"Kittyhawks, Darwin" P-40's of the 49th Fighter Group ...

[Mark Allen M]

Here's a few good one's from the Australian War Memorial archives website.
https://www.awm.gov.au/search/all/?quer ... ist&filter[related_units]=49+Fighter+Group+USAF

Australia: Northern Territory, Darwin
7 September 1942

"American airmen flying Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks of the 9th Pursuit Squadron, 49th Pursuit Group United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) based at Darwin. Identified flyers are; Lieutenant R Taylor from Missouri, Captain B S Irvine of Georgia, Lieutenant Robert M McComsey of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant C L Patterson, Lieutenant J C Peasles, Lieutenant A J Reynolds of Oklahoma."

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F01778/

"The 49th Fighter Group USAAF stationed in Darwin area. Aircraft flying in formation, low flying for anti-aircraft defence practice. Personality shots of American fighter pilots. Names in order of shot; Lieutenant (Lieut) J Reynolds of Oklahoma, Captain J Hennan of Minnesota, Lieutenant James Morehead of Oklahoma, Captain George Kiser of Kentucky. Lieut Hennan and Lieut Morehead of the "Caterpillar Club" congratulate each other. The "Caterpiller Club" is for anybody saved by a parachute jump. Scenes of USAAF Curtiss P40 aircraft and various aircraft nose art."

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F01187/

and some A-20's in color.

"This film was taken in late 1942 at '3 Mile' also known as Kila Kila Aerodrome and the home of the 89th attack Squadron (Douglas A-20s), 3rd Bomb Group, USAAF."

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F03704/

[Nathan]

OMG, HOLY SMOKES! I never knew these existed! What a time capsule, and rare footage. Reynolds, Irvine, etc. WOW, look at the formation shots. A whole flight of 9th PS P-40s! All those guys are heroes and they are sorely forgotten today. The first group to take it back to the Japanese, in the dark days of the Pacific War! Im not sure if people fully understand the importance of that film.

Thank you Mark!

[TAdan]

Wow, really wonderful footage. All those P-40's and I only spotted one with a shark mouth, lol.

[Mark Allen M]

Two more worth the time to watch ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-GXcqGqsLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emXa_zjvbNI

[Nathan]

Two more worth the time to watch ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-GXcqGqsLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emXa_zjvbNI

that B-17D is "The Swoose"! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

[Mark Allen M]

Good eye Nathan, I saw that as well. I'm glad you have an interest in this period and location in history. We can't forget them ever.

M

[Nathan]

thanks Mark. I never knew about the film. It's great to see some of my heroes in person and on film. The 49th is my favorite group. It was an epic struggle, fought by men that were a breed of their own. they are totally forgotten today. Overshadowed by the B-17 and P-51 crews of Europe.

[avenger2504]

Loving the P40 artwork!