Grumman TBF Avenger – White 93, VT-15,  US Navy, USS Essex, Leyete Gulf, Battle of Leyte Gulf, November 1944

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA1222: Grumman TBF Avenger White 93 of VT-15, US Navy, USS Essex, Leyte Gulf, Battle of Leyete Gulf, November 1944

Length 6.75 inches Wingspan 9 inches

In mid-May 1944 the USS Essex joined other carriers to carry out strikes on the Marcus and Wake Islands. In June and August Essex supported the occupation of the Marianas and carried out attacks on shipping around the Palau Islands and Mindanao in September. In October the USS Essex and VT-15 took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and on November 5, 1944 TBF-1C Bu.No 46353 White 93’s gunner was killed attacking an IJN Cruiser. On November 25 USS Essex was badly damaged by a Kamikaze aircraft.

Designed to replace the Douglas TBD Devastator, the TBF Avenger was first flown on August 1st, 1941. Capable of staging torpedoes, drop bombs and rockets, this single engine aircraft could also be outfitted with a combination of machine guns and cannons, which allowed it to act as a dogfighter. The robust Avenger design gave it the ability to withstand enemy air attacks and allowed it to serve throughout WWII, with dire consequences for the Japanese fleet. Postwar, the Avenger was still in service-retrofitted for other important functions including electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare and target towing.