The Beaufort was initially employed on mine-laying and bombing operations rather than in its intended torpedo-bombing role. One major problem was that existing torpedoes could not be dropped at the high speeds originally envisaged; instead crews were expected to reduce speed to about 160mph on the run-in or risk the torpedo breaking up on entering the water. Nº 22 Squadron flew the first torpedo armed sorties in September 1940 and achieved a number of successes against enemy ships during the autumn and winter of 1940. L4516, seen here with an impressive array of 'tin fish' at North Coates in early December 1940, was lost later that month when it crashed on take-off and the mines aboard exploded.
