1943 Panama Canal Zone ...

[Mark Allen M]

Also found this collection of photos searching around on eBay.
Photos claim to be locations around the Panama Canal zone c 1943.


P-39 UNDER MAKESHIFT COVERING 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


P-39 UNDER MAKESHIFT COVERING 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


P-39 NEXT TO TENT 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


SAND TABLE MODEL BOMBER REVETMENT 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


SAND TABLE MODEL FIGHTER AIRFIELD 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


SAND TABLE MODEL FIGHTER AIRFIELD 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


DUMMY DECOY AAF P-40 WARHAWK FIGHTER


P-39's, TBF's PARKED AT AIRFIELD 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE






DUMMY ANTI-AIRCRAFT AA GUN Fort Clayton 1943 PANAMA CANAL


DUMMY DECOY FAKE TANK Fort Clayton 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE


DUMMY ARTILLERY GUN Fort Clayton 1943 PANAMA CANAL ZONE

[RB-18B]

A very interesting set of images showing a number of aerodromes in the Canal Zone area. The P-39D's were clearly not photographed in 1943, but 1941 not long after arrival (see "Panama Canal Defenders Vol.1" now available on Amazon). I am guessing those were based at either La Chorrera No.1 or Chame to the west of the Canal Zone. The diorama shows Albrook Field probably after 1943 as the huge Panama Air Depot (PAD) hangars are evident on the SW side; Fort Clayton was adjacent to Albrook. Would sure like to see more of these. Thanks for sharing.

[RB-18B]

Oh, and meant to comment on the aerials showing P-39D's and Grumman TBF-1's on the same field. This is almost certainly New France Field on the Atlantic side of the isthmus which was shared with the Navy's Coco Solo Naval Air Station. Have never seen any evidence that Avengers were even momentarily stationed there! Must have been off a carrier going through the Canal west-bound after early 1942.