Wellington L4344 damaged in the air, probably landed at Driffield airfield.
On 21st April 1942 this 1502 Beam Approach Training Flight aircraft suffered the top escape hatch opening and then breaking away while the aircraft was in the air. It struck the IFF aerial and the tail as it broke off causing some damage and also a rip in the fuselage skin. The pilot landed safely, probably at base of Driffield.
Crew - Names unknown.
Wellington L4344 was built to contract 549268/36 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd, at Weybridge and was awaiting collection in May 1939. It was taken on charge by 214 Squadron at Feltwell on 2nd June 1939 and moved to Methwold with them on 3rd September 1939. On 16th September 1939 it was returned to Vickers. It then returned to 214 Squadron on 3rd October 1939 who then moved to Stradishall on 12th February 1940. On 9th August 1940 it was again returned to Vickers. After spending time at two M.U.s it was taken on charge by 10 B.A.T. Flight at Leuchars on 26th February 1941. On 15th September 1941 the aircraft transferred to 3 (C)O.T.U. at Chivenor but this aircraft was detached to Kinloss. On 19th November 1941 it was transferred to 1502 B.A.T.Flight at Driffield. As a result of damage sustained on 21st April 1942 minor Cat.A(c)/FA damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. On 30th June 1942 it was assessed as having Cat.B damage that saw it transported to Vickers at Weybridge for a repair in works. The aircraft was repaired in August 1942 but never saw any further service. In September 1942 it began the rest of it's service life in MU store. It was struck off charge on 14th July 1944.