Canadian Warplanes 3: Bristol Beaufighter

‍Bristol Beaufighter

(IWM Photo, CH13180)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE425), coded 2-G, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, later coded EE, being fitted with 3-inch 25 lb rockets.

The Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter (often referred to simply as the "Beau") was a multi-role aircraft developed during the Second World War in the UK.  It was originally conceived as a heavy fighter variant of the Bristol Beaufort bomber.  Upon its entry to service, the Beaufighter proved to be well suited to the night fighter role, for which the RAF initially deployed the type during the height of the Battle of Britain, in part due to its large size allowing it to accommodate both heavy armaments and early airborne interception radar without major performance penalties.

As its wartime service continued, the Beaufighter was used in many different roles; receiving the nicknames Rockbeau for its use as a rocket-armed ground attack aircraft, and Torbeau in its role as a torpedo bomber against Axis shipping, in which it came to replace the Beaufort which had preceded it.  In later operations, it served mainly as a maritime strike/ground attack aircraft, RAF Coastal Command having operated the largest number of Beaufighters amongst all other commands at one point.

The Beaufighter saw extensive service during the war with the RAF (59 squadrons), Fleet Air Arm (15 squadrons), RAAF (seven squadrons), RCAF (four squadrons), USAAF (four squadrons), RNZAF (two squadrons), SAAF (two squadrons) and the Free Polish Air Force (one squadron).  In addition, variants of the Beaufighter were also manufactured in Australia by the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP), often called the DAP Beaufighter.

The unit codes for RCAF aircraft overseas, 1940 to 1946, indicate 9G or G9 stands for No. 441 Squadron (which did not fly Beaufighters).  Four RCAF squadrons flew Beaufighters using these codes: EE is for No. 404 Squadron, HU is for No. 406 Squadron, KP is for No. 409 Squadron, RA is for No. 410 Squadron.

In the fall of 1940, Luftwaffe bombers, unable to escape Allied fighters by day, started flying night missions, where they would encounter much less opposition.  Immediately, the Allies prepared their response: the improvement of interception radars used in ground controls, the use of twin-engine Bristol Beaufighters as night-fighter aircraft, and the development of the Mk. IV airborne interception radar.  Faster than a Junkers Ju 88, the Beaufighter displayed impressive firepower.  Three RCAF squadrons were involved in night fighter operations, Nos. 406, 409 and 410, created in the spring and summer of 1941.

"At approximately 2209 hrs, at about 9,000 ft. and about 45 miles East of Tynemouth Beaufighter attacked from level and dead astern. Pilot saw flashes in enemy aircraft fuselage. One flash very brilliant."  (Wing Commander D.G. Morris, No. 406 Squadron, RCAF, Combat Report, 30 Sep 1941).

Canadian Aircraft Losses (214). Detailed records of all known RCAF and Canadian casualties in the RAF during the Second World War may be viewed on line in the Canadian Aircraft Serials Personnel Information Resource (CASPIR). The CASPIR website is researched, coded, maintained entirely by Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) volunteers with only one staff assisting periodically. This work has taken several years, and is unlikely to be finished as continuing research leads to “new finds” and rediscovered Canadian aviation heritage and history. The CWHM volunteer team looks forward to continuing to update and correct the record as additional information and photos are received. Check here.

(RCAF Photo via Chris Charland)

Bristol Beaufighter T.F. Mk. XC nicknamed the 'Torbeau'.  No. 404 'Buffalo' Squadron, RCAF, operated the type from Sep 1943 to Mar 1945 when they were replaced by the de Havilland Mosquito P.R. Mk. VIC.

(RCAF Photo via Chris Charland)

Bristol Beaufighter T.F. Mk. XC nicknamed the 'Torbeau'.  No. 404 'Buffalo' (CF) Squadron, RCAF, operated the type from Sep 1943 to Mar 1945 when they were replaced by the de Havilland Mosquito P.R. Mk. VIC.

