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SQUADRONS! No.33: The Brewster Buffalo

The Brewster Buffalo was born as the Brewster F2A for the United States Navy. It was the first monoplane fighter to be introduced into USN service. At the end of the thirties, with war approaching, many European countries were seeking new equipment, particularly modern fighters, and the Brewster looked promising and when war was declared in September 1939, requirements were drastically accelerated and the UK was among the first to place an order. For the British, the Buffalo was not an obvious option as they were already producing two excellent fighters, the Hawker Hurricane and the Supermarine Spitfire, that were far superior to the American design. The Brewster fighter was initially rejected by the British Purchase Commission for this reason. However, the Air Ministry soon realised that production of both Hurricanes and Spitfires would not be enough to meet the RAF’s increasing demands and the acquisition of foreign fighters was therefore seriously considered. By the end of 1939, all American manufacturers were overloaded and delivery delays repeatedly extended. Large orders could only be placed with the manufacturers not yet overloaded. The Brewster Corporation was one such manufacturer. Therefore, the Brewster 339 was the only suitable option and appeared to be a good alternative that left Hurricanes or Spitfires to theatres where the RAF was already engaged, like the Far East. When Japan invaded Malaya and Burma in December 1941, the Buffalo was the backbone of the RAF fighter force in the Far East. They faced to very experienced Japanese fighter pilots who gave no chance to the young pilots freshly graduated from advanced training schools. The sacrifice of those young Commonwealth pilots, most coming from Australia and NZ would be in vain Burma and Singapore would be lost. About seventy photos and eight colour profiles. 64 pages

 

UPDATED DECEMBER 2020

 

Available as a paper version with ISBN 979-1096490-40-0

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HOW TO ORDER:

Send your mailing address  with your phone number in using ‘contact’ button and we will respond with a Paypal request with the following amount:

EU, UK and USA: 16.50 Euros postage included

Rest of the World: 19.50 Euros postage included

Multiple purchases with combined postage possible.

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Pdf version is available as 979-1096490-41-7

 

New PDF uploaded October 2023

SQUADRONS! No.32: The Supermarine Spitfire Mk V – The Norwegians

Paradoxically, the Mk.V, which ended up being the most numerous variant of the famous fighter built, was not even an intended development of the design. Indeed, it was only considered because of the abandonment of the Spitfire Mk.III. As the Luftwaffe was continually improving its formidable Messerschmitt Bf 109, the latest version of which, the Bf 109F, clearly outclassed the Spitfire Mk.II, the British had no other option but to rapidly find a successor to the latter. At this time, at the end of 1940, the British did not know what the Germans’ were planning and expected them to carry on undertaking daylight raids upon the return of nicer weather. The RAF, therefore, wanted to be ready to counter the new German fighter developments. A solution was soon found by mounting a Merlin 45 (former Merlin III), a simplified version of the Merlin XX, on a slightly strengthened Spitfire Mk.I or Mk.II airframe. Several Spitfires were thus modified, with either a Merlin 45 or Merlin 46, during the first weeks of 1941. The resulting feedback was good and the Air Ministry requested that Supermarine modify, as early as possible, Spitfires already on the assembly lines so they could be put into service as rapidly as possible. This is how the Spitfire Mk.V came to be. In 1941, the Spitfire Mk V progressively became the backbone of the Fighter Command and among the squadrons that switched onto the Spitfire Mk V, there were the two Norwegian fighter squadrons, Nos. 331 and 332. The operational usage of the Spitfire Mk V by those two squadrons is here described in 40 pages, 35 photos and illustrated with nine colour profiles.

(updated December 2023, September 2025)

Available as a paper version with ISBN 979-1096490-38-7

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HOW TO ORDER:

Send your mailing address  with your phone number in using ‘contact’ button and we will respond with a Paypal request with the following amount:

EU, UK and USA: 13.00 Euros postage included

Rest of the World: 15.50 Euros postage included

Multiple purchases with combined postage possible.

