Hobby Master Archive

The original pilot of P-40N HU-E “Black Magic” serial A29-575 (US 42-106386) was Flight lieutenant Denis R. Baker, DFC assigned to the RAAF 78 Squadron. Originally Baker was an aircraft mechanic but on November 14, 1944 received his pilot wings and was posted to 78 Squadron. He flew 95 operational sorties operating from bases in Noemfoor, Morotai and Tarakan. Baker was promoted to Flight Sergeant and later Warrant Officer. Baker scored the last RAAF victory of the New Guinea campaign. HU-E was later flown by Warrant Officer Len Waters, the first Australian Aboriginal military pilot.