Halifax DT577 near Linton on Ouse airfield.
During the early afternoon of the 20th January 1943 this 78 Squadron aircraft was being flown on an airtest when, on return to Linton on Ouse at 13.20hrs, the aircraft was allowed to touch down too far along the short runway. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft in the distance remaining and it overshot through the boundary hedge, lost the undercarriage and the aircraft broke in two as it came to rest near Fall Gates. The crew of four all sustained injuried.
Halifax DT577 was built to Contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 78 Squadron at Linton on Ouse on 2nd October 1942. As a result of the damage sustained on 20st January 1943 Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment. It was struck off charge on 30th January 1943.
Pilot - F/Sgt F/Sgt Jeffrey Clifford Gillon RAFVR (1203970). Injured.
Three others injured - Names unknown.
Jeffrey Gillon received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 14th October 1944 and rose to F/O on 14th May 1945. He was awarded the
Air Force Cross, Gazetted on 7th September 1945 but no details are yet known surrounding this.