British Forces

In flight over Sardinia

Imperial War Museum

A formation of three Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark Xs of No. 272 Squadron RAF based at Alghero, Fertilia airfield, Sardinia, in flight on an armed reconnaissance patrol over the western Mediterranean. LZ521 “G” leads NE552 “O” (nearest) and NE581 “L”. The No. 272, code XK, core mission ground attack, reached the Sardinia from Sicily in February 1944 it moved to Sardinia, from where it could reach targets in the north of Italy and the south of France. In September 1944 it moved to the Italian mainland, prior at Foggia, Apulia, and after at Falconara, Ancona, over the Adriatic coast, and carried out attacks on targets around the Adriatic. The squadron flew its last operation on 18 April 1945, and was disbanded two weeks later, on 30 April 1945. Victor Sierra