Halifax L9519 at Marston Moor airfield.
On 6th January 1942 this 1652 Conversion Unit aircraft made a fast and heavy landing at Marston Moor airfield at 15.30hrs when the pilot was undertaking a circuit training flight almost certainly with a novice pilot or crew on board with him. On landing the instructor realised that the aircraft would over-run into a ditch at the end of the runway so turned the aircraft sharply onto the perimeter track but the undercarriage collapsed and seriously damaged the aircraft. The wing tip was broken off and two engines were badly damaged. It was later written off.
Pilot (Instructor) - F/O Peter Johnston DFC RAFVR (68139).
Any further crew - Names unknown.
Peter Johnston received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 27th May 1941. As Acting F/O he was awarded the DFC for service with 35 Squadron for
completing a Tour (Gazetted on 23rd December 1941). Hugh Halliday's research into aircrew awards has located the draft citation for his DFC which reads.."Throughout
the numerous operations in which he has participated, this officer has displayed a steadfast determination to reach and attack his target and then to fly his aircraft
safely back to base. In spite of many and varied odds, he has shown marked ability to bring his operations to a successful conclusion. By his sterling qualities and
great devotion to duty he has set a fine example." He rose to F/O (war subs) on 27th May 1942 and rose to F/Lt (war subs) on 5th December 1942 and was Mentioned in Despatches on 1st January 1943 for his role in instructing with 1652 HCU, at the time of his MiD he had flown 300 hours as an instructor. After his spell instructing he returned to 35 Squadron Pathfinders. On 30th May 1943 S/Ldr Johnston was killed on Ops to Wuppertal flying Halifax HR793. The aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed in Holland. His body was never found and he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. He was twenty six years old. On 1st January 1945 he was Mentioned in Despatches again with many hundred service personnel.
Halifax L9519 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was allotted to 35 Squadron on 15th March 1941. It was then taken on charge by 35 Squadron at Linton on Ouse on 28th April 1941. It then transferred to 76 Squadron on 8th May 1941 who were also based at Linton on Ouse after the unit had reformed there on 1st May 1941. On 4th June 1941 it moved with the unit to Middleton St.George but suffered a minor accident there on 15th June 1941 with initial Cat.B damage though this was downgraded to Cat.A(c) after further assessment. It was repaired on site and remained with 76 Squadron once returned to them on 25th October 1941. It's AM Form 78 misses off transfer to 1652 Conversion Unit, which is believed to have happened on 2nd January 1942 who were newly formed at Marston Moor on that date. The Halifax may have only been on loan to 1652 Conversion Unit. On 6th January 1942 it crashed there and was initially assessed with Cat.B/FA damage. After assessment it was dismantled and transported by road to Handley Page Ltd on 28th January 1942 for a repair in works but was re-assessed found more seriously damaged so was Re-Cat.E and struck off charge on 15th February 1942.