Bristol Beaufighter TFX 1/72 Airfix 2015 tool
2015 Tooling, 2015 Boxing

This denotes a Beaufighter of 144 Sqn PL O that took part in the raid on Forde Fjord on 9 Feb 1945 known as Black Friday.

This raid was conducted with 31 Beaufighters from 404, 405, 489 & 144 Sqns, all from RAF Dalachy (Dalachy Wing). The 404 & 405 Sqn aircraft were equipped with rockets (for anti-shipping)whilst the other Beaufighters had their cannon and machine guns for their anti-flak role. 65 Sqn Mustangs provided fighter cover.

At Forde Fjord at around 1610 hours, as the Beaufighters attacked shipping and flak guns, 12 FW 190 s attacked. This engagement, with Beaufighters, Mustangs & FW 190s led to dog fights and aircraft attacking ships with around 50 aircraft taking part, the largest aerial battle over Norway during WW2.

The fighting lasted until 1625 hours. The German ships had shot down 7 Beaufighters and the FW 190s had shot down another 2 Beaufighters and a Mustang.

The Allies damaged several German ships and shot down either 4 or 5 FW 190s.

The losses suffered by the Dalachy Wing on 9 Feb were the highest of any of the Wings of Coastal Command sustained in a single operation during WW2.