Kittyhawk

RAAF Curtiss H87A1/2/P-40F/K/L/M/N Kittyhawk I, II, III & IV
3 & 450 Sqns, RAAF

Curtiss Kittyhawk Mark IAs RAAF 3 Squadron lined up at LG 91, Egypt

Please Note: This page is an incomplete listing of airframes and is under research with updates here-on

RAF.Serial	USAAF Serial	Type	Type	Aircraft History
AK577	Direct Purchase	H87A-1	Note: a H87A-1/2 is a Kittyhawk Mk1 , not a P-40D/E.	17/12/41 Brought on charge. 20/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV- E. 11/01/42 Operational Loss when on a Blenheim bombing escort as part of a six a/c flight was damaged by BF109Fs and forced landed on a beach near El Agheila, Middle East. Pilot: F/O Robert Sydney Jones Serv#290726 missing, later reclassified as POW. A further two H87A-2s missing, AK690 (Pace, later returned 12/01/42) and AK645(Barr forced landed and RTU 14/01/42) lost that day.
AK581	Direct Purchase	H87A-1	MK1	12/10/41 Brought on charge. 19/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-J. 1300hrs 09/01/42 11 a/c with 7 a/c of 112Sqn RAF on a combined escort mission of 7 Maryland Bombers to Brega Area ME. A single BF109F was sighted, one a/c shot down (AK610 with Sgt Simes) and this a/c was forced landed after damage by more BF109Fs near Msus ME. Pilot: F/O Geoffrey Talbot Chinchen Serv#250704 was slightly wounded. Salvaged, repaired and later transferred to 73 OTU.
AK583	Direct Purchase	H87A-1	MK1	21/8/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107 MU. Coded OK-K. 27/9/42 Rec 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF. Later 239WG TF and 73OTU
AK589	Direct Purchase	H87A-1	MK1	30/9/41 Brought on charge ME. 30/9/41 Brought on charge. 01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 09/01/42 Operational loss and ran out of fuel and force landed into a minefield Agedabia, ME. Sgt Ian Alfred Lyons Serv#400095 not injure. Aircraft went on to 53RSU for repairs where it suffered another accident 25/01/42. Then to 53 RSU. Note: Returned to Australia 1942 to 2OTU as Instructor P-40s. Commissioned flew ops with 82 Sqn and 77Sqn RAAF P-40Ns. Post war 76Sqn RAAF as Flight Commander BCOF. Remained RAAF with Serv#O33072 till 1962. Awarded MBE.
AK590	Direct Purchase	H87A-1	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn RAF coded DJ-J. 30/3/42 to 450 SQN RAAF recoded OK-J. In service 09/04/42 to 20/04/42. Replaced by AK657 by 23/04/42, later 112 code GA-E /239WG TF/73OTU
AK592	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/9/41 Brought on Charge. 01/12/41 Rec 450Sqn RAAF, when CO brought this a/c to Burg El Arab as first H87A-2 a/c. 02/12/41, a/c held U/S here. 06/01/42 ferried to Sqn ex Burg El Arab Originally coded just P, then DJ-P and finally OK-P. 03/04/42 took off El Adem 1450hrs Sgt David Robert Law 403140 developed engine trouble and forced landed Gazala L G which was spikes for demolition. Repaired in unit. 09/04/42 Slightly damaged 14th Mar 42 hit by shrapnel (SGT David Robert Law Serv#403140 not injured) repaired at SQN. 3/4/42 Aircraft suffered an engine cut, but pilot was able to recover safely to Gazala only to crash-landed Gazala LG replace by AL231. SGT D Law Serv#403140 not injured.
AK594	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	30/9/41 Brought on Charge ME. Rec 28/01/42 ex 107MU. Coded CV-O. 1300hrs 15/02/42 Operational Loss, one of two a/c shot down during a scramble to intercept bomber near LG.110. Both did not know that the bomber was escorted by BF109Fs. AK605 Sgt Frank Blunden Reid Serv#402137 was shot down immediately by Bf109F 3 miles southwest Upper Gambut landing Ground, near Sidi Haneish and eventually so was AK594. Pilot: F/O Thomas Joseph Logan Briggs Serv#270699 despite wounded from explosive shells, bailed out at 200' successfully. Returned to Australia. Later served with 2OTU.
AK596	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/12/41 First Kittyhawk as flown in and shown by No 3 Sqn RAAF Sqn Ldr Gordon Steege to show the type to 3 Sqn RAAF. Was not placed on strength. 21/12/41 returned to 107 MU and later served 94/250/260 RAF Sqns.
AK597	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/41 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. To 107MU ex 3Sqn RAAF 16/04/42. Later 239WG TF (Training Flight) and Instructional Air Frame 4398M.
AK598	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/12/41 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 19/12/41 Accident damaged when u/c collapsed. 19/12/41 Rec 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF. NFDs. 23/05/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF. Coded CV-H. 1910hrs 01/07/42 Operational loss when hit by AAA causing the fuselage tank to catch fire while strafing near El Daba. Pilot: P/O David Vickery Ritchie Serv#405262 was slightly injured and bailed out. He landed safely near a South African Unit South of El Alamein. Rejoined unit 1100hrs 02/07/42.
AK599	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 22/01/42 1200hrs on fighter sweep (second mission on day) one of two a/c that went missing (AK736 with F/O James Andrew McIntosh Serv#742 KIA). Pilot: P/O Elvas Arthur Bradbury Serv#250696 was slightly injured from return fire from Ju87, along with other medical issues, returned to unit 21/01/42.
AK600	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 22/01/42 Believed to have been damaged on take-off at Antelat due to the Aerodrome being wet and boggy. Aircraft was burnt to prevent capture by advancing Axis land Forces. Cat 3.
AK603	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/01/42 ferried and Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded only with the letter "A" in grey. 29/01/42 On landing at RAF Ismailia a/c ground looped on landing. Damage to mainplane and undercarriage. Pilot: Sgt Stanley Oliver Simpson Serv#402987 was not injured. Repaired and issued 112Sqn RAF 23/07/42 as to be shot down and abandoned 24/07/42, SOC 28/7/42, after it had only been with the unit for 1 day when lost.
AK604	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 25/02/42 Rec Geneifa 53RSU ex 3 Sqn RAAF for replacement by P/O Curtis. 09/04/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU (Ex 250Sqn RAF). Coded OK-R. 1910hrs 16/05/42 when a/c after taking off 1808 on a 9 a/c scramble as top cover to 10a/c of No 3Sqn RAAF were vectored to El Adem at 16000feet. Formation was jumped by three BF109Fs without effect. During the attack, one a/c (AK697 (P/O F Parker) was seen to pull up and chopped the tail off one a/c. The tailess a/c was seen to crash south of Acroma ME. Pilot: Sgt William Jeffrey Metherall Serv#400151 was Commissioned P/O as per 28/04/42, previously with 238Sqn RAF, when in Hurricane Z4957 was s/d 03/01/42). Pilot of AK697 P/O Francis "Frank" Ernest Parker Serv#406260 bailed out successfully. Cat 3
AK605	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	20/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 1300hrs 15/02/42 one of two a/c shot down (other AK594 F/O Thomas Joseph Logan Briggs Serv#270699) during a scramble to intercept bomber near LG.110. Both did not know that the bomber was escorted by BF109Fs. While climbing, the a/c were attacked from above and shot down in flames 5 miles southwest of Upper Gambut LG (110LG). Pilot: Sgt Frank Blunden Reid Serv#402137 was killed.
AK606	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	26/12/41 Ferried and Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "B" and painted with 250Sqn RAF Arrow on exhaust manifold cowl area. Was Coded DJ-B, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. Re-coded OK-B and had Black Winged Eagle motif on cowl, blue spinner. 10/7/42 damaged on OPS by enemy aircraft CAT 2 Pilot Sgt Gordon Lindsay Serv#400720 departs SQN. 2/8/42 To 450 Sqn RAAF again coded OK-B. 24/08/42 to Abu Suier for Major servicing. One of the longest serving H87A2 Kittyhawk Mk1s s in Sqn Jan-August 42. Later to 2 SAAF and No 1 Middle East Check Conversion Unit (No 1 MECCU, later becoming 241OCU) at Bilbeis, Egypt.
AK608	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Curtiss Wright Weighed RAF H87A-2 a/c AK608 on 25/07/41. CW customer Sequence #38. 1345hrs 21/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Damaged on take-off 04/01/42 (F/O Thomas Lancelot Threlkeld Serv#761) at Msus, 05/01/42 flown to 53 RSU El Adem by F/O James Andrew McIntosh Serv#742; NFDs. SOC 28/4/42
AK609	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	27/12/41 ferried by 450Sqn RAAF Pilot ex 107MU for 250 Sqn RAF. Coded "C" then DJ-C, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 1112hrs 27/02/42 10 a/c scrambled with 3 Sqn RAAF a/c and were attacked by BF109Fs over Tobruk. AK609 failed to return and lost near northwest of El Adem and Tobruk area. Pilot: Sgt Edward James Gray Serv# 404629 missing. 18/04/42 advised that pilot was buried Tobruk War Cemetery. Confirmation only issued 10/10/42.
AK610	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/41 Rec 3Sqn RAAF El Adam ex 107MU. 1300hrs 09/01/42 operations when 11 a/c with 8 a/c of 112Sqn RAF, to escort Maryland Bombers to bomb a motor transport concentration in the Brega Area. One a/c failed to return. Pilot: Sgt Ronald Henry Simes Serv#402259 DFM missing presumed killed. Later interned at Alamein Memorial, Egypt.
AK612	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "N" then DJ-N Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42, later OK-N named “Rima”. 1615hrs 16/04/42 Accident while engaged in ferrying a/c to 107MU ex 3 Sqn RAAF for engine change, crashed after take-off when the engine failure, developed a left turn and then spun into ground, then bursting into flames some 1.5 miles north of Landing Ground 12 (Msus). TTHrs 79.15Hrs. (Form 765C) Pilot: Sgt William Allan Beard Serv#402717 was killed. W/O V-1710-39 (F3R) Eng #A205759.
AK613	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/01/42 ferried by 450Sqn RAAF Pilot ex 107MU. Coded K and later DJ-K. 1300hrs 23/02/42 Part of 12 a/c escorting 12 Boston in the Tmimi Bomba Area. Engaged by Bf109F and last seen losing height below the other a/c. Pilot: F/O Charles Keith Teulon Thompson Serv#404066 failed to return from sortie. Missing, later POW as confirmed 29/05/42, residing at Camp Stammlager Luft 3 Germany.
AK615	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250Sqn RAF. 29/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF. Coded OK-H. 30/06/42 flown by Sgt Davidson. 10/7/42 off SQN for Engine change. 24/7/42 off Sqn for Engine change. 29/07/42 flown by Sgt Markle. 31/07/42 flown by Sgt Davidson Later to 2 [SAAF] Sqn/ 5 [SAAF] Sqn and 73 OTU.
AK616	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 29/12/41 Collision on landing with 112Sqn RAF Tomahawk causing Cat II damage to both a/c. Pilot P/O Reginald Verne Pfeiffer* Serv#407130 was not injured. Note Though stated Sgt per Air Min 540, he was in fact commissioned 10/08/41 as a P/O. Later after return to Australia 02/43, later as a F/Lt flew Mosquito a/c with No 1 Sqn RAAF in 1945.*
AK617	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 11/01/42 Escorting to El Agheila Blenheim Bombers when attacked by 6 plus BF109Fs. A/c set on fire forcing pilot to bail out. Pilot: Sgt Allan Cecil Cameron* DFM Serv#404085 was captured, POW. Note* Was already commissioned 01/05/42 as P/O in captivity. Escaped and recaptured twice in Africa, then once in Italy. Promoted F/Lt 01/05/44. Several escapes in Germany ex Stalag Luft VIIIA but finally succeeded 26/04/45 out of Stalag VIIIB and made contact with the US Army.
AK618	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/01/42 ferried by 450Sqn RAAF Pilot ex 107MU. Coded D, later DJ-D, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42, and finally OK-D. 14/03/42 Accident when aircraft tipped on nose. Pilot: Sgt Ronald Vernon Clifton. Danger Serv#404545 was not injured. Repaired in Unit. 18/03/42 a/c tipped on nose again. Pilot: Sgt Ronald Vernon Clifton. Danger Serv#404545 was not injured but did get the nickname of "Danger the Pranger" Repaired in unit. 17/6/42 damaged by AAA. Pilot F/Sgt Phelps not injured. 26/06/42 Pranged when rammed by with Hurricane (Sgt Wallace 73 Sqn RAF). Pilot: P/O F C Schaaf Serv#03288 was not injured. Repaired. Later to 250 Sqn RAF, 4 [SAAF] Sqn and 5 [SAAF] Sqn
AK619	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	02/1/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 1020hrs 13/01/42 as one of 10 a/c to ferry from Msus to land at new base at Antelat. A/c crashed on take-off. Pilot: P/O Victor Farley Curtiss* Serv#400036 was not injured. Cat E damage.22/01/42 A/c set on fire and burnt after this accident to prevent capture. Note Sadly returned to Australia only to be killed in 2OTU Wirraway A20-69 almost a year on, 06/01/43, along with Sgt William Simpkins Serv#420502.*
AK621	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	25/01/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF Establishment (F/O Gibbs). Coded CV-V. 13/03/42 flown to base by F/Lt Nicky Barr. Later to 239 Wg TF.
