VT-4 Avengers
I found the above photo on Pinterest Japan. It states that White 5 is a TBF-1 Avenger of VT-4 overflying USS Ranger on 9 September 1943.
Starfighter Decals has a sheet for Operation Leader in 1/72 scale with markings for White 4 as TBM-1 Bu No 06302 of VB-4.
I have tried to enlarge the photo as much as possible but it seems that White 5 is in fact a -1C Avenger. First is the straight radio mast. Second it looks like the right upper cowl flap is missing the notch required for the -1 nose mounted machine gun. Another piece of evidence saying VT-4 had -1C Avengers for Operation Leader is found in Gerald Thomas' book Torpedo Squadron 4: A Cockpit View of World War II where he flew 4-T-9 during the mission and is credited with a hit. He states he armed his guns. Later during his first attack run he says he fired the guns.
Help is appreciated.
Air Group 4 was flying FM-1 Wildcats, SBD-5 Dauntlesses and TBF-1C Avengers for Operation Leader. The TBF-1 had left fleet squadrons by the spring of 1943.
Tom @tcinla thank you for confirming my surmise on the TBF-1C.
Your talk of Wildcats reminded me of the Fundekals sheet for the Eduard F4Fs so went to look at the PDF and it provides three markings for F4F-4s of VF-4 for Operation Leader including White 10 that was flown by Lt. Laird who shares credit for the Ju 88 and He 115 shot down by Ranger's CAP.
A gentle reminder that requests for help are not allowed in the Headlines, but should be posted in Groups. I’m leaving this post on, but plese be mindful of the posting rules in the future.
I guess there’s a gentle difference between asking for help and publishing pictures, but advertising your you-tube channel seems to be OK, is that right , @Martin?