British Hellcat experience

[Rich46yo]

Can anyone point me to some material on the British, and especially RN, F6F-3 & F6F-5 operations in WW-2?

Thank you.

[B4Buster]

http://www.xs4all.nl/~fbonne/warbirds/ww2htmls/grumf6f.html

That gives specs about both RAF and American Hellcats
Kind of dry, organized in tables but alot of info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F6F_Hellcat

This wiki article has alot of info about operations, and hyperlinks that will take you to what you're looking for

[Rich46yo]

Thank you. I was hopeing to find some personal diary type stuff.

[B4Buster]

Ohh, that might take a little looking. I bet if you went to a bookstore and looked you'd find something along those lines.

I would try PMing Greebo about info too, either here or on the forums, I'm sure he has some good material

[Rich46yo]

My main point of interest was how they incorporated American doctrine into their own Hellcat operations. Or if they experiemented on their own. Or how closely their F6F operational goals matched our own. Also of interest is any mechanical enhancements they might have done.

I just got 1/2 dozen history books for X-mas so hopefully I'll get a chance to do some research soon.

[B4Buster]

Oh ok, well I know that 1st hyperlink should help you out a bit then.

Hope the books hide some info, merry Christmas!

[Angus]

If you're on that hunt, do the F4U as well. The RN applied those relatively early, and at least in Northern seas AFAIK. Might get some cross reference there.
Here is a start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F4U_Corsair#Royal_Navy
You see some factors there, such as spacings on board as well as the different landing approach.
Happy hunting!

[Jester]

Here is a good link to check out - the FLEET AIR ARM ARCHIVE:  www.fleetairarmarchive.net

You might want to also pick up a copy of the OSPREY book: HELCAT ACES OF WORLD EAR 2. It is #10 in the series Aircraft of the Aces. You should be able to get it easily off Squadron.com or Amazon.com.

Also look around for info on NO.800 SQUADRON, (one of my old AH squadrons   ) they are probably one of the best known Hellcat squadrons of the RN.

If I run across anything else I will post it.

My 800 Sdn. Hellcat Mk.I


 

[Shuckins]

After you access that link....go to the aircraft profile database and look up the Hellcat.  There is a graph of the Hellcat II and its specifications while in service with the FAA.  It states that some F6F-5s and F6F-5Ns were equipped with two 20mm cannon and four .50 caliber machine guns.  That statement MAY indicate that some of the British aircraft were modified to carry heavier firepower, in line with the British policy of arming almost all of their single-seat fighters with cannon.

Admittedly, the statement is obscure.

[Rich46yo]

Yeah Jester. Thats exactly what Im looking for. And thanks to all.

[B4Buster]

Good luck

[humble]

Here's the part I find interesting....

Six fixed forward firing 0.5in Browning wing guns with 400 rounds per gun (some F6F-5 and F6F-5N Hellcats had two 20 mm cannon plus four 0.5 inch machine-guns) 

Not just he 5N's had 20mm, F6F-5's were delivered to the fleet (both US and British) with factory installed 20mm toward the end of the war.

[Rich46yo]

Like this...

Royal Navy Hellcat I's (F6F-3) from 800 squadron were involved in escorting Barracuda attacks on the german battleship Tirpitz from April to August 1944 in Alta Fjord, Norway. One of these operations, on 8 May 1944, the Luftwaffe fighters flew up to protect the battleship. Some of the 800 squadron Hellcats from HMS Emperor went to attack the German aircraft and shot down 1 Fw-190 and two Bf-109G fighters. The Hellcats suffered one loss to the Luftwaffe and another to anti-aircraft fire. Sub Lt. B. Richie claimed the Focke-Wulf and went on to claim a total of 6 kills, becoming one of only a few Royal Navy Hellcat aces.

See I wasnt aware there were ANY RN Hellcat aces in WW-2.

Of course I have plenty of fascination for 800 squadron. Hows this for a proud history?http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcottesmore/aboutus/800navalairsquadron.cfm

[Angus]

I have some list of engagements between the F6F and 109's. I'll try to dig it up for you

[Rich46yo]

I have some list of engagements between the F6F and 109's. I'll try to dig it up for you

Yes, thank you. This aircraft is in my top 5 for WW-ll and I am interested in hearing as much about it as possible. Most of all the experiences of our allies.