488 Squadron NF Beaufighters

[tempestwulf]

Hey Guys

Got my lucky hands on a Hasegawa 1/72 Beaufighter Mk IV (NF) and the Wellington hobby shop Model crafts & hobbies now supplies red & grey codes. These being applicable for intruder and bomber types.

What I need (if anyone can help...PLEASE! ) is at least one aircrafts Codes & Serial #. I know their squadron code was ME but the rest escapes me and reference is very thin on the ground prior to their equipping with mossies, which is well documented.

I'd appreciate anyone's assistance.

[kiwi]

I have a short list of serials but no tie up to codes , the only picture I have is for ME-Z but the serial is not visible .

[tempestwulf]

Works for me. I'll use the code and wing it on the serial #, can I get the list and photo please as I'll pick one that catches my eye.

I did find a good article online about a pilot Athol McKinnon who was killed in a mid-air conditions. Was flying a Mk IIF serialled V8162. Both crews were killed unfortunately flying practice night interceptions, poor chaps.

[kiwi]

T3009 , T3092 , T3218 , T3361 , T3385 , T3410 , V8155 , V8162 , V8170 , V8193 , V8210 . I am afraid the copy of the photo I have is a poor photocopy and not worth sending , however I will look for a better one .

[Dave Homewood]

Try to track down the 488 Squadron book by Les Hunt, I think there might be some photos in there. It's a rare book, I had to get a copy from the National Library when i borrowed it. It's called Defence Until Dawn.

[kiwi]

I have been unable to find a better copy of that photo , but it came from Leslie Hunt article on 488 Sqn in the March 1963 issue of Air Pictorial .

[SEAN]

Just had a look through my copy of Defence Until Dawn, and there is really only one useable photo of a Beau, and I am pretty sure it is more of generic or PR type photo. The S/N looks like SA or SR919. The rest of the photos in the book are pretty much Mossies.

[SEAN]

Just found this as well from here:

www.rafweb.org/SqnMark485-490.htm

[kiwi]

The photo in Leslie Hunts article shows the aircraft coded Z in the lower scheme but with aerials and the flat tailplanes .

[tempestwulf]

Thanks for the information guys. I'll go with the ME-Z and maybe leave off the serial # but likely to choose one from above.

I recently purchased some Modeldecal 48" Red Codes which are likley to be to large but since this'll be 50/50 "what if" or "MIGCAP" (Missing Information so Guessing but Could Accept Possibilities ;D) I'll go with these.

The 48" are used on other squadrons NF Mk IV's anyway so will be at least half right. Well....it's my epitaph to 488 so the thought counts.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Sean re checking out the book.

[tempestwulf]

Check this one guys ;D

Hi Bradley,

I’m afraid I have no data on 488 Sqn Beaus- even the ORB doesn’t log serials with code letters unfortunately.

I’ve attached some 488 and 489 Sqn info though. Hope this helps.

488 Sqn

HK197 ME-F Mosquito NFXII
MM466 ME-R Mosquito NFXIII
MM513 ME-D Mosquito NFXIII
MM532 ME-U Mosquito NFXIII
MM556 ME-B Mosquito NFXIII
MM809 ME-H Mosquito NFXIII
NT260 ME-F Mosquito NFXXX
NT372 ME-B Mosquito NFXXX

489 Sqn

LZ432 P6-B Beaufighter X
LZ435 P6 Beaufighter X
LZ442 P6-P Beaufighter X
LZ447 P6-N Beaufighter X
LZ454 P6-S Beaufighter X
ME220 P6-N Beaufighter X
NE210 P6-X Beaufighter X
NE224 P6-M Beaufighter X
NE434 P6-Q Beaufighter X
NE745 P6-P Beaufighter X
NE779 P6-A Beaufighter X
NT888 P6-Y Beaufighter X
RD333? P6-B1 Beaufighter X
RD349 P6-C1 Beaufighter X
RD355 P6-E1 Beaufighter X
RD432 P6-L1 Beaufighter X
RD463 P6-A1 Beaufighter X

Regards,

Ian

Southfly Ltd


Thought you'd like it! This is from an association who are able to provide some VERY useful information about NZ squadrons, predominatly 488 & 489, 75, 4 (Maintenance) and I think one or two more.

Of coarse I was stupid enough to not put the website on my favourites but here's their e-mail address anyway. Hope it can be of some help:

[e-mail]

[Calum]

Thanks Ian

This will be handy for my 489 Sqn Beau

[tempestwulf]

Not sure if any body is looking for kits but there's a chap on Trademe under the name "Dewobz" (Wally Hicks real name) who seems to have a large stack of kits for RNZAF & RAAF types.

I'm not hording (honest.... ) but I'm brought 2 Ventura's (one with markings), decals and recently the 1/72 Hasegawa Beaufighter Mk XXI (RAAF).

I recommend checking out his stock as he always has them for sale.

p.s. If you were talking to me Calum I'm Bradley

[Dave Homewood]

You can see some photos of 488 Squadron Mossies on my page for Ron Watts, who I interviewed for my site here:
www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Ron%20Watts%20Main.htm

Note one of the Mossies appears to be NT458.

[ianbw12]

Hi again,

I also found a reference for a Beaufighter Mk. VIF with a s/n of X8027
and a codes of ME-W... not sure which book this is from or even if 488 flew X8027, but maybe someone else out there can confirm this?

Cheers,
Ian