FM-2 Wildcat (86711)  [@ RAF Duxford]

The first of these aircraft was delivered on 27 July 1940, a month before the US Navy received its first Wildcat.  In October No 804 Squadron began re-arming with the Martlet at Hatson, in the Orkney Islands, and scored an early success when two of its aircraft shot down a Junkers Ju 88 over the naval base at Scapa Flow.  In April 1941 30 G-36As ordered by Greece were also diverted to Britain as Martlet IIIs, these aircraft having been offloaded at Gibraltar when the Germans invaded the Balkans.  Neither the F4F-3 nor the Martlet I had folding wings, but these were incorporated in all but 10 of an order for 100 Martlet IIs (G-36As) placed by Britain in 1940.

The total number of Martlets of all marks supplied to Britain eventually reached 1191, the total including 220 Martlet IVs (F4F-4Bs with Cyclone engines), 311 as Martlet Vs and 370 Wildcat VIs, the American name having by then been adopted by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.  This was the British equivalent of the F4F-8, with a l200hp R-1820-56 Cyclone engine and taller fin and rudder.

Robust and capable of absorbing a large amount of battle damage, the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm used it for Escort Carrier duties throughout the war.

Unfortunately the history of 86711 is rather patchy, however, it is the only example of its type flying today in Europe.