A9-304 Beaufort Bomber

Quick Facts

• Aircraft Type: Bristol Beaufort Mk VIII Twin-Engine Torpedo Bomber

• Serial Number: A9-304

• Built: Department of Aircraft Production (DAP), Fishermans Bend, Victoria

• Operator: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF No. 1 Operational Training Unit)

• Incident Date: April 26, 1943

• Location: Off the Victorian Coast / Bass Strait

• Cause of Loss: Ditching during a wartime operational training exercise

The Story of Beaufort A9-304

Built locally at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne, Beaufort A9-304 was part of the crucial fleet of Australian-produced torpedo bombers that defended Australia’s northern approaches and shipping lanes during World War II.

The Operational Training Unit Tragedy Assigned to No. 1 Operational Training Unit (1 OTU) based at RAAF Station Bairnsdale, A9-304 was used to train young aircrews in low-level maritime navigation, torpedo strikes, and coastal bombing runs over the unpredictable waters of Bass Strait.

On April 26, 1943, while conducting a low-level training exercise off the Victorian coastline, A9-304 suffered an emergency crashed into the ocean. Despite extensive searching by the RAAF no trace of the aircraft or crew was found.

The Lost Aircrew

• SGT Edward John Offer (#415676) - Pilot

• FLTSGT Edward Waterman (#405282) - Observer

• FLTSGT James Henry Catterick (#401742) -Wireless, Air Gunner

• FLTSGT Graham Charles Nichols (#405495) -Wireless, Air Gunner

The Search

Aviation wrecks are among the most challenging targets to locate on the seafloor. Unlike heavy iron steamships, aluminum airframes break apart on impact, deteriorate rapidly in saltwater, and are frequently buried or scattered by shifting sands and commercial fishing trawlers.

Through meticulous research into original RAAF accident cards, meteorological reports, and side-scan sonar surveys, the Southern Ocean Exploration (SOE) team are continuing to search for the remains of A9-304. Finding this wreck honors the young RAAF aviators who lost their lives in home waters preparing for war, ensuring their sacrifice is remembered.