The War in View #14

General Henri Giraud inspects spahi cavalrymen and colonial riflemen in Algiers. Intrepid and brave, with a knack for escaping from German prisons, he also possessed what one Frenchman described as the uncomprehending eye of a porcelain cat.

 

French and British troops on board ships berthing at Dover, 31 May 1940.

 

Engin P prototype tank destroyer. The Engin P was a prototype venture of the French AMR 33 light tank. The vehicle entered development in January of 1931. The French Artillery branch was looking for a capable self-propelled anti-tank gun for use on the famous Maginot Line. Immediately, Renault began to develop a design, initially based on the UE 'chenillette' chassis. This was changed to the AMR 33--though the two designs were very similar. Mounted in a low casemate--sort of like a German StuG III--was a 37 mm Modèle 1934 cannon. The Engin P prototype was completed in 1935. Testing was unsatisfactory and the vehicle was considered obsolete. The French military decided to use towed 47 mm anti-tank guns, pulled by the Renault UE vehicles instead.

 

Char 2C bis prototype. The Char 2C bis was a rare prototype venture of the massive French Char 2C heavy tank (developed through the First World War). During the 1920s, one Char 2C--nicknamed "Champagne"--was modified with a 155 mm howitzer in a new turret (replacing the original 75 mm armament). The vehicle was fitted with new Soutter-Harlé engines and three added machine gun positions. The Char 2C bis was tested for a limited time and was eventually reverted back to its original 75 mm design during the late-1930s. The 155 mm gun and turret were mounted on the Mareth Line in Tunisia, in a static position.

 

Renault YS command vehicle variant of the AMR 35 light tank; produced in December 1937.

 

Renault YS 2 prototype artillery observation vehicle. The YS 2 was developed in 1936 in response to a request by the French artillery divisions for an observation vehicle. Renault began building wooden mock-ups in August, based on their AMR 35 light tank. The ministry only wanted to receive wooden models for the meanwhile, but Renault constructed a full-sized prototype in November, converted from a Renault YS command vehicle. The newly created YS 2 was fitted with a rangefinder in early-1937 but the device proved to be too big--both mounted in the hull superstructure or in a turret. In April, officials from the artillery divisions advised Renault on using a smaller rangefinder in a large cupola mounted on the roof. Testing began in August and a deal was signed in October. However, by the Spring of 1938, officials were still discontent and the project was dropped.

 

Citroen Type N prototype armed tractor. The Citroen Type N was part of a series of prototype submissions by a number of different French companies for a new weapons/ammo/equipment carrier. During the 1920s, France could not afford to mass produce APCs so the decision was made to semi-mechanize the infantry with these "carrier" vehicles. The whole project was designated Type N, and submissions were made by Citroen, Renault and Brandt. Citroen produced six vehicles, three were fully tracked and three were in a half-track format--pictured here. These were tested in 1931. The prototypes were discovered to have cooling problems and were too vulnerable all around—aside from the front grill which was armored. Another drawback was that the envisioned cargo trailer could not be detached from inside the vehicle--making the procedure rather risky when under fire. Renault's design would eventually be selected and would become the Renault UE Chenillette, of which around 5,294 were built.

 

Char de Bataille B1 bis.

 

A later response to the German occupation, Free French English-trained commandos making a hit-and-run raid on the coast of Nazi-held France.

 

SRA prototype tank.

 

SRA prototype tank.

 

SRB prototype tank.

 

Prototype FAMH.

 

FCM 21 tank (1925).

 

Char B1 mock-up (1926).

 

Prototype Number 101 in original state with small MG turret.

 

Prototype Number 102 Renault.

 

Prototype Number 103 FCM.

 

Char D1 tank.

 

Char B1 FLANDRES (128).

 

Char B1 rear view. Notice the characteristic tow hook.

 

Char D2.

 

APX-1 turret interior.

 

Crew of Char B1 EURE.

 

Char B1 with original short gun in the turret.

 

Char B1 with long 47mm SA35 L/32 gun turret.

 

Char B1 DAUPHINE (124) testing a fascine deployer apparatus.

 

 

Prototype Renault Number 101 testing the fuel trailer in trials.

 

Chars B1 towing Schneider fuel trailers.

 

Somua S35.

