Beaufighters of 455 Squadron

Based on historical events. Made with IL2 Flight Sim game. 455 Squadron of the RAAF flew anti-shipping missions during WW2.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• RAF
• RAAF
• 455
• Squadron
• Beaufighter
• WW2
• IL2
• Pacific
• Fighters
• Joe90
• Russell
• Boyd

[rossaust]

The most unique feat of 455 Sqn was earlier in the war when they flew their Hampdens to Russia, one way, via German occupied Norway. Three aircraft were lost on a flight at the very limit of the aircraft's endurance. The aircraft were handed to the Russians after familiarisation, and the aircew were transported back on the convoys return trip - perhaps less safe than their flight out. Sadly very little is recorded about 455 Sqn's history. Thanks for this film.

[J0E90]

Thanks rossaust, I didn't know much about that story. I knew about the Hurricanes of 81 squadron flights to Russia and how the RAF stayed to train the Russians. If you have more details on 455 history I would be interested to know. There is a little mention of them on the AWM site, just google "awm 455 squadron" and also some great images as well in their collection.

[realartist1963]

Got any info about that first song in the video? I only knew it as a song by The Pogues, an Irish punk band. I'd like to know the original as well. Thanks.

[J0E90]

The song is 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' and this version is performed by The Dubliners. There are other covers, I really like the Rod Stewart version.

[jerrymul]

I just found this video..my father, Squadron

leader William Mullen was Operations officer at Dallachy in 1944-45, and knew some of these men. he died in 1972 but I have photos

etc from those days of WII.

All very brave men.

[J0E90]

Many thanks for supporting comments, I do appreciate it.

..and Jerrymul, I would be interested in seeing some of those photos if you can scan them and put them somewhere like photobucket. I'm sure others would too. I would share them with the flight sim community, if OK? I make these movies as a remembrance and if there is any way to spark more interests then I like to do so.

[davidrodgersNJ]

What a beautiful airplane

[rossaust]

455 Squadron Part 3

. The squadron leader and his crew force-landed in Norway and were taken prisoner, while another aircraft crashed off the coast of Sweden and all crew were lost. Anti-shipping and ASW operations were carried out against German Coastal Forces operating out of Norway, before the Squadron returned to Britain by sea in late October 1942. Around Christmas 1943 the squadron began to be re-equipped with Beaufighters and take on a primarily anti-shipping role.

[rossaust]

455 Squadron Part 2

In September 1942 elements of the Squadron were transferred to Russia to protect Arctic convoys sailing to Murmansk. 16 of the Squadrons Hampdens set off on a one-way flight to Russia, barely within the range of their aircraft, and 14 landed safely.

[rossaust]

455 Squadron Part 1

Hampden, Beaufighter

This Article XV Squadron assembled in Australia and after arrival in Britain was officially formed on 6 June 1941. The squadron was first equipped with Hampdens.They were involved in bombing operations against Gneisenau and Scharnhorst, before the Channel Dash. Following the escape of the German ships they were transferred to 18 Group Coastal Command in April 1942, and operated from Scotland on anti-shipping operations from June 1942.

[JuiceClark]

Awesome! A friend of mine, RIP, flew a Bristol Beaufighter as a nightfighter from that same base in the UK. He became an ace but, because of a bit of post traumatic stress, never slept at night the rest of his life. He became a great gentleman burglar and jewel theif. I've been meaning to write the book...maybe the makers of this can make the movie? Thanks for the great vid.

[elswick1542]

great video,great aircraft,brave men.