Beaufighter T3271 at Catfoss airfield.
On 5th August 1941 the pilot of this 2 (C)OTU aircraft lost control on take off during a training flight which was his first solo on the Beaufighter type, the aircraft
stalled and then cartwheeled on striking the ground within the region of Catfoss airfield. The aircraft was badly damaged but the pilot survived.
Pilot - F/O Graham Herbert Russell DFC RAF (42025).
Graham Russell was born in Malaya in May 1917 where his parents owned a rubber plantation, but he was educated in Bedford and later worked for Wolseley Motors
Ltd in Birmingham before joining the RAF. He received his commission to the rank of Acting P/O on probation around June 1939, he was graded as P/O on probation
on 16th December 1939 and was confirmed as P/O on 6th March 1940. He flew with 236 Squadron during the Battle of Britain and was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 26th
November 1940, the citation reads..
"In November 1940 (6th November 1940), Pilot Officer Russell was engaged on a reconnaissance of Brest. Despite box barrage of about 600 bursts and intense
light anti-aircraft fire which caused him to descend to 20 feet over the harbour, he succeeded in obtaining valuable information regarding the disposition of
ships in the harbour and enemy aircraft on the aerodrome at Brest-Guilers. On the return flight he attacked a Dornier 24 flying boat, which was destroyed after
a short engagement. He has consistently shown great dash and initiative and his example has been an inspiration to his fellow pilots." During this incident his
crew member was injured in the eye and arm.
On 16th December 1940 he was promoted to F/O and on 15th December 1941 he was promoted to F/Lt (war subs). On 31st August 1942 he was dismissed from the RAF
following a General Court Martial though it would be speculation to link this accident near Catfoss and the Court Martial. His family were originally from St.Ives
in Cornwall and after his RAF service he lived in the area. He died in December 1981. The photograph of him I have borrowed and shown above was found on "www.bbm.org.uk".
Beaufighter T3271 was built to contract B.30264/39 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. at Filton and was awaiting collection in April 1941 to be taken on
charge by 272 Squadron at Chivenor the same month. 272 Squadron left for the Middle East the following month and the aircraft was placed into storage before
being taken on charge by the newly re-formed 143 Squadron at Aldergrove in Coastal Command on 15th June 1941 but was transferred to 2 (C)OTU in July 1941. As
a result of the accident at Catfoss on 5th August 1941 Cat.E2/FA damage was recorded.