BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER 47
Above: The Mk VI ‘Torbeaus’ started appearing
in 1943 and in April of that year made the first
successful attack on enemy shipping in the
hands of No 254 Squadron. This was the first
marque that was able to carry a standard marine
torpedo, a role previously dedicated to the
Beaufort, the Beaufighter’s heavier and slower
elder sister. The combination of Beaufighter and
torpedo was to represent a most formidable
weapon in the air-sea war.
Right: Like a pack of wolves closing in for the
kill, no less than 14 Beaufighters circle an
unfortunate ship, taking it in turns to attack
during D-day missions.
Left: Beaufighter pilots of Coastal Command were
the bane of any German shipping that strayed
out of protective waters, pressing home their
deadly attacks at mast height.