Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: Greebo on October 08, 2014, 05:43:57 AM

Title: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: Greebo on October 08, 2014, 05:43:57 AM

For Operation Torch, the November 1942 Anglo-American invasion of Vichy French North Africa, it was decided to paint US-style markings on the Royal Navy aircraft taking part. It was thought (optimistically) that both the US and French would be less likely to open fire on them as a result. The French military in the area had a particular hatred of the Royal Navy since in 1940 it had bombarded the Vichy French fleet in harbour at Mers-el-Kébir to prevent its possible use in an Axis invasion of Britain.

Operation Torch marked the Seafire's operational debut. While the new aircraft represented a jump in performance over existing RN fighters it was found not to be a good carrier aircraft, as it was too fragile, difficult to land and lacked a wing fold mechanism. Most Seafire losses during Torch came from landing accidents rather than enemy action. This aircraft was part of 885 NAS based on the fleet carrier HMS Formidable.

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/Jonchaz/Screenshots%20British/885_NAS_Seafire_SC1_zpsb3265956-1.jpg)

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c155/Jonchaz/Screenshots%20British/885_NAS_Seafire_SC2_zps73f2f46c.jpg)

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: Coalcat1 on October 08, 2014, 05:50:06 AM

 :x. Very nice greebo  :aok

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: Dragon Tamer on October 08, 2014, 10:05:33 AM

 :aok

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: DubiousKB on October 08, 2014, 10:18:47 AM

Looks good Greebo. 

So did the paint scheme help them from being fired upon from the French?

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: Someguy63 on October 08, 2014, 11:35:54 AM

 :O

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: lyric1 on October 08, 2014, 12:46:27 PM

 :aok

Title: Re: 885 NAS Seafire
Post by: Greebo on October 10, 2014, 05:59:24 PM

Quote from: DubiousKB on October 08, 2014, 10:18:47 AM

So did the paint scheme help them from being fired upon from the French?

I doubt it, the Vichy French attacked both American and British aircraft. The stars were probably more useful in preventing friendly fire from the American forces.