Halifax HR834 near Wombleton airfield.

On 27th May 1944 the crew of this aircraft were attempting to take off to carry out a training flight when, at 10.29hrs it left the runway but immediately the starboard outer engine failed. The Halifax's right wing had sliced the tops off two trees in the wood at the end of the runway which happened to be the shortest one. The aircraft then crashed into the field behind this wood, just off the airfield boundary near Harome Whin where upon it caught fire and burnt out but the crew all managed to scramble clear though five were injured. A large column of thick black smoke was seen by people living in Harome rising at the far end of the village. locals ran to see what had happened. The flames had been quickly put out by the fire crew but was clearly very badly damaged, the next morning it was reported that vertually everything had been cleared away.

Halifax HR834 was built to contract ACFT/1688/42 by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and delivered to 51 Squadron at Snaith in May 1943. It transferred to 102 Squadron at Pocklington later in 1943 and was then transferred to 1659 HCU at Riccall in early 1944 and finally to 1666 HCU at Wombleton where it suffered this damage recorded as Cat.E2/FA on 27th May 1944.

Pilot - WO2 Paul N Poirier RCAF, of Miscouche, Prince Edward Island. Injured.

? - Sgt G F Kinnear RCAF, injured.

Navigator - F/O Joseph T Kallal RCAF (J/28482), of Tofield, Alberta, Canada. Uninjured.

? - Sgt Harnish, uninjured.

? - Sgt Park, uninjured.

? - Sgt Hayward, uninjured.

? - -P/O K Franklin, uninjured.

? - Sgt J Atherton RCAF, injured.

Rear Gunner - Sgt G J Arksey RCAF, injured.

Paul Poiriere was born in 1921 in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island and was a farmer prior to enlisting in Charlottetown on 20th October 1941. He later completed his training and was posted to 425 Squadron, probably many of those named above who were likely to have been his crew. He was later commission (J/88835 )and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, his award being effective 6th January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19th January 1945. His award was not presented until 10th March 1946 and there was no citation other than "completed..numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." He was recommended for the award on 10th October 1944 when he had flown thirty five operational flights (180 hours 40 minutes flying time), the recommendation reads as follows..

""This officer is an excellent operational pilot and captain of aircraft, whose gallantry in the face of enemy action has been outstanding. On all the sorties in which he has participated, the primary target has been bombed successfully. Pilot Officer Poirier has completed missions to major German objectives such as Hamburg, Kiel, Sterkrade, Dortmund and the Ruhr area; undeterred by opposition, he has pressed home his attacks regardless of the hazards encountered. On all occasions, this officer has displayed determination and cool judgment. His keenness and fine fighting spirit have set a praiseworthy example, and he is recommended for the "Non-Immediate" award of the "Distinguished Flying Cross""". He died in 1999 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. He was seventy eight years old.

Joseph Kallal was born in Edmonton in 1913 and was living in Tofield, Alberta and working as a farm labourer when he enlisted in Edmonton in March 1942. He received his commisison in 1943. He too was posted to 425 Squadron and was awarded the DFC, Gazetted on 16th January 1945. The recommendation dated 13th October 1944 when he had flown thirty four operational flights (156 hours flying time) reads.."

"An outstanding navigator of a Halifax bomber and of exceptional ability, Flying Officer Kallal has recently completed a tour of operations over enemy territory. His crew have bombed successfully such heavily defended targets as Hamburg, Kiel, Castrop-Rauxel, Wanne Eickel, Bottrop, Sterkrade and Dortmund. Flying Officer Kallal has acted in fact, if not officially, as captain of his aircraft throughout his operational tour, and his capable leadership has inspired his crew with confidence. His skill, courage and constant determination to attack with absolute precision have set a fine example to the squadron and his efficiency as a navigator on more than one occasion has been responsible for saving the lives of the crew. This officer has shown dogged determination and keenness at all times. His outstanding gallantry is worthy of high praise.""