AK623	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/02/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF Establishment (F/O Lou Spence) Coded CV-E. Last seen on Ops 08/03/42 (P/O Curtiss who s/d JU87 Stuka). 1350hrs 12/03/42 a/c forced landed 5 miles north of Gambut due to engine troubles near El Gobi. Aircraft recovered. 9/3/42 aircraft being flown from SAT 1 to Gambut Main when it belly-landed. NFDs. No damage and flown back later but no longer on 3 Sqn RAAF Air Min 540 postdate. 03/09/42 to 3 Sqn RAAF as taxied from AOC and coded CV-P. 13/9/42 after test flights on the 12-13/09/42 aircraft again no longer in 3 Sqn RAAF Air Min 540 postdate. Later to 5 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK623	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-S. 15/03/42 Engine failure and force landed northwest of El Adem. Pilot: Sgt Thomas Edwin Packer Serv#407453 was not injured. NFDs
AK624	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/1/42 issued 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-Q. 17/01/42 on landing a/c nosed up at Antelet (satellite strip near Msus)and was damaged. A/c believed destroyed to prevent capture during Axis advance.
AK625	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Served 94 Sqn RAF. 21/8/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF LG222 at Mena ex 239 Wg ferry Pilots (With AK713/ET953/AL203). Coded CV-E. 1420hrs 08/09/42, as part of an 8 a/c formation scrambled to intercept enemy a/c in the El Daba Area at 1300 hrs (20plus BF109Fs and 20 plus Stukas), after combat damage and injuries, forced landed in Mine Field in the El Daba Area. Pilot: F/Sgt Keith Hubert Freer Serv#403577 was slightly injured gunshot wounds left eye and chest in air operations. A/c Cat III.
AK626	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	28/10/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-C. 21/11/42 Allocated ex 3 Sqn RAAF to 233WG and flown out.
AK627	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/01/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107 MU (With AK603/AK618/AK628). Coded "E". 27/01/42 Accident in air, due to multiple bird strikes (a Gaggle of Geese (later replaced by AK655 ex 107MU 29/01/42). A/c Landed safely at RAF Ismailia. Pilot: Sgt James Robert James RAAF Serv# 400645 not injured. 03/02/42 Rec RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF.
AK628	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/01/42 ferried by 450Sqn RAAF Pilot ex 107MU. (With AK603/AK618/AK627). Coded F and later DJ-F, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 14/02/42 Damaged when undercarriage collapsed at Sidi Hanish. Pilot: Sgt William John Halliday* Serv#406244 was not injured. Later to 2 [SAAF] Sqn. Note Sadly KIA 13/06/42 in AL117 at El Adem.*
AK631	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded just "W" in light Grey. 01/02/42 unable to take off due to engine trouble RAF Ismalia. Pilot F/Lt J Paine not injured. 1130hrs 05/02/42 arrived LG012 flown by FLt J Paine. 1100hrs 11/02/42 Accident when on landing at Sidi Haneish (LG012) swung on landing after misuse of brakes causing the a/c to overturn. Pilot: Sgt Inmam Edward Way Serv#406271 was slightly injured. Airframe Cat II and Eng is also Cat III. Later to 250 Sqn RAF.
AK633	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/01/42 ferried to and Rec 450Sqn RAAF Sqn ex 107MU. Coded M, later DJ-M Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. Recoded OK-M 24/05/42 with 3 Sqn RAAF ex 450Sqn RAAF. Coded CV-E. 1650hrs 30/05/42 Operational damaged when attacking motor transport (MT)concentration of 200/30030 plus MTs near Barmat. Pilot: F/Sgt Ross Biden Serv#402718 was not injured. 03/6/42 Rec 53RSU ex 3Sqn RAAF. 06/43 Rec 239FW HQ or TF ex 53RSU. 27/8/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 239FW. Re-coded OK-N. 29/08/42 Flown Sgt J Churchill. 30/08/42 flown Sgt G R Jones/F/Sgt R N B Stevens.1/9/42 No further Flights 3 Sqn RAAF to 53 RSU. Crashed on test flight 17/9/42. 25/09/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU and recoded OK-B. 27/09/42 Rec 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF. Later to 4 Sqn SAAF as KJ-V. NFDs.
AK634	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/03/42 Arrived ME ex USA. To be issued to 450Sqn RAAF. 1640Hrs 22/03/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 112 Sqn RAF Ferry pilots/53RSU from Gerawala (LG-10) to Sidi Haneish to Gambut Main. Pilot:Sgt William John -Halliday Serv#406244. Coded OK-U. Last operational flight was on 10/04/42 Rec 53 RSU ex 450 Sqn RAAF. 11/04/42 Forced landed at Satellite Strip El Adem. Sgt Dyson. Flown out Sgt Taylor 1702hrs 11/04/42 to base.10/05/42 to 14/05/42 Rec 53RSU ex 450 Sqn RAAF. 19/05/42 Replacement AK948 as OK-U. 20/05/42 Assigned 239WG Training Flight (TF). 30/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 239FW TF. Re-coded OK-F due to being replaced as OK-U by AK948. Flown 05/07/42 by Flt Lt John Edwin Ashley 'Willy' Williams DFC Serv#40652 RNZAF* credited with "damage" on one Ju88, which was later upgraded to a Kill. One BF109F credited also destroyed that day by Sgt O'Neil in AK615. Flew with 112Sqn RAF on the 12-13/07/42 but was still coded as OK-F. 19/07/42 Damaged by AA fire during divebombing attack on LG20. Pilot: F/Sgt Raymond Davis Dyson** Serv#406234 was not injured. 19/07/43 Rec 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF. Note* Arrived 15/06/42 ex 250 Sqn RAF to become OC B Flight 450Sqn RAF(RAAF) . Became CO of No 450 Sqn RAF(RAAF) for three days from 28/10/42 when he was shot down in Kittyhawk Mk111 FR270 and captured. By early 1944, Williams and another 450 Sqn RAAF officer, Flight Lieutenant Reginald "Rusty" Kierath Serv#402364 (MIA 23/04/43 in Kittyhawk Mk III FR477), found themselves imprisoned at Stalag Luft III, near Sagan, Germany (Now in Poland). Both men were amongst the 76 POWs who had escaped during the famous "Great Escape" in March 1944. They were both re-captured and on 29 March 44, along with three other Australian airmen, and were amongst the 50 Stalag Luft III POWs murdered by the Gestapo. A posthumous Mention in Dispatches (MID) was published on 8 June 1944.He is buried in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Note ** Flew Hurricanes in 1941 with 450Sqn RAAF. Later became a Test pilot in ME, later returning Australia, commissioned 05/43 and assigned 2OTU. Made F/Lt 05/45 when with 1AD Test and Ferry flight.
AK636	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/06/42 flown by F/Lt Williamson on recco of Gambut Gas El Arid area (with AL142 with P/O Murdoch as pair) when one BF109 attacked which was shot down by Williams. Following this, painted with figurine of Mandrake carrying forward a lit fused bomb. 18/06/42 ferried to LG075 from Sidi Azeiz by F/L Williams. 19/06/42 part of a 8 a/c fighter sweep Sallum Halfaya as flown by P/O Shillaber. 1114hrs 20/06/42 bombing of moving targets near Sidi Barani. Flown by Sqn Ldr Ferguson and again later at 1310hrs that day delousing Gabr Saleh area. 22/06/42 flown by Sqn Ldr Ferguson for a "Stuka Party" near Bardia. 23/06/42 fighter cover for bomber as flown by P/O Osborne. Same day flown by F/Sgt McBurnie on bomber escort. 25/06/42 flown as part of top cover for bombers by Sgt Lindsay. 25/06/42 flown by F/Lt Williams on F/B sortie 400 plus dispersed Motor Transport and Tanks. later that day, flown by Sqn Ldr Ferguson as top cover the same day. later in late afternoon, flown by F/Lt Parker on same day on Sqn's 10 sortie as Top Cover( ME DAF Record) .26/06/42 flown by P/O Schaaf as escort for three Boston Bombers. Later that day, flown by F/Lt Williams as top cover. oOn third sortie for that same day, flown by P/O Schaaf as top cover to 9 Boston Bombers. flown by FLt Williams 8th Sortie that day as low medium cover to Bostons and scored a direct hit on truck. late 26/06/42 ferried to LG104 by Sgt Williams( no relation). 27/06/42 flown by F/Lt Williams on recco in Matruh/Charing Cross Area. Later on ferry from LG104 to LG105 and then to LG106 as flown by F/Lt Williams. 30/06/42 flown by F/Sgt Dangar. Later flown by Sgt O'Neil that day as top cover. Again, same day flown by P/O Shillabeer on bombing and escort sortie. 01/07/42 flown by P/O Shillabeer on comm flight from Wadi Natrun to LG91. Later flown by Sgt Gleeson on bombing and bomber escort then again same day flown by Sgt Taylor. Sgt McFarlane flew her in late afternoon on another escort, then rounded off as flown by Sqn Ldr Ferguson on 5th Sortie of the day, again as escort on bomber escort same day. In use 450Sqn RAAF then on until 04/07/42 when damaged by AAA and forced landed by Sgt Geoffrey James John Gleeson Serv#404796. Post RAF Service, later 01/05/43 to Turkish Air Force as #3705
AK638	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 Sqn. 06/04/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 53 RSU. Coded OK-U. 22/08/42 first flown Sortie by Sgt Quirk. 27/04/42 flown Gambut Main and issued off. Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK641	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	28/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-L. 02/02/42 and 05/02/42 flown by F/Lt E H Jackson. 07/02/42 flown by F/O H H Schaeffer 1445-1535hrs. Damaged. 23/02/42 flown to Base with two other a/c for replacing. NFDs. To 107MU for Structural up to 23/07/42. 02/08/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded OK-A. 02/09/42 Rec Base ex 450Sqn RAAF. Later to 250 Sqn RAF.
AK643	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	20/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-A. 01/01/42 6 BF109s escorting 16 JU 87 Stuka D/bs were encountered 15 miles east of Agedabia. During engagement, this a/c went missing. Damaged by return fire from Ju87, the pilot, Sqn Ldr Dixie Robison Chapman Serv#0335, New C O of 3 Sqn RAAF on this very day, had forced landed his aircraft wheels down. He rejoined the unit the following day. A/c repaired in field. 14/01/42 F/O E A Bradbury flew AK643 to El Gazala. 22/01/42 flown by F/O L Bradbury. 23-24/01/42 flown by Sqn Ldr Chapman. 26/01/42 flown by Sqn Ldr Chapman. 12/02/42 flown by F/Lt Jackson. 23/02/1942 Rec 107MU ex 3 Sqn RAAF. 22/09/42 Returned to 3 Sqn RAAF. Coded CV-F. 1600hrs 02/11/42 as fighter cover for bombers bombing road south of Rahman, last seen to go down in long glide, Gaizafa area. Pilot: Sgt Joseph Steele Holder Serv# 401443 MIA, later POW 08/11/42 per Camp 57 PM3200, Italy. Then later Stalag 8B post 1943. Released 16/04/45, then rank W/O. As the Allies moved on, the A/c found forced landed (Though Pilot was POW) and returned to service with 73 OTU (Noted Jan 44 to its eventual loss 29/11/44.)
AK644	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-Y. 01/03/42 one of six a/c scrambled over El Adem for an intercept. Nil contact, however, engine burst into flames, with pilot taking to parachute successfully 8 miles south of El Adem. Pilot: F/O Harrold Graham Pace Serv#270824 not injured, RTU. Note: Sadly KIA 13/05/42.
AK645	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/41 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 11/01/42 during bomber escort of Blenheim aircraft with a/c from 112Sqn RAF, EA sighted and contact made. Whilst attempting to land on a beach to recover a s/d pilot (Refer AK577) in his own a/c, he was shot down by a Bf109 near El Agheila, some 25 miles behind enemy lines. Pilot: F/O Andrew William "Nicky" Barr OBE, MC, DFC and Bar. Serv#250774 slightly wounded, evaded captured for 5 days and RTU 14/01/42. Note: Later s/d and became a POW. But eventually escaped 21 months later successfully and awarded a Military Cross for actions behind enemy lines in Italy.