********************

Pdf is now available as 979-1096490-39-4 (see below)

new PDF uploaded September 2025

April 2019: Gloster Javelin FAW. 9 – 91 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so

Javelin FAW.9 – 101: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH707/T of No. 23 Sqn.

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 102: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH708/P of No. 64 Sqn.

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 103: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH707/H

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 104: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH712/K of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 105: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH713/B of No. 5 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 106: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH715/X of No. 33 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 107: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH716/G of No. 25 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 108: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH716/W of No. 11 Sqn

Javelin FAW.9 – 109: see above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 110: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH722/F of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 111: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH725/L of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 112: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH725/P of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 113: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH749/G of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 114: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH753/Z of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 115: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH760/B of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 116: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH762/F of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 117: see above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 118: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH763/C of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 119: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH763/Q of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 120: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH766/E of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 121: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH767/A of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 122: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH767/F of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 123: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH768

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 124: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH769/N of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 125: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH770/K of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 126: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH771/F of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 127: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH772/G of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 128: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH773/D of No. 5 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 129: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH776/P of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 130: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH777/R of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 131: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH780/A of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 133: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH783/A of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 134: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH787/G of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 135: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH792/A of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 136: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH793/D of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 137: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH834/Z of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 138: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH7834/PDW of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 139: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH835/K of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 140: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH843/T of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 141: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH847/U of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 142: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH848/B of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 143: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH849/H of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 144: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH872/M of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 145: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH873/A of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 146: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 147: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH876/N of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 148: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH879/D of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 149: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 150: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 151: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH880 in the Far East

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 152: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH880/JHW

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 153: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH881/M of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 154: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH882/L of No. 11 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 155: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 156: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH885/E of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 157: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH885/R of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 158: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH887/Q of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 159: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH887/F of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 160: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH888/K of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 161: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH889/H of No. 29 Sqn

Javelin FAW.9 – 162: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH889/L of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 163: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH890/M of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 164: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH891/H of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 165: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH891/R of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 166: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH892/J of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 167: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH893/V of No. 64 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 168: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH894/R of No. 23 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 169: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH894/E of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 170: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH897

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 171: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH898/GHB

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 172: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH903/G of No. 5 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 173: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH904/T of No. 33 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 174: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 175: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 176: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH905/E of No. 33 Sqn

Javelin FAW.9 – 177: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH907/C of No. 33 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 178: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 179: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH907/C of No. 33 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 180: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH907/H of No. 228 OCU

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 181: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH910/B of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 182: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH910/V of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 183: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH911/J of No. 33 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 184: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH912/E of No. 25 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 185: See above

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 186: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH956/W of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 187: See above

Javelin FAW.9 – 188: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH957/V of No. 33 Sqn

 

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 190: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH958/Y of No. 5 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 191: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH960/V of No. 29 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 193: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH961/V of No. 60 Sqn

 

Javelin FAW.9 – 194: Gloster Javelin FAW.9 XH964/T of No. 60 Sqn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SQUADRONS! No.31: The Supermarine Spitfire Mk V – The New Zealanders

Paradoxically, the Mk.V, which ended up being the most numerous variant of the famous fighter built, was not even an intended development of the design. Indeed, it was only considered because of the abandonment of the Spitfire Mk.III. As the Luftwaffe was continually improving its formidable Messerschmitt Bf 109, the latest version of which, the Bf 109F, clearly outclassed the Spitfire Mk.II, the British had no other option but to rapidly find a successor to the latter. At this time, at the end of 1940, the British did not know what the Germans’ were planning and expected them to carry on undertaking daylight raids upon the return of nicer weather. The RAF, therefore, wanted to be ready to counter the new German fighter developments. A solution was soon found by mounting a Merlin 45 (former Merlin III), a simplified version of the Merlin XX, on a slightly strengthened Spitfire Mk.I or Mk.II airframe. Several Spitfires were thus modified, with either a Merlin 45 or Merlin 46, during the first weeks of 1941. The resulting feedback was good and the Air Ministry requested that Supermarine modify, as early as possible, Spitfires already on the assembly lines so they could be put into service as rapidly as possible. This is how the Spitfire Mk.V came to be. In 1941, the Spitfire Mk V progressively became the backbone of the Fighter Command and among the squadrons that switched onto the Spitfire Mk V, there is only one New Zelander squadron, 485. The operational usage of the Spitfire Mk V by the New Zealanders is here described in 36 pages, 30 photos and illustrated with six colour profiles.

