Halifax BB300 damaged in the air, returned to Linton on Ouse airfield.
On the evening of 19th February 1943 this aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb Wilhelmshaven. Having taken off from Linton on Ouse airfield at 18.23hrs this crew released their bomb load over the target area at 20.06hrs from 17,000 feet. Having released their bomb load a photoflash was released into the shute but it did not release properly. The mid upper gunner appears to have tried to release it but it then exploded at 20.15hrs and injured him about the face and hands. The explosion damaged the direction finding equipment, the IFF equipment and also the radio set. The aircraft fuselage also received damage but despite this the crew were able to make a safe return to Linton on Ouse where they landed at 23.51hrs.
Pilot - Sgt Alan Cresswell RAFVR (1360479).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt George Frederick Horne RAFVR (1322548).
Navigator - Sgt E Pritchard RAFVR (1149018).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Cecil Rolls RAFVR (1266095).
Air Gunner - Sgt William Collins RAFVR (1600763). Injured.
Flight Engineer - Sgt William Hurworth RAFVR (1068506).
Air Gunner - Sgt William Gerard Flynn RAFVR (1006394).
Alan Cresswell was granted a Commission in March 1943. For service with 76 Squadron he was awarded the DFC later in 1943. He and Horne were posted to 24 OTU on 14th June 1943.
Halifax BB300 was built to contract B.124357/40 by the London Passenger Transport Board Ltd, at Leavesden . On 15th January 1943 it was initially taken on charge by 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall but on 3rd February 1943 it was transferred to 76 Squadron at Linton on Ouse where it was coded "MP-A". As a result of the damage on 19th February 1943 minor Cat.A/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. It continued to be used by 76 Squadron until 14th April 1943 when it was transferred to 10 Squadron at Melbourne where it carried the code "ZA-A". On 16th October 1943 BB300 was transferred back to 1658 H.C.U. where it remained failing a major service inspection on 18th October 1944. It was struck off charge on 21st October 1944.