Asisbiz Curtiss Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn 42-45945 Ken Boomer Umnak Aleutian Islands Sep 25th 1942

RCAF No 411 (Grizzly Bear) Squadron

The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk

The mainstay of 111 (F for fighter) Squadron was the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk. The squadron was designed to be a fighter squadron and the first aircraft type they received was the P-40 Mark 1 (P-40E). When at full strength, they had 20 P-40Es. The squadron began to receive P-40Ks (Kittyhawk III) in August, 1942 and for the rest of the Aleutian Campaign they had about 8-10 of each variant. The P-40K was slightly heavier and more powerful than the E. The E, perhaps because it was a bit lighter, could cruise slightly faster (300 mph vs 290 mph) but the K could reach slightly greater maximum speed (362 mph vs 354 mph). Both variants had an operational range of 700 miles. They could climb to 28,000 – 29,000 feet at a rate of 2,000 feet per minute. They were both equipped with six 50 caliber machine guns. Both could be outfitted with bomb racks and extra fuel tanks. For the last few months of operating as 111 Squadron, (at Patricia Bay), the squadron was equipped with P-40 Ns (Mark IV). The N was the last production version of the P-40. It was designed to be lighter, and therefore more able to climb quickly, but the penalty was two fewer machine guns than the earlier versions.

P-40s were built by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation Airplane Division in Buffalo, New York, for about $45,000 apiece. In all, Curtiss built 13,738 of them. Only two other American fighters were produced in greater numbers, the P-51 Mustang and the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Wikipedia states that, as of 2020, there were 28 P-40s in the world that are still airworthy.

List of RCAF 111Sqn P-40s that served in Canada and Alaska
Type RAF# RCAF# Sqn ID First appearance in 111 Incidents
P40E MkI AK863 1044 N November, 1941 Category A Crash, August, 1943,133 Squadron
P40E MkI AK869 1046 November, 1941 Category A Crash, June 24, 1942, Pilot Orthman OK
P40E MkI AK875 1047 T November, 1941 At US National Air and Space Museum
P40E MkI AK881 1048 November, 1941 Category A crash: May, 1942 Pilot Christy killed
P40E MkI AK887 1049 November, 1941 Category A crash: December, 1941 Pilot Pierce killed
P40E MkI AK893 1050 B November, 1941 Workhorse for 111, transferred to 14 Sqn. Rebuilt, New York, 1988
P40E MkI AK899 1051 November, 1941 Spent most of 1942 under repairs; transferred in November, 1943
P40E MkI AK905 1052 D November, 1941 Not used much; under repair a lot.
P40E MkI AK911 1053 K November, 1941 Transferred to 14 squadron, Fall, 1943
P40E MkI AK940 1058 E November, 1941 Transferred to 14 squadron, Fall, 1943
P40E MkI AK954 1061 F November, 1941 Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Kerwin killed
P40E MkI AK968 1062 H November, 1941 Undercarriage collapse, April, 1942. Not used by 111 again
P40E MkI AK982 1065 L November, 1941 Undercarriage collapse, May, 1942. Not used by 111 again
P40E MkI AK983 1066 September, 1943 From 133 Squadron; Category C (guns) November, 1943
P40E MkI AK989 1069 November, 1941 Category A crash, Jul, 1942 Pilot Schwalm OK enroute to NakNek
P40E MkI AK996 1070 S November, 1941 Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Maxmen killed
P40E MkI AL110 1072 M November, 1941 I think it was transferred to 14 squadron, Summer, 1943
P40E MkI AL124 1075 S According to Walker, this a/c served with 111 but I have no record
P40E MkI AL138 1079 G January, 1942 Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Lennon killed
P40E MkI AL144 1080 According to Walker, 1080 serve with 111 in late 1943, after 14 Sqn
P40E MkI AL166 1083 0 Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Baird killed
P40E MkI AL180 1085 Category A crash: January, 1942, Pilot Orthman OK
P40E MkI AL194 1087 V January, 1942 Category A crash: after 111 sqn, May, 1944
P40E MkI AL201 1088 H January, 1942 Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Whiteside killed
P40E MkI AL212 1090 January, 1942 Category A crash: April, 1942, Pilot Stapleton killed
P40E MkI ? ? P ? Blew blast tube, wing replaced, Sep 19, 1942
P40E MkI AL214 1091 X January, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40E MkI AL218 1093 W January, 1942 After 111 Sqn: Category A crash, 9/6/43
P40E MkI AL222 1095 October, 1943 In 111 for only a few weeks in Fall, 1943, from 118 Sqn
P40E MkI AL227 1098 October, 1943 In 111 for only a few weeks in Fall, 1943, from 118 Sqn
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45921 Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45944 R Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45945 F Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45951 A Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45952 Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45954 G Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; Category A accident, Feb, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-45977 Y Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in August 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-46003 Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII 42-46004 S Summer, 1942 Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40E MkIV 42-105838 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105839 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105840 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105842 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105844 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105861 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105862 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105863 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105864 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105866 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105867 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105869 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105871 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV 42-105878 Fall, 1943 Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay

