Wildcat V, 881 Sqn markings

[CF-105]

Hi all,

I've been combing the 'net for some clear illustrations of the markings applied to Wildcat V's of 881 Sqn. RN assigned to HMS Pursuer. Especially during Ops Tungsten and/or Neptune.

Best I've come across have been a couple of photos where the codes are hidden or partially obscured, and the profile drawings on Wings Palette.

JV375 or other aircraft with a connection to Lt. Cdr. Digby Cosh would be ideal. As he was squadron CO at the time, any 881 Wildcat V would do though.

there is an earlier thread here regarding Cosh, but it left me somewhat confused: it seems that some planes were identified by two characters (ie. 5A) and others by a single letter (ie. "H").

The purpose of the research is for a radio control plane I have under construction. I'd like it to pay homage to Cosh and other Canadian Wildcat pilots.

If you have any info that could assist me, it would be much appreciated! Even a text description of the placement of squadron and/or aircraft codes, and colour used would be a huge step forward.

Thanks!

[Graham Boak]

JV375 was 5O in 881 Sq from 8.8.43 to 4.44. Other examples in this period were JV374/5G, JV369/5C, JV373/5S, KV389//5F, JV392/5H. There may be more, but I stopped looking.

[CF-105]

Thanks Graham!

I gather the "5" was the squadron code. Any idea if both squadron & plane codes would have been on the fuselage? Seemed to be that way for 896 Sqn also on Pursuer. I've seen quite a few Martlet/Wildcat photos (other units) where only a single letter was present.