 

Char B1 bis recaptured in La Rochelle parade, 13th Dragoon Regiment, Free French Forces. Note the crude Allied star on the side.

 

Char B1 bis BAYARD recaptured. France, 1944.

 

Char B1 number 107 REIMS with short gun version.

 

Char B1 bis number 251 FANTASQUE.

 

Char B1 bis number 251 FANTASQUE destroyed in June 1940.

 

Hotchkiss H38 light tank Number 10, "L'Invulnerable."

 

Hotchkiss light tanks.

 

Hotchkiss light tanks crossing a stream.

 

Hotchkiss light tank fresh from the factory.

 

Hotchkiss light tank ‘6’.

 

Hotchkiss light tank, 40804.

 

Hotchkiss H38 light tanks. Number 9, "L'impassible," in foreground; Number 6, "L'Impeccable," at center.

 

Hotchkiss light tanks H38 Numbers 31 and 32.

 

Hotchkiss light tank with crew and rabbit mascot talking with French infantry.

 

French children pose in front of Hotchkiss light tank ‘8’.

 

Damaged Hotchkiss light tank, 40719.

 

Another view of damaged Hotchkiss light tank, 40719.

 

Hotchkiss tank light ‘8’, 40779.

 

Hotchkiss light tank, 40781, abandoned in woods.

 

Hotchkiss light tank, 40818, abandoned after getting stuck in a ditch.

 

French troops in the Liri Valley, on the road to Rome, 1944.

 

French members of the NSKK, probably the 6th Regiment of NSKK-Transportgruppe Luftwaffe, being awarded the Iron Cross. Note the first model armshield worn by the NCO on the right.

 

German soldiers examine a Renault Chenillette infantry tractor.

 

Australians laying PSP (Pierced Steel Panels) matting on an airfield.

 

Hangar at Darwin, Australia, destroyed in Japanese bombing raid.

 

Supermarine Seagull V (Walrus) amphibian aircraft of No. 5 (Fleet Cooperation) Squadron RAAF lined up for inspection on the tarmac in front of the Squadron's hangar at RAAF Base Richmond. Note the squadron pilots in front of the aircraft with maintenance personnel standing under the wings of the aircraft. Aircraft serial numbers A2-2 and A2-5 are at the far end of the line. Richmond, NSW. c. 1938.

 

A Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft, serial number A2-7, of No. 9 (Fleet Cooperation) Squadron RAAF embarked on the modified Leander class cruiser HMAS Hobart of the RAN being positioned on the catapult fitted to the ship and used for launching the aircraft. 1939.

 

A Supermarine Seagull V about to be winched aboard HMAS Sydney, 1940.

 

A Supermarine Walrus taking off at Mers-el-kebir, with the SS Empress of Australia in the background. 20 January 1943, Mers-el-kebir.

 

HMAS Australia in Brisbane, 17 July 1937. A Supermarine Walrus is sitting on the ship's aircraft catapult.

 

A No. 9 Squadron, RAAF, Supermarine Seagull V (Walrus) amphibian, which was launched from the light cruiser HMAS Sydney, after a naval bombardment of Bardia on 21 June 1940. The aircraft was shot down by Italian fighters whilst conducting a reconnaissance of the Bardia area. Through the skill of the pilot he managed to crash land the aircraft behind friendly lines in Egypt with no injuries to himself or his crew.

 

Walrus on the HMAS Hobart, 1930s.

 

Douglas Boston, RH-E, No. 88 (Australian) Sqn., April/May 1942.

 

Douglas Bostons belonging to 22 Squadron RAAF make a low-level bomb run on Japanese positions in New Guinea.

 

De Havilland Australia GLAS II (A57-1). Originally built as a DHA-G2 glider this aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on May 6, 1942. It was stored from 1946 to 1949, where after it was converted by the Government Aircraft Factory for wing suction trials. It was fitted with a wing designed by Mr. Griffith that contained the GLAS II suction system developed by Mr. Glauter. A 96 hp Mercury 59A engine provided the power for the suction system. The aircraft was tested from early 1949 to July 24, 1951 and the aircraft was struck off charge on December 17, 1952 and subsequently disposed of.

 

De Havilland Mosquito (A52-92), RAAF.

