118(F) Squadron RCAF



On Patrol

Eight Kittyhawks from 118 Squadron near Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on April 4th, 1942.


Project 914 Archives - Larger Image



Another view...


438/118 Squadron Archives - Larger Image



The Survivor

These next few photos showing Kittyhawk I AK803 (RCAF 1034) were possibly taken
during the same flight shown above. This Hawk survives today... more HERE...


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image



Seven Canucks and a Texan

Eight pilots of 118 Squadron ham it up for the camera at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on April 17th, 1942.
The fella fourth from the left is a Yank, Flying Officer W.P. Roberts, of Wichita Falls, Texas.

The DND caption for this photo reads:

Pilots of Kittyhawks have a chalk-talk , 118 Squadron , Dartmouth, N.S.

Pilots at a Royal Canadian Air Force fighter squadron on the East Coast have a last minute chalk-talk
with their squadron leader before taking off in their swift American-built "Kittyhawk Fighters that are
constantly on the alert for enemy aircraft. Left to right, they are: W02 R. Beirnes of Tofield, Alta;
Sgt. J.J.G. Bourbonnais of Montreal, P.Q,.; Sgt. G.M. Davidson of Toronto, Ont,; F/0 W.P. Roberts of
Wichita Falls, Texas; P/0 A.E. Studholme of Toronto, Ont.; P/0 C.G. Pennock, of Toronto, Ont.;
WO2 H.A. Hindmarsh, of Oakville, Ont.; F/L C.D. Moran, of Trenton, Ont.



DND Photo - Larger Image



Ready to Head West

This Kittyhawk was photographed by Gerald Trevor Roberts at RCAF Station Debert,
Nova Scotia after 118 Squadron's code letters had been changed from 'RE' to 'VW',
probably in April or May of 1942. Shortly after this photo was taken, in June of 1942,
the outfit would redeploy West, to Annette Island, Alaska.

You can see more of Mr. Roberts' photos from RCAF Station Debert HERE...


G.T. Roberts photo via John Roberts - Larger Image



P/O Baxter

Flying out of Annette Island, Pilot Officer George A.G. Baxter went missing in
Kittyhawk AL210, coded VW-B, (very probably the same ship shown in the above photo)
on October 12th, 1942 during a coastal patrol. I currently have few details about this
incident, but will hopefully be able to present more here in the future.


438/118 Squadron Archives - Larger Image



The Whole Gang

Pilots of 118(F) Sqn pose for a squadron photo, Annette Island, Alaska, Spring of 1943.
Sitting in the center is 118's boss, Squadron Leader Frank George Grant.


438/118 Squadron Archives - Larger Image



The Predecessor

Yeah, strange lookin' P-40, isn't it?

I include this here only as a matter of interest... 'tis a Grumman Goblin, one of
the types that 118 Squadron operated immediately before the outfit was equipped with
the Kittyhawk. These were built in Canada, under license, by Canadian Car and Foundry.

Of interest are the black port undersurfaces of the wings...


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image



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