The Fifth's P-400s were diverted to Australia after the British RAF refused to accept them because of their alleged substandard performance. Hence when they arrived in New Guinea they still had British camouflage and serial numbers, in the series AH 728 to 738, AP 266 to 283, BW 100 to 183 & BX 135 to 174.

The 'BW' series had originally been assigned to Russia as part of the lend-lease program, but wound up in New Guinea instead.

All P-400s arrived in Australia in pre-war type markings with a red center in the white star. The photo of BW168 shows the original insignia masked out for repainting to eliminate the red center, which can be seen in the photo. This was standard prceedure in the spring and summer of 1942, being done by different unts at different times. Photos exist of 13th Air Force P-400s on Guadalcanal in August of '42 with the orginal insignia.

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