After France’s defeat in 1940, the British took over all obligations tied to the French-British purchase committee that bought arms from USA. Thanks to this, Britain got Curtiss Hawk H-75 fighters, among others. They named it Mohawk and, depending on the engine type, added version markings Mk.I to Mk.IV. Even though tests proved that the Mohawk surpassed the Spitfire in agility, rate of climb and nosedive speed, the maximum speed was a different story and it was determined that it was not optimal for fights in Europe. Mohawks Mk.IV, equipped with the Wright R-1820 engines, were moved to the Far East Air Force, to other battlefields. They were used by the RAF squadrons No. 5 and No. 155 (also briefly by No. 146). Both squadrons, united into the 169th wing, used the Mohawks to fight the Japanese in what is today India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. They often faced extreme weather and nature proved to be just as formidable an opponent as the Japanese in the jungle. In this forgotten war, both squadrons faced the dangerous light (but fragile) fighters Ki-27 Nate and Ki-43 Oscar. And not only were the Mohawks victorious but the sturdy construction often saved the pilots’ lives. At least twice a Mohawk crashed midair with an Oscar and while the crash was fatal for the Japanese fighter on both occasions, the damaged Mohawk managed to get the pilot to safety. The pilots of both squadrons also often attacked ground targets. While squadron No. 5 changed to Hurricanes Mk.IIC in June 1942, No. 155 used the popular but rather used up Mohawks until December 1943, when they exchanged them for Spitfires Mk.VIII. But in fall 1943, the Mohawks flew over the Imphal valley, just like in our picture.