AK646	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 27/12/42 flown to Msus ex El Gazala. 28/12/41 flown by F/O Andrew William "Nicky" Barr. 28/12/41 landed wheels up at El Gazala. Pilot: F/O Elvas Arthur Bradbury Serv#250696 was not injured. 01/01/42 Noted: Not repairable in Unit along with AK689. Cat 2. To 53RSU. 29/08/42 Noted on IE and coded as OK-U. 1147hrs 07/09/42 During 10 a/c wing scramble a/c suffered main bearing failure and landed safely. Pilot: P/O Edward Lyell Sly Serv#402810 was not injured NFDs. SOC 01/02/44
AK650	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU.01/01/42 flown by F/Lt E Jackson. 03/01/42 flown by Sgt Cecil Cameron (S/D 10/01/42). 05/01/42 flown by F/O R G "Bobby" Gibbs. 17/02/42 Flown out to base. 23/02/1942 Rec 107 MU ex 3Sqn RAAF. Later to 112 Sqn RAF.
AK651	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Previously served with 112 Sqn RAF as GA-Z. Damaged 04/02/42; Repaired; 16/06/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex MU. 24/6/42 first noted 3 Sqn RAAF as flown by P/O Pfeiffer. Coded CV-A. 5-9/07/42 Flown regularly by Sgt Edward Henry Alderson Serv# 402838. 20/07/42 test flight Sgt Lloyd Lindsay Boardman Serv#402787. 21/07/42 flown by Sgt Gordon Roy Jones Serv#402938 to Base ex 3Sqn RAAF. NFDs.
AK653	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Previously served with 112 Sqn RAF as GA-G. Coded CV-K. 15/02/42 a/c attacked by Enemy aircraft 15 miles south of Gazala. Pilot, P/O Donald Neil McQueen Serv#402530 suffered gunshot wounds in right leg and admitted to 62nd General Hospital. Cat 2 damage. To base ex 112 Sqn RAF. 05/07/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF Re-coded CV-X. 05/07/42 first noted 3 Sqn RAAF as flown by Sgt Bayly 1630hrs when damaged a BF109F. 01/08/42 used last operationally 3 Sqn RAAF and flown out to 239Wg Training Flight. 25/10/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. recoded CV-W. 30/10/42 Rec base ex 3 Sqn RAAF. NFDs.
AK655	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	29/01/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF El Adam ex 107MU. Coded "E" later DJ-E. *Named "Joan".* 1530hrs 22/02/42 whilst taxying to dispersal Gambut Satellite No 1 when a 73 Sqn RAF Hurricane collided head on with the a/c when all was obscure due to dust. Pilot: Sgt James Robert James* Serv# 400645 injured when head hit reflector site and admitted to 63rd MDS. Installed Allision V-1710-F3R A205854. NFDs Note: Sadly MIA/KIA in AL146 on 08/06/42.
AK656	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/1941 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 0900hrs 08/01/42 missing on Sqn Sweep operations after running into 20 Macchi's, 15CR42's, G50's and 8-9 BF109Es (Wreck located 5.2miles south of Agedabia 60 degrees from road). Pilot: F/O Alan Rupert Baster Serv#400035 MIA sadly confirmed KIA 14/01/42 and buried above bearing one mile off El Hasciet Road.
AK657	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded T, later DJ-T, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42, and then OK-T. 25/02/42 damaged on ground by strafing. 28/04/42 Suffered engine failure. Pilot: Sgt Danger? To 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF 05/42. Later to 250 Sqn RAF.
AK659	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	02/01/42 ferried to Sqn ex 107MU. Coded G, then DJ-G, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 1345hrs 28/03/42 following air operations and suffering gunshot wounds left arm and left side of body forced landed just west of the front line southwest of Tmimi. Pilot: Sgt William John Halliday Serv# 406244 was picked up by the Army and admitted to 150 Field Ambulance, RMC. Note: Recovered from wounds, but sadly in AL117, posted MIA 13/06/42.
AK660	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/1942 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-N. 08/02/42 part of a 10a/c sqn formation, together with 112 sqn RAF a/c to escort Blenheim bombers to bomb Derna Aerodrome. While waiting for 73 Sqn RAF Hurricanes who were to provide top cover, the formation was attacked by three BF109Fs over El Adem. Being one of the a/c attacked, pilot was forced to bale out after the tail plane was shot away by one of the three BF109Fs.Cat 3. Pilot: F /O Thomas Lancelot Threlkeld Serv#A.761 was uninjured and picked up by Australian Army and RTU. Note: Sadly, a week later MIA in AK691 on 16/08/42.
AK663	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	24/02/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-I. 04/42 one of six a/c loaned to 450Sqn RAAF during this period. 07/04/42 as top cover for 260Sqn RAF with 4 SAAF Sqn as close escort to 6 Boston bombers to bomb a enemy column at Sidi Breghisc, one a/c engine caught fire and the pilot bailed out and parachuted safely down to 2 miles east of Gambut. Pilot: Sgt William Jeffery Metherell Serv#400151 was uninjured. W/O Allison V1710-F3R #A.205879 Cat E
AK664	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	27/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-X. 28/01/42 flown by Sgt White on ground strafe for first sortie. 14/02/42* non-operational flight a/c forced landed at Toruk, Libya. Pilot: F/O Harrold Graham Pace Serv#270824 was not injured. 16/04/42 Rec Base ex 3 Sqn RAAF. Tfr 107MU. NFDs. Stated served later with 239Wg TF and 5 SAAF.
AK665	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-M. 1210hrs 27/02/42 Scrambled on intercept enemy aircraft over Tobruk, Libya with five other a/c. Attacked by BF109s and a/c was shot down 4 miles Southwest of El Adam. Pilot: Sgt Roger Maurice Herbert Jennings Serv#404509 was killed.
AK668	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "H", later DJ-H, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 1015hrs 18/02/42 Forced landed due to engine failure approximately 3 miles west of LG1 and below the bordering escarpment. Eng Cat 1 and airframe Cat 2. Pilot: F/O Charles Keith Teulon Thompson Serv#404066 was not injured. Aircraft retrieved and repaired. 15/03/42 Ferried by F/O Thompson to have new engine. 22/03/42 on ops. 04/04/42 Cat 2 accident due to nose up and binded brakes. Pilot: Sgt Alexander Noel Glancy Serv#400221 was not injured. 27/04/42 returned to base. 27/07/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex base. Coded OK-F. Off 28/08/42. Later 239 FW Flt. SOC 01/01/44
AK670	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	27/12/41 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "J" later DJ-J, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. No Ops 01-03/42 entries, held C Flight. 06/04/42 to RSU. 17/04/42 pilot: Sgt Thomas Edward Crouch* Serv#404237 Later to 250 Sqn. Note Sadly Sgt Crouch, now a F/Lt was killed in an accident in Australia in Mosquito A52-18 08/11/44 at Bankstown*
AK671	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded DJ- R, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Feb 42. Recoded OK-R. 09/03/42 last flown by P/O Sands on sweep. 10/03/42 Rec RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF. 14/03/42 damaged Cat 1. Sgt Elston John Quirk Serv# 404770 not injured. Repaired, however: 23/03/42 damaged Cat 2. Pilot Sgt Ian Arthur Nursey Serv#402389 not injured. Replaced by AK732 as OK-R. Later to 250 Sqn RAF.
AK674	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn. 23/09/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded CV-N. 07/10/42 on return from sortie of bombing of motor transport concentration, was damaged on landing at LG91. P/O Arthur Neville Austin Serv#411726 was not injured. To 53RSU. SOC 01/07/43.
AK677	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	0? /03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base 10/03/42 flown by Sgt Bread on Offensive patrol. 21/4/42 to RSU. Later to 112 Sqn. Coded GA-G. 20/07/1942 A/C damaged over El Alamein and force landed. Pilot: Sgt Richard De Bourke RCAF Serv#R79048 was uninjured and RTU.
AK680	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex-112 Sqn RAF ??/6/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex MU. Coded CV-T. 20/06/42 flown by Sgt G E Clabburn (RAF Serv# 205745) on bombing recco Sidi Omar. 14/07/42 Ferried to RSU ex 3 Sqn RAAF by Sgt Neill. NFDs. Later to Turkey 31/3/43 as 3701
AK684	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/05/42 Rec. 3 SQN ex MU/RSU - on test flight by Sgt B M Thompson aircraft suffered engine failure and force landed Administrative S.O.C date 1/1/47
AK687	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn RAF. 12/07/42 Rec 450 SQN ex MU. Coded OK-K Aircraft flown to base 26/07/42 for Engine change. SOC 010244
AK688	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded CV-A. 21/03/42 flown by 21/12/41 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU.Coded CV-T. 15/01/42 flown by F/O Spence on fighter sweep.16/01/42 F/O Gray flew AK698 to El Gazala. 23/01/42 forced landed 22 miles south of Msus. Damaged beyond repair (Cat 3) Pilot: F/O Harrold Graham Pace Serv#270824 was not injured. NFDs. ??/04/42 To base ex 3Sqn RAAF. 07/04/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded OK-M. Out after 28/04/42. NFDs SOC 05/07/42?
AK689	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-W. 01/01/42 Not repairable in Unit. 14/02/42 Sgt F B Reid s/d MC200 20 miles Southeast of El Gazala. 27/02/42 Shot down by BF109F near El Adem. Pilot: F/O Richard Craigton Hart Serv#260719) survived. Note: Sadly, as a F/Lt with Test and Ferry Flight, 1AD after returning to Australia, he was killed in Anson DG826 near Mount Macedon Victoria 09/05/43.*
AK690	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 1220hrs 11/01/42 forced landed juncture of Antelat/Benghazi Rd near Msus. Pilot: F/O Harold Graham Pace Serv#270824 not injured. RTU. 13/01/42 on Wing Sweep, a/c damaged when two BF109s bounced formation. A/c MIA. Forced landed and Cat 2 Damage. Pilot: F/O Henry Harrness Schaeffer Serv#260835 was uninjured and RTU 14/01/42. A/c salvaged to 53 RSU, El Adem.
AK691	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-L. 1630hrs 16/02/42 operational loss, as part of a 5 a/c patrol over El Adam that sighted 5 BF109Fs but made no contact. Later three BF109Fs were encountered and attacked. No sign of AK691 was made until it failed to return. A/c shot down 10 Miles S E of El Adam 20m south of El Adem. Pilot: F/O Thomas Lancelot Threlkeld Serv#761 missing presumed killed. 28/04/42 changed to KIA.
AK692	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	8/3/42 Rec 450 SQN ex BLG, coded DJ-C, later OK-C. 22/05/42 flown back to base for 40 hourly inspections, returned a couple of days later but suffered an engine failure 27/05/42. Pilot Sgt Ivan Charles Young Serv# 400402 not injured.
AK697	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	07/05/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded OK-J. 1910hrs 16/05/42 when a/c after taking off 1808 on a 9 a/c scramble as top cover to 10a/c of No 3Sqn RAAF were vectored to El Adem at 16000feet. Formation was jumped by three BF109Fs without effect. During the attack, one a/c (AK697 (P/O F Parker) was seen to pull up and chopped the tail off one a/c. The tailless a/c AK604 OK-R was seen to crash south of Acroma ME. Pilot: Sgt William Jeffrey Metherall* Serv#400151 was killed. Pilot of AK697 P/O Francis "Frank" Ernest Parker** Serv#406260 bailed out successfully. With the pilot now gone, the a/c was witnessed to pull up without tail for a short time. Note Commissioned P/O as per 28/04/42, previously with 238Sqn RAF, in Hurricane Z4957 was s/d 03/01/42. ** Parker was ex Tomahawk pilot per 112Sqn RAF Oct 41. Refer AN220*
AK698	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/12/41 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU.Coded CV-T. 15/01/42 flown by F/O Spence on fighter sweep.16/01/42 F/O Gray flew AK698 to El Gazala. 23/01/42 forced landed 22 miles south of Msus. Damaged beyond repair (Cat 3) Pilot: F/O Harrold Graham Pace Serv#270824 was not injured. NFDs
AK699	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/1941 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-B. 17/01/42 Forced landed on travel flight El Gazala to Antelat , 25 miles NE of Msus. Pilot: F/O Pfieffer not injured. Repaired. 26/01/42 after ground strafing suitable targets, a/c crash landed 20 miles north of Mechili ME. Pilot: Sgt Walter Hamilton Arthur Mailey Serv# 402375 not injured.