REVISED OCTOBER 2020

Profiles:

AB870/OU-Z – 485 Sqn

W3579/OU-Q – 485 Sqn

BM233/OU-E – 485 Sqn

BM316/RA – RAF Kenley (Atcherley)

W3561/MB – Portreath Wing (Blake)

AB509/JMC – 142 Wing (Checketts)

 

Available as a paper version with ISBN 979-1096490-36-3

**********************

HOW TO ORDER:

Send your mailing address  with your phone number in using ‘contact’ button and we will respond with a Paypal request with the following amount:

EU, UK and USA: 13.50 Euros postage included

Rest of the World: 16.00 Euros postage included

Multiple purchases with combined postage possible.

********************

Pdf is available as ISBN 979-1096490-37-0 (below)

(new PDF downloaded August 2023)

March 2019: Vickers Valiant – 30 photos (Pt-1)

 

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

Part One:  The prototypes and WP batch

Photo Valiant 01: Vickers Valiant prototype WB210 in flight

 

Photo Valiant 02: Vickers Valiant prototype WB210 in flight from a different angle

 

Photo Valiant 03: Vickers Valiant prototype WB215 taxiing, the seocnd prototype

 

Photo Valiant 04: Vickers Valiant second prototype WB215

 

Photo Valiant 05: Vickers Valiant second prototype WB215 on landing

 

Photo Valiant 11: Vickers Valiant WJ954, prototype of the Valiant B.2

 

Photo Valiant 12: As above

 

Photo Valiant 13: As above

 

Photo Valiant 14: As above

 

Photo Valiant 15: As above

 

Photo Valiant 21: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP201 of the RAE

 

Photo Valiant 22: As above

 

Photo Valiant 23: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP203 of the A&AEE

 

Photo Valiant 24: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP207

Photo Valiant 25: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP208 of the A&AEE

Photo Valiant 26: As above

 

Photo Valiant 27: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP210 of the A&AEE

 

Photo Valiant 28: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP211 of No. 18 sqn

 

Photo Valiant 29: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP212

 

Photo Valiant 30: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP213 of No. 199 Sqn

Photo Valiant 31: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP213 of No. 18 Sqn

 

Photo Valiant 32: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP214 of BDCU

 

Photo Valiant 33: Vickers Valiant B(PR).1 WP219 of No. 543 Sqn

 

Photo Valiant 34: As above

 

Photo Valiant 35: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP220 of No. 7 Sqn

 

Photo Valiant 36: Vickers Valiant B.1 WP220 and WP213 of No. 138 Sqn

 

Photo Valiant 37: Vickers Valiant B(PR).1 WP221 of No. 207 Sqn

 

Photo Valiant 38: Vickers Valiant B(PR).1 WP221 of the Marham Wing

 

Photo Valiant 39: Vickers Valiant B(PR).1 WP223 of No. 543 Sqn

Photo Valiant 40: As above

 

February 2019: Hawker Audax – 40 photos

 

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

 

Photo Hawker Audax 01: Hawker Audax K1995, the first of the type

 

Photo Hawker Audax 02: Hawker Audax K7504, No. 4 FTS

Photo Hawker Audax 03: Hawker Audax K1999, No. 4 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 14: Hawker Audax K2012, No. 13 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 05: Hawker Audax K2015, No. 13 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 06: Hawker Audax K3056, No. 2 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 07: Hawker Audax K3058, No. 2 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 08: Hawker Audax K3079, No. 4 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 09: Hawker Audax K3059, No. 2 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 10: Hawker Audax K3059, No. 2 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 11: Hawker Audax K3693, No. 16 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 12: Hawker Audax K3712 of ERFTS in 1938

