Halifax L9577 at Clifton airfield, York.

On 25th January 1943 this aircraft suffered a tail wheel collapsing on landing at Clifton. Clifton's ORB stated that a Halifax force-landed without casualties, Cat.A(c)/FA damage was recorded. Nothing further is known. The identity of the aircraft appears to have been Halifax L9577. This is one incident where the damage sustained was very slight and far more can be docuemnted on the pilot's life, in this case he was one of the most highly respected and decorated Bomber Command pilots.

Pilot - S/Ldr Charles C "Jock" Calder DFC DSO RAFVR (62699). Uninjured.

Crew (if any) - Names unknown.

Charles Calder begun his RAF career at the bottom and worked his way up. He received his commission on 27th March 1941 to P/O on probation from the rank of Sergeant. He rose through the ranks holding a number of more senior Acting ranks while at least two ranks lower. He first flew with 78 Squadron and later 76 Squadron. For service with 76 Squadron he was awarded the DFC for completing his Tour, this appeared in the London Gazette on 13th February 1942 as the rank of Acting F/Lt. No citation has yet been located for this DFC. He was Mentioned in Despatches for the first time on 2nd June 1943. He was Mentioned in Despatches for a second time as Acting W/Co on 14th January 1944. On 13th June the London Gazette published the notification that he was to be awarded the DSO for service with 158 Squadron. The citation for this reads..

"This officer has completed a second tour of operations and has displayed the highest qualities of skill and gallantry throughout. He has displayed the greatest determination in pressing home his attacks and has achieved much success. On one occasion, in an operation against Frankfurt, two engines became unserviceable. In spite of this, Wing Commander Calder flew the aircraft back to this country after cleverly outmanoeuvring a fighter which had closed in to attack. This officer is an efficient and forceful squadron commander, whose genius for leadership has contributed in good measure to the success of the formation he commands."

Having completed his second Tour he was posted to a training instructional role for a while but later served with 617 Squadron in the later months of the War. He piloted the aircraft that dropped the first of the 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs - the biggest high-explosive bombs developed by any country during the war - to wreck the Bielefeld railway viaduct in Germany. He was awarded the Bar to the DSO for service with 617 Squadron, Gazetted on 5th June 1945. The citation reads..

"Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has completed many sorties. Throughout these operations he has shown the greatest resolution and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his great skill and courage. Wing Commander Calder led the squadron on the operation when the first 22,000 Ib. bomb was dropped over Germany. The target was the viaduct at Bielefeld and complete success was achieved. This officer has rendered much loyal and devoted service.

He remained in the RAF post-War and received a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air on 1st January 1957. He died on 17th May 1997, he was seventy eight years old. He is buried with his grandfather and other members of his family in Edinkillie Churchyard, at Glenernie, south of Inverness. The photograoh shown above was found on an internet forum.

Halifax L9577 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett. This aircraft is history is an unusual one; it was used as a pattern airframe by the London Passenger Transport Board Ltd at their Chiswick factory from September 1941 before being passed on to E.E.C. Ltd. at Salmesbury for similar purposes in 1942. In late 1942 it found it's way to 76 Squadron Conversion Flight at Middleton St.George moving with the unit to Riccall on 16th September 1942. 76 Squadron Conversion Flight was absorbed into 1658 HCU at Riccall on 7th October 1942. The aircraft sustained Cat.A(c)/FA damage at Clifton in the incident detailed above on 25th January 1943 and was repaired on site, it was perhaps handy this damage occured at Clifton as Y.A.R.D. were based there and it probably made for an easy recovery for them. It was later returned to 1658 HCU at Riccall in early 1943 before being transferred to 1663 HCU at Rufforth where it served with them until being struck off charge following an inspection on 25th March 1944.

A poor copy of a photograph located showing part of Halifax L9577 in the background. The crew shown remain unidentified.