Lancaster DS792 mid-air collision, returned to East Moor airfield.
On the night of 29/30th December 1943 the crew of this aircraft were tasked with Ops to Berlin. Outbound at 20.25hrs
the aircraft suffered minor damage to the mid-upper turret when taking evasive action to avoid colliding with two other Allied
aircraft which had themselves collided in front of this aircraft. There were no collisions reported that night with
fatal results so both the other aircraft must have returned to the UK. Lancaster DS792 returned safely to East Moor
where damage was recorded as Cat.A(c)/FB.
Lancaster DS792 was built to contract AC 239 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd at Baginton and delivered to MU store in July 1943. It was
issued to 432 Squadron at East Moor in early November 1943. The aircraft was flying its fifth operational flight with 432 Squadron
when the incident detailed above occured, it was repaired on site and
repair was completed by New Years Day 1944 the aircraft suffered Cat.E/FB damage on 3rd January 1944 when on it's seventh operational flight
and on return from Ops to Berlin it was attacked by a night-fighter. It was remarkable that the then
crew were able bring the aircraft home. The attacking Me110 caused serious damage to the hydraulics and with
the radio u/s, instruments shattered and the bomb doors hanging open and for it to loose a wheel it went into an out-of-control dive.
The gunners returned fire and shot down the attacking Me110. but to re-gain control the pilot (P/O J A McIntosh RCAF (J/19308)) had
to put his feet on the dash of the cockpit. The aircraft crash landed
at the Woodbridge strip. One undercarriage collapsed on landing and the aircraft ground looped. After assessment it was found that
both starboard nacelles were blown off, two large holes in the starboard wing were found, the dinghy had broken free and was hanging out,
the rear turret, tail, elevators, mid upper turret and fuselage were all badly shot up and every propeller blade was found to have at least
one bullet hole in it. Needless to say it was struck off charge soon after on 15th January 1944 but the crew had made it home. For his actions
in returning it the then pilot was awarded the DFC, he was however shot down on Ops on 24th March 1944 and saw out the War as a PoW.
Pilot - Sgt William C A Pay RAFVR (1321761).
FEng - Sgt S Carr,
Nav - Sgt John Baker RCAF,
AB - Sgt G Armstrong,
WOp/AG - Sgt J Bell,
MUG - Sgt A King.
RG - Sgt John McC Houston RAFVR (174233). Of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland.
William Pay received his commission on 31st January 1944 (171335) to P/O on probation (emergency). He was awarded the DFC for service to
432 Squadron on 21st April 1944, the citation reads.. "This officer is a skilful and courageous pilot, whose keenness and determination have been inspiring.
He has completed a very large number of sorties, most of which have been against heavily defended targets such as Berlin, Hanover, Frankfurt
and Stuttgart. His achievements have been noteworthy." He rose to F/O (war subs) on 31st July 1944 and survived the War.
Hugh Halliday has located the recommendation for his DFC which adds extra detail, this reads..
"This officer has made thirty four trips as rear gunner, twenty over Germany, including Berlin (nine trips),
Nuremburg, Augsburg, Dusseldorf, Karlsruhe, Essen, Schweinfurt, Leipzig, Frankfurt, Stettin,
Magdeburg and Brunswick. His cooperation coolness, and devotion to duty contributed in a large
measure to the success of these operations. His cheerful confidence and steadiness under all
circumstances contributed immensely toward the safety of the aircraft, and resulted in a high
standard of morale in his crew. On his last trips to complete the first tour on an operation
against Sterkrade Holten in the Ruhr Valley, and aircraft in which he was detailed as rear gunner
was attacked by a Junkers 88. This officer by his skilful direction of the evasive tactics and
accurate shooting, permitted his aircraft to come out unscathed with the enemy aircraft
disappearing in a damaged condition. Foe his keenness, devotion to duty and high standard
of technical ability this officer is strongly recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross."
He rose to F/O (war subs) on 2nd October 1944 and F/Lt (war subs) on 28th March 1946, he probably left the forces in the
shake-up in 1946-47.
On 19th August 1943 the then Sgt Pay was the pilot of Wellington LN395 was attempting to land at Skipton on Swale but overshot, the starboard
engine failed to pick up and he was left with little option but to force land the aircraft close to the airfield. The aircraft was later written off
but the crew escaped injury. After completing twenty four operational flights with 432 Squadron; six on Wellington's and eighteen on Lancaster's,
P/O Pay and most of his crew were posted out in March 1944.
John Houston received his commission on 2nd April 1944 to P/O on probation (emergency).
He was awarded the DFC for service with 432 Squadron on 1st August 1944, the citation reads..
"As rear gunner this officer has completed a large number of sorties, including nine attacks on Berlin.
He is a confident and determined member of aircraft crew whose skill and co-operation have contributed
materially to the successes obtained. He has set a very fine example."