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Carmel Attard 339E Buffalo


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Carmel's 339 Buffalo looks quite good (both models do actually), his use of Olive green came out quite well.

Just some FYI's for modellers out there (no criticism of

Carmel's build). Depending on whether you want to just build OOB or be historically and technically accurate.

The Matchbox rendition of 488 Squadron serial number W1842

is incorrect, and not sure NF-N existed either.

W1842 actually served with both 243 as WP-N and with 453 Squadron

(both RAAF).

Matchbox has the cuffed propeller when the RAF machines used a 10'

"uncuffed" propeller.

Just as another FYI the likes of 453 and 488 sqaudrons were known

as Article XV Squadrons see link for further info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_XV_squadrons

Just to add some corrections/additional information to Carmals

comments on Belgian/RAF Buffaloes please note

Belgian Buffaloes ended up in a variety of places, especially after the fall of Belgium.

Some went to Britain and served with various squadrons (RAF/FAA)

Some went to Finland via Sweden.

Others were enroute to Belgium on the French Aircraft carrier Bearn, when it

was diverted to the island of Martinque (after fall of France) fate unknown.

Of the RAF 339E's 3 were shipped to Britain, and ended up as Instructional Airframes.

The remaining 170 odd 339E's, were shipped directly to the Far East and assembled there.

As to the Buffaloes abilities, one needs to remember that Britain in 1940 was facing

more than one front, and with no aircraft to spare (certainly during Battle of Britain) other aircraft had to be sourced, to make up the shortfall.

Could the Buffalo fight? Geoff Fisken (RNZAF)became "Ace" in a Brewster Buffalo and

went on to become the Commonwealths (Pacific South West) highest scorer in kills

Other RAF/Commonwealth Pilots scored decent tallies also.

RAF Buffaloes flew in defence of Malaya/Singapore areas from December 8 1941

(December 7 1941 for the US) until the fall of Singapore andthe Dutch East Indies

(March 1942).

RAF 67 Squadron flew their remaining Buffaloes to India prior to the fall of

Singapore (which is where 146 Squadron eventually received them).

488 Squadron and 453 Squadrons flew alongside AVG units and also Dutch NEI AF

Buffaloes right up to the fall of Singapore.As the Japanese began to take over Singapore

all remaining Buffaloes/Hurricanes etc flew to the Dutch East Indies, to continue the fight.

The remaning 488 and 453 Squadrons combined to make RAF 605 Squadron which incidently,

Noel Sharpe, (Pilot of Buffalo NF-O (Green Dragon) 488 Squadron) flew his last sorties

flying a Hawker Hurricane. Barring 605 personell, all remaining Commonwealth/RAF service

personell either escaped or became POW's.

Any remaining 339E's were handed over to the Dutch NEI Air Force, who flew them in defence

of the Dutch NEI until it's capitualtion.

Regards

Alan

Edited by LDSModeller
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