Photo Hawker Audax 13: see photo 12

 

Photo Hawker Audax 14: Hawker Audax K5563 (background), No. 28 Sqn. It was coded BF-I

Photo Hawker Audax 15: An unidentified Hawker Audax of No. 20 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 16: Hawker Audax K4851, No. 20 Sqn

Photo Hawker Audax 17: Hawker Audax K4845, No. 20 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 18: Hawker Audax K4853, No. 28 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 19: Hawker Audax K5127, No. 11 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 20: Hawker Audax K5210, No. 11 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 21: Hawker Audax K5233, No. 4 FTS

Photo Hawker Audax 22: Hawker Audax K5234, K7504 and K3123, No. 4 FTS

Photo Hawker Audax 23: Hawker Audax K5235, No. 4 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 24: Hawker Audax K5255, No. 6 FTS

Photo Hawker Audax 25: Hawker Audax K5591, No. 63 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 26: Hawker Audax K5583, No. 28 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 27: Hawker Audax K5569, No. 28 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 28: Hawker Audax K5561, No. 28 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 29: Hawker Audax K4839, 28 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 30: Hawker Audax K7352, 2 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 31: Hawker Audax K7352, No. 2 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 32: Hawker Audax K7361, 6 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 33: Hawker Audaxes of No. 63 Sqn

 

Photo Hawker Audax 34: Hawker Audax K7423 of the RAFC

 

Photo Hawker Audax 35: Hawker Audax K7458 of the RAFC

 

Photo Hawker Audax 36: Hawker Audax K7468 of 21 ERFTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 37: Hawker Audax K7469, 2 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 38: Hawker Audax K7512, K4907 & K3127, No. 4 FTS

Photo Hawker Audax 39: Hawker Audax K3711, K7425 & K3695 of 9 FTS

 

Photo Hawker Audax 40: Hawker Audax K3697, No. 16 Sqn

January 2019: English Electric Lightning F.3 (silver era) – 78 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 01: Lightning F.3 XP695 before delivery

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 02: Lightning F.3 XP695/R, FCTU

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 03: Lightning F.3 XP695/O, No. 11 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 04: Lightning F.3 XP696, No. 226 OCU

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 05: Lightning F.3 XP696, No. 226 OCU

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 06: Lightning F.3 XP700/A, No. 74 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 07: Lightning F.3 XP700, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 08: Lightning F.3 XP701/W, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 09: Same Lightning F.3 XP701/W, No. 56 Squadron taken from another angle

Lightning F.3 – photo 10: Lightning F.3 XP702/C, No. 74 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 11: Lightning F.3 XP702/U, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 12: Lightning F.3 XP703 without markings

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 13: Lightning F.3 XP703/S, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 14: Lightning F.3 XP703/G, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 15: Lightning F.3 XP705/B, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 16: Lightning F.3 XP705/K, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 17: Lightning F.3 XP705/L, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 18: Lightning F.3 XP706/R, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 19: Lightning F.3 XP706/D, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 20: Lightning F.3 XP707, No. 226 OCU

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 21: Lightning F.3 XP707, No. 226 OCU taken while taxiing

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 22: Lightning F.3 XP708/N, No. 29 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 23: Lightning F.3 XP735/E, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 24: Lightning F.3 XP735/J, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 25: Lightning F.3 XP735/L, No. 29 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 26: Lightning F.3 XP735/L, No. 29 Squadron taxiing

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 27: Lightning F.3 XP736/F, No. 23 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 28: Lightning F.3 XP736/G, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 29: Lightning F.3 XP737/J, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 30: Lightning F.3 XP737/L, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 31: Lightning F.3 XP737, No. 226 OCU

Lightning F.3 – photo 32: Lightning F.3 XP737/P, No. 11 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 33: Lightning F.3 XP737, No.226 OCU

