In January 1944, No. 427 Squadron RCAF began to replace their Halifax Mk. III aircraft with Mk. V's. The squadron had been adopted by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio and the new aircraft received nose art and names related to female stars that were currently appearing in MGM films. It is thought that the squadron's aircraft "J", (LV-994), was likely the one named "Joan Crawford." The painting was inspired by the 1938 "Petty Girl" that appeared in the pages of Esquire Magazine. Joan Crawford is said to have been one of Hollywood's finest actresses during the 1930's and 1940's. The winner of an Academy Award in 1943, she often played the part of a hardworking young woman who eventually found romance and success.