Halifax W1159 at Linton on Ouse airfield.
On 22nd June 1942 this 35 Squadron aircraft swung on landing at Linton on Ouse at 16.13hrs in a strong crosswind following an airtest. The aircraft left the runway causing the tail wheel unit to break off when it ran onto rough ground, the aircraft then entered a swing and the starboard undercarriage collapsed. The crosswind landing had to be made because there was something obstructing the better angle of approach.
Pilot - Sgt Harry Burns MacDonald RCAF (R/76079).
Observer - P/O J Baker.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt E Whitter.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Jack Reginald Ely RAFVR (1335515).
Air Gunner - P/O G F Freedman (Probably P/O Gerald Frederick Freedman RAFVR (105173)).
Flight Engineer - Sgt J E Jones.
Halifax W1159 was built to contract B.982938/39 by the English Electric Company Ltd. at Samlesbury and was awaiting collection on 9th June 1942. It was taken on charge by 35 Squadron at Linton on Ouse two days later but then crashed at Linton on Ouse on 22nd June 1942. The damage was initially assessed as being repairable Cat.B/FA damage but after further inspection it was Re.Cat.E and was struck off charge on 16th July 1942.
The pilot and the assumed crew were involved in what could have been a more serious
incident on 13th / 14th July 1942 when their aircraft's bomb release mechanism failed on Ops. They baled out of Halifax W7761 over Harrogate on their
return to Yorkshire leaving the aircraft to crash at Beckwith. The crew listed below were with this pilot on this occasion so the assumption is made that some or all
were with him on this earlier occasion but research is on-going.
Harry MacDonald was born in 1915 and lived in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada when he enlisted in Halifax in October 1940. He was commissioned in 1942 (J/15644) which must have been after this mishap at Linton on Ouse in June 1942. He was awarded the DFC for service with 35 Squadron but he is listed as having flown two Tours when his DFC was awarded. This mishap above must have been while flying his first. Hugh Halliday's research into RCAF awarded has found the citation which reads.. "Flight Lieutenant MacDonald has completed a large number of operational sorties against the enemy's most heavily defended targets. On all occasions he has displayed skill and determination of the highest order." Mr Halliday has also found the recommendation which reads.."Flight Lieutenant MacDonald has completed a large number of successful attacks against the heaviest and most hotly defended targets. He has invariably returned with clockwork regularity having successfully bombed his target. On several occasions recently he has operated in a most important role showing the same skill and success. In recognition, Flight Lieutenant MacDonald is recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross." The first operational flight of his first Tour was on 21st January 1942 to Duisburg. The DFC notification appeared in the London Gazette dated 13th May 1943. He survived the War but died in 1956.
Jack Ely was awarded the DFM for service with 35 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th August 1943. His birth was registered in Medway, Kent in 1921, he
married in Chatham, Kent in 1945 where he died in 1986.