A55 Lockheed P-38 Lightning

[CDF]

Squadron Leader Colin Lawrie, Rockhampton, F/Lt. Bruce Sinnott, Melbourne, S/Ldr Lloyd Law, Canberra, F/Lt. Bill Talberg, Sydney and S/Ldr. F. (Robbie) Robbiliard [sic], Adelaide

see also
http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/lightning/1pru.htm

[Dan K]

Too many windows to be a P-38...F-4 perhaps?

http://www.ww2incolor.com/d/707032-2/Malta

[CDF]

As per the link.....

Australia's association with the Lockheed Lightning had its beginnings in August 1942 when two batches of F-4 photographic reconnaissance variants of the P-38E arrived in Melbourne by sea. As will be seen from the following table, nine F-4s were received at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) factory at Fishermens Bend. Whilst the majority of these aircraft were for the USAAF's 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron (8PRS), certainly one and probably another of the aircraft were allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

[51fixer]

Which is why it is a F-4, not a P-38.
Later P-38J/L with cameras became the F-5.
P-51D with cameras is a F-6 and it retained the guns.
They were derived from the fighter but take on a new designation when built for recon.

[Dan K]

My apologies, CDF...posted in haste this a.m. and never saw the attached link.

I was too busy figuring out why gentlemen of the crown would have their pic taken in front of anything other than a spitfire!

[CDF]

SQN LDR Robilliard was later killed in the crash of Beaufort A9-733 at Townsville.
http://www.raafdb.com/view_aircraft.asp?id=626

[Invader26]

The RAAF also operated a small number of F-4's in New Guinea with No 75 Sqn RAAF. They retained their "haze" scheme however had RAAF blue/white roundels added. They stayed on USAAF registry and were handed back after a few months.

[Dan K]

The RAAF also operated a small number of F-4's in New Guinea with No 75 Sqn RAAF. They retained their "haze" scheme however had RAAF blue/white roundels added. They stayed on USAAF registry and were handed back after a few months.

Any pics of those in RAAF roundels ever surface?

(Not doubting you...just would like to see the scheme. )

[Invader26]

Dan K check the link above. Also google images RAAF P-38 Lightning and No 75 Sqn

[Dan K]

Many thanks...attractive birds!

[Malcolm Hood]

Try this link:

http://www.lockheed.adastron.com/lightning/75sqn.htm

[Liberator]

Anyone note the far left person in the photo looks like our current Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott - a look like?