Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire.

Wellington LN438 at East Moor airfield.

The crew of this Wellington had taken part in a fighter affiliation training exercise on 4th May 1943 and on their return to East Moor a heavy landing was made, the aircraft was badly damaged when the port undercarriage collapsed at 13.00hrs. The damage resulted in the aircraft being written off though no injuries were reported. The aircraft had flown only one operational flight while at East Moor.

Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF.

Navigator - Sgt Gerald I Phillips RCAF (later J/19065), born Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada.

Bomb Aimer - Sgt R B Paul RCAF,

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt R E Moden RAF,

Rear Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffco RCAF,

All airmen were posted to 429 Squadron on 30th April 1943 from 22 OTU and were posted out on 13th September 1943 to 432 Squadron which were converting to Lancasters at the time. It would appear that all these airmen survived the War.

Gerald Phillips was awarded the DFC, effective from 11th April 1944 while at 432 Squadron. He was born in Selkirk, Manitoba in 1918 and enlisted in Winnipeg on 28th June 1941 and was commissioned in 1943. The recommendation as found by Hugh Halliday reads... "This officer has completed 25 1/2 successful operational sorties, sixteen of which have been over strongly defended targets in Germany. He has proven himself to be an outstanding navigator and an inspiration to the members of his crew. On all occasions he has shown outstanding fortitude and skill and has cheerfully filled every assignment given to him. For his fine record of achievement, his superb leadership and his devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross." He was presented with the DFC on 30th October 1948.

Wellington LN438 was built to contract B124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd at Chester and delivered to 424 Squadron at Topcliffe after MU acceptance in January 1943. It was transferred to 429 Squadron at East Moor in mid-April 1943 and was written off in the incident detailed above with Cat.E2/FA damage recorded on 4th May 1943.