Bristol Beaufighter

Bristol Beaufighter – WWII Wreck off Malta

On 17 March 1943, nine Beaufighters from 272 Squadron took off on a mission to protect Beaufort light bombers attacking enemy shipping to the north. Shortly after departure, one aircraft developed severe engine vibrations. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, Pilot Sgt Donald Frazee informed his navigator, Sgt Sandery, that they would have to ditch into the sea. At around 100 mph, Frazee landed the aircraft on the water, where it quickly began to sink. Both crew members escaped, inflated their life jackets, and within minutes were rescued by local Maltese fishermen. Remarkably, both men later returned to active service.