The Douglas/Northrop 8A-4D (or A-17) was the most advanced ground attack type in service with the RIrAF during the Anglo-Iraq War of 1941. The type was a predecessor of the famous Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber from the Second World War, but apparently not yet equipped for dive bombing (the most precise bombing tactics of the 1930s and the 1940s). Fifteen were acquired from the USA and used to equip No. 7 Squadron, but their subsequent operations were severely hampered by the British confiscating a shipload of spares and armament in 1940. As far as is known, all were left in bare metal overall, and wore the usual set of insignia. However, the exact position and size of the serial numbers (131-145) – applied after delivery – remains unclear. Inset is shown the crest of No. 7 Squadron, as applied on all of the Iraqi ‘Northrops’. (Artwork by Luca Canossa)