Some aircraft seem to be designed to achieve worldwide publicity, like the Spitfire, while others just do not make the headlines because they are not engaged in the more historical clashes. The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the combat aircraft without which the Second World War could not have been won, but it has never caught the public eye. This book tells the story of the decision to manufacture the Beaufighter. under licence in Australia- and the combat achievements of ‘both British-made and Australian-made Beaufighters during the Japanese War in. the Southwest Pacific Area, as it was then known.