The Bell Airacobra was designated P 39.
The export version to England (and rejected as unsuitable) was designated P 400 and fitted with UK armament... so the book re Kokoda Air Strikes could just have been a typo...most proof readers wouldnt know an aeroplane from their elbow so this sort of hiccup occurs. There were quite a few P 400s sent to New Guinea in the early days of the air battles for POM
The tattered remains of P 400 AP 347 (RAF serial) is /was in the yard at the POM Aero club
A P 40 could be an Airacobra with the Zero missing...thankfully!
Or the P-400 is a P 40 with a Zero on the tail !!! A ring twitcher !!
Top read about Airacobras in NG is "Nanette" by Edwards Park..his love affair flying his P 39. Expanded version of his WW2 story "Angels 20" QUP
And as for proof readers ? authors? and aviation ...opening page of a recent book had the Japanese ace flying his latest model Type "O" Kawasaki Hien "Swallow" Mmmm... Not much point in going to page 2 then.!
Centaurus ... always enjoy yr anecdotes and terrific tall tails .. thanks a mil.
