Considered by many to be among the RAF’s more unsung heroes during World War Two, Bristol Beauforts also served with other nations around the world. Andrew Thomas reflects on these little-known deployments
On August 26, 1941, 415 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was formed at Thorney Island, West Sussex, as part of 16 Group Coastal Command in the torpedo bombing role under Wg Cdr Wally Wurtele. He commented: “My job was mostly to form the squadron and organise it for operations.” His unit began receiving Bristol Beaufort Mk.Is when L9819, L9893 and N1082 arrived on September 2, and aircrew that had trained in Canada began preparing for this hazardous role.
