A-36 with the RAF

[Col Ford]

The six A-36A obtained as a "in theatre loan" from the USAAF and used by 1437 Flight were primarily used as fighter reconnaissance aircraft. They retained the US supplied armament of 6 x 0.50in Browning HMGs - two in nose synchronised to fire through the propellor arc and two in each wing. There is a chapter and summary of operations conducted by these aircraft in the book about the A-36 by Peter Smith - "Straight Down". They were primarily withdrawn from operational use by 1457 Flight due to maintenance and support issues. A couple of the A-36s were used afterwards to facilitate type transition training by RAF and RAAF units converting from P-40s to Mustang Mk.IIIs, including by No.3 (RAAF) Squadron. At end of use by the RAF they were either handed back to the USAAF or written off. No.225 Squadron also acquired through a "in theatre loan" from the USAAF, four P-51 aircraft, these being the equivalent of the RAF Mustang Mk.IA and armed with four 20mm Hispano cannon. These were used in the fighter reconnaissance role and to provide an aircraft with a larger radius of action than the Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires that were their main equipment at the time. No Mustang Mk.I or P-51A (Mustang Mk.II) type aircraft were operated by the RAF in the MTO. In terms of the later Merlin engined Mustangs delivered to the MTO, the P-51B/C (Mustang Mk.III) and P-51D/K (Mustang Mk.IV/IVa) these were all supplied as part of allocation to RAF under Lend Lease.