Having seen a couple of books on the subject (but have yet to read) - I thought a little tribute to the brave Americans who helped to defend Darwin and the Northern Territory. The group was sent overseas to Australia in January 1942 and was assigned to the Fifth Air Force. They moved to Darwin in April 1942 and was redesignated 49th Fighter Group in May. The group was equipped with P-40's Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft in Australia and after a brief period of training, provided air defense for the Northern Territory. The 9th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Livingstone, 8th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Strauss Airfield and the 7th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Batchelor.[3] The 49th Fighter Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat while operating with limited material and facilities between March and August 1942. - Wiki (my bold) 9th Attack Squadron: With the advent of World War II, the squadron moved to Australia and became part of Fifth Air Force in January 1942. It was redesignated as the 9th Fighter Squadron in May 1942. The unit received Curtiss P-40 Warhawks in Australia and, after training for a short time, provided air defense for the Northern Territory.[5] "The flying Knights" 8th Fighter group: With the advent of World War II, the squadron moved to Australia and became part of Fifth Air Force in January 1942. It was re-\designated as the 8th Fighter Squadron in May 1942. The unit received Curtiss P-40 Warhawks in Australia and, after training for a short time, provided air defense for the Northern Territory.[3] Black Sheep? 7th Fighter group: The 7th moved to join the other 2 squadrons of the 49th Pursuit Group, in the defense of Darwin, Northern Territory, in April 1942. All I could find on the 7th badge... OR Apparently adapted from the local Aboriginal symbol for death... 7th P-40 These made up the USAAF 49th Fighter Group (not pursuit) Some photographs of the 49th from the 3 groups... Note the Kelpie... Great Pic above! Vera Down! (below) What a bunch of freak'n legends!
..I'm guessing they had it rough like the book They Fought With What They Had portrays it = early in the war and short of everything......
