During the morning of 3rd July 1943 this 1679 Heavy Conversion Flight aircraft was being used to fly a series of circuits and landings. After a fifteen minute flight it landed at East Moor airfield at 10.50hrs but the tail wheel collapsed on the runway. The aircraft then blocked the runway for a time and received minor damage. It was one of the first four to arrive after the unit formed on 22nd May 1943. This Lancaster was fitted with dual controls. The tail wheel collapsed as there was a known fault with the tail wheel mounting assembly and there was a lack of modified ones available to be fitted prior to this incident happening. Cat.Ac/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site.
Pilot - S/Ldr James Bert Millward RCAF (J/10255).
Pilot - P/O Leslie Neil McCaig RCAF (J/14907).
James Millward was born in Montreal in 1911 and prior to enlisting into the RCAF had attended both the McGill University (gaining a BA) and Bishops University (gaining a MA). He was posted to 426 Squadron in October 1942 on its formation, he was awarded the DFC for service with them, Gazetted on 13th August 1943, the citation reads.. "On two occasions this officer has flown his aircraft safely back to base although damage had been sustained from enemy action. He has also had much success in securing photographs of the target area. As deputy flight commander Squadron Leader Millward has assisted in building up the squadron to its present high state of efficiency. The quiet determination with which he completes his duties has won him the admiration and respect of all." He was posted from 426 Squadron to Leeming in October 1943, he later served with 405 Squadron and gained the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted 15th August 1944, the citation for which reads.."Wing Commander Millward has completed many successful sorties during which he has attacked a wide range of strongly defended targets. He is an exceptionally keen and capable flight commander and has at all times displayed fine qualities of courage and devotion to duty." He was also Mentioned in Despatches on 14th June 1945 and received the award of the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star (France). Post-war he returned to Canada and remained in the RCAF, he was awarded Queen's Coronation Medal in 1953 when commanding officer at Trenton. He rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.
Leslie McCaig was awarded the DFC for service with 426 Squadron, Gazetted on 29th October 1943. Hugh Halliday located the following reference to his award.. "This officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim one night in September 1943. Whilst over the target area the bomber was attacked by a fighter. It was driven off, however, but a few minutes later another enemy aircraft flew in to the attack. The bomber was repeatedly hit by machine gun fire and sustained much damage. In spite of this Flight Lieutenant McCaig skilfully outmaneuvered the attacker and thus enabled his gunners to engage the enemy aircraft which was shot down by their accurate bursts of fire. Displaying exceptional skill, Flight Lieutenant McCaig flew the badly damaged bomber to this country and effected a successful crash landing at an airfield. This officer displayed courage, coolness and determination worthy of high praise." He was killed on 20th January 1944 serving with 426 Squadron when Lancaster LL628 failed to return from Ops to Berlin. He is buried in Berlin War Cemetery.
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