(IWM Photo, CH 17873)

Bristol 156 Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NV427), coded EO-L, of RCAF No. 404 Squadron based at Dallachy, Morayshire, England, breaking formation during a flight along the Scottish coast, 17 Feb 1945. NV427 flew with No. 404 (CF) Squadron, RCAF in 1943/45, coded "EE-L". Flown by F/O R.C. Ridge and P/O P. McCartney on 8 March 1945, one of 9 squadron aircraft part of a 40 aircraft strike on shipping at Vindapol, Midgulen. Seen with an engine on fire after the attack, failed to return.

No. 404 Squadron was formed at Thorney Island in Sussex, England, on 15 April 1941 under RAF operational control.  Tasked with coastal patrol and attack, the squadron initially flew the Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV & later the Bristol Beaufighter.  From May 1944 to September 1944 they were based at RAF Davidstow Moor in Cornwall, England.

As part of the RAF Dallachy strike wing of four Beaufighter-equipped squadrons, they took part in an attack on German ships on the Norwegian coast on 9 February 1945.  The ships included a destroyer and "flak" ships as well as merchantmen.  The ships were located in a fjord and German fighter aircraft scrambled in defence.  As a result of the heavy losses to the Dallachy Wing the attack was subsequently called "Black Friday".  The squadron disbanded on 25 May 1945.

(IWM Photos, CH 17873)

Bristol 156 Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NV427), coded EO-L, of RCAF No. 404 Squadron based at Dallachy, Morayshire, England, breaking formation during a flight along the Scottish coast, 17 Feb 1945.

(IWM Photo, CH 13179)

Armourers attaching 3-inch rocket projectiles fitted with 60-lb warheads to the starboard wing rails of a Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE425), coded 2-G, RCAF No. 404 Squadron, coded 2-G, later coded EE, at Davidstow Moor, Cornwall in the UK, ca 1944.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NE543), coded UB-E, of No. 455 Squadron RAAF, firing its rockets.

(IWM Photo, CH 13183)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X of No. 404 Squadron RCAF, based at Davidstow Moor, Cornwall, firing a pair of 3-inch rocket projectiles on a range off the Cornish coast.

(Ces Ashman Photo, Vince Elmer Memorial Library)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X of No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, at Tain, E-5 Scotland.

(IWM Photo, C4546)

On 12 August 1944, Bristol Beaufighters with No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, and No. 236 Squadron, RAF, both operating from Davidstow Moor in the UK, attacked the  Sauerland, a German heavily armed Sperrbrecher (mine-detector ship) off La Pallice, France.  The ship was left floundering and later was finished off by the Royal Navy.  The aircraft flying overhead in this photograph is reportedly that of Wing Commander Ken Gatward, the CO of No. 404 Squadron, one of the leading anti-shipping 'aces' at that time.

(World War Photos)

Wing Commander A.K. Gatward commander of No. 404 Squadron RCAF, Davidstow Moor, 21 August 1944.

(RCAF Photo)

Bristol 156 Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NE255), coded EE-H, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, Banff, Scotland, 21 Aug 1944.  The aircraft is carrying rocket projectiles (RP) with 25 lb. warheads for anti-shipping operations.

(Umeyou Photo)

Colorized version.  Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NE255), coded EE-H, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, Banff, Scotland, 21 Aug 1944.  The aircraft is carrying rocket projectiles (RP) with 25 lb. warheads for anti-shipping operations.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighters of No. 236 Squadron RAF 1944.

(IWM Photo, MH7465)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE355), coded 2H, later EE-H, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, at Wick or Sumburgh, UK, 1944.

Early in 1941, German bombers were increasingly using the night to make many small raids.  This decreased their chances of detection and reduced the need for fighter escort.  No. 406 "Lynx" (NF) Squadron RCAF, was formed at RAF Acklington in the UK on 5 May 1941, to meet this threat.  Armed with four 20-millimetre cannons and up to six .303 machine guns, at a time when fighters were armed with only four to eight .303 calibre machine guns, the Beaufighter had devastating firepower.  Its twin-engine reliability ensured many a crew returned home safely that otherwise would have been lost.  Two crewmen meant a dedicated radar operator who handled navigation and interception, leaving the pilot to focus solely on flying the aircraft and engaging the enemy once visually sighted. It was a deadly combination. The squadron expanded its role as attacks on England diminished, and they took the fight to Europe, conducting Night Ranger missions, essentially flying up and down the French coast, looking for trouble.

