Anyone here have any idea how I can find the aircraft code for this Beaufort? 47 Sqn acquired planes from 42 Sqn, I just wonder if the codes were ever changed before HJD's action and crash?
Beaufort DE115 - 47SQN RAF ‐ GITSHAM, Stewart Burton (Flight Sergeant) 407929 (Observer) RAAF / Flying Officer DAVIDSON, Haraldur Johannes (Pilot) J/6402 RCAF / Sergeant PUGH, Sydney Ronald Maldwyn (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) 1117286 RAF // Pilot Officer T.H. Jones (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) 114893 RAF ‐ POW (only survivor)
Summary:26th October 1942, operation codenamed ˜TT' (Taranto to Tobruk)
Beaufort DE115 piloted by FO Davidson, was in a formation of 8 Beauforts of 47 Sqn RAF, which left Gianaclis to strike against an enemy convoy of 2 motor vessels, a tanker and four destroyers nearing Tobruk. Bisleys and Beaufighters escorted the above formation. The target convoy was seen at 32.20N 23.42E. The Beauforts carried out a torpedo attack and the Bisleys a low level bombing attack on the convoy. After carrying out the torpedo attack on a merchant vessel, Beaufort DE 115 is believed to have crashed beside it. DE 115 did not return to base. In a report by PO Jones, the only survivor of DE115, he stated "the aircraft sank immediately after hitting the sea, breaking up at the rear as it did so I surfaced a few minutes later, and Sgt Pugh surfaced just after him. Sgt Pugh died before being picked up".
Thanks, Bill