Beaufort Bomber Squadrons Association 1941-1945 Plaque

About

Brionze plaque dedicated to the RAAF personnel who maintained and flew the Australian built Bristol Beaufort Bombers, in service operations between 1941 and 1945. The plaque lists the Squadrons who utilised the aircraft and areas of service, particularly in South-East Asia and the South-Western Pacific theatres. A special commemoration is made to those who made the supreme sacrifice. Additional Information The Beaufort bomber was a twin-engined, Australian-built front line strike aircraft. They were used in the role of torpedo bombing, bombing reconnaissance and army support. They had little glamour but they did have an important role to play. Beauforts had something of a 'rogue' reputation. There were a number of unaccountable losses, sometimes torpedoes didn't run after delivery and some bombs triggered prematurely causing mid-air explosions but nobody can decry the job the Beauforts did in the theatres of war where they were used. The first unit formed was 100 Squadron at Richmond, New South Wales, on 25 February 1942 under the command of Wing Commander Sam Balmer. It first went into action off Lae and Salamau operating from Mareeba in Queensland. In August 1942 they were stationed at Milne Bay (New Guinea) primarily for torpedo attacks on enemy warships and shipping. During the campaign in the South West Pacific area the number of Squadrons expanded to ten. These were 1,2,6,7,8,13,14,15,32 and 100 Squadrons. They finished the war credited with sinking many ships, shooting down of enemy planes, sinking of submarines, bombing of enemy positions, fuel dumps and aerodromes - and commendation from Army and Naval forces for their support.