Always a delight to get to read another volume of Pacific Profiles. This series covers my favorite modeling area of WWII, the southwest Pacific. Frankly I have been amazed at what they can cover as the volumes progress. This one covers RAAF Beauforts and Beaufighters.

Both types were chosen as they met Australia's needs for a torpedo bomber and for a strike fighter. So much so that production of both types were commenced in country. One of the major problems with the Beaufort was the inability to get British made engines so the US Pratt & Whitney R-1830s were substituted. By the time of Beaufighter production, obtaining Hercules engines was not an issue. Building both types meant that production facilities had to either be expanded or built from scratch, which somewhat delayed production.

Both types were quite effective in Australia's fight against the Japanese, with the Beaufighter being especially good at ground attack, thanks in part to his heavy armament. As the Beaufort was supplanted by the Beaufighter, some airframes were converted to transports while others were used for other secondary roles like training and target tugs. Beaufighters managed to stay in service post war in a variety of roles.

The book follows a standard format with each of the various units covered in greater or lesser detail, depending on how long they operated the aircraft. Each section shows the aircraft's common markings and colors along with a number of great photos and profiles based on photos. Each full color profile provides information on that particular aircraft. This is where much of the information is derived. No lengthy pilot stories or background history on this as it concentrates on the aircraft and units involved in the conflict. In addition to photos and profiles, you are provided an introductory section on the theater of operations as well as some nice art work, the latter spread throughout the book.

It all makes for a superb reference book for the modeler and enthusiast and well worth the price of admission. I very much like this series and look forward to each new volume. Most highly recommended.

November 2025

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