Grumman Martlet Mk III AM958 June 1941
The Grumman Martlet Mk. III (Model G-36) was a variant of the Wildcat series that ended up in British hands due to the shifting tides of war in Europe. Initially destined for Greece, these aircraft were rerouted to the Royal Navy following Greece’s fall to Axis forces in 1941.
Key Specifications and Features:
- First Flight: 1941
- Number Built: 10 aircraft
- Royal Navy Serial Numbers: AM954 through AM963
Background:
- These aircraft were originally intended as Grumman F4F-3A Wildcats for the Greek Air Force. However, during transit to Greece, the country fell to the Axis powers, making it impossible to deliver the aircraft as planned.
- The British took over these aircraft at Gibraltar, where they were assigned to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and designated as Martlet Mk. III.