Web Source: https://www.rcaf111fsquadron.com/aircraft.html

List of RCAF 111Sqn P-40s that served in Canada and Alaska
Type	RAF#	RCAF#	Sqn ID	First appearance in 111	Incidents
P40E MkI	AK863	1044	N	November, 1941	Category A Crash, August, 1943,133 Squadron
P40E MkI	AK869	1046		November, 1941	Category A Crash, June 24, 1942, Pilot Orthman OK
P40E MkI	AK875	1047	T	November, 1941	At US National Air and Space Museum
P40E MkI	AK881	1048		November, 1941	Category A crash: May, 1942 Pilot Christy killed
P40E MkI	AK887	1049		November, 1941	Category A crash: December, 1941 Pilot Pierce killed
P40E MkI	AK893	1050	B	November, 1941	Workhorse for 111, transferred to 14 Sqn. Rebuilt, New York, 1988
P40E MkI	AK899	1051		November, 1941	Spent most of 1942 under repairs; transferred in November, 1943
P40E MkI	AK905	1052	D	November, 1941	Not used much; under repair a lot.
P40E MkI	AK911	1053	K	November, 1941	Transferred to 14 squadron, Fall, 1943
P40E MkI	AK940	1058	E	November, 1941	Transferred to 14 squadron, Fall, 1943
P40E MkI	AK954	1061	F	November, 1941	Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Kerwin killed
P40E MkI	AK968	1062	H	November, 1941	Undercarriage collapse, April, 1942. Not used by 111 again
P40E MkI	AK982	1065	L	November, 1941	Undercarriage collapse, May, 1942. Not used by 111 again
P40E MkI	AK983	1066		September, 1943	From 133 Squadron; Category C (guns) November, 1943
P40E MkI	AK989	1069		November, 1941	Category A crash, Jul, 1942 Pilot Schwalm OK enroute to NakNek
P40E MkI	AK996	1070	S	November, 1941	Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Maxmen killed
P40E MkI	AL110	1072	M	November, 1941	I think it was transferred to 14 squadron, Summer, 1943
P40E MkI	AL124	1075	S		According to Walker, this a/c served with 111 but I have no record
P40E MkI	AL138	1079	G	January, 1942	Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Lennon killed
P40E MkI	AL144	1080			According to Walker, 1080 serve with 111 in late 1943, after 14 Sqn
P40E MkI	AL166	1083	0		Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Baird killed
P40E MkI	AL180	1085			Category A crash: January, 1942, Pilot Orthman OK
P40E MkI	AL194	1087	V	January, 1942	Category A crash: after 111 sqn, May, 1944
P40E MkI	AL201	1088	H	January, 1942	Category A crash: July, 1942, Pilot Whiteside killed
P40E MkI	AL212	1090		January, 1942	Category A crash: April, 1942, Pilot Stapleton killed
P40E MkI	?	?	P	?	Blew blast tube, wing replaced, Sep 19, 1942
P40E MkI	AL214	1091	X	January, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40E MkI	AL218	1093	W	January, 1942	After 111 Sqn: Category A crash, 9/6/43
P40E MkI	AL222	1095		October, 1943	In 111 for only a few weeks in Fall, 1943, from 118 Sqn
P40E MkI	AL227	1098		October, 1943	In 111 for only a few weeks in Fall, 1943, from 118 Sqn
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45921		Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45944	R	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45945	F	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45951	A	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45952		Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45954	G	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; Category A accident, Feb, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-45977	Y	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in August 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-46003		Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40K-1-CU MkIII		42-46004	S	Summer, 1942	Workhorse for 111; to 14 Sqn in July, 1943
P40E MkIV		42-105838		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105839		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105840		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105842		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105844		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105861		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105862		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105863		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105864		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105866		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105867		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105869		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105871		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay
P40E MkIV		42-105878		Fall, 1943	Used for Patrols in 111 Sqn's last few weeks in Patricia Bay

Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZD Anchorage 1942 01

This photo taken of a differant aircraft was from the same squadron and carries the same markings.