(IWM Photo, CE 22)

Beaufighter VIF V8748/ZJ-R of No 96 Squadron being re-armed at Honily, 23 March 1943. The armourers are feeding belts of ball and high-explosive incendiary ammunition into the magazines of the aircraft's four 20-mm Hispano cannon.

No. 406 Squadron RCAF was formed at RAF Acklington in the UK on 5 May 1941, as part of No. 12 Group of Fighter Command to operate as night fighters.  The squadron was equipped with Bristol Blenheim Mk. IF heavy fighters, re-equipping with the improved Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IIF the next month.  They operated out of several airfields in the United Kingdom, changing to the Beaufighter Mk. VIF in mid-1942, and receiving the de Havilland Mosquito Mk. XII night-fighter during April 1944.  They upgraded to the Mosquito Mk. XXX in July 1944, and operated this aircraft for the remainder of the war.   In November 1944 it was renamed No. 406 (Intruder) Squadron, to carry out daylight offensive operations over mainland Europe.  In June 1945 the squadron was posted to RAF Predannack in Cornwall, where it disbanded in August 1945.

(IWM Photo, MH 4560)

Bristol 156 Beaufighter Mk. IIF (Serial No. R2270), No. 406 "Lynx" (NF) Squadron RCAF, based at RAF Station Aklington, Northumberland, Jan 1942.  R2270 was the first production model, fitted with dihedral tailplanes and equipped with AI Mk. IV radar.

(World War Photos)

Wing Commander A.K. Gatward commander of No. 404 Squadron RCAF, standing in the cockpit of his Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X at Davidstow Moor in the UK.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter cockpit.

(IWM Photo, ATP 10603B)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IIF night fighter, (Serial No. R2402), coded YD-G, of No. 255 Squadron RAF, on the ground at Hibaldstow, Lincolnshire. This aircraft features AI Mk. IV interception radar, and the unmodified flat tailplanes characteristic of early Beaufighter models. Subsequently, R2402 also served with No. 410 Squadron RCAF and with No, 54 Operational Training Unit.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIF (Serial No. X8023), coded BQ-I of No. 600 Squadron RAF. Night fighter in black camouflage.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF (Serial No. V8322) with A.I. Mk. IV radar.

(IWM Photo, CH 4903)

Bristol 156 Beaufighter Mk. IIF (Serial No. T3037), B Flight of No. 409 Squadron, RCAF, based at RAF Station Aklington, Northumberland, Jan 1942.  No 409 Squadron was Fighter Command's first Canadian night-fighter unit.  Members are shown here posing for a formal portrait with one of their Merlin-engined Beaufighter Mk. IIFs.

No. 409 Squadron, RCAF, was formed at RAF Digby in the UK in June 1941 for night operations with Boulton-Paul Defiants, moving in July to RAF Coleby Grange, where, in August, it was re-equipped with Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IIf aircraft, allowing detachments to be maintained elsewhere.  Two victories were claimed during the early days of the squadron's existence, but in June 1942 Beaufighter Mk. VI aircraft were received, and a greater degree of success was achieved.  In February 1943 a move was made to Acklington, with detachments maintained in at least four other locations.  In December a return to Coleby Grange was made, with the various detachments continuing their separate existences.  Little was seen during the year, but in March 1944 the squadron moved to Hunsdon, converting to the de Havilland Mosquito Mk. XII and joined No. 85 Group of the Second Tactical Air Force.  Intruder and offensive patrols commenced, and much action was seen over the Normandy beachhead in June; 11 victories were claimed during this month.  After some action against V-1 Flying Bombs, operations over Europe recommenced, and late in August the unit moved to Carpiquet in France, the first night fighters to be based on the mainland.  By mid-October, the squadron had settled in the Lille area, where it was to remain until April 1945.  On 19 April, a move was made to the Rhine in Germany, and from here the unit was able to claim six victories in a single night.  Shortly after this the war ended with the total victories at 61 1⁄2 claimed. The squadron's code letters during this period were KP.

