Bristol Beaufighter NE209 of No. 489 (NZ) Squadron

Bristol Beaufighter in New Zealand Service

Bristol Beaufighter in New Zealand Service

The Bristol Beaufighter was operated by New Zealand crews serving with 488 (NZ) and 489 (NZ) Squadrons of the Royal Air Force.

Number 488 (NZ) Squadron operated the Beaufighter Mk.IIf and Mk.VIf in the night fighter role from June 1942 to September 1943. After this time the squadron transitioned to the de Havilland Mosquito.

Number 489 (NZ) Squadron operated the Beaufighter in the anti-shipping role from January 1944 until the end of the war in Europe.