Curtiss Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn 42-45945 Ken Boomer Umnak Aleutian Islands Sep 25th 1942

Curtiss P-40K-1CU Kittyhawk 42-45945 of No 111 Sqn RCAF flown by Sqn Ldr Ken Boomer, Umnak, Aleutian Islands, 25 September 1942. Between July and October 1942, No 111 Sqn maintained a detachment forward at Umnak, but flew USAAF P-40Ks that retained their US camouflage and serials With the US Star markings replaced with RCAF roundels. During the unit's first offensive mission - a bomber escort to Kiska on 25 September - Boomer engaged and shot down an A6M2-N 'Rule' floatplane fighter. It was the only victory by the 'home Aircraft history: 343FG11FS (Alaska - Aleutians) landing accident DAM-CAT:3 crashed near Amchitka Island USA Pilot: Glen R Ellis, Date: 18th Nov 1943. Previously FMS - RCAF 111Sqn flown by Sqn Ldr Ken Boomer Sep 1942. Accepted by RCAF Nov 1942, returned back to the USAAF Jun 1943. Scrapped at Adak May 20, 1945

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn AK905 at Patricia Bay British Columbia 20th Jan 1942 DND

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn at Patricia Bay British Columbia 15th Jan 1942 MIKAN 3406263

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn at Patricia Bay British Columbia Sep 1942 MIKAN 3211090

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZ D with armorers cleaning the guns Anchorage 1942 01

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZ D with armorers cleaning the guns Anchorage 1942 02

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZS LZG LZE LZV and LZD over the Rockies based Anchorage 1942 01

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZT BITSA with SqnLdr Kenneth Boomer Kodiak Alaska KIA 2 Oct 1942 MIKAN 4332918

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZT named BITSA Kodiak Alaska 1942 MIKAN 4105388

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZT named BITSA Kodiak Alaska 1942 MIKAN 4105388a

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV, LZD and LZE over Anchorage area 1942 01

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV, LZD and LZE over Anchorage area 1942 02

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV AL194 Aleutians 1942 0A

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn TMW AL218 Sgt Maxmen undercarriage collapsed 1st May 1942 PMR1490

Curtiss P-40K Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn Ken Boomer 42-45945 Aleutians 1942 0A

Curtiss P-40K Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZD Aleutians 1942 0A

Curtiss P-40K Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV AL194 being recovered Fort Greely Kodiak Isl Alaska 19th Apr 1943

Curtiss P-40K Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV AL194 being recovered Fort Greely Kodiak Isl Alaska 19th Apr 1943

Photo: Patricia Bay, B.C., March 5, 1942 The first accident we have had for some time, over a month in fact, occurred today. Kittyhawk 863, piloted by Pilot Officer Ingalls, nosed over on the runway after landing. The cause was found to be seizing of the brakes, so the accident was unavoidable. Picture Outrunning the runway, the other consequence of faulty brakes, could create some embarrassing moments. This is a picture of Warrant Officer II Red McLeod's P-40E being fished out of the ocean. On April 19, 1943, according to the Squadron Daily Diary, while landing AL 194, "He crashed off the end of the runway into the ocean". He was not hurt nor was the Kitty very damaged. Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RAF (Serial No. AL194), RCAF (Serial No. 1087), coded LZ-V, No. 111 (F) Sqn, being recovered from the water at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska, 19 Apr 1943. The pilot was R104777 WO2 S. R. J. McLeod. He was doing a test flight checking the engine, when the electrical system failed. He carried out a flapless landing and ended up dropping over the edge of the runway and into five feet of water. Co-incidentally, he also had another accident with the same aircraft on the 18th of September, 1942 at Elmendorf Field. (Chris Charland)

Photo Source: Photo by Department of National Defence PMR 75-603

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn TMW AL218 Sgt Maxmen undercarriage collapsed 1st May 1942 PMR1490

Photo: After a routine air-to-ground firing exercise, Sgt Maxmen, low on petrol, landed at Bellingham, refueled and on landing at our base, the undercarriage of his aircraft, AL218, collapsed and the aircraft came to rest on its belly in the centre of No. 1 runway with wrecked undercarriage and airscrew.

