Beaufort Mk II of No 39 Squadron RAF Malta June 1943
Beaufort Operations in the Mediterranean Theater
The Bristol Beaufort, a British torpedo bomber, played a key role in various theaters of World War II, including the Mediterranean. While initially intended for the Far East, the Beaufort was pressed into service closer to home at the outbreak of the war. However, due to the limitations of the Taurus engines, the type did not see significant success in the Mediterranean until later in the war, particularly after the introduction of the more reliable Twin Wasp engines.
Deployment and Challenges:
- Initially, the plan was to deploy the Twin Wasp-engined Beaufort IIs built in Australia to RAF units in the Middle and Far East.
- However, production delays and the outbreak of war in the Pacific led to these aircraft being diverted to the RAAF.
- The first Beauforts in the Mediterranean were Mk Is, which began arriving in August 1941.
- No. 39 Squadron, operating from Egypt, was the first to receive them, but their torpedo racks were delayed, limiting them to armed reconnaissance flights.
Operational Successes:
- From January 1942, No. 39 Squadron began successful anti-shipping operations, sinking the Italian liner Victoria along with Fairey Albacores on January 23rd.
- A period of significant success followed, with Nos. 39, 86, and 217 Squadrons flying numerous successful joint strikes from Malta against Rommel’s supply convoys until the end of August 1942.
- Notably, in January 1943, a No. 39 Squadron Beaufort depth-charged and sank the Italian submarine Narvalo with the help of Royal Navy vessels.
Costly Success and Transition to Beaufighters:
- The successes in the Mediterranean came at a high price, with losses reaching up to 50% on some strikes.
- The surviving Beauforts and crews were consolidated into an expanded No. 39 Squadron in late August 1942.
- While No. 47 Squadron was relegated to anti-submarine operations in 1943, No. 39 Squadron continued its successful campaign against Axis shipping using torpedoes and mines.
- By July 1943, both No. 39 and No. 47 Squadrons transitioned to Bristol Beaufighters, marking the end of Beaufort operations in the Mediterranean.
Factors Contributing to Success:
- The Beauforts in the Mediterranean benefited from Ultra intelligence intercepts, dedicated target reconnaissance, and regular fighter escorts.
- These factors played a vital role in their successes and helped minimize losses, ultimately contributing to the expulsion of Axis forces from North Africa.
Despite early challenges and heavy losses, the type played a critical role in disrupting enemy supply lines and ultimately contributed to Allied victory in North Africa.