Halifax DT649 at Riccall airfield.
On 3rd May 1943 the starboard undercarriage of this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft collapsed on landing at Riccall airfield at 14.15hrs during a dual control basic circuits and landings training exercise. The damage was not repaired.
Instructor Pilot - F/O John William Holbrook Harwood DFM RAF (126025).
Trainee Pilot - Sgt A W H Ayres RAFVR (1095398).
He received his commission on 22nd June 1942 to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) and was later promoted to F/O on probation on 22nd December 1942 and to F/Lt (war subs) on 24th March 1943. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 1st June 1943. As Acting S/Ldr he was awarded the DFC for further service with 76 Squadron, Gazetted on 17th October 1944, the citation for which reads.. "Now on his second operational tour, this officer has completed attacks against a wide range of targets including Berlin, Essen, Stuttgart, Brest and Frankfurt. On numerous occasions his aircraft has been subjected to attacks by enemy fighters but his skilful and calculated handling of his aircraft, combined with coolness and great presence of mind have enabled him to evade these attacks. As flight commander he has been responsible for the organising and training of crews. Displaying considerable powers of leadership he has undertaken this duty with outstanding initiative and skill." He later served with 246 Squadron and 232 Squadron and survived the War. He resigned his commission on 23rd April 1946, retaining the rank of S/Ldr. After leaving the RAF he trained as a doctor in Australia and died in 1975 in London.
John Harwood was born in Nottingham in March 1920. He had flown a tour with 76 Squadron between Autumn 1941 and Summer 1942 and for this he was awarded the DFM, Gazetted on 4th August 1942, the citation for his DFM mentions a ditching Halifax L9581 on 31st January 1942 while flying Ops against Tirpitz and another ditching which has yet to be traced in the records. The citation reads.. "Sgt Harwood has completed many sorties over enemy territory, including attacks on Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen. Throughout his career as a captain he has shown great keenness and unfailing courage. Three times he has returned from operations with his aircraft badly damaged and twice he has been forced down into the sea. Nevertheless his courage and determination are undaunted."
Halifax DT649 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co. Ltd. at Samlesbury and was flown to 8 MU at Little Rissington on 29th November 1942. The aircraft was initially taken on charge by 77 Squadron at Elvington on 17th December 1942. It was then transferred to 51 Squadron at Snaith on 16th March 1943 and to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall on 8th April 1943. as a result of the crash on 3rd May 1943 the damage was assessed as being Cat.E/FA and it was struck off charge on 10th May 1943 having clocked up a total of 148 flying hours.