Looking for fuselage code of Hellcat Mk.II (JW892)

[Skyraider3D]

Does anybody know the fuselage code for Hellcat Mk.II of 1844 Sqn with registration JW892?

This aircraft was used on 2 April '45 by Dutch pilot Moekardanoe to score the only Dutch victory for the FAA, against a Zero.

Any photos of this aircraft would be most welcome too.

Thanks!

[Graham Boak]

Sturtivant has this aircraft with 1839 Sq. He does not give a code, but quotes 1839's JW859 as 112/W, from the range 112-126, and 1844's JX743 as 143/W from the range 131 to 146, 162-163.

1839 absorbed 1840 Sq in April 1945, so perhaps the codes changed then, but it is outside your particular interest.

[Skyraider3D]

Thanks Graham.

Hmmm... Andrew Thomas also lists Harry Moekardanoe as being from 1839 Sqn in his recent Osprey book, while a Dutch writer merely mentions he flew from HMS Indomitable (which had both 1839 and 1844 Sqns).

I got my reference to 1844 Sqn directly from the combat report for 2 April. Another ground attack report from 31 March also states JW892 belonging to 1844 Sqn (on that occasion flown by Hawkins), so I assume this to be correct (for that moment in time at least).

Regardless of what Sqn it belonged to, code assignments weren't linear as far as I'm aware. Hopefully I'll find another combat report with mention of fuselage code for this machine.



PS. Some other examples I found in Thomas' Osprey title just now:
JX886/W126 - 1839 Sqn
JX814/W126 - 1844 Sqn
JZ935/W145 - 1844 Sqn

[Graham Boak]

As far as I know, code assignments were in blocks by squadron. They would bear no relationship to the serial sequence, if that's what you mean.

Earlier in the war it was normal for squadrons to use only their own aircraft, except when hard pressed, but I think that things became looser later on.

[Skyraider3D]

Indeed. Doesn't make things any easier though!

I wonder, are there any serial books at all for WW2 FAA/RAF etc? I am sure the information is "out there" somewhere...

Failing that, I guess the only way is to keep looking through reports and photos in the hope of getting a glimpse of this particular machine.

[Graham Boak]

There certainly are serial books available, but these do not list all the individual aircraft's code letter/number allocation within the unit. I believe that Ray Sturtivant's volume on FAA aircraft includes all known allocations, which can only be expanded if fresh photographs come to hand.

[Skyraider3D]

Thanks Graham!