No. 410 Squadron, RCAF, was formed during the Second World War and was based at RAF Ayr near Prestwick, Scotland.  Th squadrons's first official sortie was from RAF Drem, East Lothian, Scotland, on the night of 4 June 1942, when twelve Bristol Beaufighter crews took off, and it went on to become the top-scoring night fighter squadron in the RAF Second Tactical Air Force during the period between D-Day and VE-Day.

No. 410 Squadron supported the Allied forces during the Normandy Landings and the Battle of the Bulge, flew nightly patrols during this time and many of its pilots gained ace status.  Two members of No. 410 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant (F/L) Currie and Flying Officer (F/O) Rose, were the first members of the RCAF to see the German V-2 rocket in flight.  The squadron was disbanded in 1964 but reformed again in 1968.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF (Serial No. R2198), coded PN-B of No. 252 Squadron RAF.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF (Serial No. R2198), coded PN-B of No. 252 Squadron RAF,  Sqn July 1941.

(IWM Photo, CH 3149)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF, RAF (Serial No. R2198), coded PN-B, of No. 252 Squadron RAF, based at Chivenor, Devon, in flight over the snow-covered West Country.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF, RAF (Serial No. R2198), coded PN-B, of No. 252 Squadron RAF, based at Chivenor, Devon, UK.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIC (Serial No. X7543).

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter, No. 252 Squadron being serviced in the North West African Desert.

(RCAF Photo, PL18853, via Mike Kaehler)

RCAF, RAF and USAAF aircraft at an airfield likely in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations.  USAAF Bristol Beaufighter undergoing maintenance in the foreground, RAF Beaufighters, RAF Douglas Bostons, USAAF Douglas A-20 Havocs, RAF Martin Baltimores, USAAF Martin B-26 Marauders (upper right).

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter being serviced by RAF groundcrew Libya.

(IWM Photo, CH9769)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE425), No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, coded 2-G, later coded EE, being rearmed with a torpedo.

(World War Photos)

Beaufighter, 489 Squadron

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VI (Serial No. JL832), coded “A” of No. 144 Squadron RAF, 25 April 1943.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial Number EL223/G).

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIC, coded ITF, No 144 Squadron RAF, armed with a torpedo.

(IWM Photo, CH9767)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE425), coded 2-G, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, coded 2-G, later coded EE, carrying a torpedo fitted with a wooden tail stabilizer.

(IWM Photo, CH9768)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. X (Serial No. NE425), coded 2-G, No. 404 Squadron, RCAF, coded 2-G, later coded EE, being rearmed with a torpedo.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. LZ293), coded MB-T of No. 236 Squadron RAF.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk.X (Serial No. LZ414) of No. 254 Squadron RAF 1943.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IF, coded PN-L, of No. 252 Squadron RAF.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VI F (Serial No. V8748), coded ZJ-R of No. 96 Squadron RAF, being re-armed at Honily, UK, 23 March 1943.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IC (Serial No. T3316), coded ‘M’ of No. 272 Squadron RAF on the ground at Idku, Egypt, 1942.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NT921) of No. 254 Squadron RAF.

(World War Photos)

Damaged Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk. X (Serial No. NE831) coded PL-O of No. 144 Squadron RAF at Dallachy. February 1945.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter, coded P6-S, escorted by a Polish North American P-51 Mustang, coded PK-W, No. 315 Squadron

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighters Mk. VIC (Serial No. X8079), coded ‘K’, behind Mk. IC (Serial No. T5043), coded ‘V’, of No. 272 Squadron RAF in flight over Malta, 1943.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. IC (Serial No. T5043), coded .‘V’ of No 272 Squadron RAF in flight over Malta.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIF, F-Freddie, of No. 272 Squadron Malta.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. I (Serial No. X7718), Orlando, Florida, 1942.

(World War Photos)

Bristol Beaufighter Mk. I (Serial No. X7718), Orlando, Florida, 1942.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Bristol Beaufighter TF. Mk. X (Serial No. RD867), coded BQ-L, being restored at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario, 8 May 2005.   It is a semi-complete RAF restoration but lacks engines, cowlings or internal components.  It was received from the RAF Museum in exchange for a Bristol Bolingbroke in 1969.

(Author Photo)

Bristol Beaufighter TF. Mk. X (Serial No. RD867), coded BQ-L, being restored at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.