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| RAAF 5 AD Former Assignments 2 AD 14 ARD No. 31 Squadron 1 AD |
Aircraft History Built by Bristol in the United Kingdom. Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number LZ325. Disassembled and shipped as cargo as part of defense aid to Australia arriving on January 21, 1944. Wartime History On January 23, 1944 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufighter Mark X serial number A19-184 and reassembled by 2 Air Depot (2 AD). On May 12, 1944 assigned to 14 Aircraft Repair Depot (14 ARD). On May 15, 1944 assigned to No. 31 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. This Beaufighter was based at Coomalie Creek Airfield in Northern Territory and also operated from Truscott Airfield in Western Australia flying combat mission over the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). On July 22, 1944 at 5:41am took off from Truscott Airfield piloted by F/O Bullen with observer F/Sgt Sparke call sign "Duty 9" led by Beaufighter A19-189 pilot S/Ldr Boyd "Duty 8" with Beaufighter A19-159 pilot F/L Archer "Duty 10" on a low level strafing mission over Selaru Airfield (Lingat) in the Tanimbar Islands. Over the runway at 7:20am, Boyd observed 15-20 Japanese personnel standing on the runway that were strafed. At the western end of the runway facing east ready for take off was a twin engine aircraft identified a Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) Ki-57 Topsy that was strafed, set on fire and destroyed. At least six personnel were killed and the rest ran for cover. During and after the attack, photographs were taken of the aircraft and smoke rising afterwards. Also two trucks were observed at the southern end of the runway and large grass fires in the vicinity. Over the target heavy and light anti-aircraft fire that was moderate and accurate was reported. On October 19, 1944 to 14 Aircraft Repair Depot (14 ARD) for a 240 hour inspection. On November 6, 1944 to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). Postwar On November 30, 1945 assigned to 5 Air Depot (5 AD) and placed into storage. On August 8, 1949 officially struck off charge, ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped. References NAA [No 31 Squadron] - Operation Reports "Report on Operation COO 22 of 22nd July, 1944" pages 38-40 (NAA: A11312, 2/5/INTEL PART 1) ADF Serials - Beaufighter A19-184 Contribute
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