Halifax W7868 at Linton on Ouse airfield.
On the evening of 15th October 1942 the crew of this 76 Squadron aircraft left Linton on Ouse airfield at 18.45hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Cologne. The aircraft ran into severe icing conditions and lost considerable height over the North Sea so were forced to make an earlier return to base. Following a heavy landing at Linton on Ouse at 22.15hrs the starboard tyre burst, this resulted in the pilot loosing control and the aircraft swung off the runway, probably coming to rest with a collapsed undercarriage.
Pilot - Sgt Tom Gallantry RAFVR (1074117).
? - Sgt J B Higgins.
Navigator - Sgt Archibald Hugh George Paxton RAFVR (13775425).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - P/O Alexander McClure RCAF (J/9737).
Air Gunner - Sgt Robert Graham Wright RAFVR RAFVR (1415815).
? - Sgt W L Middleton.
Air Gunner - Sgt Frederick Gilder RAF (616082).
Tom Gallantry gave a superb interview to the Imperial War Museum about his service.
Halifax W7868 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. It was taken on charge by 76 Squadron on 30th September 1942 directly from H.P Ltd. As a result of the incident on 15th October 1942 minor Cat.Ac/FB damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. The aircraft was deemed servicable on 16th January 1943. It would appear that on 2nd February 1943 a direct swap was made with Halifax BB282 of 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit; W7868 went to 1658 H.C.U. at Riccall and BB282 was taken on charge by 76 squadron to replace it.The aircraft was damaged on 21st September 1943 when a tyre burst at Riccall and it swung off the runway finishing with the undercarriage collapsing. Cat.Ac/FA damage was the initial damage assessment though this was re-assessed on 2nd October 1943 and found to be beyond repair. It was Re-Cat.E and was struck off charge on 2nd October 1943.