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It's another possibility I suppose, though only one TBR unit was embarked on Formidable in 1945. The Fleet numbers weren't applied until early March 1945 , by which time it must have been clear to those onboard that only one TBR squadron would be embarked. After the loss of 9 TBFs in the KK attack of 4 May, Formidable received replacements from Striker and from Victorious. Those from Striker probably would not of had the fleet numbers applied until embarked on Formidable (though all national markings would have been present). Those from Victorious would have been marked in the 300 range, so I

I forgot to add that if you are planning a 848 Squadron Avenger during Operation Iceberg, Formidable's Avengers were unique among BPF TBR squadrons as they marked with aircraft numbers in the 400 range at some point, rather than the 300 range. The aircraft numbering system was 100 range for single seater fighters, 200 range for two seater fighters and 300 range for three-seater aircraft. So Avengers should have been marked in the 300 range. This is how every other BPF Avenger squadron was so marked, but for an unknown reason 848 Squadron used the 400 range. It is possible to

Here's the photo of 1841 Squadron 119/X (probably KD560), 10 August 1945 or shortly after.

Yes, I think you are right. The enlarged fish bowl seems to fit over the original aperture.

I don't think you'll find any in Sturtivant other than JZ114:376/X, though a lot of 848 service history by serial is recorded. 848 Squadron serials/fleet number tie-ups are very poorly recorded in the official documents relating to 848 squadrons operations at TNA (the poorest record of any squadron with the BPF). The only other serial that I have is JZ446:380/X, but that is from a photograph and relates to operations off Japan.

Agreed, maybe not. But the individual cowling flaps are visible on some aircraft, and a couple of those in the bottom left look to have light cowling rings, with the engine flaps open.

Looks as if this photo answers that question. Pretty much universal yellow cowl on Venerable in August 1945

Yes, and not so obvious when taken on ortho film

I now think there are two (possibly related) things going on here. 1. Yellow cowl. Having checked my copies of the Admiralty documents relating to final operations off Japan, KD560 (X/119) was hit by flak on 10 August 1945 and subsequently ditched on return. So this provides a definite date for my photo of X/119 in its final configuration. I also have a distant photo of several Formidable corsairs taken immediately post war and looking again at this photo, at least 3 show the same light cowl (too distant to be able to read the fleet numbers), but many don't show a light cowl. Formidable

I think I bought that one. It is of 119 (actually X/119 from 1841 Squadron, HMS Formidable).I s this the one you are thinking of? The tail code is not visible (otherwise it would have probably gone for an even more ludicrous sum), but "R" is clearly visible under the Corsair as it is being pushed over the side. It has cowl marking the same as KD345/130A, with the cowl flaps painted in the lighter colour too. Formidable was only marked with a deck ID letter "R" for Operations of Japan, so this aircraft is probably KD560 (from the Admiralty records). There are conflicting reports con

I've not seen any official documentation indicating yellow ID markings on FAA PTO Corsairs. Like Graham, I remain skeptical of the yellow cowling band profile. With respect to KD838, I agree that the codes and ID letters are not white. CAFO 1099 (June 1945) mandated that distinguishing symbols were to be painted in Sky or Medium Grey. During the restoration of KD431, the FAAM discovered that the code was pale blue and interpreted this as an attempt to comply with CAFO 1099. There are other examples of BPF non-white aircraft codes. Indefatigable's 820 Squadron Avengers provide clear evidence f

While on the subject of Dido class cruisers, could anyone venture a positive ID on this one please? It is from a photo album/journal compiled on Eagle during 1940/41, that contains many photos of RN ships at Alexandria. It has been identified by the compiler as Bonadventure, but from the erased notes to the right of the photo this seems tentative. The photo is also facing a page detailing Eagle's operations in July 1940 and Bonadventure did not arrive at Alexandria until January 1941. Apologies for the scan quality. My scanner has just died and so I'm using an integrated printer/sc

This is the clearest picture I have. I believe it shows RFA Derwentdale in the foreground. It confirms Dick's observation that Hermione was not in the camouflage scheme depicted by Alan Raven during Ironclad.

Yes, the carrier in A8890 is definitely Indomitable. I clearly had a senior moment with A9403.

I may be able to add to the small number of Hermione photos. I own a photograph album of photos taken by an unknown FAA aircrew from Illustrious during Operation Ironclad. These are a mix of official ships' photos sold onboard (mainly now at IWM) and poorer quality photos taken by the compiler. I've also got a photo album taken by aircrew serving on Indomitable from around the period that contains a similar mix. This contains one photo of a Fulmar flying low over Hermione, but it is not a very clear image. The Illustrious album contains a couple of photos taken from the starboard s