Cutriss P-40E Tomahawk
Curtiss P-40E Tomahawk "White 49" 11th
F.S. 343rd F.G. 11th A.F.
Aleutian Islands, 1942.
In mid 1942 P-40E Tomahawks of the 11th F.S. were painted with a striking
new form of nose art. In contrast to the classic sharks mouth design
these P-40s wore a Tiger's head. It is thought that this design was
originated by Lt/Col S Chennault who was the son of the American Volunteer
Group (see AVG Curtiss
Hawk) leader Claire Chennault. Based in the Aleutian Islands
the 11th F.S. became known as the 'Aleutian Tigers'.
After the Japanese had attacked the American fleet at Pearl Harbor and
failed to destroy them they planned to draw them into battle so that
the Japanese could negotiate satisfactory peace terms. An attack on
the Aleutian Islands was planned as a diversion prior to the Battle
for Midway. The battle took place and eventually the Japanese managed
to gain a foothold taking Attu and kiska islands but lacked the resources
to take the entire chain. The defeat of the Japanese carrier fleet at
Midway was the turning point in the Pacific war and the Americans were
able to retake the rest of the Aleutian Islands in the summer of 1943.
The Curtiss P-40 continued to evolve with new more powerful engines
and operated in the Pacific theatre until the end of the war.
Scale 1:72 Wingspan 6.2" (158 mm) Base
size 6.37" (162 mm) square (No. 4)
Weight not including base 9 ozs (257 grams)
Price £87.00 plus delivery
