P-40 in Western Desert
 

Here's a crashed P-40 Tomahawk with a German soldier. Can't find the code "DX" for a P-40 unit

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

DX is the code for 4 Squadron SAAF

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Aha, Thanks, I could not find it in "Squadron Codes 1937-1956" by Rawlins/Boyer. For 4 SAAF, they have "KJ" as the Squadron code. Did they change codes at some time?

Re: P-40 in Western Desert w/ "KJ"
 

I had this A/c identified as 4 SAAF according to the Bowyer/Rawlings book

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

This link has DX listed for 4 Sqn SAAF too, but when you click on the link for the Sqn it gives only KJ for 1939-45, so the use of DX must have been brief!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_RAF_Squadron_Codes

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showt...th-Africa-1942
post #1 links to a P-40 DX°D
post #16 for the explanation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_A...fication_codes

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Squadron Codes is now a rather dated reference source. A far better one is Combat Codes, by Vic Flintham and Andrew Thomas.

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Hello,
Anyone know the serial numbers of either the "DX" or "KJ-I" coded aircraft ?
Any idea as to who the pilots were and their fates ?
Alex

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Hi Alex

There are very few known match up between codes and serials for SAAF P-40's (especially the Tomahawks), mainly due to the quality of the ORB'S. There maybe a little further info in SAAF archives but to date little has been found.

As for how long these Units used the first set of codes, it was for approx 5 months, from Nov 1941 to late Apr 1942.

regards

Buz

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Thanks to all for their information!

So, 4 SAAF used "DX" from Nov. 1941 to late April 1942 when they changed to "KJ" which they used the rest of the war? Does anyone know why they changed squadron codes? It's interesting that this code change happened while they were still flying Tomahawks, as evidenced by the two airplanes.

Graham, I'm sure but I can't afford to upgrade my reference library due to semi retirement. I bought "Squadron Codes" at used book store many years ago and have used it extensively.

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

Perhaps this old thread on the RAF Commands forum is of some help: http://www.rafcommands.com/archive/09824.php

Scroll down to bottom half.

Regards,

Leendert

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

So May 1942 was when the code was changed? Usually codes were changed because two units had the same code, wonder if this was the case.

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

DX code history

245 - Mar 1940 > Jun 1941
4 SAAF - Nov 1941 > Apr 1942
230 - ?? 1942 > Dec 1942
57 - after Dec 1943 ???

Have read that squadrons in different theaters of operation could have the same code.

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

From Combat Codes:
245 Sq Hurricane I 3.40 to 8.41, Hurricane IIb 8.41- 1.43
57 Sq Blenheim IV 3.40 to late 40, various Wellingtons 11.40 to 10.42, Manchester c.9.42, Lancaster9.42-5.46
230 Sq Sunderland 3.42-12.42
2SAAF 10.41-6.42

It was normal to have the same codes in use in different theatres, particularly in the later years of the war, but it is more unusual to find the same codes in use at the same time in the same theatre. 245 and 57 are particularly unusual in that the codes have been carried simultaneously for a long time.

Re: P-40 in Western Desert
 

4 SAAF losses from "85 years of SAAF".
Nov 41
12th AN438;21st unknown;23rd unknown;24th unknown.
Dec 41
12th AN351;13th AK516;16th AK469;AN376;22nd AN297.
Jan 42
7th AK406;unknown;16th AN315( but 22nd ?).
Feb 42
Nil.
Mar 42
3rd AN412.
Apl 42
11th AN297;AN325?;AM442( but 14th ?);AN339;AK368;17th AN371;25th AK555.
May 42
31st AK509;AH914;AN360;AN242;AN408.

(but ) ref was AB's AA100-AZ999.
Alex