Beaufighter T3423

[Chris Goss]

The above ac was lost off the coast of Portugal 7 Sep 43. However, the pilot's unit was said to be 779 Sqn FAA and the Nav 233 Sqn; 233 Sqn never had Beaufighters from what I can see so what was the correct unit? It appears to be an older Beaufighter so could have been returning to the UK

[Amrit1]

I think the pilot of the Beau was Squadron Leader Arthur Terence Maudsley, who received his DFC whilst with 233 Squadron.

And I think the 779 Squadron on the CWGC is a misprint.

[Chris Goss]

It was-DFC & DFM but why was 233 Sqn flying Beaufighters? Cas Cards say 779 Sqn & Gibraltar and of interest, I have a Flt Lt Moss in Beau D of 233 Sqn damaging a FW 200 off Cape St Vincent at 0736 hrs which matches German claim

[brewerjerry]

Hi Chris,
I may be totally off subject ? but maybe of interest ?
At a 276Sq reunion nr harrowbeer , many years ago, someone from the 276Sq portreath detachment mentioned that some FAA pilots flew a few beaufighters from there.
I often wondered if it was anything to do with OADU etc ?
Cheers
jerry

[Henk Welting]

Hi all,
T3423 shot down by a FW200 and crashed off Cape Sardao. Like Maudsley also buried Lisbon (St.George British Cem.) P/O Arthur D. ASHTON - 158260.

Regards,
Henk.

[Chris Goss]

Henk: Thanks for this but I have the details apart from the unit of the Beau

[Chris Goss]

Andy Thomas suggested that 233 Sqn borrowed the Beaufighters. 779 Sqn was definitely based at Gibraltar and was flying Beaufighter IIs at this time; T3423 was a IIF.

[Chris Goss]

I think I have solved the mystery. T3423 went to 19 MU 7 Mar 42 and then to RNAS Stretton 6 May 43. The F78 then says whilst at Gibraltar, it went on temporary loan to 233 Sqn only to be shot down 7 Sep 43

[Henk Welting]

Thanks Chris sharing this info with us.

Regards,
Henk.