AK702	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn. 22/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex MU. Coded CV-L. 07/04/42 One of six 3 Sqn RAAF a/c loaned to 450Sqn RAAF as flown by Sgt Thomas Edward Crouch Serv#404237 from base to ALG. Repaired in Unit. Permanent assignment and recoded OK-G. 12/05/42 flown by Sgt Law on ops. 13-15/05/42 flown by P/O Bell. 22/05/42 accident on landing at El Adem when collided with 40 Sqn SAAF Hurricane. Pilot: P/O John Thompson Bell 403307 was not injured. Cat 2.
AK703	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/01/42 ferried to 450Sqn RAAF Sqn ex 107MU.13/01/42 Accident swung on landing Y LG at Qassassin, near Abu Sueir and ground looped. Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Jack Donald* Serv#402231 was not injured. *Note, later commissioned as a P/O 06/07/42 and was to serve with 3 Sqn RAAF from April 42 until becoming a POW 15/09/42 after being s/d in P-40E-1 EV345.
AK706	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/03/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF. Coded DJ-S. 08/03/42 flown by Sgt Young on patrol with 3 Sqn RAAF. Flown Mid-March by Sgt Taylor 19/03/42 "S" replaced by AK912 originally OK-S. 28/03/42 per top cover at 160000 feet Martula received Cat 2 damage by cannon fire in port wing. Pilot: Sgt Elston John Quirk Serv#404770 was not injured. To base. NFDs. SOC 01/01/44.
AK708	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	01/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 1815hrs 04/05/42 accident whilst on ferry flight from ALG to base, forced landed at Sidi Azziz through bad weather and engine trouble. No damage. Pilot: F/Sgt Ross Biden Serv#402718 was not injured. 05/05/42 Returned to Base from Sidi Azziz to RSU. NFDs. Later SOC 01/01/44.
AK712	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/02/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. 08/03/42 after take-off 1700hrs as part of a 6 a/c formation on a free-lance patrol, sited enemy a/c 15 Miles north of Tobruk and engage. One a/c, due to combat and engine troubles at 1750hrs was forced landed near Tobruk. Pilot: F/O Harrold Graham Pace Serv#270824 was not injured. RTU. SOC 21/04/42
AK713	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/08/1942 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Coded CV-W. 26/08/1942 during practice flying engine failed at 19000feet, a/c did a dead stick glide and bellied landed at pinpoint 537874. A/c Cat 2. Pilot: P/O Thomas Leslie Ambrose Russell Serv#264812 of 3Sqn RAAF, attached 239FW TF, was uninjured. NFDs. SOC 01/02/44
AK717	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "V" later DJ-V, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 08/03/42 N0 2 patrol Sgt McBurnie lost wing tip when a/c touched sea but still claimed an Italian MC202. Recoded OK-V. 22/05/42 part of a 8 a/c as top cover for 9 Boston bombers crossing near the coast , 3 miles south of Ras-el-Tin when 2 BF109Fs attacked, resulting in two Kittyhawks (AK717 and AK948 (Sgt E J Quirk Serv#404770) and shot down, one of which burst into flames when reaching the ground, the other last seen spinning out of control, by Bf.109Fs. Pilot: Sgt Arthur Lloyd William Serv#401019 MIA deemed killed. V1710-F3R A206110
AK718	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-P. 0915hrs 17/05/42 one of seven a/c for a Tac/R escort to El Adem area, but on landing aircraft was damaged at El Adem LG. Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Lloyd Lindsay Boardman Serv#402787 was not injured.
AK719	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "L", later DJ-L, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 25/02/42 strafed on ground at Gambut main. Cat 1. Repaired in unit. 27/02/42 A/c shot up, and crash landed near Tobruk, by Bf.109s. A/c Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Thomas Edward Crouch Serv#404237 was uninjured.
AK722	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	06/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "N" later DJ-N, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 12/02/42 during training flight ex LG012, a/c was forced landed at LG102 due to engine failure. Pilot: Sgt William Jeffrey Metherall Serv#400151 was not injured. Eng Cat 2. Arrangements made to transport airframe back to LG012. 07/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex base. Recoded OK-N. 08/06/42 AK722 Sgt Oakley a/c damaged by AAA Cat 1 when attacking 200 motor transports near Racheim Area. repaired in Unit. Later Mar 43 to Inst. Airframe 4397M.
AK725	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 Sqn.14/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex MU. Coded OK-S. 26/06/42 Slightly damage Cat 1 by AA fire per 7th Sortie on 26/6/42. Pilot: Sgt John Carlisle Osborne Serv#403369 not injured. Repaired in Unit. 30/06/42 flown by Sqn Ldr Ferguson on bombing and bomber escort. 0620hrs 01/07/42 flown by Sgt M A Jenkins on Communication flight from Wadi Natrun to LG 91. 1200hrs 05/07/42 arrived LG39 from and back to base as flown by Sgt W H Wallace R72057 RAF. 13/07/42 to RSU. Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK726	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/01/42 rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "O" later DJ-O, Pre-OK Code for 450Sqn RAAF Jan-Apr 42. 1605hrs 19/03/42 whilst on 2nd Patrol of the day, a/c forced landed due to engine failure at Gambut Satellite Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Raymond Shaw Serv#402139 was not injured. A/c repaired and later to Turkey 31/03/43 as #3702
AK727	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF Ex 107MU. Coded "R". 29/01/42 Ground Looped on landing at RAF Ismailia (Sgt George Stewart Dynock Cassell Serv#402307 who later was with 112 Sqn RAF) later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn.
Ak729	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/1/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-Z. 31/01/42 Damaged on landing.(F/O Briggs?). 01/02/42 to RSU. Then 94 Sqn. 1145hrs 01/06/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex RSU. 1900hrs 01/06/42 damaged by EA fighters, near Burg-el-Arab, Bir Hacheim Area. Pilot: Sgt E H Anderson Serv#402838 RAAF was slightly wounded. 03/06/42 to RU. 28/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex RSU. 30/06/42 suffered minor damage on landing. Pilot: Sgt John Carlisle Osborne Serv#403369 was not injured. 01/07/42 Bailed out Top cover for 9 Bostons when attacked and s/c by 4 BF109s north of El Imayid. Pilot baled out 1.5 miles out to sea, and swam ashore. He was later picked up by army and returned to base. Pilot: Sgt George Connon Watson O'Neil* Serv#403475. Note* Before 450Sqn RAAF, served in 131Sqn RAF (Spitfires) in UK. He later on 25/07/42 flying AK912, he forced landed before reaching LG91 due to engine failure and successfully evaded capture and arrived at the allied lines that night, and again, later being s/d in Kittyhawk III FR328 on 13/01/43 behind enemy lines, and despite being shot at by Enemy MGs in his successful attempt to reach allied lines three days later. For this he was awarded the Military Medal which was gazetted 07/43. After 450Sqn RAAF, he served in 680 (PR)Sqn RAF Cyprus Sept-Nov 43, and with 451Sqn RAAF flying Spitfires Nov 43- Jan 44. Later Returned to Australia with CFS and later 2AD Test and Ferry Flight. Awarded also DFC Nov 44.
AK732	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	110/03/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded DJ-L. 10/03/42 failed to take off due to engine issues. Pilot: Sgt John Robert James Serv#400645 not injured. Repaired in Unit. Re-coded OK-A. 05/04/42 a/c was part of a six a/c formation that scrambled from Gambut Main Aerodrome at 1530Hrs. This was the pilots first operational flight when at 7000 feet, his a/c was seen to enter a when into a spin and then crashed 5 miles southwest of Gambut where it burst into flames. Pilot: P/O Gordon Douglas MacPherson Serv#403484 was killed. A/c Cat III. Interned Halfaya-Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt.
AK734	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded S then DJ-S. 23/02/42 accident when a/c spun in on approach to Gambut Satellite No 1 LG, crashed and burned, with pilot being thrown out, and sadly dying of injuries. Pilot: Sgt Keith Martin McBride Serv#407441 was killed. Buried 25/02/42 Tobruk Cemetery Grave 71C.
AK736	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	19/12/41 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-C. 22/01/42 1200hrs on fighter sweep (second mission on day) with 11 other a/c over El Gatafia-El Hassiet Area. Enemy aircraft attacked and during the ensuring fight, two a/c went missing, this a/c and AK599 with F/O Elvas Arthur Bradbury Serv#250696. Last seen entering a spin and appeared to have crashed but had landed wheels up. Pilot AK736: F/O James Andrew McIntosh Serv#742 missing believed KIA (Confirmed 16/12/42). A/c Cat 111 and W/O Allison V1710-F3R #A206095. However, a/c noted 20/10/42 on No 4 Sqn SAAF ORB. with 2nd Lt J G MacKay (Buz note).
AK740	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 Sqn. 01/07/42 noted on Sqn IE. 10/07/42 flown by F/Sgt J S Phelps as part of a 10 a/c flight to bomb LG20 and LG 21 when attacked by three BF109Fs. Damaged on operations by fighters or AAA, along with AK606 (Sgt G Lindsay). 11/07/42 flown back to 53RSU ex 450Sqn RAAF by Sgt Vincent John McFarlane DFM Serv#403360. Later to 239 Wg Training Flight.
AK745	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 Sqn RAF. Noted IE 22/5/42 3Sqn RAAF as flown to base by Sgt White. Coded CV-Z. 1555hrs 16/06/42 shortly after take-off from Satellite No 1 Strip to bomb enemy concentrations in Sidi Rezegh, the a/c experienced engine trouble. On an attempted landing on Gambut Main, however undershot with was partially lowered undercarriage on the forced landing while still carrying a single bomb. As the a/c bellied, the bomb exploded. Pilot: P/O Ross Biden Serv#402718 was killed. He was buried in the War Cemetery at the 66Km post on the main Bardia/Tobruk road near Gambut Main. NB: Aircraft stated as Kittyhawk AL159 per NAA File Item 1054846; Its AK745 per cypher on the day, Appendix "B" CO Report for June 42, and the Circumstantial Report. However, it is AL159 that he, as Sgt Biden, damaged on the 16/05/42.
AK749	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn SAAF. 15/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53 RSU. Coded CV-R. 17/04/42 Accident at LG.012 on delivery. Pilot: Sgt Edward Henry Thomas Anderson* Serv#402838 RAAF was not injured. 17/04/42 Issued RSU. Repaired. ??/05/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. 12/06/42 Damaged 12/06/42 when prop hit ground during strafing, Sgt Edward Charles House** Serv#406247. SOC 08/03/44. Note: Later KIA in EV361 on 20/10/42, ** Later commissioned and flew Spitfires with 451Sqn RAAF in 1944*
AK750	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	31/05/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex base. 26/06/42 Part of a 4 a/c formation setting up as top cover to 9 Boston Bombers whose target was enemy Motor Transport West of Charing Cross. A/c was attacked by an BF109 and was observed to dive steeply and its pilot baling out. Pilot: P/O Malcom John Jones Serv#402240 was MIA later POW (26/06/42). W/O V1710-F3R 3871 A206087.
AK755	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	11/3/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded CV-E. 20/03/42 Engine change at Base (Sqn Ldr Gibbs). Noted last on IE on 23/5/42 when Sgt White flew a/c to Base. Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK756	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	10/06/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-X. First noted 3 Sqn RAAF's IE on 11/06/42 as flown by Sgt Neill on escort to 18 Bostons . 09/07/42 As one of two a/c ferried to base (With P/O Reginald Verne Pfeiffer Serv#407130 in AK961) when forced landed at Wadi Natrun. Pilot: Sgt Lloyd Lindsay Boardman Serv#402787 not injured. Later to 5 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK757	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/01/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded "U" then DJ-U. 20/02/42 flown by Sgt William Jeffery Metherall Serv#400151 on scramble and orbit over El Adem. 09/03/42 Held at Gambut Main, after flown there by Sgt Elston John Quirk Serv#404770. Noted 450Sqn RAAF IE 08-12/05/42. 0500hrs 30/07/42 Forced landed 6 miles west of LG.222 after engine caught fire in flight. P/O James Edwin Franks Serv#403731 239Wg TF. slightly injured. Cat 3 W/O V1710-F3R A206207.
