The Bristol Beaufort Saga
G'day, Just read your story re: carbon monoxide problem in Beaufort aircraft. You mentioned the Crown Analyst Dr Charles Anthony Taylor and how he carried out blood and tissue tests. You said he had no authority to do so. Incorrect. As Crown Analyst he was referred by the police so had full authority to do these tests. The RAAF said the Director General RAAF Medical Services should have been consulted first with samples sent to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research for testing as recommended by the Flying Personnel Research Centre in 1942. This was not adopted for various reasons.
You may wonder how I know this. As a medical professional I have a keen interest in the topic which I have been researching for many years. I do not believe carbon monoxide played a part in the death of any Beaufort crews despite contemporary reports suggesting this. Cheers Kim