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  Bristol Beaufighter Mark Ic Serial Number A19-43  
RAAF
No. 3 Air Armament
Gunnery School

Previous Assignments
No. 31 Squadron
5 OTU

Click For Enlargement
USAF Museum July 2001

Aircraft History
Built under license by the Fairey Aviation Company in Stockport, England. Disassembled and shipped departing the United Kingdom on March 21, 1942 to Australia.

Wartime History
During June 1942 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark Ic serial number A19-43. On June 7, 1942 to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On November 2, 1942 Assigned to 5 OTU (5 OTU). On June 20, 1943 assigned to No. 31 Squadron.

Mission History
On September 16, 1943 took off on a strike mission against Taberfane. Returning, ran out of fuel and belly landed at Skirmish Point near Millingimbi. Two days later, it was flown out and returned to No. 31 Squadron, and then to 4 RSU for repairs.

On August 31, 1944, this aircraft ran off the runway after brake failure and afterwards was repaired. During October 1944 assigned to No. 3 Air Armament Gunnery School in Nhill, Victoria. On October 9, 1947 abandoned.

Recovery
During 1971, this Beaufort was recovered by an aircraft restoration group.

Restoration
Afterwards, acquired by the Morrabbin Aircraft Museum. In 1988 acquired by the USAF Museum. After a period of storage, the museum restored the aircraft between 2000–2006. Reportedly, HARS restored some parts for this aircraft. Officially opened for display October 18, 2006.

This Beaufighter is painted in the markings of a USAAF Beaufighter flown by Captain Harold Augspurger, C.O. of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron (NFS). This aircraft shot down a He-111 carrying German staff officers in September 1944.

References
ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-43
USAF Air Force Link - Museum adds British Bristol Beaufighter to gallery via Wayback Machine April 18, 2008

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Last Updated
March 19, 2023

 

Tech Info
Beaufighter
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