Coastal Command Beaufighter forced to ditch after being hit by flak on July 6th 1944

This is probably Beaufighter LZ194 (455 Sqdn RAAF) Coded UB-U Beaufighter LZ194 took off from RAF Langham at 19:10 hrs on 6 July 1944 to carry out an armed recce. Ten aircraft from the Squadron took part in the recce and two of these including LZ194 failed to return. At 21:00 hrs while on patrol off Nordeney Germany, a convoy of 10 MV’s in two columns escorted by 7 mine sweepers and trawlers was sighted. Intense heavy and light flak was experienced but cannon and R/P attacks were carried out. From photos it was considered that an MV of 5/7000 tons was left sinking and an MV of 2/3000 tons and 2 mine sweepers on fire. LZ194 was hit by flak and ditched. One member of the crew believed to be Flt Sgt Taylor was seen in a dinghy, and the other aircraft circled for some time and a fix was obtained. Early next morning an ASR found the dinghy which was empty and an enemy boat was seen making its way from it towards the coast Crew: F/Sgt () John COSTELLO (pilot) RAAF - KIA F/Sgt (Au
Back to Top