Whitley P5106 at Topcliffe airfield.
On the night of 1st / 2nd November 1940 this 51 Squadron aircraft flew operationally to bomb an oil refinery at Magdeburg. It took off from Dishforth at 17.45hrs but due to exactor trouble the crew abandoned the flight and returned to base. On landing at 18.30hrs the aircraft was slightly damaged at Topcliffe airfield when it overshot and the undercarriage collapsed.
Pilot - P/O William Twiston Davies RAF (42204).
Second Pilot - Sgt Foster.
Observer - Sgt Gallagher.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Hyslop.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt David.
Whitley P5106 was built to contract 75147/38 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd, at Baginton and awaiting collection on 14th July 1940. After a
lengthy period of MU storage it was taken on charge by 51 Squadron at Dishforth in October 1940. It sustained Cat.M damage at Dishforth stated
above, it was repaired on site and returned to 51 Squadron use. It continued to be used by this unit until 10th May 1941 when Cat.W(m) damage was
recorded when it failed to return from Ludwigshafen when it was shot down and crashed in Holland with the loss of it's then crew of five.