AK774	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Arrived Port Sudan 2/2/42 issued to 107MU. 08/03/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex MU. Coded OK-O. 07/04/42 1554Hrs 8a/c took off to be top cover for Boston Bombers when while south of Gazala the flight was attacked by Bf.109s. A/c had tail shot away, forcing F/O Eric Teulon Thompson* Serv#404069 to bale out. IARC states SOC 8/4/42 - M821 (message number). W/O V1710-F3R A205999. Note: * Sadly now as a F/Lt, he was later killed in AK789 on 31/05/42. Note ** BB and GRB Research: Records and diaries do reflect that this a/c , AK774 was destroyed this day, 07/04/42 as it was abandoned in flight. However, "O", with Serial AK774 quoted on the Form 541 entry lines per Dates 11, 12,14,16,23,25,26, and 27th April 42 as being extant. Primarily Sgt Shaw, once each by Gordon Steege, McBurnie and Beste. The next OK-O was AK981 which Sgt Shaw flew often, after it had arrived later in the month. However, due to No 3 Sqn RAAF being stood down, they had the use of some 12 a/c on loan that belong to that Sqn. Primarily the "O" was really in all likelihood, CV-"O" AK806 on loan, and the research percentages backs this up since "O" AK774 was destroyed on the 07/04/42 after the pilot baled out per RAF IARC and Records.
AK776	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 2 [SAAF] Sqn. 31/08/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex Base, as flown in by Sgt Kenneth Clifford Bee Serv#403854. 01/09/42 on scramble for interception east of El Alamein, as part of a six a/c flight, was attacked by two BF109Fs, then 16mins later attacked by 5 more BF109Fs. During the latter, a/c was shot up badly. Pilot: F/Sgt Thomas Goddard Woods* Serv#411423 was not injured. 05/09/42 ferried to Ismailia (53 RSU) by Sgt Alexander Norman Jones Serv#401644 (239Wg TF). Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn. Note: Commissioned 27/08/42 as P/O and became a POW 20/10/42 when s/d in ET954.*
AK778	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn RAF. 04/07/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Wadi Natrun by F/Sgt John Hobson Hooke Serv#401216. Coded CV-J. 08/09/42 as part of an 8 a/c flight scrambled from readiness for interception of NW Sector over Qattara area. Claim of a BF109F destroyed and a MC202 probable by Pilot. A/c damaged. Pilot: Sgt Gordon George Scribner Serv#411392 not injured. Repaired in Unit. 12/09/42 flown by Sgt H Caldwell on N to S line near El Alamein. 14/09/42 Last flown by P/O A B Taylor. 15/09/42 Rec Base ex 3Sqn RAAF. Later to Turkey 31/03/43 as #3703
AK786	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/06/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex base as flown in by F/Sgt Garth Edward Clabburn Serv# 205745 to ALG. Coded CV-J. 12/06/42 shot down in flames but manage to force land, albeit in a minefield near El Adem, causing the tail of the a/c to have been blown off. Sgt Henry John Bray* Ser#404324 was not injured. Note: Later awarded a DFC in 1944, but sadly KIA in 451Sqn RAAF Spitfire Mk XIV SM346 on 14/03/45
AK789	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	24/05/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base as flown by Sgt Henry William Devlin Serv#401108. Coded OK-R. 31/05/42 As part of a 10a/c flight to provide cover for No's 3 RAAF and 112 RAF Fighter Bombers. From 10 Miles from El Adem, they were ordered to orbit base. About 10 miles west of El Adem 4 Kittyhawk a/c were seen at 1000 feet above the formation which turned to attack 2 Enemy a/c diving towards the four Kittyhawks, whereupon in the ensuing encounter, one was seen to be shot down, and the other was seen to spin in. 2 A/c FTR base (AK897 and AK789). W/O V1710-F3R 3766 A.205982. Pilot: F/Lt Eric Teulon Thompson Serv#404069 MIA later two days confirmed as KIA. Note* quoted as AK787 per form 541, however on Casualty Report and Personal file confirmed the serial as AK789.*
AK790	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/04/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex Base. 28/05/42 during bombing column 6 miles S E of Bir Hacheim a/c suffered AAA damaged. Sgt Frederick Joseph Ryan Serv#403149 not injured. 29/05/42 Rec Base ex 3 Sqn RAAF. Later to 112Sqn. 22/7/42 as GA-? "Christine". A/C shot down by flak over battle area west of El Alamein. Pilot, P/O John Satterthwaite Barrow, 118054, RAFVR was KIA
AK792	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	02/03/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded DJ-F. 28/03/42 Accident on landing at Gambut Main when severe brake issues after force landed over base due to fuel shortage. Pilot: Sgt J D Gleeson Serv#404796 slightly injured with contused knee. Cat 2 Damage. issued Base. 09/07/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex base. Coded CV-V. 24/07/42 ferried to Ismailia (53 RSU) by Sgt Donald. 01/08/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF as OK-C - sent back to base the following day for an engine change. 23/8/42 Rec 450SQN - issues not resolved so flow back to base 26/8/42 Later to 112Sqn RAF as GA-B.
AK793	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/02/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded DJ-W later OK-W. 30/05/42 on 9 a/c flight escort of 3 Sqn RAAF and 112Sqn RAF fighter bombers with 250Sqn RAF. Proceeded to a point 10 miles east of El Adem then headed 290degrees for 25 mins as Dust was so thick that no bombing or strafing performed. A/c shot down by Bf109F with a/c forced landed at Gambut Satellite No 1 Aerodrome due to dust storm. Sgt Max Andre Jenkins Serv#407241 was not injured. Cat3. SOC NFDs.
AK796	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/02/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF from base to Gambut as flown by P/O Reginald Verne Pfeiffer Serv#407130. Coded CV-J. Noted IE last 17/4/42. 24/04/42 Rec BARU (BOAC Aircraft Repair Unit) at Heliopolis. Later to 2 [SAAF] and 4 [SAAF] Sqns.
AK799	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 RAF Sqn. 23/03/4 2Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. 26/03/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE as flown by P/O Parker. Coded DJ-R replacing AK671. 28/03/42 part of a 12 a/c flying west and south of Derna Road on target Marrtuba Aerodrome, escorting Boston Bombers when met up with 12 BF109Fs. one of two Cat 2 damaged a/c on landing. Pilot: Sgt Neil Hartley Shillaber Serv#407459 not injured but credited with 1 x Probable BF109F. 06/06/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF. Coded as OK-F. 27/06/42 out due engine failure. Later to 1 METS.
AK800	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Noted IE on Ops 07/02/42 Flown on Blenheim Escort by Sgt Reid. 08/02/42 Flown on Blenheim Escort by Sgt Thompson. 10/02/42 flown to Base. 15/2/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF to Base ex MU as flown by P/O Henry Harrness Schaeffer Serv#260835. 23/02/42 Flown to ALG ex Gambut by Sgt Beardman. 04/03/42 Left Base for ALG with AK860 (Sgt Beard) but due to weather both a/c belly landed west of Sidi Barrani. Cat 2. F/O Robin Gray Serv# 260717 was not injured. Later to 250 Sqn RAF.
AK804	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/07/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. Noted IE on Ops 22/07/42 1st flown by Sgt G Lindsay. 22/07/42 2nd Sortie, as flown by Sgt R G Hughes R78724 RAF, a/c spun in after being hit by AAA, with pilot baling out over target 1 mile west of Mineor.
AK805	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	28/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded OK-A. Noted on Ops 05/07/42 as flown by P/O Schaaf. 27/07/42 One of 10 a/c flight acting as top cover for 3 Sqn RAAF FBs an area approximately 1-mile square Deir-el-Dhib Road. The formation was attacked by 2 Bf109Fs. One a/c was seen to spin and burst into flames on hitting the ground. P/O Thomas Jeffrey Forsyth Serv#401430 was KIA. Buried by Germans but no documentations as per known grave (to 1948). W/O V-1710-F3R 6534/A206838.
AK806	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/3/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU (Ex 250Sqn RAF.) Coded CV-O, Named "Rima II" later CV-N from 24/6/42. 1100hrs 24/06/42 As part of a formation of 4 a/c on a reconnaissance sweep over the forward area, when some 18 miles northeast of Maddalena the formation was attacked by 6 BF109 and 4 G50s. A Series of dog fights ensured of which two EAs were shot down, for the loss of one that failed to return. TThrs 11.5hrs Pilot: Sgt Patrick William Fox Serv#406838 posted MIA. 11/07/42 Pilot reported safe but wounded.
AK811	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn. 08/10/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex Base. 27/10/42 flew from LG85 to LG175. 27/10/42 on escort of Bombers, P/O Thomas Leslie Russell Serv# 264812 forced landed wheels down at LG86 with overheated engine. SOC 01/02/44
AK812	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	08/06/42 With 3Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-K. 16/06/42 damaged by AA during bombing and escort to Hurricanes SW of Sidi Rezegh with a/c crash landing at Gambut. Cat 2 Damage. Pilot: Sgt Lloyd Lindsay Boardman Serv#402787 was not injured. Later SOC 01/02/44
AK813	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94 Sqn RAF. 06/06/42 With 3Sqn RAAF IE. 12/06/42 damaged by AAA during Bombing and escort of Hurricanes in El Adem area, Pilot P/O Ross Biden Serv#402718 uninjured. 17/06/42 during bombing and recco of El Adam area with five a/c flight, a/c went missing after being attacked by 3 BF109F. A/c Cat 3. Pilot: Sgt John Hobson Hooke Serv#401216 was MIA but later returned to Unit uninjured.
AK817	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/03/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded OK-E. 21/03/42 A/c forced landed after bomber escort, near Aroma, some 10 miles south of Gambut due to fuel shortage. No damaged. Refuelled and ferried back 1605hrs 22/03/42. Pilot Sgt J R James uninjured. 04/04/42 flown by P/O Bell to Base for inspection. 07/04/42 Returned. Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK818	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	22/5/42 With 3Sqn RAAF IE. 30/05/42 flown by F/O Spence. 07/6/42 damaged by AAA. Cat 1. Pilot: Sgt Walter Warren Thomas Serv#407465. 07/06/42 flown by F/O Whitmore 112 Sqn RAF to Base ex ALG. Later to 1 ADU.
AK819	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn RAF. Coded CV-K 07/10/42 1610hrs returning from bombing and strafing MT West of Deir El Qattara forced landed due to engine failure at Pin Point 481917 Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Roderick John MacKenzie Serv#403376 was not injured. SOC 20/10/42
AK820	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-B. 28/05/42 flown by Sgt Ross Biden Serv#402718. 29/05/42 to repair as flown by Sgt Garth Angus Neill Serv#404773. SOC 01/01/44
AK822	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/06/42 Issued 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base, however on delivery a/c crashed on landing LG102, (Sidi Hanneish). Cat 2 Damage Cat 2. F/O James Arthur Messenger Serv#403525 239Wg not injured. Later repaired to 2 Sqn SAAF. SOC 22/02/45 Note: * Was Court Martialed 01/02/44 for low flying in No 2 WAGS A3-170 under Section 40. Dismissed from Service.*
AK823	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	24/05/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded OK-A. 04/06/42 flown from base by Sgt Halliday. 05/06/42 at Gambut when damaged Cat 2 when hit by 112 Sqn RAF a/c. Later to 2 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK825	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Noted on 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-N. 0800hrs 30/06/42 flown by P/O John Carlisle Osborne* Serv#403369, a/c bellied landed at LG 98 with faulty undercarriage. 09/09/42 flown by Sgt J D Evans from LG175. 12/09/42 Damaged Cat 1 when tangling with Ju87 and Bf109's, repaired at Sqn level. 16/09/42 stood on nose. Pilot: P/O Winn. Later to 250Sqn RAF and later 73 OTU. Note Later sadly MIA ET868 on 10/07/42*
AK830	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. 1415hrs 12/03/42 Rear Catch failed causing the radio/data door opening in flight at 300 feet, causing the a/c to dive into ground near LG 102. Pilot: F/O Peter Radcliffe Giddy Serv#715 3Sqn RAAF killed. SOC. Note: This accident and a couple of others caused the modifications to the door latches as seen on ET574 when found in the desert in 2000s.Buz
AK832	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/03/42 Noted on 450Sqn RAAF IE at Gambut. Coded DJ-L. 06/03/42 flown by F/Lt Rose 250Sqn RAF. 08/03/42 damaged by 112 Sqn as OK-L. 08/03/42 nose damaged by collision of a 112Sqn RAF a/c. 19/03/42 flown by Sgt Danger Satellite No 1 near Gambut. 20/03/42 engine failure. 11/04/42 forced landed at Bu Amud due to magneto issues. Pilot: F/O Eric Teulon Thompson Serv#404069 was not injured. Post 22/05/42 to RSU. Later to 112 Sqn.
AK838	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/06/42 First Noted 450Sqn RAAF IE. 16/06/42 damaged by flak near Sidi Rezegh during bombing and escort to Hurricanes SW of Sidi Rezegh crash landed at Gambut Satellite 1. Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Henry John Bray Serv#404324 was not injured. Abandoned due to advancing Axis. later recovered by RSU in counterattack. Later 73OTU 01/44.
