Operation: Toungoo Airfield, Central Burma

Date: 26th March 1943 (Friday)

Unit No: 27 Squadron, 169 Wing, 224 Group, Far East Command

Type: Beaufighter VI

Serial: EL286

Code: Unknown

Base: Agartala, East Bengal, India

Location: Near Shwebandaw, Mandalay Region in Burma.

Pilot: Sqn Ldr. Ivan George Statham AFC, 72119 RAFVR Age 35. KiA

Obs: Fg Off. Kenneth Caleb Briffett 130135 RAFVR Age 31. KiA (1)

REASON FOR LOSS:

On the 26th March 1943 the squadron were tasked with attacking the Japanese airfield at Toungoo in Burma.

Returning from raid EL286 was intercepted by a Ki-43 near Shwebandaw in the Mandalay Region of Burma. The Japanese fighter rammed the tail of the Beaufighter with a wing resulting in both aircraft crashing and killing both the crew of the Beaufighter and the Japanese pilot.

The Nakajima Ki-43 “Hayabuse (Peregrine Falcon)” was a single-engine land-based fighter. The Allied reporting name was “Oscar”.

During February and March 1943 seven (7) aircrews from 177 squadron had joined 27 squadron. The new Beaufighter squadron was to be based at nearby Pharpamau and pending the aerodrome being prepared for their Beaufighters and the groundstaff being established the aircrew were given the opportunity to participate with 27 squadron to learn what to expect when their squadron began operations. One of the crews comprised the Commanding Officer (CO) elect Sqn Ldr. Statham AFC and Fg Off. Briffett. (Ref 1 p57).

(1) On the 4th October 1942 whilst with 227 squadron at RAF Luqa on Malta, Fg Off. Briffett was the Observer aboard Beaufighter IC X8077 which ditched in the Mediterranean. He was rescued but his pilot, Flt Sgt. George P. Fargher was posted MiA.

Burial details:

Above The Rangoon War Cemetery (Courtesy of the CWGC)

Sqn Ldr. Ivan George Statham AFC. Rangoon War Cemetery, Joint Grave 3.G.11-12. Grave Inscription: “"SLEEP, BE STILL, TURN TO YOUR REST IN THE LANDS WHERE YOU ARE LAID"”. Born on the 23rd April 1904 in Hatch End, Middlesex. Son of Ernest and Katherine Fielding (née Blandford) Statham. Husband of Elizabeth Jocelyn (née Ledward) Statham of Kensington, London, England.

His Air Force Cross (AFC) was promulgated in the London Gazette on the 11th June 1942.

Fg Off. Kenneth Caleb Briffett. Rangoon War Cemetery, Joint Grave 3.G.11-12. Grave Inscription: “SAFE HOME, RESTING BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS. LOVING MEMORIES FROM HOME”. Born on the 26th September 1916 in Bristol, Somerset. Son of Edwin John and Clara (née Knight) Briffett of Cheddar, Somerset, England.

Researched by Ralph Snape for Aircrew Remembered and dedicated to the crew and their families (Aug 2026).

Other sources listed below:

References:

1. Beaufighters over Burma – No.27 Squadron, RAF 1942-45 – David J. Innes. ISBN: 0-7137-1599-5.

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