Hobby Master 1/72 HA2317 Bristol Beaufighter Mk.VIF ND 211, Red WM-K, No. 68 Sqn., RAF, Fairwood Common Airfield, May 1944

The Beaufighter was built because of Bristol's foresight and was company funded. It was built as a long-range fighter using parts that were available from the earlier Beaufort. Using these parts made it possible to complete the first aircraft a little more than 8 months after the concept. The Beaufighter was over shadowed by the Mosquito's success but it was the Beau that was there in 1940 and 1941 helping to defeat the German night Blitz. The Beau served in the Pacific as well as Europe. The Japanese referred to the aircraft as Whispering Death because of its ability to strike and disappear so quickly. The last Beaufighter was produced on September 21, 1945 making aircraft 5,562. Of the 5,562 there were 1,063 Mk.VIs.
In January 1943 the new Beaufighter VI arrived for the 68 Squadron at Coltishall. In February 1944 the squadron moved to Coleby Grange and on to Fairwood Common (The Gower) two months later in late March. On May 15th 1944 at about 0200 hours Czech born Miroslav Jan Mansfeld and Flg. Off. Slavomil Janacek destroyed 2 Do-217's over the English Channel while flying Beaufighter ND211 WM-K. In June 1944, 68 Squadron left Fairwood Common and in July 1944 the Beaufighter VI was replaced by the De Havilland Mosquito.