AK840	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	11/04/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded DJ-Y, later OK-Y. 0808hrs 19/05/42 a/c was damaged in combat and forced landed at Gambut. Pilot F/Lt L F Rose Serv#269 was not injured. To 107MU. Repaired to 2 Sqn SAAF. Coded as DB-N. 16/07/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 19/08/42 at 4000 feet engine began to smoke, and pilot made a forced landing when the engine burst into flames on landing. Cat 3. Pilot Sgt Jones was not injured. Later to 1 METS (1 Middle East Training School). 09/02/43 a/c crashed at Abu Sueir, Egypt. 2nd Lt T D Maritz (SAAF) 1METS was killed. Cat 3.
AK842	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250Sqn RAF. 11/04/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded OK-A. 21/04/42 Rec from Base as flown by Sgt Arthur Lloyd Williams* Serv#401019. 19/05/42 as part of a nine a/c flight scrambled to patrol southeast of Gazala. Two a/c returned and the remaining seven a/c Flight dispersed into two sections of four and three. About 3 miles south of Gazala, two BF-109Fs were sighted and this a/c received a burst of canon fire into its engine in the engagement. A/c was damaged and made a steep left hand turn and stalled onto the ground whereupon, it was immediately strafed by BF109F after the pilot had escaped the a/c and was 30 yards away by then. The a/c was totally destroyed. Pilot: Sgt Ivan Charles Young* Serv#400402 was picked up uninjured by 6th SA Armoured Cars Notelater S/D and MIA 12/06/42 in AL170.*
AK846	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250Sqn RAF. 05/09/42 noted on 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-E. 05/09/42 noted flown Sgt G C W O'Neil and Sgt R F A Downes. 07/09/42 noted as flown by Sgt A H Gregory Wing scramble. 09/09/42 flown by Sgt G C W O'Neill. 15/09/42 damaged on operations. Pilot: Sgt G C W O'Neill Serv#403475 Note Prior 12/05/42 F/O John Lloyd Waddy Serv#402685 RAAF in 250Sqn RAF, downed 2 Ju-52 and 2 Me-110. Later joined 450Sqn RAAF from 24/06/42 to 18/07/42. On return to Australia, Commanded 80 Sqn RAAF late Sept 1944 until June 1945.
AK849	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/02/42 first on 3 Sqn RAAF IE as flown by F/O Richard Craigton Hart Serv# 260719. 24/04/42 accident as flown on ferry to 53 RSU by Sgt Edward Keith Kildey Serv#400766. Repaired and later with 112Sqn RAF. Later, 23/10/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-C. 27/10/42 Accident when as part of a 12 a/c formation exscorting Baltimores and Mitchells to a target in the Nortehrn Sector of the battle area at 1215hrs when shortly after take-off, when at 1500feet, the engine began to run roughly, the oil temperator rose and the pressure dropped. Before the pilot could make an emergency forced landing, the engine caught fire. He then did make a belly landing 2 miles southwest of Amriya Aerodrome, with the a/c destroyed by fire (Cat 3) after his evacuation. F/Sgt Richard Hotham Howie** Serv#416119 was slightly injured, however later after much continuing discomfort and pain, he was admitted to 6th General Hospital resulting in a diagnosis of a compression fracture to first lumbar vertebra in January 1943. Note: Awarded DFM (June 1942), and later commissioned (P/O 13/06/42), returned to Australia and served 2OTU, later as CFI, and served in peace time RAAF with Serv# 035531 until 1972 per rank of Wg Cdr in Air Traffic Control. Note* Sadly died in Anson DG826 09/05/43 Mt Macedon Victoria on return to Australia.
AK852	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn.12/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU (Ex 250Sqn RAF) Coded CV-R 07/04/42 on loan 450 Sqn RAAF still marked as CV-R. 10/05/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU (Ex 250Sqn RAF) Coded OK-M. Out 31/05/42. Later to 112 Sqn. 27/6/42 Flt Lt James Arthur Walker,40876 DFC and A/C shot down, but aircraft recovered and back in operation a couple of days later, El Daba .04/07/42 A/C badly damaged near point 870290 by a BF109 of 8. /JG 27 SE El-Alamein, literally fell apart during landing. Sergeant James Boucher Agnew R745107 RAF, who was piloting it, made it out of the crash unhurt. Repaired and later with 2 Sqn SAAF.
AK854	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/04/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 27/05/42 As part of a formation of 4 a/c bombing and strafing the El Adem -Bir Hacheim area, when enemy a/c were encountered which during the ensuing dog fights, the a/c was shot down and strafed after it was forced landed. Cat 3. The pilot was picked up by an Armoured Car Unit and returned to base. Pilot: Sgt Garth Edward Sommerville Cladburn* Serv#205745 was slightly injured. Note Later awarded a DFM, and commissioned P/O 06/07/42 and on return to Australia 1943 served in 2OTU, 8OTU and later 452Sqn RAAF in 1945.*
AK855	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded CV-T. 07/05/42 flown by Sgt Garth Edward Sommerville Cladburn Serv#205745(Logbook entry as CV-T). 13/05/42 Sgt Colin Shaw McDairmid* Serv#404345 bailed out near Gazala, after being s/d by Bf.109s. Page 627 of 1067 Page 629 of 1067. Note Sadly later s/d and MIA (later KIA) in AL153 on 30/05/42.*
AK856	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	01/03/42 Accident on delivery from 117MU to 3 Sqn RAAF when engine caught fire in air and spun into ground near Port Sudan. Pilot: F/Sgt Jozef Wiktor Piasecki (Polish P 783623) 117 MU RAF was killed.
AK860	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	01/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 107MU as flown in by P/O Curtiss. 04/03/42 left Base for ALG (with AK800 F/O Grey) but was forced to crash land west of Barrani due to a severe rainstorm with both Cat 2 and pilots uninjured. Pilot Sgt William Allan Beard* Serv#402717 was uninjured. Repaired. Note Sadly killed in AK612 16/04/42 in non-operational accident.*
AK862	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	14/7/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. 13/08/42 Noted on 3 Sqn RAAF IE as flown by Sgt O'Neill. Coded CV-B. 02/08/42 Ferried to Base ex LG91 (ex-Amriya with AL154 and AL102) by Sgt Henry John Bray Serv#404324. Later 239TF and to Turkey 31/03/43.
AK867	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	03/09/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-M. 1015hrs 16/09/42 as part of a formation of six a/c scrambled for an interception southeast of El Alamein when enemy a/c were engaged. During the action, with the main plane of the a/c badly holed (Cat 2). Pilot :P/O Thomas Goddard Woods* Serv#411423 received slight wounds in legs and chest. repaired. 25/09/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 13/10/42 Rec 53RSU ex 3 Sqn RAAF. Later 239Wg TF. Note Was commissioned and would later be shot down in ET954 on 20/10/42 and became a POW.*
AK872	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	20/06/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-T. 09/07/42 as flown by Sgt Gleeson who ran short of fuel and landed at Burg el Arab. 20/07/42 during an operation to bomb and strafe enemy a/c on the landing grounds when attacked by a BF109F near Fuka. Sgt Ronald Grant Brown* Serv#R84508 RCAF was MIA, later POW. Note was already commissioned as a P/O. New Serv#J9451*
AK874	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/04/42 Rec 3Sqn RAAF ex 107MU. Coded CV-V. On 3Sqn RAAF IE. 0600hrs 26/05/42 as part of a 12 a/c formation scrambled from Gambut Satellite to intercept a formation of JU88s escorted by BF109Fs at 12000 feet. 0735hrs Pilot after shooting down a BF109F and damaging a JU88, was himself shot down by a Bf109Fs over Sidi Rezegh. Cat 3. He bailed out at 4000feet near El Adem. Pilot: Sqn Ldr Robert "Bobby" Henry Gibbes Serv#260714 on striking the ground, heavily fractured his ankle. Picked up by Army and admitted to 15CGS. 27/05/42 RTU. Note* Bent or damaged four more Kittyhawks before his end of tour. On return to Australia later flew with 80 Wing RAAF (Wounded in Spitfire MkVIII A58-602)*
AK876	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	24/02/42 On 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-W. 19/03/42 flown by Sgt White from Base after fitting of LR Tanks to ALG. 24/03/42 flown by Sgt William Allan Beard Serv#402717. 1250hrs 08/05/42 part of a 12 a/c formation that took off to patrol the Gazala and Bir Hacheim Area, when the engine caught fire in the air near Bir El Naciem. Cat 3. Pilot: Sgt Lloyd Lindsay Boardman Serv#402787 bailed out uninjured.
AK885	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn RAF. 04/09/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF. Coded CV-W. 13/9/42 as part of a 10 a/c scramble to patrol. A/c forced landed at LG92 due to engine trouble. Pilot: Sgt Joseph Steele Holder* Serv#401443 was not injured. Later to 239Wg TF, 4 Sqn (SAAF) and 73 OTU. 1030hrs 24/12/43 a/c crashed after failing to recover from a spin some 7 miles North North West of RAF Station Abu Sueir. TTHrs 196.50. W/O V1710-39 Eng#5627/FY41-35994. Pilot: F/O Frederick Clifford Boyce Serv#410941 (RAAF) was killed. Note* Later Sgt Holder was shot down in AK643 on 02/11/42 and became a POW.
AK886	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/07/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded OK-R. 03/07/42 Ferried by Sgt Edward Charles House Serv#406247 to LG224. 04/07/42 as flown by F/Sgt Stanley Oliver Simpson* Serv#402987 on patrol. 04/07/42 2nd sortie flown by F/Sgt D H McBurnie who s/d BF110 in her. 05/07/42 flown by P/O N H Shillabeer Serv#407459 (His usual a/c this month)on armed recco damaging one JU88. 3rd Sortie of day, flown by Sqn Ldr A D Ferguson on Tac/R. 14/07/42 flown by F/Lt J E A Williams on armed recco. 20/07/42 Flown by Sgt Holloway on second operation strafing a twin engine a/c 15 miles southeast of the coast. 22-23/07/42 flown by P/O Thomas Jeffrey Forsyth Serv#401430. 23/07/42 flown by P/O N H Shillabeer. 25/07/42 Practice bombing as flown by F/Lt J E A Williams. 25/07/42 Test flight by F/Lt J E A Williams. 26/07/42 Practice bombing as flown by F/Lt J E A Williams. 26/07/42 Test flight by F/Lt J E A Williams. 27/07/42 Flown by P/O N H Shillabeer on Armed recco. 28/07/42 Practice bombing as flown by Sgt O'Neil. 29/07/42 flown by F/Sgt J S Phelps Bombing and strafing. 01/08/42 flown by P/O F R Schaaf. 12/08/42 Flown by P/O Wiseman. 0910hrs 17/08/42 accident when a/c ground looped Pilot: Sgt Arthur Halford Clinch Serv#403556 was not injured. To MU. later 73OTU. NFDs. SOC 22/02/45. Note: The following day in AL114 on 05/07/42 became MIA.*
AK888	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	21/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex RSU. Coded CV-D. 23/05/42 test flown by Sgt Thompson at the ALG. 30/05/42 flown by Sgt Finlayson from ALG to Base. Recoded CV-R. Later to 260 Sqn RAF. 04/07/42 crashed landed in desert after engine damaged when s/d by 3 BF109Fs. P/O R A Hardy uninjured. Repaired, To 250Sqn RAF and 260Sqn RAF then 2 Sqn SAAF. Note * Per Med Air War NADs Vol 2 Page 255 states. Note ** As later served in 2 Sqn SAAF when s/d 26/02/43 with Lt T.J. Platt SAAF. No record per Med Air War NADs Vol 2 Page 637.*
AK889	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	22/05/42 noted on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-U. 23/05/42 flown to Geneifa to have bomb racks fitted by Sgt Kildey. 26/05/42 Flown by P/O Pfeiffer on bombing mission as part of a 6 a/c formation. 28/05/42 flown by F/Lt N Barr leading Bostons to target. 30/05/42 flown by P/O Curtiss on bombing and strafing. 30/05/42 2nd sortie bombing and strafing at Point 357413 (Knightsbridge Area) as flown by F/Lt Andrew William "Nicky" Barr OBE, MC, DFC and Bar Serv#250774 who after shooting down a Bf109F, was himself forced to land his a/c near Baslaafa due to enemy action. MIA, but was picked up by the Royal Gloucester Brigade and returned to Unit at 1300hrs on 31/05/42. Note Code CV-U per 28/05/42 entry on held Alderson Log. Note ** eventually s/d in ET873 on 26/06/42 suffering gunshot wounds and burns and became a POW. Escaped successfully on his second attempt on 02/03/44. Awarded further a Military Cross for his escape. Served post War with Serv#O35392.
