Halifax R9381 at Linton on Ouse airfield.
At 12.40hrs on 26th July 1942 this 35 Conversion Flight aircraft landed at Linton on Ouse airfield following a training flight when the aircraft bounced and the tail wheel collapsed. The aircraft came to rest with minor damage.
Pilot - Sgt Frederick Caldwell RAF (655627).
Halifax R9381 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. The aircraft was allotted to 12 MU on 7th December 1941 and was received by them on 11th December 1941. The aircraft was taken on charge by 1652 Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 27th January 1942 soon after the unit formed. It was transferred to 35 Squadron at Linton on Ouse two days later but on 23rd March 1943 it was transferred to 35 Converion Flight, also at Linton on Ouse to train their aircrew in. As a result of the mishap at Linton on Ouse on 26th July 1942 Cat.Ac/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. It was returned to 35 Conversion Flight on 21st August 1942. On 5th September 1942 it moved with 35 Conversion Flight to Marston Moor and then to Rufforth with them on 21st September 1942. When 35 Conversion Flight disbanded the aircraft went to 1652 H.C.U. at Marston Moor on 31st December 1941. On 22nd May 1943 it received a repair on site by a team from Handley Page though probably not due to damage sustained in a flying accident. It was returned to 1652 H.C.U. on 11th June 1943. The aircraft's AM Form 78 then states it went to 1658 H.C.U. but does not list a date of transfer. The AM Form 78 then appears to have a major, it states that on 13th August 1943 it sustained Cat.E damage in flying accident. This is not correct. Halifax R9387 was written off following a flying accident on this date and the two aircraft appear to have been mixed up. On 30th October 1943 it was struck off charge (probably as a worn out aircraft). On 23rd November 1943 it was converted into an instructional airframe but the M number is not known.