The Australians used Beauforts extensively against the Japanese. Andy Thomas explains
Beaufort in Combat
A pair of Beaufort Vs led by A9-177 of 14 Squadron RAAF, mid-1943. VIA DAVID VINCENT
The victorious 7 Squadron crew of June 18, 1943. Left to right: Fg Off Basil Walters (observer), Fg Off Peter Hopton (pilot), Fg Off Brian Salter (gunner), F/Sgt Ron Stoner (wireless operator). RAAF
A 7 Squadron Beaufort resupplying troops in thick jungle at Babieng, New Guinea, on November 20, 1944. The canisters were named ‘storepedoes’. RAAF
Only a handful of Australian-built Beauforts had been delivered to the RAAF before the Japanese assault against Malaya in December 1941. An initial order had been placed for 180 Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp-powered versions, 90 of which were destined for the RAF in Singapore, never to be delivered.
