Help needed to identify plane

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by questor, Jan 11, 2020.

  1. questor

    questor Junior Member

    I've got a family photo from WW2 but am struggling to identify the plane in the background. Can anyone help please?
     

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  2. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    The undercarriage would suggest a Brewster Buffalo
     
  3. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    It would help further if we knew when and/or where the photo was taken
     
  4. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    I was going to agree but the cowl doesn't look right for a Buffalo. It's also missing the Buffalo's spinner but that have been removed.

    Might be a Fokker D.XXI with the spats removed?
     
  5. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    No that's a retractable UC - it does look very Brewster but I agree over the cowling - which is why when and where would help.
     
  6. nicks

    nicks Very Senior Member

    It's look very much like a Miles Master III or even possibly a Miles Martinet.

    Image from the PDF link on this page Miles M.27 Master III
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
    Dave55 likes this.
  7. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    I agree except that the outboard UC struts appear too substantial. Would the OP please give us some contextual info?
     
  8. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    Of course, if it is likely to have been taken in the US, then a Buffalo is more likely, without spinner and non tropical clothing.
    Without a spinner boss, it's likely to be an American operated Buffalo, those supplied for export were fitted with a boss, although the wing leading edge appears to have suffered some damage, so the boss could have been lost or removed for repair....
    But if the photo ISN'T from the USA then...
    It looks closer to a Harvard trainer, but did they have 3 bladed props in WW2?
    With Buffalo's more likely to be used in the Far East, the attire doesn't look tropical, so, despite the undercarriage issue, the Harvard is more likely
    a) in terms of more widespread usage and b) non tropical clothing.
     
  9. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    Hamilton Standard emblem on the prop, if that helps.
     
  10. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    Harvard had a much simpler UC and most props were two bladed
     
  11. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    On second thoughts, Miles Master II, (Mercury radial engine) has the right height, with head just below boss, a canted undercarriage strut and the hint of a gull (Stuka) wing... as a primary trainer fits with the woodland appearance, clothing and availability, especially as these seem proud to pose with a damaged one... Credit nicks with the idea! :)
     
  12. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

    Miles Master was not a primary trainer, it was an advanced trainer which pilots used to transition to operational fighters - and again the UC doesn't fit.
     
  13. nicks

    nicks Very Senior Member

    Master III's were fitted with Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp Junior engines which could explain the Hamilton Standard propeller.
     
    CL1 likes this.
  14. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    robert-w: If you weren't so occupied with pushing up your post count, and actually answered rather than sniping away, this forum would heave a sigh of relief
     
  15. nicks

    nicks Very Senior Member

  16. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

  17. Ewen Scott

    Ewen Scott Well-Known Member

  18. Robert-w

    Robert-w Banned

  19. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    I think I have spotted a name on the photo not sure if you can see it clearly though

    upload_2020-1-11_23-11-40.png
     
  20. questor

    questor Junior Member

    Thanks everyone for suggestions and comments. My grandfather was stationed at RAF Upavon (Central Flying School) from March 1941 to March 1944 so that fits with the suggested trainer aircraft I suppose. After that he joined an AMES unit, part of 24 Base Defence Wing, and was in Normandy D+2, eventually setting up the temporary airfield at Longues, B11. I had wondered if the photo was from there but it seems from your responses highly unlikely. Thanks again!
     

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