RCAF Beaufighters of 404 Squadron – May to December 1944 – Docs digital publication
Originally "Canadians in Coastal Command #1"
Features 4 historic Beaufighter TF.Xs of 404 Squadron (RCAF), in service with RAF Coastal Command during the Second World War. Covers the history-rich period when the squadron's markings went through a number of variations as it moved from the Wick Strike Wing (18 Group), to the Davidstow Moor Strike Wing (19 Group), to 154 GR Wing, Strubby (16 Group), and back to 18 Group with the Banff Strike Wing on into the early days in the Dallachy Strike Wing. Mini-articles in this Docs edition include Coastal Command Beaufighter TF.X finish and markings and both early and late rocket projectile armament installations.
(Please note: any watermarks visible on the shop preview images are not present on the actual PDF pages)
• Beaufighter TF.X LZ451 (marked as squadron commander W/C Gatward’s aircraft):
1x markings variation as aircraft 2•M of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Davidstow Moor, June 1944.
1x markings variation as aircraft EE•M of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Strubby, July-August 1944.
1x markings variation as aircraft EE•M of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Banff and Dallachy, October 1944 through early1945.
• Beaufighter TF.X NE355:
1x markings variation as aircraft 2•H of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Wick and Davidstow Moor, late 1943 to May 1944.
1x markings variation as aircraft EE•H of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Strubby, Banff, and Dallachy July 1944 through to February 1945.
• Beaufighter TF.X NE825 as radar-equipped aircraft 2•G of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Wick and Davidstow Moor, late 1943 to May 1944 (possible alternate serial also provided for).
• Beaufighter TF.X NV173 (W/C Pierce’s aircraft):
1x markings variation as aircraft EE•X of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Davidstow Moor and Strubby, late June to late August 1944.
1x markings variation as aircraft EE•X of 404 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Banff, and Dallachy September 1944 through to 9 December 1944 (lost on operations, Pilot AK Cooper and Navigator CF Smith).
In addition to the evolution of squadron markings for Beaufighters that were with the squadron from May through to beyond D-Day 1944, this particular Docs edition covers armament option, including an illustrated article on modeling both early (Mk.I) and late (Mk.III) Rocket Projectile external ordnance.