- Although designed and built for the US Navy, the F2A fought in only one major US engagement, the battle of Midway, in which F2A pilots managed to shoot down a number of Japanese fighters. Soon replaced by the navy, the F2A was exported to Britain, where it was nicknamed the Buffalo thanks to its stubby appearance. The British sent most of these fighters to the Far East where they were used in the defence of Singapore and Malaya. It was in the Winter War, however, that the F2A truly found a home. Calling the plane simply the Brewster, the Finnish flew it against the invading Russians. Overall 37 Finns achieved ace status flying the Brewster, and it was the Finnish fighter of choice until succeeded by the Bf 109 in 1943.

Contents:

Chapter 1 - The Peanut SpecialBrief technical description of the development of the F-2A and its selection

fielding by US Navy. Initial carrier-borne service with US Navy and use pre war by a number of future leading US aces. Selection by some European nations & subsequent adoption by Britain. Sale of Brewster 239s to Finland and delivery

Chapter 2 - An Unloved Fighter Service with the first Eagle squadron in England. Deployment and operational use with the Royal Navy in Egypt and Crete. Fielding by the RAF for the air defence in the Far East and Burma

Chapter 3 - Finnish Triumph Service with the Finnish Air Force against the Soviets

Chapter 4 - The Rising Sun RAF service in Malaya against the Japanese. Neth EIAF service use against Japanese. RAF service in Burma against the Japanese & use in India after retreat. Wartime USMC service only action during Battle of Midway (last action by Buffalo

F2A against Japanese)

Chapter 5 - Epilogue Brewster 239s final victory and valediction to include use in US as fighter trainer flown by many future aces, or by aces as instructors

AppendicesA) USN

USMC Aces, including those who flew, but did not claim on the F-2AB) Commonwealth Buffalo Aces, and Aces who made some claims on themC) Finnish Brewster 239 Aces, and Aces who made some claims on themD) Commonwealth Aces who flew, but did not claim, (including non-ace pilots with 5+ Buffalo claims)