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  Beaufighter Mark IC Serial Number A19-68  
RAAF
No. 30 Squadron

Pilot  Sgt Thomas Ian Butterfield, RAAF 416205 (KIA, BR) Ashfield, NSW
Navigator  Sgt James Rupert Wilson, RAAF 40196 (KIA, BR) Brighton, VIC

Crashed  October 12, 1942

Aircraft History
Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom (UK). Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number T5097. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia.

Wartime History
During August 1942 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark Ic serial number A19-68. On September 20, 1943 assigned to No. 30 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On October 12, 1942 that took off from Wards Drome (5 Mile) near Port Moresby piloted by Sgt Thomas I. Butterfield as one of nine Beaufighters from No. 30 Squadron on a mission against Lae. The attack was to be co-ordinated with B-25 Mitchells from the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group and escorted by Airacobras from the 35th Fighter Group.

Inbound to the target near near Kokoda, this aircraft attempted to climb over the hills. Apparently, this Beaufighter stalled in making the climb, for it was observed to crash into trees and burn for approximately seven to eight minutes by other aircraft in the flight.

Wreckage
Afterwards, the crash site was located and the remains of the crew were recovered.

Memorials
Both crew members were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are buried at the Bomana War Cemetery. Butterfield at C7.A.5, Wilson at C7.F.8.

References
Sgt Butterfield's RAAF Casualty/Repatriation File (NAA: A705, 163/94/298)
30 Squadron Operations Record Book (ORB) (NAA: A9186, 59)
ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-68
CWGC - Thomas Ian Butterfield
CWGC - James Rupert Wilson
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
September 19, 2022

Tech Info
Beaufighter
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