Bristol Beaufort Mk 1

On 13 June 1941 several Beaufort Mk 1s of No. 42 Squadron were despatched from Leuchars in Fife to hunt the German heavy cruiser Lutzow, which was known from Enigma decrypts to be off the coast of south-west Norway. One of these, (L9939) flown by Flight Sergeant Ray H. Loveitt, came across the cruiser escorted by destroyers and achieved a surprise attack. His torpedo scored a hit and put the warship out of action for several months. Loveitt was awarded a DFM. He is shown here, fourth from left, with his crew kitted out for flying and watching a torpedo being loaded on to Beaufort F-Freddie. Photo Roy Conyers Nesbit