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DAP Beaufort Mark VIII Serial Number A9-501

RAAF
No. 1 Squadron

Pilot Flt Lt Enoch H. Brockhouse, 400218 (survived) Melbourne, VIC
Crashed March 18, 1945

Aircraft History
Built by the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP) at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne.

Wartime History
During November 1943 delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Beaufort Mark VIII serial number A9-501. Assigned to No. s1 Squadron. No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On March 18, 1945 took off piloted by Flt Lt Brockhouse on a flight. While attempting to land at Gove Airfield (Nhulunbuy), this bomber crashed on landing. None of the crew were hurt in the crash.

Wreckage
On March 29, 1945, converted to components and abandoned at the airfield. Until the late 1960s, this bomber remained in situ at Gove Airfield.

Restoration
During 2002, the nose was being restored by the Beaufort Restoration Group (BRG) for the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (Darwin Aviation Museum). Parts of this bomber were used in the restoration of Beaufort A9-141.

Ralph Cusack / Beaufort Restoration Group adds in 2002:
"It's rear fuselage (as it is straight but very corroded) is being used to make the jig for rebuilding Beaufort A9-141 that had a bent rear fuselage. Stringers and frames from this aircraft also might be used in the restoration too. After everything else is done, we may restore the turret section of 501 for a museum."

References
WW2 Nominal Roll - Enoch Harry Brockhouse
ADF Serials - Beaufort A9-501
Oz@War - Crash of a Beaufort at Grove, NT on 18 August 1945
Beaufort, Beaufighter and Mosquito - In Australian Service - Beaufort A9-501

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Last Updated
October 26, 2025

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