While the RNZAF’s
use of the P-40 in the Pacific Theatre is well known, a number
of New Zealanders used the type elsewhere. One Kiwi, Gerry
Westernra, flew with 112 Squadron in the Desert Air Force
and ended the war with a Distinguished Flying Cross and bar
with a total of eight victories, including two he scored
while flying the Gloster Gladiator biplane.
It is reputed that after Flying Officer Peter Brunton
added the shark mouth logo to his P40 (to distinguish it
from the other aircraft in the unit) it was Westernra who
convinced the unit CO that all the 112 Squadron aircraft
should be similarly adorned. It was from this beginning
that the now iconic artwork spread to other units flying
the P40, including the AVG in China.
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