Warbird Information Exchange

Man, you're fast, Eric!

Okay, the web page you have uncovered bears out what I suggested several paragraphs up. The RN/FAA (Brit Navy) aircraft were flown in certain areas by RCN pilots. These aircraft, including the five in question, were all on Royal Navy strength. At this point, I have to believe that everybody is simply copying a previously published error, which really drives me up a wall.

The five that purportedly came to Canada were AL231-AL235 (British Military Aircraft Serials 1912-1963: Robertson: Ian Allan 1964), the first five of a shipment of up to 32 machines. I say 'up to' because the only source I have found for the moment says the 30 Martlet I aircraft delivered to the RN/FAA were serialled AL231-AL262! Now, using all my fingers and toes, that comes to 32 serial numbers!?

I can only assume that between the manufacturer, the Lend-Lease folks and the British Purchasing Commission, somebody screwed up the paperwork. One thing is for certain (I have just gone through the RCAF/RCN record cards), no F4F or FM-2 or Martlet was ever taken on Canadian strength.

I will keep on this for a bit for my own satisfaction and I will publish what I find out - if anybody's interested.

Doug

Wow, good find on those serials. The only question is...you have 32 fingers and toes? I would be interested to see what else you find out. I dug for a bit before being pulled away to take my boy to the pool.

You could very well be right about the first 5 bit. It is worded quite differently in the 2 books, but you will find the same vein in it, and it seems to be echoed all over the web. I know that happens a lot.