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They sure look like Brewster Buffalos to me.

Many thanks. I have since been advised that they were a part of a flight of seven sent north to Singapore in 1942 to assist in the defence of Malaya. They were piloted by Australians but sadly were all shot down by Japanese Zeros. All pilots lost. I gather they were not a great plane. Kevin

The Brewster F2A "Buffalo" was an American fighter aircraft which saw limited service during World War II. In 1939, the F2A became the first monoplane fighter aircraft used by the US Navy.

In December 1941, it suffered severe losses with both British Commonwealth and Dutch air forces in South East Asia, for reasons unrelated to the basic design. It also saw action with US Marine Corps squadrons at the Battle of Midway.

The F2A was derided by some American servicemen as a "flying coffin", due to poor construction and perceptions of its general performance. Despite this reputation, the F2A proved a potent weapon with the Finnish Air Force, against the Soviet Air Forces.

Source - Wikipedia

Some were even converted for photo reconnaissance missions.

Many thanks for your info & interest. Kevin