The Hudson aircraft was shot down by 8 Japanese Zero aircraft on patrol. "When the New Georgia campaign was about a week old, he (Bengough) voluntered to fly "up the slot" with a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hudson on a routine reconnaissance. Off Baga Island the Hudson was attacked by Zeros and shot down into the sea. Some of its occupants managed to get into the water, only to be strafed by the Zeros as they were swimming for shore, two miles distant. One man, a sergeant, survived and he was badly wounded. He said afterwards that he believed Bengough was killed by the opening burst, not among those who died in the water." - "Among Those Present" (Official Story of the Pacific Islands at War) H.M.S.O. 1946 page 56.

Bengough was the Officer Commanding the British Solomon Islands Protectorate Defence Force and Resident Commissioner. He was the most senior British officer to die during the Solomon Islands campaign. AWMM