Warbird Information Exchange

Can anyone help with identifying the zap markings on this RAAF Neptune from July 1965?



I have numbered the marks for easy reference.

1: Suspect VC-1 Barbers Point
2: Appears to be a lightning bolt through a sub. VP-19?
3: Obviously NZ but could be any unit.
4: Reads "NAS illegible Hawaii".
5: VP-40 but where were they in 62-65? VP-40 was in the P.I. at that time flying P5M's
6: Reads "Have Helo Will Hover" but the rest is illegible.
7: Reads "Mabuhay AMD Sangley". Evidently Sangley Point, Philippines. AMD Air Mobility Division maybe?
8: Appears to be a red marlin so maybe VP-40 also. Actually a Sailfish

Sorry about the large image. Any info much appreciated.

VP-40 was in the P.I. at that time flying P5M's

It's possible that the "Swordfish" zap (#8) is from 415 Sqn (Canada). They were operating the CP-107 Argus at the time and the swordfish was carried prominently on the tail of the aircraft.

Aircraft is RAAF SP-2H Neptune A89-277 from No 10 Sqn, RAAF Base Townsville, Qld, Australia..
Nice pic in it's original blu/white scheme before the change to grey/white..

I was thinking the same thing, but it looks the swordfish is oriented differently on our birds versus the zap.

Sean

Thanks to everyone who responded.

The reference to 415 Sqn (Canada) is perfectly logical. However, on closer examination of the fish zap I find that it is in fact a Sailfish so this would appear to eliminate 415 Sqn (Swordfish) and VP-40 (Marlin).

Invader26
You identify the aeroplane correctly but despite appearances it is not blue. While the RAAF P2V-5s were delivered in gloss Sea Blue (aka Midnight Blue), the RAAF P2V-7s were delivered in semi-gloss Seaplane Gray. The two colours are difficult to separate even in some colour photos. Consequently, many references perpetuate the myth that the P2V-7s were blue. Both types were later painted light grey. I understand the latter colour was Light Gull Grey or perhaps a local equivalent.

Rgds