Does anyone have any information about the RAF Beauforts that went to Malaya in December 1941? I have read accounts which several different aircraft numbers though I do know that T9540 (the first Australian production aircraft) developed problems before leaving and didn't go. Can anyone supply names of the crews that went to Malaya and who returned in some of the aircraft in December 1941/January 1942?

Interested in good books on Beauforts. Have seen a few with different information. Looked at ADF Serials but some of this info doesn't match official source data from the RAAF. Interested in knowing about the aircraft still in New Guinea. Understand RAAF officials and civilians have visited area around Tadji and that some of these airframes have gone to Australia. Does anyone know which ones went and which are left? Know that A9-557 is in the AWM. Cheers, Kim

Here's a page that has some good info on the Malaya Beauforts. It also references some books that look pretty good.

http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/48_wwII.html

Thanks for the info. I have seen some of this before but the link was good. In 2010 my book The Beaufort Boys will be published. It traces the development of the Beaufort in predominantly RAAF use and covers all squadrons and units. It also covers the accident rate and looks at the carbon monoxide and elevator trim tab probllems. It concludes with a Roll of Honour. Cheers, Kim