hit.

(KM136.GAB, 44-11989) 44-to RAF as Mustang IVA KM136. SOC Apr 14, 1946

(KM216, 44-12339 to RAF as Mustang IVA KM216. Flew into mountainside in box balley 30 mi W of Tranto Jul 26, 1945

KM235, 44- 12358 to RAF as Mustang IVA KM235. Flew into mountainside in box valley 30 mi W of Tranto Jul 26, 1945

KM271, 44-12394 to RAF as Mustang IVA KM271. Crashed four miles N of Cormons Nov 27, 1945 after pilot's oxygen supply failed.

(KM278,GA?) not sure this is the correct numbers for GA? 44-12401 to RAF as Mustang IVA KM278. SOC Nov 25, 1946

(RAF)

KM493 / KM743

ex USAAF P-51D
.
.

(RAF)

KM744 / KM799

not delivered
. .

Total: 875

1. A brief history of RAF Mustang Operations..

The Mustang’s achievements in WW2 with the USAAF tend to overshadow its work with the RAF, who of course took the aircraft in to combat before the Americans ever did. RAF operations can be grouped in to three types:

a. Army Co-operation including low level recce, naval strike using Allison engined P51A’s or Mustang 1/ll’s. Some also acted as low level interceptors against low flying German raiders.

b. Long range escort missions for coastal strike and bomber operations using Mustang lll’s and lV’s.

c. Ground attack and general fighter support using Mustang lll’s and lV’s.

a. The RAF loved the early Mustangs and it was very much missed when the production line closed in favour of the Merlin engined B’s and C’s. As a low level fighter the P51A had few equals in speed and range, even if its agility was exceeded by the low altitude cropped wing Spitfire Mk V’s. Mustangs saw action all over Western Europe including Dieppe flying in ones and twos at ranges Spitfire’s could only dream about in their armed versions. Mustangs had the standard day scheme of green/brown uppers and sky undersides later replaced by the green/Ocean Grey/Medium Sea Grey scheme. Markings were a standard mix of B roundels on the upper wings and C and C1’s on the under sides of the wings and fuselage sides (A’s on the green/Dark Earth versions). The RAF also had some of the 20mm cannon armed aircraft designated 1a’s. The last Mustang 1/ll squadron kept their aircraft until 1945. All others having been replaced by other types or Merlin Mustang versions.

b. As North American ceased production of the Allison engined versions the RAF reequipped some of the squadrons with less well suited types such as the Spitfire Mk V. While the Spitfire is still the best fighter of WW2 in this role the early Mustangs were certainly the better aircraft as their long range and rugged construction were very useful operating at these altitudes and mission profiles. The RAF then shifted attention to the Merlin engined Mk lll’s (the US B/C). The B/C were the same aircraft made by different factories with tiny differences between them, hence the RAF’s use of the same designation. By late 1944 this version had established itself as a competent performer capable of doing all that was asked of it. RAF modifications gave the aircraft a bulged Malcolm canopy for improved visibility and cockpit access and the US modification to the ammunition feed resulted in an end to the gun jamming problems that beset the aircraft when it first entered service. Some authorities believe the Malcolm hooded C with the modified ammunition feeds to be better than the later P 51D due to the loss of lateral stability that resulted from removing the fuselage side area. These Mustangs roamed far and wide over Europe escorting RAF bombers as Bomber Command increasingly turned day light precision raids such as those carried out by 617 and 9 Squadron’s using Tallboys and Grandslam earthquake bombs. Mustangs also carried out escorts for Mosquitoes and Beaufighters as far away as Norway for anti shipping strikes. Leonard Cheshire even used a Mustang for experimental target marking for 617 Squadron in place of the Mosquito he normally used. Almost all examples were green/Ocean Grey/Medium Sea Grey. Polish units often had colourful markings and large kill boards, 19 Squadron was quite well marked and its post war examples such as the well known Dooly Bird (Matchbox’s kit for example) were almost gaudy. These Mustangs took part in the anti Diver patrols against the V1 and were very successful, even if the Tempest had the speed edge on the Mustang.

c. Most notably in Italy the RAF and RAAF employed the Mustang in the lll and lV versions for ground support work and general fighter escort, but in Italy the Luftwaffe was virtually absent by the beginning of 1945, so the main role became ground attack including missions over the Balkans, where the Mustangs superior range was put to good use. In this region Silver painted Mustangs first appeared in some numbers, (later in NW Europe), but most aircraft retained normal RAF camouflage of green/Ocean Grey/Medium Sea Grey. It should be noted that most late RAF Mustangs were the K version with a different propeller to the D’s. with the modified air outlets on the lower cowling that were a feature of most aircraft supplied to the RAF and RAAF. The best looking Mustangs were used by 112 squadron, who in many case’s applied their well known sharks mouth nose decoration. It makes a Mustang look really evil! Post war under the terms of lend lease the Mustang did not survive long in RAF service as late Spitfires and Tempests along with Meteors and Vampires became the standard RAF fighters.

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