Aircraft History
RAF serial number T4930. Assigned to the RAAF 2 AD on April 20, 1942. On August 17, 1942 assigned to 30 Squadron with code "L".

On August 17, 1942 one of 24 Beaufighters flown from Richmond NSW to Bohle River near Townsville for operational training, piloted by SGT M. Morgan & Navigator SGT F. Cassidy.

On September 12, 1942 flown to Wards Drome (5 Mile) near Port Moresby.

On October 1, 1942 the right engine was damaged by Japanese anti-aircraft fire over Sanananda but was able to return to Wards Drome on one engine, afterwards, it was repaired by 15 RSU during October 5 - 15.

Participated in the Battle of the Bismark Sea during March 3-4, 1942 piloted by FLGOFF George Drury and navigator SGT Dave Beasley. This Beaufighter A19-11 was attacked by a pair of Japanese ffighters, when about to attack the convoy but escaped by diving to surface level and speeding away.

On March 22, 1943 suffered damaged to wings during a mission. Drury was renown for returning from operations with palm fronds hanging from his aircraft. On March 28 - April 7 transfered to 15 ARD for repair.

On April 12, 1943, this Beaufighter was damaged on the ground at Wards Drome, when a Japanese bomb bounced off the rear of the right wing before exploding. Afterwards, this aircraft was used for spare parts, and transfered to 15 ARD for conversion to components on May 30, 1943.

References
Beaufighters in the Pacific: A History of the RAAF Beaufighter Squadrons in the South West Pacific Area (2005 revised), page 24
ADF Serials for aircraft historyD

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009