Unidentified Spitfire collided in air over Halifax, landed safely?
On 3rd May 1941 this unidentified aircraft and one other of the same 452 Squadron were briefed to carry out a small air display over Brighouse, Leeds as part of the town's War Weapons Week.
Both pilots were very experienced airmen and had flown operationally in the Battle of Britain. While flying in close formation in the Halifax area the propeller of this aircraft struck the
tail of the other aircraft. The damage to this unidentified aircraft must have been only slight as the unit ORB states that it was able to fly off and it is thought the pilot was able to
return to make a safe landing, believed to be at base despite it being some miles back to Kirton in Lindsey. The aircraft's identity is not known.
Pilot - Acting F/Lt Brendan Eamonn Fergus Finucane RAF (41276), aged 20. Originally from the Irish Repulic, parents living in Richmond, Surrey.
Brendan "Paddy" Finucane was born in October 1920 in Rathmines, Dublin, Irish Repulic and was educated in Ireland before his family moved to England in 1936. He joined
the RAF in July 1938 and after training he was posted to 65 Squadron in 1940 where he served in the Battle of Britain. He was posted to 452 Squadron on 13th April
1941 as "A" Flight Commanding Officer at Kirton in Lindsey. He was awarded the DFC, Gazetted 13th May 1941, the citation reads.."This officer has shown great
keenness in his efforts to engage the enemy and he has destroyed at least five
of their aircraft. His courage and enthusiasm have been a source of encouragement to other pilots of the squadron."
He was also awarded the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted on 9th September 1941, the ciaition reads.. "this officer has led his flight with great dash, determination and
courage in the face
of the enemy. Since July 1941, he has destroyed three enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of a further two. Flight Lieutenant Finucane has been largely
responsible for the fine fighting spirit of the unit."
Only eleven days later he was awarded a Second Bar to the DFC, Gazetted on 20th September 1941, the citation reads.."This officer has fought with marked success
during recent operations over Northern France and has destroyed a further six enemy aircraft. Of these, three were destroyed in one day and two in a single sortie
on another occasion. His ability and courage have been reflected in the high standard of morale and fighting spirit of his unit. Flight Lieutenant Finucane has
personally destroyed fifteen hostile aircraft."
He was awarded the DSO with 452 Squadron on 21st October 1941 (only five days after his 21st birthday), the citation reads.."Recently, during two sorties on consecutive days, Flight Lieutenant Finucane destroyed five Messerschmitt 109's bringing his total victories to at least twenty. He has flown with this squadron since June 1941, during which time the squadron has destroyed 42 enemy aircraft of which Flight Lieutenant Finucane has personally destroyed 15. The successes achieved are undoubtedly due to this officer's brilliant leadership and example."
He was later posted to command 602 Squadron in January 1942 and was wounded on 20th February 1942 in Spitfire BL548. As Hornchurch's Wing Leader, his life was cut short flying Spitfire BM308 over the Channel on 15th July 1942 when the aircraft was hit in the radiator by German ground fire over Etaples, France. The aircraft's engine eventually stopped about eight miles off the French coast and the aircraft crashed into the water and sunk before he could escape. His body was never found and he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. W/C Finucane DSO, DFC and Two Bars was still only twenty one years old, he was regarded being the greatest Spitfire pilot of his day, he was famous outside the RAF,
he is third on the "kills" list with 30 enemy aircraft to his credit.