Photo Source: Photo of Sgt Maxmen's P-40E is by Department of National Defence: PMR 1490

Pilots RCAF 112Sqn Pilot Ken Boomer 01

Curtiss P 40E Kittyhawk RCAF 111Sqn LZV AL194 Aleutians 1942 0A

Profile: P 40E (Mark 1) Kittyhawk in 1942 uniform of 111 (F) Squadron. The first two letters were the Squadron Code Letters assigned to 111 Squadron. However, on October 18, 1942, orders came from on high that no Squadron Code Letters were to appear on any RCAF aircraft. Within the day, all such code letters disappeared from RCAF aircraft. It is assumed that the order was issued for reasons of security. This drawing of the Kittyhawk (AL194) was done by R. Ward, published in Profile Publications, No. 136, page 15, 1966.

Aircrew RCAF 414Sqn FO Clifford Leonard Horncastle crashed on takeoff on 3rd Nov 1942 KIFA

Photo: Photo of Cliff Horncastle – Cliff Horncastle relating the story to the Chaps. Cliff was to be my father's best man on November 7, 1942, however, he crashed on takeoff on November 3 and died in the wreckage. I was born the following year and am named for him - my middle name is Clifford.

Source: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2667129

Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, United States Map

    Bibliography: +

Baugher, Joe. 'Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Tomahawk, Kittyhawk.' American Military Aircraft.

Planes and Pilots: Curtiss P40 Vol 3 From 1939 to 1945. ISBN: 2913903479 Author: Anis Elbied Publisher: Histoire & Collections Paperback Pages: 84

Osprey - P-40 Warhawk Aces of the CBI (Aircraft of the Aces 35) ISBN: 184176079X Author: Carl Molesworth Publisher: Osprey Paperback Pages: 96.

Osprey - P-40 Warhawk Aces of the Pacific (Aircraft of the Aces 55) ISBN: 1841765368 Author: Carl Molesworth   Publisher: Osprey Paperback Pages: 96.

RAAF Camouflage & Markings 1939-45 Vol 1 ISBN: 0858800365 Author: Geoffrey Pentland Publisher: Kookaburra Hard Cover Pages: 144

RAAF Camouflage & Markings 1939-45 Vol 2 ISBN: 0858800373 Author: Geoffrey Pentland Publisher: Kookaburra Hard Cover Pages: 144

Jane's - Fighting Aircraft of World War II ISBN: 1851701990 Author: Bill Gunston Publisher: Janes Hard Cover Pages: 320

    Magazines: +

Airfix Magazines (English) - http://www.airfix.com/

Avions (French) - http://www.aerostories.org/~aerobiblio/rubrique10.html

FlyPast (English) - http://www.flypast.com/

Flugzeug Publikations GmbH (German) - http://vdmedien.com/flugzeug-publikations-gmbh-hersteller_verlag-vdm-heinz-nickel-33.html

Flugzeug Classic (German) - http://www.flugzeugclassic.de/

Klassiker (German) - http://shop.flugrevue.de/abo/klassiker-der-luftfahrt

Le Fana de L'Aviation (French) - http://boutique.editions-lariviere.fr/site/abonnement-le-fana-de-l-aviation-626-4-6.html

Le Fana de L'Aviation (French) - http://www.pdfmagazines.org/tags/Le+Fana+De+L+Aviation/

Osprey (English) - http://www.ospreypublishing.com/

Revi Magazines (Czech) - http://www.revi.cz/

    Web References: +

Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109

Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants#cite_ref-100

Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109_operational_history

Flickr.com - https://www.flickr.com/photos/farinihouseoflove/2209839419/in/photostream

Editor for Asisbiz: Matthew Laird Acred

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