UK2 AJ108 Grumman MartletMkI 1942-11.jpg

[Joseph Testagrose]

[Orval Fairbairn]

In article >,
Joseph Testagrose > wrote:

> begin 644 UK2 AJ108 Grumman MartletMkI 1942-11.jpg
> [Image]
>
> end

That's not a "Martlet," but a Wildcat! "Martlet" was the British name
for the Wildcat. Since this one is wearing US markings, it is a Wildcat.

[Ramsman]

On 14/12/2011 16:25, Orval Fairbairn wrote:
> In >,
> Joseph > wrote:
>
>> begin 644 UK2 AJ108 Grumman MartletMkI 1942-11.jpg
>> [Image]
>>
>> end
>
> That's not a "Martlet," but a Wildcat! "Martlet" was the British name
> for the Wildcat. Since this one is wearing US markings, it is a Wildcat.

AJ108 was indeed a Martlet II, of No. 888 Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm.
The markings shown were for Operation Torch, and were applied to make
the local French forces think the invasion was purely American. The
British were not terribly popular there at the time because of the
Operation Catapult attack on Oran and Mers-el-Kébir. My dad was in the
British 1st Army during Torch, and having to wear US insignia on their
uniforms did not go down well.

--
Peter