 

RAF personnel inspect six Australian-built Bristol Beaufort Mark Vs, shortly after their arrival at Kallang, Singapore. The aircraft were intended for the re-equipment of No. 100 Squadron RAF but, as they were unarmed and their crews possessed no operational training, five were returned to Australia, while the sixth was employed on photographic reconnaissance duties.

 

Wings folded, a Supermarine Seagull Mk III is lowered onto the foredeck of Australia's first aircraft carrier, the seaplane carrier HMAS Albatross, RAN, 1929-1938.

 

HMAS Albatross, RAN, and two of her six Supermarine Seagull III amphibians, flown by the specially-trained No 101 RAAF Fleet Co-operation Flight, formed at Point Cook RAAF base in June 1926. In August the same year the Flight moved to Richmond, NSW. The six Seagulls, together with five pilots and 412 airmen were embarked on HMAS Albatross on 25 February 1929. Albatross had a capacity for nine aircraft, but only ever carried the six in RAN service. As a result of the economic depression, she paid off into reserve in March 1933, after only four years service. Despite her somewhat ungainly appearance, Albatross was an ambitious initiative by the Australian Government and the RAN in its early years - a warship that was listed in a special reserved category under the Washington Naval Treaty, and one that required the negotiation of a special dispensation to retain her. Albatross was also had excellent sea-keeping qualities, and was regarded as a comfortable berth. She was transferred to the RN in 1938 as part payment for the cruiser HMAS Hobart [ex-HMS Apollo].

 

The various aircraft carried on HMAS Australia (II), RAN, had a number of adventures until the ship ceased carrying them in late 1944, the last RAN cruiser to do so. During the Abyssinian Crisis of 1936, Australia's aircraft, along with that of HMAS Sydney (II) and similar spotter aircraft from the Royal Navy's First Cruiser Squadron, engaged in massed patrols over North Africa. In September 1940, at the end of the second three-day attack on the French fleet at Dakar, HMAS Australia's Supermarine Walrus was shot down astern of the withdrawing British fleet, All three of her crew were lost (Lt. CMDR. F.K. Fogarty, RAN; Flight Lt. G.J.I. Clark, RAAF; and Telegraphist C.K. Burnett, RAN).

 

Civilian Beechcraft Staggerwing impressed into RAAF service (A39-1), Wagga, 1941. RAAF roundels painted over civil scheme.

 

Civilian Beechcraft Staggerwing taken over by RAAF as A39-2.

 

Civilian Beechcraft Staggerwing A39-2 was returned to its civilian owner in 1944 in this state.

 

Beechcraft Staggerwing (A39-1) in full RAAF camouflage scheme and markings, Laverton, 1943.

 

Beechcraft Staggerwing (A39-1) RAAF, 2 Communications Unit, Richmond, 1943.

 

Beaufort, “Eskimo Nell”, RAAF.

 

Bristol Beaufighter (A8-198), 31 Squadron RAAF.

 

Bristol Beaufighter (A8-198), 93 Squadron RAAF.

 

Bristol Beaufighter (A8-129), 93 Squadron RAAF, Labuan Strip, August 1945.

 

Flying Officer Lee Turner RAAF (navigator, left) and Flying Officer Steve Sykes RAAF (pilot, right) of No. 455 Squadron RAAF, inspect the top of an armed trawler's mast which became embedded in the nose of their Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X during a low-level attack on enemy shipping in the harbor of Marsdiep, Holland, by the combined Langham and North Coates Strike Wings on 12 September 1944. Sykes brought the damaged aircraft back to Langham and made a successful crash-landing, in which Turner was slightly injured.

 

Fairey Battle Mk.I (P5242), RAAF No. 1 Bombing & Gunnery School, circa 1940.

 

No. 1 BAGS RAAF, Evans Head, NSW, Australia, Air Gunners Course Graduation.

 

A Bristol Bombay of No. 1 Australian Ambulance Unit on the ground at Sfax, Tunisia, while disembarking sick Indian prisoners-of-war recently released from captivity.

 

Commonwealth CA-14A Boomerang (A46-1001).

