RAAF
31 Squadron
Previous Assignments:
5 OTU
USAF Museum July 2001
Aircraft History
Built under license by the Fairey Aviation Company in Stockport, England, and delivered to the RAAF in 1942. Assigned to 5 OTU on November 2, 1942 and 31 Sqn
on June 20, 1943.
Mission History
On September 16, 1943, the fighter ran out of fuel and
bellylanded at Skirmish Point near Millingimbi when
returning
from a raid on Taberfane. Two days later, it was flown out and returned
to 31 Squadron, and then to 4 RSU for repairs.
Later, on August 31, 1944, this aircraft ran off airstrip following a brake failure, with repaired and then in October sent to No. 3 Air Armament Gunnery School in Nhill, Victoria. In October 9, 1947 it was abandoned.
Recovery
Recovered in 1971 by an aircraft restoration group.
Restoration
Aquired by the Morrabbin Aircraft
Museum.
Aquired by the USAF Museum in 1988. After a period of storage, the museum restored the aircraft from roughly 2000 - 2006. Reportedly, HARS restored some parts for this aircraft. Officially opened for display on October 18, 2006.
This Beaufighter is painted in the markings of a USAAF Beaufighter flown by Capt. Harold Augspurger, C.O. of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron. This aircraft shot down a He-111 carrying German staff officers in September 1944.
Beaufighter