Lightning F.3 – photo 34: Lightning F.3 XP739/H, No. 111 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 35: Lightning F.3 XP740/J, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 36: Lightning F.3 XP741/D, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 37: Lightning F.3 XP741/D, No. 111 Squadron on landing

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 38: Lightning F.3 XP741/K, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 39: Lightning F.3 XP741/N, No. 11 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 40: Lightning F.3 XP742/G, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 41: Lightning F.3 XP742/L, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 42: Lightning F.3 XP743/G, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 43: Lightning F.3 XP743/B, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 44: Lightning F.3 XP747/L, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 45: Lightning F.3 XP749/K, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 46: Lightning F.3 XP750/H, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 47: Lightning F.3 XP751/L, No. 111 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 48: Lightning F.3 XP751, LTF

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 49: Lightning F.3 XP751/Q, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 50: Lightning F.3 XP752/Y, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 52: Lightning F.3 XP753/J, No. 74 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 53: Lightning F.3 XP753 with no markings

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 54: Lightning F.3 XP754/M, No. 74 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 55: Lightning F.3 XP754/X, No. 111 Squadron

Lightning F.3 – photo 56: Lightning F.3 XP754/R, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 57: Lightning F.3 XP754/X, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 58: Lightning F.3 XP755/P, No. 74 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 59: Lightning F.3 XP756/C, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 60: Lightning F.3 XP756/K, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 61: Lightning F.3 XP756/K, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 62: Lightning F.3 XP758/D, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 63: Lightning F.3 XP758/D, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 64: Lightning F.3 XP758/S, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 65: Lightning F.3 XP758, no markings

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 66: Lightning F.3 XP759/F, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 67: Lightning F.3 XP759/T, No. 56 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 68: Lightning F.3 XP759, no markings

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 69: Lightning F.3 XP760/K, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 70: Lightning F.3 XP761/N, No. 23 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 71: Lightning F.3 XP761/O, No. 11 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 72: Lightning F.3 XP762/M, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 73: Lightning F.3 XP762/M, No. 111 Squadron (early markings)

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 74: Lightning F.3 XP762/M, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 75: Lightning F.3 XP764/E, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 76: Lightning F.3 XP765/A, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 77: Lightning F.3 XR713/C, No. 111 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 78: Lightning F.3 XP745/H, No. 29 Squadron

 

Lightning F.3 – photo 79: Lightning F.3 XP759/J, No. 29 Squadron

SQUADRONS! No.30: The Supermarine Spitfire Mk V – The Belgian and Dutch Squadrons

Paradoxically, the Mk.V, which ended up being the most numerous variant of the famous fighter built, was not even an intended development of the design. Indeed, it was only considered because of the abandonment of the Spitfire Mk.III. As the Luftwaffe was continually improving its formidable Messerschmitt Bf 109, the latest version of which, the Bf 109F, clearly outclassed the Spitfire Mk.II, the British had no other option but to rapidly find a successor to the latter. At this time, at the end of 1940, the British did not know what the Germans’ were planning and expected them to carry on undertaking daylight raids upon the return of nicer weather. The RAF, therefore, wanted to be ready to counter the new German fighter developments. A solution was soon found by mounting a Merlin 45 (former Merlin III), a simplified version of the Merlin XX, on a slightly strengthened Spitfire Mk.I or Mk.II airframe. Several Spitfires were thus modified, with either a Merlin 45 or Merlin 46, during the first weeks of 1941. The resulting feedback was good and the Air Ministry requested that Supermarine modify, as early as possible, Spitfires already on the assembly lines so they could be put into service as rapidly as possible. This is how the Spitfire Mk.V came to be. In 1941, the Spitfire Mk V progressively became the backbone of the Fighter Command and among the squadrons that switched onto the Spitfire Mk V, there are the two Belgian and the single Dutch fighter squadrons, 349 and 350 for the Belgians and 322 for the Dutch. This is their story while flying the Spitfire V made of 48 pages, around 40 photos and eleven colour profiles.