 

Northrop Delta 1D (VH-ADR c/n 42). Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1940. This aircraft was sold to the Chicago Real Estate Loan and Trust Company of Chicago, Illinois, USA, on July 30, 1935, registered NC14267, and used by the company president. It was sold to Lincoln Ellsworth on April 27, 1938 and re-registered NR14267 for survey flights in the Antarctic. Modified with skis and extra fuel tanks in the fuselage, it made one flight in the Antarctic region on January 14, 1939. In February 1939, it was sold to the Australian Department of Civil Aviation and registered VH-ADR. After being placed in storage between 1941 and 1942, it was briefly leased to the USAAF and loaned to the RAAF for communications flights. The aircraft was assigned the military s/n A61-1 in addition to retaining its civil registration. The aircraft was used by two transport units, No. 34 and No. 37 Squadrons. This aircraft was damaged beyond repair on September 30, 1943 when it swerved off the runway and was subsequently scrapped.

 

Avro Anson Mk.I, No. 67 Squadron RAAF.

 

Avro Ansons, L9162 and N4876, of No. 2 Service Flying Training School, RAAF, collided in mid-air and became locked together in flight, 29 September 1940. A successful emergency landing was made at Brocklesby, New South Wales. L9162 became a ground instructional airframe, whilst N4876 was repaired and returned to service.

 

Waist gunners in a Sunderland Mk. I, 10 Sqn RAAF, 1940.

 

A crew member of a Short Sunderland Mark I of No. 10 Squadron RAAF, washing up in the galley during a flight.

 

The pilot and navigator of a Short Sunderland Mark I of No. 10 Squadron RAAF enjoy some refreshments while on convoy escort duty in the Atlantic.

 

Servicing an engine on a Short Sunderland flying boat, 10 Sqn RAAF, Mt Batten, 1941.

 

Airmen of No. 10 Squadron RAAF attend to an overhaul of a Bristol Pegasus XXII engine on a Short Sunderland Mark I at Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire.

 

RAAF CAC Boomerangs waiting to be scrapped after the war.

 

A Royal Australian Air Force De Havilland DH.86A Express air ambulance (s/n A31-7) in flight, one of eight used by the RAAF from 1939 until 1945. Capable of carrying one doctor and up to eight patients (six of whom can be carried on stretchers), these four engined biplanes served with 35 and 36 Squadrons and 1 Air Ambulance Unit (1 AAU). A31-7 served with 1 AAU in the Middle East. It arrived at Cairo on 3 July 1941 and was based at Gaza and Gerawla supporting the work of 1 Australian General Hospital before being damaged on the ground in an enemy attack on Mersa Matruh airfield on 31 January 1942. Despite being riddled with shrapnel holes, it was repaired with parts scavenged from enemy aircraft and flown again, being the only aircraft 1 AAU had which was capable of flying for most of the first half of 1942. As the last operational DH.86A, A31-7 was withdrawn from use due to the unavailability of 77-octane fuel after transporting patients during the Italian campaign in 1943. It has been suggested that the aircraft was then dismantled for spares and probably scrapped. A total of 8,252 patients were airlifted by 1 AAU during the unit's service in the Middle East and Italy.

 

A patient being loaded into an aircraft marked with the protective sign of No. 1 Air Ambulance Unit, Royal Australian Air Force, in Sicily, September 1943.

 

De Havilland 86A owned by Qantas Empire Airways, ca. 1940. This plane crashed at Brisbane on 20 February 1942. Pilot was Cec Swaffud.

 

Remains of Qantas D.H.86 VH-USG (c/n 2311) displayed in the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach (Qld.). This is all that remains of the sixty-two D.H.86 aircraft that were built.

 

A Royal Australian Air Force De Havilland DH.86A Express air ambulance (s/n A31-7) in flight on 26 February 1942, one of eight used by the RAAF from 1939 until 1945.

 

A crowd stands on the airfield watching women and children board the tri-motor Junkers G.31 aircraft VH-UOV owned by Bulol Gold Dredging Ltd at Salamaua, New Guinea. This aircraft evacuated women and children to Australia, following the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor. The final evacuation of the remaining inhabitants of Salamaua took place on 24 January 1942. In the background sits a single engine Guinea Airways Junkers W 34 aircraft.

 

North American BT-9B US Army Air Corps, assigned to the 46th School Squadron based at Randolph Field, Texas.