Wellington W5491 damaged on ground at Driffield airfield by enemy action.
On 4th June 1941 Driffield airfield was attacked again by enemy aircraft at 01.44hrs. This 405 Squadron aircraft was left damaged
after the attack but was later repaired.
Crew - None.
405 Squadron was the first RCAF bomber squadron to serve overseas, they received delivery of their new Wellingtons in late April / early May 1941.
Wellington W5491 was built to contract B.71441/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Weybridge and was awaiting collection in early April 1941. It was received by 51 MU on 18th April 1941 and was taken on charge by the newly formed 405 Squadron at Driffield on 6th May 1941. As a result of damage caused by enemy action on 4th June 1941 Cat.Ac damage was sustained following assessment on 11th June 1941. It was repaired on site and returned to unit, possibly after 405 Squadron had moved to Pocklington on 20th June 1941. On 16th / 17th August 1941 it was damaged on Ops and the gunner, Sgt R P Payton, was killed. The pilot was able to return and land at Pocklington with damage to the starboard wheel, the rear turret and a fire in the rear of the aircraft. Cat.B/FB damage appears to have been recorded and it was again repaired on site. On 15th November 1941 it was returned to 405 Squadron but was transferred to 104 Squadron at Driffield on 31st December 1941. On 9th January 1942 aircraft hit a hedge on take off from Driffield for a training flight as a result of incorrect flap selection and crashed burning out. Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was recorded after assessment and it was struck off charge on 18th January 1942.