On 31st December 1942 this experienced pilot was undertaking a local circuit training exercise when the 466 Squadron aircraft began to suffer from
sticking throttles and the propeller feathering function on the engines was not working. He force landed the aircraft between Leconfield and
Beverley at 12.20hrs in an area known as Swine Moor.
Both Wellington HE383 and HE149 suffered similar propeller failures on the same night. Two days later the Station's
Commanding Officer ordered that night flying be suspended until the causes behind the propeller failure be investigated
and after discussions with the propeller manufacturer all aircraft involved in night-flying using this type of propeller
should have their constant speed unit wiring inspected.
Wellington HE383 was built to contract B.124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Chester and was awaiting collection in November 1942. It was received by 23 MU on 5th November 1942 and was then taken on charge by 466 Squadron at Driffield on 20th November 1942 before moving with the unit to Leconfield on 27th December 1942. As a result of the incident on 31st December 1942 the damage was assessed as being Cat.E/FA and it was written off. It was struck off charge the following day having flown just 7 hours total.
Pilot - S/Ldr Jack Stewart Belton DFC RAFVR (61018).
Jack Belton was born in September 1919, he received a commission in the RAF as P/O on probation (emergency) on 21st
December 1940 and served with 77 Squadron before posting to 466 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC for service with 77 Squadron
as Acting F/Lt, Gazetted on 26th May 1942, the citation was a brief one but reads.. "This officer maintained a high standard of keenness and
devotion to duty. His cheerful disposition and outlook have always been an asset to squadron morale." On 21st December 1941 he was promoted to F/O (war subs) (with seniority back dated to 6th December 1941) and rose to F/Lt (war subs) on 1st September 1942. As Acting S/Ldr he was awarded the Bar to the DFC for service with 466 Squadron,
Gazetted on 12th November 1943, the citation reads.. "As flight commander during a period of ten months, this officer has made a very important contribution to his squadron's success. During a recent raid, while flying in very bad weather, one engine in his aircraft became unserviceable. By the exercise of
determination and skill, however, S/Ldr Belton was successful in extricating his aircraft and crew from a perilous situation
and in making safe landing at base. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 8th June 1944. Post-War he was appointed to a commission in the RAFVR as F/O on
14th July 1947. He relinquished his commission on appintment to the R.Aux.AF on 14th July 1954. He died in December 1996 in London.
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