AK891	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/03/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded CV-D. 08/04/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. 12/04/42 F/O John Thompson Ball Serv#403307 was flying AK891 CV-D when he dipped the wing on landing causing CAT 2 damage to the airframe. Repaired and re-coded OK-K. Later to 260 Sqn RAF. 04/08/42 a/c failed to return from operational sortie. P/O Nelson Edward Gilboe Serv# J/8395 RCAF, MIA later POW.
AK892	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	07/04/42 3Sqn RAAF. Coded CV-B. Now on loan 450 Sqn RAAF, still marked as CV-B. 10/04/42 forced landed Acroma due to engine failure. Pilot: Sgt T W N Crouch Serv#404937 450Sqn RAAF Later to 112 Sqn. 10/07/42 a/c s/d near El Alamein. Pilot F/O Feliks Knoll P0768 Polish) was KIA. Buried Plot IV Row F Grave 15. at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
AK895	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	02/03/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex 53RSU. Coded DJ-K. 1530hrs 05/04/42 when on first operational flight in a formation of 6 a/c from Gamut Main, when at 7000feet the a/c was seen to spin, then leveling out, but then nosedive vertically into the ground about 5 miles west of Gambut, where it burst into flames and was completely destroyed. 5 miles southwest of Gambut. Cat 3 and W/O V-1710-F3R (V-1710-39 Export) A206150. F/O John Ward Evatt* Serv#403582 was killed. **Note :*** Was the nephew of the Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs Minister, Dr Herbert Vere "Doc" Evatt, 1941-1949 .
AK896	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	22/02/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. 22/02/42 flown by P/O Curtiss to Base. Coded CV-B. 27/02/42 flown by Sgt Edward Keith Kildey Serv#400766 on scramble. 19/03/42 flown to base by F/Lt Richard Craigton Hart Serv#260719. 20/03/42 flown to ALG after fitted with LR Tanks by F/Lt Richard Craigton Hart Serv#260719. 07/04/42 On 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded DJ-N, later OK-N. 28/04/42 Engine failure. Later on, 450 Sqn RAAF IE 01/08/42. Coded OK-N. Last noted 450 Sqn RAAF on 06/08/42. Borrowed by 250Sqn RAF until 15/08/42. 21/08/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE until 24/08/42. Later 4 Sqn SAAF and 5 Sqn SAAF (Feb 43). SOC 08/03/44.
AK897	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 94Sqn RAF. 28/05/42 as flown by Sgt Nursey to Base. 28/05/42 on a 12 a/c formation Bomber Escort. 28/05/42 flown by F/Lt Thompson on second bomber escort. 29/05/42 flown by Sgt McBurnie on patrol over Acroma and credited with a BF109F. 31/05/42 forced landed 25 miles southwest of El Adem, due to engine trouble caused by enemy action. Pilot: F/Sgt David Robert Law Serv#403140 was not injured. was not injured.
AK902	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. 27/05/42 Flown by 16/02/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE when F/O Andrew William "Nicky" Barr OBE, MC, DFC and Bar Serv#250774 flew in from Base to Gambut. Coded CV-N. 21/03/42 flown by F/Lt Nicky Barr on two convoy escort sorties. 17/03/42 flown to Base to Base. 20/04/42 forced landed 10 miles south of LG102 due to engine failure. Pilot: Sgt Henry John Bray Serv#404324 was not injured. To RSU. forced landed wheels down 5 miles northeast of Sidi Rezegh. No damage. 02/06/42 crashed landed at LG012 by 239 FW TF P/O James Arthur Messenger* Serv#403525 was not injured. NFDs. Note* Served in UK 1941 with 603Sqn RAF(Spitfires). Achieved the rank of F/Lt after returning to Australia to serve as a Staff pilot with "B" Flight 2WAGs. Performed his duties satisfactorily well. Court martialled and found guilty on Section 40 Air Force Act (Low flying) at CFS 01/02/44 for leading a formation of four a/c on ferry from 2WAGs Parke NSW to 3 WAGs Maryborough Qld in which he led by flying too low on 04/01/44 in Wackett A3-170 and subsequently dismissed from RAAF effective 21/02/44.
AK903	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/02/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE when F/O Andrew William "Nicky" Barr OBE, MC, DFC and Bar Serv#250774 flew in from Base to Gambut. Coded CV-N. 21/03/42 flown by F/Lt Nicky Barr on two convoy escort sorties. 17/03/42 flown to Base to Base. 20/04/42 forced landed 10 miles south of LG102 due to engine failure. Pilot: Sgt Henry John Bray Serv#404324 was not injured. To RSU.
AK907	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn. 01/09/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE as flown by Sgt Roberts from LG175 to LG91. 03/09/42 flown by Sgt D N McQueen on bomber escort as one of 6 a/c. 04/09/42 flown by F/Sgt R D Dyson on 8 a/c bomber escort. 04/09/42 flown by P/O Thomas Edward Nelson Crouch Serv#404237 to Ismailia. Later to 4 [SAAF] Sqn. Eventually to 73 OTU
AK909	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/04/42 Rec 3 Sqn RAAF ex Base. Coded CV-A. 29/05/42 damaged by AAA when strafing MTs when hit. Pilot: Sgt Rex Howard Bayly Serv#407416 was not injured. To 112 Sqn 6/42.
AK912	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	22/03/42 On 450Sqn IE. Coded DJ-S. 17/05/42 Accident when a/c suffered engine failure and forced landed wheels down. Pilot, Sgt Gordon Lindsay Serv#400720 was not injured. 22/07/42 On 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-S. 23/07/42 flown by P/O T J Forsyth Serv#401430 as part of a 7 a/c top cover for Wing Operation west of lake Maghra. 25/07/42 flying AK912, Pilot forced landed before reaching LG91 due to engine failure and successfully evaded capture and arrived at the allied lines that night Pilot: Sgt George Connon Watson O'Neil* Serv#403475. Note* Before 450Sqn RAAF, served in 131Sqn RAF (Spitfires) in UK. On 01/06/42 flying AK729 damaged by EA fighters, near Burg-el-Arab, Bir Hacheim Area. Pilot baled out 1.5 miles out to sea, and swam ashore. He was later picked up by army and returned to base. Later s/d in Kittyhawk III FR328 on 13/01/43 behind enemy lines, and despite being shot at by Enemy MGs in his successful attempt to reach allied lines three days later. For this he was awarded the Military Medal which was gazetted 07/43. After 450Sqn RAAF, he served in 680 (PR)Sqn RAF Cyprus Sept-Nov 43 , and with 451Sqn RAAF flying Spitfires Nov 43- Jan 44. Later Returned to Australia with CFS and later 2AD Test and Ferry Flight. Awarded also DFC Nov 44.
AK916	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/07/42 on 450Sqn RAAF IE as flown on ferry ex Base by Sgt R C Davidson. 05/07/42 flown by P/O Osborne as 6 a/c top cover. 06/07/42 F/Sgt R U Dangar armed recco and found 12 heavy enemy tanks at Grid Ref 855279, and was damaged by AAA and laned at Dekheila. Later 06/07/42 ferried from Dekheila to LG91.Same date, 3rd Sortie, flown by Sgt M A Jenkins on escort of Hurricane tank busters. 4th Sortie, flown by Sgt E C House as part of 8 a/c flight on bombing. On fifth sortie, flown by F/Sgt J ZS Phelps on 8 a/c f/b sortie. 14/07/42 Flown by F/Sgt Phelps on 8 a/c strafing and bombing. Nil flights until 30/07/42 return ex Base by Sgt Newton. 01/08/42 flown by Sgt A G Markle R86860 RAF as part of 10 a/c F/Bs mission. 02/08/42 damaged by Air Raid at LG91, with a/c catching fire and burnt out.
AK918	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn. 30/06/42 on 450Sqn RAAF IE. 04/07/42 bombing and escort sortie as top cover when 4 E/A and one BF109 attacked escort resulting in Cat 2 damage to AK918. Pilot, Sgt Edward Charles House Serv#406247 was not injured. 29/08/42 ET918 Sgt Alexander Gilmour Markle R86860 (RAF) FTR, and crash landed in front of front lines. Pilot was rescued by 11th Hussars.
AK924	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn RAF. 16/06/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-D 27/06/42 per Alderson Log. 29/06/42 Damaged during belly landed at LG91. Pilot: F/Sgt Reginald Noel Basil Stevens DFC Serv#404672 was not injured. Cat 2, to 53RSU. Flew with 250Sqn RAF July-October 42. 28/10/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE again as flown by P/OA N Austin. Coded CV-T. 29/10/42 flown again by F/Sgt Reginald Noel Basil Stevens DFC Serv#404672 when attacked by two BF109Fs and later on the 31/10/42. 13/11/42 flown from LG076 to Gambutt (53RSU). Later to 239 FW.
AK927	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	28/05/42 on 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-K. 29/05/42 a/c was on take-off at Gambut Satellite No 1 Strip with 5 other a/c when at 80 feet, the a/c was seen to "leapfrog" up and down as low as 20 feet as if the pilot was fumbling with his undercarriage lever. A/c stalled and crashed near Gambut Roadhouse on the Tobruk - Bardia Road. Cat 3. Pilot: Sgt Henry William Devlin Serv#401108 was killed.
AK931	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	06/07/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE as flown by F/Sgt Reginald Noel Basil Stevens DFC Serv#404672. Coded CV-H. 07/08/42 flown to base by Sgt Marrows. Later to Turkish Air Force 01/03/43 as #3707
AK934	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	05/06/42 ferried from base to LG91, on 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-U. 17/06/42 as part of 6 a/c as top cover to fighter bombers whose target was in the El Dude, El Adem area. Whilst over the target area, was attacked by four BF109s and a general dog fight ensured. One Kittyhawk was seen to hit the ground and burst into flames. Sgt Alexander Noel Glancy Serv#400221 missing in action, later determined KIA (03/03/43). W/O V-1710-F3R # 6253 /A206557.
AK938	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 112 Sqn RAF. 26/07/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE. 27/07/42 Armed Recco as flown by Sgt M A Jenkins Serv#407241. 28/07/42 Practice Bombing and Strafing with Sgt M A Jenkins. 31/07/42 Armed recco as flown by Sgt M A Jenkins. 01/08/42 Bombing Mission as flown by Sgt P Ewing. 01/08/42 Bombing Sortie #2 as flown by Sgt M A Jenkins. 02/08/42 Flown to Base by F/Sgt J S Phelps. Required engine replacement. Later to 73 OTU.
AK939	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	04/06/42 On 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-N. 04/06/42 Sgt Kildey flew AK939 from Base to the ALG. 04/06/42 Sqn Ldr Andrew William "Nicky" Barr OBE, MC, DFC and Bar Serv#250774 flew to base ex LG012. 15/06/42 P/O Cable (250Sqn RAF) ferried from Base to LG102. 29/06/42 flown to base ex LG91. 30/06/42 flown Sgt Bailey on bombing and escort to Bostons in Dhaba Area. 05/08/42 Last on 3 Sqn RAAF IE when Sgt Bray flew left her from ALG to Base. Later to Turkish Air Force 01/05/43 as #3708
AK946	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	13/07/42 Borrowed 250Sqn RAF A/c Coded LD-C. 13/07/42 Armed Recco and top cover to Hurricanes in Mukeisin Area as flown by P/O Ritchie. 13/07/42 Second Sortie bombing S W of El Alamein as flown by Sgt Stevens, and again 13/07/42 third sortie Bombing N of Deir El Dhib as flown by F/Lt Springbett.
AK948	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/05/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-U. 22/05/42 Part of a 8 a/c as top cover for 9 Boston bombers crossing near the coast , 3 miles south of Ras-el-Tin when 2 BF109Fs attacked, resulting in two Kittyhawks (AK717 and AK948) being shot down, one of which burst into flames when reaching the ground, the other last seen spinning out of control, by Bf.109Fs. Pilot: Sgt Elston John Quirk Serv#404770 was killed. W/O V-1710-F3R (V-1710-39 Export) A206586.
AK951	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn RAF., 21/06/42 On 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-J. 26/06/42 damaged a/c on night landing LG 102 Sidi Haneish without aid of night flares. Pilot: Sgt Stanley Oliver Simpson Serv#402987 was not injured. Later to 1 METS.
AK958	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/06/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE as ferried to Base for 40 Hourly. Coded OK-O. Sgt Gordon Lindsay Serv#400720. 13/06/42 as part of top cover for 8 f/bs (included 5 112 Sqn RAAF) when attacked a formation of 12 Ju88 and 10 plus Bf.109s during escort mission. A Kittyhawk noted burning on ground with a parachute opened on the ground 5 miles north of El Adem. Pilot: Sgt Roy Stone Serv#1258632 (RAF) was killed. later interned Plot 0. F. 12. at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Libya.
