Beauforts L4449 OA-H, L9891 OA-F and L4461 OA-J, of No. 22 Squadron RAF, at North Coates
The first squadron to receive the Beaufort was No. 22 Squadron, also known as the “Torpedo Bomber” Squadron. This squadron was part of No. 16 Group, Coastal Command, and was commanded by Wing Commander Francis Percival Donobe. They were based at Thorney Island and received the first Beaufort, L4441, in November 1939.
- The purpose of delivering this aircraft was to allow pilots to gain experience and provide feedback on the aircraft before the arrival of the actual production models two months later.
- The initial plan was for 21 Beauforts to be delivered to 100 Squadron and 50 to Australia, but the outbreak of the war in September 1939 changed these plans.
- No. 22 Squadron was tasked with introducing the Beaufort into service and reporting on the best engine handling procedures based on their operational experience. This undertaking proved to be very dangerous, and confirmed that the Taurus engine was not ready for operational use.
The squadron encountered significant challenges with the Taurus engines during their early operations. In May 1940, when the squadron was ordered to begin minelaying operations off the Dutch coast, flying from North Coates, they lost five aircraft due to engine failure and four more to enemy fighters.