Shot Down P-40F-57FG?

[Buckeye30]

Kaiyan...........could still be the P-40F-10 or L-5 blocks listed above; if the 504 is on the fin on the right side it's the last 3 numbers of the serial. Looks like it's neither of these though ( 41-14504 or 42-10504 ) as both of these were condemned on 8 July 1944). P-40Ls had a radio mast as standard but the 4 guns are the best guide ( that's from the L-5 block, also lengthened fuselage). Can you post a link to the photo?
John .....that's a normal mirror fitting for these early P-40s, offset slightly to port.
Nick

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
Do the numbers at the left lower of the photo edge have any reference to the crash or date picture was taken ?

"43-11-6"

Alex

[Kaiyan]

If you could remind me how to post pics here i will post a copy of the pic ...my head seems to have hoe in it where data falls out...

[Kaiyan]

pic i hope

[John Beaman]

[quote=Buckeye30;226018]John........WASP was sunk in Sept. 1942 in the S. Pacific but had delivered Spitfires for Malta earlier in the year.
There were 3 carriers ferrying P-40Fs to N. Africa. In Nov. CHENANGO with 33FG ( in desert camo and serials in 41-14 block), they had yellow borders to wing and fuselage insignia as per "Torch" directive; HMS ARCHER also Nov. with replacements mainly to 33FG in desert colours , most with yellow outlines ( serials 41-14 etc); and RANGER in Jan. 1943 with 325FG these were both desert and OD / NG colours but no yellow borders as this was post-"TORCH" ( a few may have had them added in NW Africa). serials 41-19 etc. The OD had Medium Green patches added in production.
Apparently there were a few P-40Ls mixed in these batches. At least 1 photo shows P-40Ls on Ranger in Jan. 1943 in both camo schemes, thay have serials 42-105 + and only 4 wing guns. The US flag was usually under the left wing also.
Nick[/QUOT

OK, OK, I sure mixed my memories up!

I used to work with a guy who was asst. ship's carpenter on the Wasp and a plank owner. He had some interesting stories, especially about its sinking. I can share if anyone is interested.

[kaki3152]

I think the plane in question is a P-40L, 59FS, 33rd FG with s/n 42-10504. If you look at the picture you can see two MG opening, which would make this a P-40L. There is a color picture of 42-10511 with the exact markings (google it).
According to http://raf-112-squadron.org/33rdfghonor_roll.html, 42-10504 was launched on 25 Feb 1943 and was assigned to the 59FS.

[Kaiyan]

I seem to remember a discussion on the "old" LEMB of paper work catching up with events where an aircraft was written off the books when the paperwork caught up with real like that might explain the '44 date..... just a thought.

[Buckeye30]

I think they wrote-off batches as you suggest; there were 37 P-40L-5s "Condemned Inventory" in this block 42-10480 to 42-10699 on July 8 1944. They were classed as " unsuitable for repair", Cat.E in the RAF.
Others in this series went to the RAF and French.
John.........Would like to hear something about WASP especially the ferrying Spitfires to Malta in 1942 ( if he was aboard then).
Thanks Nick