Halifax BB253 at Riccall airfield.
On 11th July 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was slightly damaged on landing at Riccall airfield when the tail wheel collapsed. It transpired that the tail wheel was at right angles to the direction the aircraft was flying on it's approach to land.
Pilot - F/Lt Peter Ridley Gaskell RAF (63818).
Pilot - Sgt Frank Edward Shefford RAFVR (1214227).
Halifax BB253 was built to contract B.124357/40 by the London Passenger Transport Board Ltd. at Leavesden. It was taken on charge by 51 Squadron at Snaith on 22nd November 1942. The operational order on 8th / 9th January 1943 was the first flights 51 Squadron made with Halifaxes. As a result of the damage sustained on 9th January 1943 minor Cat.A/FB damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. It was not used by 51 Squadron operationally again. On 14th May 1943 it was taken on charge by 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall and was slightly damaged in a landing accident there on 11th July 1943. Minor Cat.Ac/FA damage resulted and it was repaired on site. It was returned to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit on 10th August 1943. The aircraft later moved to 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit at Wombleton on 10th April 1944. On 5th January 1945 it was flown to Hooton Park where it was stored until being struck off charge on 1st November 1945.