RAAF
78 Squadron
via WRG 1999
Aircraft History
USAAF Serial Number 42-104818 Delivered to the
RAAF in June 1943, with serial A29-405. Also marked with the unknown,
second serial A29-1068. Assigned to 78 Squadron August 2, 1943.
Wartime History
On August 14, 1943 it collided in flight with A29-413 while formation flying and sustained damage to the starboard wing and fuselage, the pilot Sgt Donald Abercrombie Smyth, 424311 was unhurt and managed to land the aircraft at Camden Airfield.
Later, on April 30, 1944 it was hit by an American F5B Lightning 42-67383 at Tadji Airfield, causing extensive damage to the port wing and empennage, On September 8, 1944 it was approved for conversion into components by 12 RSU, and was abandoned at Tadji Airfield.
Recovery & Storage
The fuselage was recovered in 1974 by the salvage operation funded
by David Tallichet of Yesterday's
Air Force (MARC). Stored at Chino, CA until
1998. Later owned by Tom Wilson / The Curtis Hawk Factory until 1999.
Restoration
Sold to Graham Orphan (editor of Classic Wings Magazine) in 1999, and shipped to Blenheim, New
Zealand. Under restoration to airworthy, along with wing and tail parts
from wrecks salvaged from Papua New Guinea, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 57 (middle)
P-40
Classic Fighters
