The Bristol "Beaufort" was first flown in October 1938, and was in action by December 1939. Its main function was torpedo-bombing, but it was also used in reconnaissance and mine-laying. Beauforts did good work attacking enemy shipping in the North Sea, the English Channel, the Mediterranean, and took part in several strikes on major German warships.

The first Coastal Command Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously to FLYING OFFICER KENNETH CAMPBELL, V.C., No. 22 Squadron, RAF, for a particular gallant torpedo attack in a Beaufort on the German cruiser Gneisenau on 6 April 1941, in the inner harbour of Brest from a height of 50 feet racing between the flak ships at mast height. The French Resistance reported that a Canadian, Sergeant J.P. Scott, the navigator, was found in the pilot's seat of the downed Beaufort.

Operating from bases on Malta, Gibraltar and North Africa, the pilots of Beauforts did much to deprive the enemy forces in Africa of valuable supplies, mainly petrol. F/L R.V. Manning, a Canadian, was the pilot of a Beaufort of No. 47 Squadron, RAF,which, on the morning of 28 October 1942, was sent out to prevent the 6000-ton tanker Prosperpina from reaching port at Tobruk. The squadron sighted the convoy and, immediately, attacked. Manning, however, was not satisfied that the tanker was in the convoy. He broke formation and pressed on without the benefit of fighter protection. His hunch soon paid off with the sighting of the tanker. In spite of flak from an escorting destroyer and shore batteries, Manning manoeuvred to attack. He launched his torpedo approximately 600 yards from the target. There was a terrific explosion as the torpedo found its mark and the tanker was last seen on fire from bow to stern. It was a devastating blow to Rommel. The last chance of a substantial delivery of much needed fuel and ammunition before his engagement with Montgomery.

Overseas, Nos. 404 and 415 Squadrons, RCAF, flew Beauforts for a brief period, and in Canada No. 149 Squadron flew them out of Patricia Bay, B.C.