L-5 Sentinel I - KJ379

[malcolm_raf]

Hi

I have just received the following-mail and wondered if anyone could help Geoff?

"My name is Geoff Hill and I am an ex RAAF Flight Engineer.

A couple of years ago I bought a Stinson L-5 Sentinel I, which after some research I discovered was one of the 100 operated by the RAF (SEAC) in India & Burma during WW2 under Lend-Lease arrangements. Built as USAAF 42 99498 it was accepted into the RAF as KJ379. I am restoring the aircraft to its WW2 configuration and paint scheme, refitting as much original equipment as I can find. I have searched the US NASM (Smithsonian Museum), RAF Museum and IWM for information and images with limited success. The images are important so we can paint the aircraft, when it’s recovered, in the same scheme as it flew with during 1944-45. KJ379 was struck off charge in 1946, before making its way to the Philippines and imported into Australia in 1947 There are .

Do you have any information and/or images of Stinson L-5 Sentinels in RAF service?

Do you have any information and/or images of KJ379 operations with SEAC?"

Malcolm

[Argus]

Hi Malcolm,

There is a photo of a stripped KJ377 (42-99496) in The Stevenson Collection. Within serial Nos. KJ368-KJ467.

Sorry, no color scheme.

https://taylorastevenson.wixsite.com...tbox=image1r9a

Regards

Finn

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Malcolm,

There is a photo of a stripped KJ377 (42-99496) in The Stevenson Collection. Within serial Nos. KJ368-KJ467.

Sorry, no color scheme.

https://taylorastevenson.wixsite.com...tbox=image1r9a

Regards

Finn

Thanks Finn, I'll pass on the link

Malcoolm

[Franek Grabowski]

It seems the aircraft served on No 357 Sqn.
There was another thread concerning restoration of yet another L-5 of the Sqn.
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/sho...ial-Duties-Sqn
Unfortunately, such aircraft like Sentinels did not attract much attention of photographers. I have found a gallery but no single shot. Still, a research on the Squadron and in particular on families of the airmen may produce some pics.
http://www.historyofwar.org/pictures...oogle_vignette
In general it looks that the aircraft retained original US scheme, KJ377 has visible traces of overpaint of US markings and serials, those are not prominent on other pics. Perhaps fresh paint blended with camouflage and overpaint became more clear with fading paint. Also a film or filter used could have increased contrast.
Franek

[robstitt]

Images in Air Arsenal North America by Phil Butler show KJ420 and KJ423 with a similar disruptive camouflage. No codes. Another shows KJ459 with a uniform light-coloured finish, perhaps an HQ hack...?

Robert.

[Franek Grabowski]

There seems no disruptive pattern, just overpaint of previous markings and minor repairs to fabric.
This photo shows overpaint of US insignia.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ject/205209753

[robstitt]

I see what you’re saying, Franek, and the Maintenance shot in the Stevenson sequence looks like a U.S. factory finish with original stencilling. That said, some overpainting with perhaps Dark Green over the upper Olive Drab appears to have taken place on the rear fuselages.

Interesting that the serial KJ377 is repeated on the fin in white(?) in the view of the two derelict examples.

Robert

[Franek Grabowski]

I guess that the white serial was an exception, perhaps some post-war action to make serials clearly visible. A number of SEAC aircraft received white serials. I guess it was to discipline pilots in regard of low flying.
Few photos of RAF Sentinels that I have seen show them invariably in the US scheme. The overpaint, well, it could have been DG, close match to OD actually, or some local paint or even OD coming from another batch and of different hue. I bet there must be some relics or colour photos.
I think a minor but important detail for a diligent restorer.
Franek

[malcolm_raf]

Hi

Thanks for your replies, I've suggested to the original enquirer that he join the forum to benefit from them.

Cheers

Malcolm

[PeterColwill]

Reference the white serials..

From Royal Air Force Thunderbolts by Geoff Thomas 1987...

"In January 1945 HQ ACSEA issued an instruction for all except four-engined aircraft and night fighters to carry markings similar to Thunderbolts. A diagram attached to the Instruction carried the note: "Stripes and numbers (a) for uncamouflaged aircraft will be Identification Blue. (b) for camouflaged aircraft will be White' "

"This was interpreted as applying to serial numbers and code letters.....from the end of the month"

Hope this helps
Peter