ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 238989
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Date: | Saturday 7 February 1942 |
Time: | |
Type: | Bristol Beaufighter Mk I.PR |
Owner/operator: | 2 PRU RAF |
Registration: | T3301 |
MSN: | |
Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
Aircraft damage: | Unknown |
Location: | Mediterranean Sea near coast of Malta -
Malta
|
Phase: | Combat |
Nature: | Military |
Departure airport: | RAF Luqa, Malta |
Destination airport: | RAF ???? |
Narrative:Beaufighter T3301 (2 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit) aerial combat near Malta, 7 February 1942.
The PRU Beaufighters were equipped with three 20-inch lens cameras. These RAF cameras are large and when the two Beaus were first modified, it was not appreciated that they would have to find space for the large camera magazines as well. Consequently, some armour plate had to be removed as well, a ton and a half from this large and formidable twin engined fighter. Owing to its size, there was ample room in the Beaus for additional crew and it was decided that, for PR work, they should carry a skilled photographer. For one thing, the magazines would need to be changed in the air. It was also necessary to have the warm air directed to vital parts of the cameras. These operators were also invaluable as lookouts to warn of enemy fighters. .. three airman photomechanics were recruited: Corporal Liebert, the senior of the group, LAC Norman Shirley and, a little later, LAC Ron Hadden. Initially, it was Liebert who went wherever the Beaus went. The two special Beaufighters were also to become well known: T3301 and T4705.
Crew:
???? (pilot) - Ok
???? (obs) - Ok
Leading Aircraftsman C N Shirley: injured;
Sources:
AIR81/11986
Revision history:
Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
02-Aug-2020 17:00 |
Nepa |
Added [Operator] |
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