Tunisia P-40s- the real thing

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Yup, another Life Magazine photo- the one in the foreground looks like an “F”, no cowl top scoop. While the one ahead appears to be a “K”, short tail and cowl top scoop

and a “K” solo

and a solo “F”

2

Is the “F” in the first frame named “Hun Hunter III”? Seems I’ve seen that name on another type of a/c, but then again, it was probably pretty common.

Glenn

3

Oohhhh, wow, I just cannot get enough of those Life pics.

4

Excellent Life photo-surfing, Stik. Interesting question on the lone K-1, 42-46040, though. Joe Baugher has this one as wrecked in India, Sept. 30, 1943 and the pilot killed. What a foulup in record-keeping for the USAAF. Can anyone identify this squadron?

5

I have been able to find at least two P-40 Figther Groups in North Africa at that time- 33rd, which had its’ P-40s in two tone camo, and 57th, which had its’ in overall sand.

-edit- ok a bit more research, those are definitely 57th FG P-40s. Their markins were were the two digit numbers in the fuselage. Apparenty they had bot the sand and RAF camo there.

6

Best “educated guess”, 65th Fighter Squadron. 64th had a Scorpion emblem on the chin scoop, and 66th Fighter Squadron had a Magpie or similar bird smoking a cigar w/boxing gloves as a unit emblem on the chin scoop.

7

I think it’s interesting that they still have the red/blue RAF flashes on the tail.

8

These Life pictures are awesome! Stik ,you are the man for posting them, thanks!!

9

The fin flashes were required for operation in a British-controlled theater just like the USN required tail stripes in Navy-controlled areas of operation until May 12, 1942.

10

Thanks, Stik. I like to keep Mr. Baugher updated with any photo discrepencies that I find. He can note the finding on the entry for this aircraft.

11

Well it is entirely possible that the particular aircraft in question was transferred from the 57th to another FG in India. Those photos were taken in mid 1943 judging by the markings, weather conditions, etc. If the 57th had received later model P-40s or started receiving their P-47s by then, thier old P-40s had to go somewhere…

12

Awesome pictures.

Thanks for posting them.