Beaufighter LX928

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

The next day, 16 November (1943), was the last of the battle. Six Beaufighters of 603 Squadron took off in the early morning, but two returned with mechanical trouble. The remaining four attacked two Ar 196s, shooting down one and damaging the other. All returned home. later in the morning, one more took off, together with seven of 47 Squadron led by Squadron Leader Powell. They found a Siebel ferry and two barges near the island of Kalymnos, escorted by seven Ar 196s and four me 109s. They attacked with cannons, in spite of the air cover and intense flak, blowing up the Siebel ferry and damaging the barges. Of course, the Me 109s dived on them, and three Beaufighters of 47 Squadron were shot down. The only aircraft seen to go down was crewed by Flying Officer William W. Thwaites and Flying Officer John E. Lovell, and both lost their lives. Flying Officer John B. Fletcher and Sergeant Jack Dale in another aircraft failed to return and were also killed. The pilot of the third aircraft, Flying Officer Anthony D. Bond lost his life, but the navigator, Sergeant Alfred R. Cottle, was later reported as 'safe'. Powell was awarded a DSO for leading this highly dangerous operation.

See:
The Armed Rovers:Beauforts & Beaufighters over the Mediterranean.
Nesbit,Roy C.
Shrewsbury:Airlife Publishing,1995.
p.183

Cottle sound familiar?

Col.