page_title: 49th Fighter Group
section_title: Move to Australia
hierarchical_section_title: 49th Fighter Group / Move to Australia
caption_attribution_description: English: AWM caption&#160;: ARCHERFIELD, QLD. C.1941. ASSEMBLING A UNITED STATES ARMY AIR CORPS P40E AIRCRAFT OF THE 49TH FIGHTER GROUP. (ORIGINAL HOUSED IN AWM ARCHIVE STORE)
context_page_description: The 49th Fighter Group was a fighter aircraft unit of the Fifth Air Force that was located in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.
context_section_description: The group was sent overseas to Australia in January 1942 and was assigned to the Fifth Air Force. They moved to Darwin in April 1942 and was redesignated 49th Fighter Group in May.
  The group was equipped with  P-40's Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft in Australia and after a brief period of training, provided air defense for the Northern Territory. The 9th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Livingstone, 8th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Strauss Airfield and the 7th Fighter Squadron was stationed at Batchelor.
  The 49th Fighter Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for engaging the enemy in frequent and intense aerial combat while operating with limited material and facilities between March and August 1942.
caption: Mechanics assembling a P-40 in Archerfield, Queensland
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