Tomahawks! ...

[Mark Allen M]

The first Curtiss Tomahawks, Marks I and IIA, to enter squadron service with the RAF, in the hands of No. 403 Squadron RCAF at Baginton, Warwickshire. The Squadron operated the Tomahawk for only a short time, yielding them in favour of Supermarine Spitfires in May 1941

[lucky52]

I can't see the 2 guns above the engine ( American .50 cals. maybe), but did the Brits use their own machine guns in the wing or use American machine guns? Also, comparing the right and left wings, are the left wing guns installed?

[Dave Smith]

Wow, brilliant photo. Thanks, Mark, you're a star. I was an air traffic controller back in the 1970s at Coventry Airport, the ex-RAF Baginton. I think that photo was taken in the south-west corner of what was a grass airfield in the 1940s. The Tomahawks are dispersed well away from the hangars.

[Buz]

Mark

234 SQN received their 4 Tomahawks (AH813, AH862, AH887 and AH889) just a little earlier than 403 SQN (Dec 1941 for the first two to be used for extensive flying), 403 SQN I believe received their first aircraft mid Mar 1941. However I do believe 403 SQN was the first fully equipped squadron.

Buz