Halifax DT640 at Rufforth airfield.
On 17th February 1943 the pilot of this 158 Squadron aircraft became distracted by radio transmission to the aircraft while taxying at Rufforth airfield in preparation for a training flight. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, left the concrete and ran into a ditch at 20.45hrs. The pilot's name is the only confirmed one for this incident but months later he was killed flying Ops with 158 Squadron and many of his then crew had probably gone through the same training as him.
Pilot - Sgt Charles Kenneth Surgey RAFVR (1388224).
Flight Engineer - Sgt George Thomas Ayton RAFVR (807305).
Navigator - Sgt Cyril Strand RAFVR (1276766).
Air Bomber - Sgt Edgar Stanley Coster RAF (659040).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Kenneth George Cottrell RAFVR (1272556).
Air Gunner - Sgt William George RAFVR (1349772).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Stephen James Marugg RCAF (R/93458).
Charles Surgey (pictured above) was working for the Bank of Canada in Montevideo, Uruguay when he enlisted in the RAFVR on 15th March 1941. He was soon posted to 158 Squadron after the incident at Rufforth. On 29th May 1943 he was flying Ops in Halifax HR840 from Lissett airfield, his crew with him on that date were possibly with him when this mishap occurred at Rufforth (detailed above) and are only linked to this incident because of that until confirmation is found. On 29th May 1943 many of the crew were killed and Sgt's Ayton and Cottrell made prisoners of war with the latter being found badly injured by villagers who treated his injuries. All who died are buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Holland.
Stephen Marugg was born on 19th July 1916 and was the son of Peter and Jessie Marugg.
Cyril Strand received a commission on 3rd May 1943 (145733) to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency).
Halifax DT640 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Eletcric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was received by 8 MU on 29th November 1942. On 23rd December 1942 it was taken on charge by 158 Squadron at Rufforth. As a result of the damage sustained there on 17th February 1943 Cat.B/FA was the initial damage assessment but when repairs were underway (probably within a works factory) it was re-assessed and deemed beyond repair. It was struck off charge on 10th March 1943.