Profiles:

BL540/MN-Y – 350 Sqn

BM381/MN-A – 350 Sqn

BM230/MN-F – 350 Sqn

EE766/MN-C – 350 Sqn

AR498/MN-G – 350 Sqn

AR498/MN-G – 350 Sqn (second marking)

EE613/MN-L – 350 Sqn

AA751/GE-K – 349 Sqn

xxx/VL-D – 322 Sqn

BM515/VL-P – 322 Sqn

BM354/VL-A – 322 Sqn

 

Available as a paperback version with ISBN 979-1096490-34-9

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HOW TO ORDER:

Send your mailing address and your phone number in using ‘contact’ button and we will respond with a Paypal request with the following amount:

EU, UK and USA: 15.50 Euros postage included

Rest of the World: 18.00 Euros postage included

Multiple purchases with combined postage possible.

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Pdf is also available as 9791096490-35-6

(new PDF uploaded September 2023)

December 2018: McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 (43 Sqn) – 41 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

This first part is dedicated to No. 43 Squadron Phantom FG.1s with the initial camouflage.

 

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 01: XT860/L, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 02: Another view of XT860/L, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 03: XT861/C, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 04: XT873/S, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 05: XT874, 43 Squadron, soon after the transfer to the RAF

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 06: XT874/J, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 07: XT875/K, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 08: XV567/I, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 09: XV568/T, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 10: XV569/S, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 11: XV571/A, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 12: Another view of XV571/A, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 13: XV572/N, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 14: Another view of XV572/N, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 15: XV573/L, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 16: XV574/B, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 17: XV574, 43 Squadron soon after its tarnsfer to the RAF

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 18: XV574/B, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 19: XV575, 43 Squadron in 1969

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 20: XV575/C, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 21: XV576/D, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 22: XV577/M, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 23: Another view of XV577/M, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 24: XV577/M, 43 Squadron on take-off phase

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 25: XV578/O, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 26: XV579/R, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 27: Opposite angle of XV579/M, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 28: XV580/Q, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 29: XV581/E, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 30: Another view of XV581/E, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 31: XV582/F, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 32: XV583, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 33: XV584/I, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 34: XV585/H, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 35: XV585/P, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 36: XV586/J, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 37: XV587/G, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 38: Opposite side of XV587/G, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 39: XV587/G, 43 Squadron landing

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 40: XV590/X, 43 Squadron

Photo Phantom FG.1 – 41: XT875/K, 43 Squadron

SQUADRONS! No.29: The Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVI – The Dominions

The Spitfire XVI is one of the Spitfire mark to have been so far little covered in depth. It was actually a Mk. IX engined with an American built Packard engine but otherwise it was very familar to a IX. It was used in the fighter-bomber role, from the UK with the Fighter Command or from the Continent with the 2 TAF. Of the twenty or so fighter units that flew the Mk.XVI before the end of production, roughly half were from the Dominions and six became operational on the type: four Canadian squadrons of No. 127 (RCAF) Wing of 2 TAF (Nos. 403, 416, 421 and 443), while two Australian squadrons (Nos. 451 and 453) flew their operations from the British Isles under the authority of Fighter Command. The others had been re-equipped by the end of the war in Europe, but only flew this variant for a short time. The Canadian wing achieved considerable success between November 1944 and May 1945, making this unit one of the most active of 2 TAF in the last months of the war in Europe. A previous title in connection with the British has been already published (SQUADRONS! 12).

 

UPDATED OCTOBER 2020, October 2024

 

Available as a paperback version with ISBN 979-1096490-32-5

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HOW TO ORDER:

Send your mailing address and your phone number in using ‘contact’ button and we will respond with a Paypal request with the following amount:

EU, UK and USA: 17.50 Euros postage included

Rest of the World: 19.50 Euros postage included

Multiple purchases with combined postage possible.

*********************

PDF is available as 979-1096490-33-2

new PDF uploaded October 2024