Halifax W7766 damaged in air, landed at Linton on Ouse airfield.
On 13th July 1942 this 158 Squadron Halifax was being flown on an airtest when a piece of heavy armour plating in the mid upper turret fell down and struck the gunner. The gunner received a head injury and the pilot made an immediate landing at Linton on Ouse airfield. The gunner was admitted to York Military Hospital. I have yet to confirm the pilot although the 158 Squadron record book stated that the aircraft returned to East Moor with a turret unservicable on this date and it may relate to the same incident that injured the mid upper gunner.
Pilot - (Possibly) S/Ldr Francis Peter Hewitt OBE RAF (26055).
Mid Upper Gunner (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) - Sgt Sidney William Cains RNZAF (NZ.405472). Injured.
Rest of crew - Names unknown.
Halifax W7766 was built to contract B73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was delivered as new to 158 Squadron at East Moor on 30th June 1942. On 13th July 1942 minor damage in the air but other than the armour plate needing to replaced the aircraft did not sustained any other damage. Cat.A/FA damage may have been a damage assessment made. It was then written off as a result of a crash at East Moor on 15th October 1942 with Cat.E2/FB damage being recorded after assessment. The aircraft completed eight operational flights with 158 Squadron. It was struck off charge on 19th October 1942.
F/Sgt Cains died on 14th February 1943 in the crash of 158 Squadron Halifax DT696 at Stillingfleet and is buried in Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery. He was twenty four years old. This loss is detailed on its own webpage.