Hi All, Im researching my latest model build, and have decided to build a model of a Beaufighter of the Canadian 404 (Buffalo)squadron, called “Eightball”.
The plane in question is one that crashed just after takeoff from RAF Wick in Dec 43. It was serial number LZ294, coded 2+G, flown by J Cummins.
Im searching for info and pics of the said aircraft.
The code has me a wee bit stumped. The squadron code was EE, but how would the stated 2+G fit into this? Would it look like- EE(roundel)G??
I would also like to know the colours it would have been painted in at the time of the crash.
Its also been stated that it was a TFX, but I thought that the TFX had the radar dome fitted to the nose, but the attached pic shows it not to have this ugly feature (thankfully!). Any ideas as to its Mark/type?
If Mr Cummins grandson is around, I would like a higher resolution copy of the article please? He posted it here a couple of years ago.
There has been discussion on this forum before about this crash, and the fact that a local farmer still has the Hercules engine in his shed.
All the info that I can gather before beginning the model would be very gratefully recieved. Its a local piece of history, and one that I want to get perfect
Thanks,
Barry
By: miniman - 5th February 2007 at 13:37
Thanks for all the help guys. I have now got in contact with the pilots grandson, and he can help me with pics and info required to build a true scale model. I have already been sent a pic of the aircrafts replacement, also coded 2 G and also called “Eight Ball”
I will hopefully get to fly it at the crash site after it is finished. This is a great piece of local history, and hopefully I can bring it to more peoples attention eventually.
Thanks again,
Barry:)
By: jeepman - 2nd February 2007 at 17:37
Coastal Command codes
the Coastal Command Alpha-Numeric codes – which reflected a particular aircraft in a particular squadron at a particular airfield were replaced in October 1943 due to confusion caused by the system – with raids rostered from squadrons on more than one airfield there might have been, for instance two aircraft 2-G on a single raid.
They were replaced by the standard system – which they had originally superceded.
Presumably Beaufighter XCs were Coastal Command configured MkXs without the torpedo gear.
By: PaulR - 2nd February 2007 at 13:44
There’s more on that crash in this thread plus an offer to send a higher res copy of that article, miniman.
By: JDK - 2nd February 2007 at 13:00
There’s mention of a crash of ‘G-George’ (16/12/43) in which Cummins was trapped and W/O McGrath rescued him from the burning aircraft despite Cummins being held in by the controls. After the two got out, F/Lt Beacock entered the burning wreck to try and effect a rescue.
McGrath got a GC, an award that you should be able to trace easily, and Bockock an MiD.
Drop me a PM for more detail (next week!).
By: JDK - 2nd February 2007 at 12:55
You are in luck.
The easy quick answer… In Chaz Bowyer’s Beaufighter at War, Ian Allan 1976, there’s a chapter ‘Coastal Canucks’ on 404 Sqn. First pic is of a Beau ‘2-G’ XXXX5 (the serial is obscured by a crewman; so it’s not your aircraft, but it answers the code question. The 2 and G look to be light outlines around a medium tone letter/numeral.
That photo is an Imperial War Museum item, if ‘the edge of the world’ is within shouting distance of London…
The next photo is of NE355 EE-H, and that’s a Public Archives of Canada photo; another excellent resource best tackled by a personal visit in my experience.
By: miniman - 2nd February 2007 at 12:28
I have been doing more digging for info, and have found out that the code EE was replaced by the number 2 in the later period they were flying from Wick. Does this mean the code would read 2 (roundel) G?
By: miniman - 2nd February 2007 at 12:07
Hi James,
Thanks, but ive seen them. I spent the last few days googling like crazy, but I just got more confused. The first one, with the pics shows the EE-? code. If its listed as 2+G in the ORB, how does it look on the plane?
The second page shows they were using Mark XC Beaus, not the TFX as has also been stated.
Confusing me more by the minute!
thanks,
Barry:confused:
By: JDK - 2nd February 2007 at 11:28
Some easilly googled clues:
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February 2, 2007 at 10:50 am