The annals of Second World War warbird history are filled with excellent aircraft that were somewhat overshadowed by others, usually for a variety of reasons - in that category, and sitting right at the front of the class, is the BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER.
Descended from the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber, the Beaufighter was intended to be a ‘heavy fighter’ version of the former. She joined the British frontline during the darkest days of the Battle of Britain, in August 1940, and began operational flying in September as both a day and night fighter.
Beaufighter equipped with Air Intercept Radar (IWM photograph)
Bristol Hercules radial engines made the Beaufighter considerably more powerful than her predecessor, the Beaufort. These Rotol constant speed propeller equipped units developed (as an example) some 1,700 HP each aboard the later Torpedo Fighter (TF) Mk X variant. In 1940, the Beaufighter represented a significant upgrade over both the Beaufort in the anti-shipping role, and the Blenheim in the day fighter role. It was in the latter capacity that the Beaufighter would first claim victory, downing a Dornier 17 on 25th October 1940.
Night success followed almost a month later after the equipping of A.I. radar sets, with the destruction of a Junkers 88 on the night of 19th November. The Beau would ‘carry the can’ as a night fighter until mid-1942, when the DH.98 Mosquito would begin to take over the torch.
However, it was to be in the maritime strike role that the Beaufighter would make its name, and it would do so in theatres across the world, from northwest Europe, through the Mediterranean and Malta to the Pacific.
RD253 was built in October of 1944 as part of a batch of five hundred Beaufighter TF.X equipped with Bristol Hercules XVII engines. She never saw action with the RAF, and was shipped to Portugal in March 1945 to join that country’s Naval Air Arm. Serving with the Portuguese until 1949, she was presented back to the RAF for preservation in 1965.
Hercules XVII Engine
Bristol Beaufighter TF.X RD253 at RAF Museum Hendon
With Coastal Command, the Beaufighter gained a reputation (especially in the defence of Malta and the waters surrounding the island) for being effective against both enemy aircraft and Axis shipping. With the addition of the Hercules XVII engine, the definitive TF Mk X was created - a potent maritime strike platform that could also carry the RP-3 rocket projectile with its 60 lb warhead. The Lincolnshire based North Coates Strike Wing became experts with the Beaufighter, using a combination of RP-3 and torpedo armed ‘Torbeaus’ - in ten months they sank nearly 30,000 tonnes of shipping. Between 1942 and 1945 the wing accounted for half the tonnage of all strike wings combined.
Bristol Beaufighter Mk VIc Interim Torpedo Fighter (ITF), sporting a Mk XII aerial torpedo (IWM photograph)
The Beaufighter was such a trusted design that it numbered among the few types that were allocated to the USAAF under the terms of ‘reverse lend-lease’.
The USAAF acquired the type as an interim night fighter solution for use in Europe. The 414th, 415th, 416th and 417th night fighter squadrons all employed the Beaufighter, gaining their first victory in 1943. The Northrop P-61 Black Widow would eventually replace the Beaufighter in this role.
Beaufighters attacking the flak ship Mosel in October 1944, with devastating results (IWM photograph)
In the Pacific, the Royal Australian Air Force were enthusiastic users of the Beaufighter, where once again tactics evolved to turn both the Mk VI and Mk X into devastating maritime strike weapons. This was demonstrated particularly well at the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, where in combination with USAAF Douglas A-20s and Mitchell B-25s, Beaufighters helped to sink eight transports and four destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The Beaufighter’s service continued for many years post-war, participating in the Malayan Emergency with UK forces and globally with several other nations. With the RAF she remained in use as a target tug (TT.10) as late as 1960.
Beaufighter Type VIF of the USAAF
EDGAR ‘COBBER’ KAIN
Britain’s first ace of the Second World War is something less than a household name - Edgar ‘Cobber’ Kain.
Hailing from New Zealand, Kain joined the RAF before the outbreak of war and came up on the Gloster Gladiator before his unit, No 73, became a Hurricane Squadron.
Gladiator in the markings of Kain’s No 73 Sqn aircraft, seen here at Old Warden, UK
The ‘Phoney War’ as it was called in 1939-1940 was poorly named for those at sea and in the air. The Germans had a much better name for it - the ‘Sitzkrieg’ (sitting war). For Kain and his pilots there was not much sitting around going on, and in March 1940 he was gazetted for a Distinguished Flying Cross for the following action while with the air component of the B.E.F.:
‘In March, 1940, while on patrol with another aircraft, Flying Officer Kain sighted seven enemy bombers about 5,000 feet above him, and while giving chase well into Germany, he was attacked from behind by an enemy fighter. Showing the finest fighting spirit this officer out-manoeuvred the enemy and although his own aircraft was badly damaged he succeeded in bringing the hostile aircraft down. Thick smoke and oil fumes had filled his cockpit and although unable to see his compass, he skilfully piloted his aircraft inside allied lines in spite of being choked and blinded by the smoke’
- London Gazette, 29th March 1940
Kain pictured shortly after the notification of his D.F.C. (IWM photograph)
Kain returned to the UK for leave in April, where he spent time with Joyce Phillips, a stage actress he had met in 1937. During this period of respite, the couple announced their engagement, with plans to wed in July.
The 14th saw Kain return to his unit amidst heightened tensions - the Wehrmacht was on the move in Denmark and Norway, and aerial engagements were continuing in the west, with Kain damaging a Bf110 on the 23rd. On 10th May of course the storm finally broke, and 73 Squadron were among those flung into intensive action.
By the 6th June, Kain and another senior pilot within 73 had been operating for weeks without respite, and were in dire need of a break from operations. The following day replacements arrived, and Kain was released to return home. With his squadron mates out on the line to witness his departure, he performed a few celebratory low level aerobatics after taking off in his Hurricane. But during the third of a series of ‘flick’ roll manoeuvres, Kain appeared to misjudge his altitude and the Hurricane impacted the ground, throwing him from the aircraft and killing him. It was a tragic end for Britain’s first ace of the war and a gifted combat pilot; he did not live to personally receive his D.F.C., and it was awarded posthumously in September 1940 by the King to Kain’s mother and sister.
AFTERWORD
The 5th of May 2025 recently marked the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day. Such an auspicious anniversary after so many years should remind us that with the ‘living link’ to WWII now so diminished, it is more important than ever for us to tell the stories of the men and machines involved - remembrance must evolve like everything else, especially in the utilisation of modern media, to ensure that future generations know the names of men like Edgar Kain.
Join formation with us and get the Warbirds and Words Journal direct over wireless (your e-mail inbox...) - simply enter your address below!
To learn how we protect and handle your personal data check out our Privacy Policy