The ANZAC Strike Wing of Coastal Command took part in some of the most significant and dangerous aerial assaults of World War Two, flying the celebrated Beaufighter. Two of its most prominent members told their stories to Graham Pitchfork for his book ‘Beaufighter Boys’.
Bristol’s highly versatile Beaufighter has often been described as one of the RAF’s most important aircraft of World War Two. It served in all theatres of war and in many different roles, excelling in most, if not all, but it was particularly effective when it came to anti-shipping strikes.
Cranwell-trained Sqn Ldr Peter Hughes was the flight commander on Coastal Command’s 489 Squadron RNZAF when it was re-equipped with the Beaufighter in late 1943. His relationship with the type endured for the next 10 months of the war. Peter takes up the story: “After completing my 15th and last operational flight in Hampdens, the squadron was ordered to Leuchars in Fife to re-equip with Beaufighter Xs or, as they were usually known, ‘Torbeaus’. At Leuchars we joined our sister unit, 455 Squadron RAAF, who were also re-equipping and we were to form the Anzac Strike Wing which, together with the North Coates Wing, was to transform the battle to den…
