John Cunningham, Night Fighter.
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:26 pmAn RAF Beaufighter piloted by Group Captain John "Cats-Eyes" Cunningham downs a Heinkel bomber. Cunningham was the RAF's top night fighter ace. He and his radar operator Jimmy Rawnsley, were credited with 20 victories, 19 of them at night.
They served with No. 604 Squadron which had both a day and night fighter capability. The squadron's night fighting proficiency rose dramatically from late 1940 through mid 1941. By 1943 the Beaufighters were replaced with the faster Mosquitoes. Although built primarily as a long range fighter using as many Beaufort torpedo bomber parts as possible, the Beaufighter served with distinction in many air and sea bombing roles.
Alas, poor Eric, he knew not what hit him...
Bugger! That'll hurt if it clips us!
Close call indeed, damage sustained though....
Oh, heres one they got earlier.....
(!)
Losing height, on one.......
Despite damage, he survived this encounter and the War.
They served with No. 604 Squadron which had both a day and night fighter capability. The squadron's night fighting proficiency rose dramatically from late 1940 through mid 1941. By 1943 the Beaufighters were replaced with the faster Mosquitoes. Although built primarily as a long range fighter using as many Beaufort torpedo bomber parts as possible, the Beaufighter served with distinction in many air and sea bombing roles.
Alas, poor Eric, he knew not what hit him...
Bugger! That'll hurt if it clips us!
Close call indeed, damage sustained though....
Oh, heres one they got earlier.....
(!)
Losing height, on one.......
Despite damage, he survived this encounter and the War.
- Great shots, gotta love the Mozzie 