'Poison P'

Flying Officer Peter A. Masters with his P-40E, 'Poison P', apparently short for
'Poison Pat Cairns'. Masters survived the war with two Japs to his credit.


Original image: Australian War Memorial

'Polly'

Though he flew many of 75 Squadron's P-40s at Milne Bay, Flight Lieutenant Bruce 'Buster' Brown
is most closely associated with Kittyhawk IA A29-133, which he named 'Polly' after his girlfriend.
This ship saw a good bit of action against the Japanese during the Battle of Milne Bay, both in the
air and on the ground, and was damaged a number of times. She went on to serve with 82 Squadron
and survived not only the war, but the scrappers torch as well. She still exists today. See more HERE.

Polly's pilot, Flight Lieutenant Bruce 'Buster' Brown strikes a 'hero' pose along
with Leading Aircraftman Alexander G Farthing, a flight rigger with 75 Squadron.


Australian War Memorial - Larger Image

Ground crew from 75 Squadron change Polly's tail wheel at Milne Bay in August of 1942.


Australian War Memorial - Larger Image

Another 'Polly'?

I have conflicting information concerning this photo. Some sources state that the Hawk is
A29-133, while others indicate that she's A29-126. And there are different dates as well.
I'm not so well-versed in Aussie Hawks as perhaps I should be, so don't know what to think
at the moment. Regardless of which ship it is, both 133 and 126 served with 75 Squadron.


Original image: Australian War Memorial via ADF Serials - Larger Image

Walkin' Hawk

Milne Bay, September of 1942, F/O D.E. Pank taxis A29-149 in after a sortie.


Australian War Memorial via Traces Magazine - Larger Image

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