Aircraft History
Assigned to RAAF 75 Squadron on March 16, 1942 with code N. Operated from 7-Mile Drome in defense of Port Moresby. On March 25, 1942, suffered a force landing. On April 5 was damaged during aerial combat, but landed safely.

Mission History
One of nine P-40s that off from 7-Mile Drome to patrol north of Port Moresby, and intercepted seven Japanese bombers escorted by A6M2 Zeros.

In this combat, Les Jackson exchanged fire and claimed hits on two Zeros that made head on passes against him, and damaged his engine, and required him to force land outside Port Moresby on a coral reef.

Seek and Strike page 28, Pettett recalled:
"Les Jackson finished up on a coral reef in about six feet of water. The engine sat down with the wings and tail high and dry. As the rest of us came down towards the strip, Les stood out on one wing waving his arms and doing a jig, obviously to indicate he was OK. I heard John Jackson call 'there's a kite on the reef. The pilot's OK - jumping about. Seems a happy sort of chap.' John hadn't recognized his brother."

Afterwards, it was used for components and was officially written off on July 30, 1942.

References
Seek and Strike page 28
Another source states this forced-landed or ditched 10 miles south-east of Port Moresby, damaged in action over Bootless Bay.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

P-40