[Little Ray]

Geez, I hope those were destroyed on the ground. I’d hate to think that someone got killed trying to fly one.

[fso301]

Geez, I hope those were destroyed on the ground. I’d hate to think that someone got killed trying to fly one.

Most of the "combat" aircraft in the Philippines were arguably best left on the ground as decoys or used for reconnaissance and transport.

The U.S. Army Air Corp pursuit squadrons in the Philippines began 1941 flying P-26's as they had not yet been upgraded to P-35A's.

In January, the first P-35A's from a consignment originally intended for Sweden began arriving in the Philippines. As a Swedish consignment, their instruments and manuals were also in Swedish. Never-the-less, by May 1941, the American fighter (pursuit) squadrons finally completed their transition from P-26's to P-35's.

I believe the Philippine Army Air Corps 6th Squadron was then upgraded from Stearman's to these surplus P-26's in the May 1941 - Oct 1941 timeframe when a dozen or so of the antiquated Peashooters were handed over.

[fso301]

Geez, I hope those were destroyed on the ground. I’d hate to think that someone got killed trying to fly one.

On Dec 10, 1941, Capt. Jesus A. Villamore led a formation of three antiquated Boeing P-26 Peashooters against a Japanese bomber formation. In the ensuing battle Capt. Villamor was credited with breaking up the bomber formation and downing one bomber. Capt. Villamore was awarded the D.S.C. for his actions that day.

Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-7 "Wasp" radial engine, 600 hp
Maximum speed: 234 mph at 6,000 ft
Combat radius: 360 mi
Guns: 2 × .30 cal M1919 Browning machine guns or 1 x .30 caliber and 1 x .50 caliber machine guns
Bombs: 2 × 100 lb GP bombs or 5 x 31 lb) anti-personnel bombs