On 13th September 1942 this 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit was being airtested, on landing at Marston Moor the tail wheel structure was inspected and found to have sustained damage.
Pilot - S/Ldr Hamilton Wellesley Connolly DFC RAAF (402492).
Pilot - F/O William John Hamilton Love RAAF (415339).
Halifax DG226 was built to contract ACFT/637/C4/C by Rootes Securities Ltd. at Speke and was awaiting collection on 7th June 1942. It was taken on charge by 35 Squadron at Linton on Ouse soon after completion but was transferred to 10 Squadron Conversion Flight on 24th September 1942 at Melbourne. On 19th October 1942 it was transferred to the parent 10 Squadron also at Melbourne and as a result of battle damage on 23rd November 1942 minor Cat.A(c)/FB damage became the damage assessment with a temporary repair on site at Melbourne beginning on 26th November 1942. It was returned to 10 Squadron charge on 2nd January 1943 but the following day it was test flown by P/O Brooksbank who deemed it in need of a major repair. On 13th January 1943 it was flown to Fairey Aviation Ltd. Civilian Repair Centre at Ringway for repair, with this complete on 7th February 1943 it was flown to 158 Squadron at Rufforth. 158 Squadron moved to Lissett at the end of February 1943 and took the aircraft. On 6th April 1943 it was transferred to 1658 HCU at Riccall and on 21st July 1943 it was transferred to 1652 HCU at Marston Moor. On 13th September 1943 it sustained Cat.A(c) damage to the tail wheel structure resulting in a repair on site. On 28th October 1943 it was returned to 1652 HCU charge. On 24th August 1944 it crashed near Wetherby Golf Course with the loss of the then crew. The aircraft was destroyed and was struck off charge the same day with Cat.E2/FA damage recorded on the paperwork.
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