AK960	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Borrowed 250Sqn RAF IE on Loan to 3 Sqn RAAF. Coded LD-X, (Coded X per 14/07/42 Alderson Log). 13/07/42 Armed Recco and top cover to Hurricanes in Mukeisin Area. As flown by Sgt Cashmore. 13/07/42 second sortie per bombing S W of El Alamein as flown by Sgt Scribner. 14/07/42 On bombing mission to Bir Makhkhad area as flown by P/O Upward. Second sortie of the day, flown by Sgt Alderson on bombing and recco S and W of Qattara. A/c RTU 250Sqn RAF post 17/07/42, NFDs. Later 112Sqn RAF and Coded GA J. Later to Turkey as #3709 01/05/43.
AK961	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	11/06/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-O, named "Sniffer".16/06/42 Damaged by AAA during strafing and bombing northwest of El Adem. Pilot: Sgt Jack Donald Serv#402231 sustained superficial neck wounds from AAA. No effective for 14 days. 13/07/42 ferried to Base from ALG by Sgt Kilday. 15/07/42 AK961 Sgt James Churchill Serv#401103 was ferrying from LG091 to LG222 clipped the port wing on landing after 50 yards at LG222 with windsock pole. Cat 2. To RSU. Later to 239 FW Training Flight.
AK965	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	15/04/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-S. 22/05/42 AK965 P/O Curtiss rtb after ten minutes when engine trouble and landed at Gambut Main, Sgt Thompson. 27/05/42 part of four a/c bombing and strafing the Bir Hacheim area when hit by AA fire. Sgt Walter Warren Thomas Serv#407465 forced landed 10 miles south of El Adem (stated as AK975 Air Min 540, but in err as Air Min 541 states AK965). Cat 3. F/O Lou Spence tried to land beside him to pick him up in AL145 CV-H but damaged his tyre and aborted. Sgt W W Thomas deemed MIA but later RTU 28/05/42 narrow escape of not being captured.
AK969	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	Ex 250 Sqn RAF. 23/07/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-Z. 24/07/42 flown by P/O Glendinning on Bomb and Strafe of LG20 and cover for Baltimores. 18/08/42 P/O Taylor flew to and from Base. 20/08/42 On 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 30/08/42 a/c ferried to Ismailia by Sgt Roderick John MacKenzie Serv#403376. Later 250Sqn RAF. Later to 5 [SAAF] Sqn. SOC 08/03/44.
AK970	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	12/06/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE when ferried for inspection from ALG to Base by Sgt Stanley Oliver Simpson Serv#402987. Coded OK-K. 13/06/42 on F/B Escort with 8 F/Bs (5 being 112Sqn RAF) north of El Adem as flown by F/Sgt Dangar. 14/06/42 Fighter sweep with 10 112 Sqn RAF a/c and two 450Sqn RAAF a/c as flown by Sgt J D Gleeson Serv#404796. 15/06/42 Fighter sweep 6 x 450 Sqn RAAF and 6 x 3 Sqn RAAF a/c as flown by Sgt John Denis Serv#404796. 15/06/42 on two further patrols by F/Lt Parker and later F/Sgt Danger. 15/06/42 Transferred 2 [SAAF] Sqn.
AK973	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	16/05/42 On 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-E. 29/05/42 as part of a formation of 10 a/c patrolling over Acroma, Libya when formation was attacked by two BF-109Fs with a further 8 BF-109Fs joining in. The attack lasted 3 minutes when a further 4 BF-109Fs joined in over El Adem for another three minutes and then all broke off. Then the 450 Sqn RAAF attacked a formation of Stukas 20 Miles east of Gazala before returning to base. Pilot: Sgt John Nicholson Dean Serv#402936 failed to return to base. W/O V-1710-F3R Engine #6310/A206614.
AK981	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	07/04/42 On 450 Sqn RAAF IE, coded DJ-F, later OK-F. 07/05/42 flown by F/Lt Ferguson from Gambut to BLG. 09/05/42 returned to ALG from Heliopolis as flown by Sqn Ldr Steege.10/05/42 flown from base by P/O Sands. 11/05/42 flown on fighter sweep by Sgt John Robert James Serv#400645. 30/05/42 damaged by MG fire Cat 2. Pilot: F/Sgt William John Halliday Serv#406244 was not injured. Cat 2. NFDs. SOC 08/03/44.
AK990	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	17/06/42 Rec 450Sqn RAAF ex Base. 22/06/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE as ferried to Base, by Sgt Stanley Oliver Simpson Serv#402987. Coded as OK-N. 26/06/42 as part of a 6 a/c formation acting as top cover to Boston bombers west of Charing Cross. Over the target area, 3 BF109s attacked the formation which then split up. One a/c failed to return. Pilot: P/O Keith Alexander Murdoch Serv#406402 on his 6th sortie for the day, was posted MIA. Redesignated Italian POW on 12/08/42. W/O V-1710-F3R A206045
AK992	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	28/05/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-V. 30/05/42 flown by Sgt Edward Henry Thomas Alderson Serv#402838 on bombing and strafing sortie. 26/06/42 last on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 27/06/42 to Base. Later to 112 Sqn. To Turkish Air Force 01/05/43 as THKv serial #3711
AK993	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	11/04/42 Rec 450 Sqn RAAF ex Base as flown by Sgt Geoffrey James John Gleeson Serv#404796. 13/04/42 on 450Sqn RAAF IE. Coded DJ-X. Later OK-X. 12/05/42 Base scramble of 12 a/c over Tobruk as flown by Sgt Geoffrey James John Gleeson Serv#404796. 16/05/42 on flight, a/c suffered with navigational issues, forced landed at Acroma with slight damaged to a/c. RTB 17/05/42. Pilot: Sgt Max Andre Jenkins Serv#407241 was not injured. 19/05/42 a/c damaged by MG and 20mm fire, Cat 2. Pilot: Sgt Edward Percy Oakley Serv#401143 was not injured. Repair in unit. 5/06/42 flown by Sgt Lindsay on F/B Escort. 16/06/42 flown by F/Lt Parker on F/B Escort. 17/06/42 ferried from Gambut Sat#1 to Sidi Azeiz. 18/06/42 a/c ferried from Sidi Azeiz to LG075. 20/06/42 delousing sortie Gabr Salah Area as flown by Sgt Andrew Walter Taylor Serv#404188. 22/06/42 flown on patrol by P/O Keith Alexander Murdoch Serv#406402. 23/06/42 flown on communication flight to Base by P/O T Jones. After landing and parking, a/c hit by AL143 as flown by Sgt W A Taylor causing Cat 2 damage. Unfortunately, AK993 was later abandoned during retreat but recovered after advancing in late Oct 42. Repaired and later 73OTU.
AK995	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	09/06/42 112 Sqn RAAF IE Coded GA-D that was borrowed by 450Sqn RAAF. 09/06/42 As flown by Sgt Max Andre Jenkins Serv#407241 on F/B Sweep. RTU (112Sqn RAF) 24-25/10/42 on 3 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded CV-R. 26/10/42 on armed recco as flown by P/O Henry John Bray Serv#404324. 27/10/42 as part a 10 a/c close cover for bombers as flown by Sgt Alan Righetti Serv#401151. 28/10/42 as top cover to bombers to bomb LG20 as flown by Sgt MacKenzie. 30/10/42 escort to 18 Baltimores as flown by Sgt K C Bee lost the formation and RTB. 09/11/42 flying to LG101 then continue to bomb Capuzzo as flown by P/O A N Austin. 11/11/42 Patrol over armoured forces as flown by Sgt Ian Howard Roediger Serv#401669. 13/11/42 Off 3 Sqn RAAF IE to RSU as flown by P/O Leslie Joseph Weatherburn Serv#405892. Later to Turkish Air Force 01/05/43 as #3712
AK997	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	18/4/42 On 3 Sqn RAAF IE. 01/05/42 Fighter Sweep over forward area as flown by Sgt Biden. Coded CV-G. 08/05/42 Patrol Gazala and Bir Hacheim Area as flown by Sgt Thomas Edwin Packer Serv#407453. However, on landing at Gambut, a/c was damaged Cat 2. Rec 53 RSU. Later 239FW TF then to 4 Sqn SAAF.
AK998	Direct Purchase	H87A-2	MK1	22/05/42 on 450 Sqn RAAF IE. Coded OK-O. 22/05/42 AK998 F/Lt Rose Sortie #2 forced landed Gambut Main. 29/05/42 Part of a formation of 10 A/c patrolling over Acroma. Formation was attacked by 2 BF109Fs with no results after 3 minutes. Later over El Adem, 4 more BF-109Fs attacked, again after 3 minutes then broke off. The formation then pursued and attacked several Stukas 28 miles east of Gazala, after which the formation returned to base. A/c FTR to base. TTHrs 29Hrs.19Mins. Pilot: P/O Raymond Shaw Serv#402139 was MIA, later reclassified as KIA 01/07/42. W/O V1710-F3R #6408 A.206712. Note: Shaw had shot down the Sqn's first credited kill on 22/02/42 with a Kittyhawk.





*****	******	******	******	More to come: Gordy :)

ET918		P-40	Mk.I	Served with 450 Sqn, RAAF; Coded OK-V,
ET953		P-40	Mk.IA	Served with 3 Sqn, RAAF, Coded CV-V, Flown by Sqn Ldr Bobby Gibbes.
FL288				Served with 3 Sqn, RAAF, Coded CV-V, 03/03/1943 Shot down 3/3/43 in North Western Libya
FL304		P-40F-?-CU	Mk.IIA	Served with 3 Sqn, RAAF,
FL308		P-40F-?-CU	Mk.IIA	112 Sqn RAF, Coded GA-V, (Flown by Neville Duke); Served with 3 Sqn, RAAF, Coded CV-V, Flown by Sqn Ldr Bobby Gibbes.FL7
FL341		P-40F-?-CU	Mk.IIA	Served with 3 Sqn, RAAF, Coded CV-E; Flown by Wg Cdr H.F."Billy"Burton.
FL711		P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF.
FL712		P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; Transferred to 4 Sqn SAAF.
FL715	42-9971	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 3 Sqn RAAF; Transferred to 5 Sqn SAAF. DBR when belly landed West of Ben Gardane Aug 16, 1943 after engine failed.
FL717	42-9973	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; 42-9973 SOC 10/4/43.
FL720	42-9778	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; Coded Q, NFT 4/43.
FL721	42-9780	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 3 and 450 Sqns RAAF; Transferred to 260 Sqn. Crashed after pilot abandoned aircraft off Cape Bon May 8, 1943 following damage by Bf 109s
FL723	42-9784	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 31/5/44.
FL725	42-9788	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 8/3/44.
FL726	42-9790	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 29/3/45.
FL728	42-9794	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 8/3/44.
FL729	42-9796	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; 26/3/43 at El Hama its engine cut out and stalled and the bombs exploded on impact, El Hamma F/O Adrian John Blackburn (403210) killed.
FL854		P-40K-?-CU	Mk.III
FL879		P-40K-?-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; missing on ground attack mission 31/10/42.
FL881		P-40K-?-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 8/3/44.
FL885	42-45773	P-40K-1-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; OK-◊, SOC 22/2/45.
FL888		P-40M?	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 8/3/44.
FL893		P-40M?	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 30/4/44.
FL894		P-40M?	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; lost 22/1/43 NFD.
FL895		P-40M?	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; SOC 30/6/44.
FL902		P-40M?	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; Transferred to 5 Sqn SAAF.
FR121				Served with 3 Sqn RAAF;
FR135	42-9895	P-40K-5-CU	Mk.III	Served with 450 Sqn RAAF; OK-X, SOC 29/03/1945
FR222				Served with 3 Sqn RAAF;

The Authors of this page were Brendan Cowan, Gordon Birkett, Martin Edwards & Gordon Clarke.

As of 10 November 2025, Gordon Birkett is now the aircraft Researcher and page author of all entries here-on with considerable research input by fellow P-40 Researcher Craig "Buz" Busby

Sources: British Military Aircraft Serials 1911-1979 Bruce Robertson, 450 Sqn RAAF Association Website, joebaugher.com , 3squadron.org.au . Sources post 2025: NAA, Imperial War Museum, Australian War Memorial, RAAF Sources and small number of RAAF Pilot Logbooks

Emails to 23/11/2025: Bob Livingston, Buz Busby, Steve Mackenzie, Ed Russell: Emails from 10/12/25 hereon Buz Busby

Converted to CMS 3rd September 2025

Updated 30/01/2026