On 21st March 1943 this 77 Squadron aircraft was being flown on a low level training flight when it struck a tree in the rough area between Croft and Topcliffe airfields at around 15.00hrs. The pilot remained in control and a safe landing was made, probably back at base of Elvington. Very minor damage must have occurred.
Pilot - Sgt Gwilym Beynon Ellis RAFVR (657095).
Halifax DT736 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury. On 13th January 1943 it was taken on charge by 77 Squadron at Elvington. It sustained flak damage on 4th February 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage), 18th February 1943 (Cat.Ac/FB damage), 29th March 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage) and 29th June 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage) with repairs on site carried out each time at Elvington for minor damage. It was also very slightly damaged on 21st March 1943 while on a low level training flight after striking a tree between Croft and Topcliffe that saw a Cat.A/FA damage assessment and a repair on site was also made. The aircraft was transferred to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 4th August 1943. On 29th March 1944 it broke up in the air over Ayrshire while being flown on a training flight, sadly all on board were killed. Cat.E2/FA damage was recorded on the paperwork and the aircraft was written off. The aircraft was struck off charge on 15th April 1944.
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