Halifax JB893 damaged by flak, returned to Leeming airfield.
On the night of 11th / 12th June 1943 the crew of this 408 Squadron aircraft were undertaking an operational flight to bomb Dusseldorf. The aircraft sustained minor flak damage and this not prevent the crew making a safe return to base, landing at Leeming in the early hours.
Pilot - F/O Arthur James Whiston RCAF (J/8406).
Navigator - Sgt Roy Ernest McComb RCAF.
Bomb Aimer - Sgt Walter Kerslake RCAF.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Richard Andrew Thornton RAFVR (1382785).
Air Gunner - Sgt Thomas Dunwoody Mayne RAFVR (1049725).
Air Gunner - Sgt Ross Banting Jackson RCAF.
Flight Engineer - Sgt G Harle.
On the night of 22nd / 23rd October 1943 the first six named above were flying together in Lancaster DS778 on Ops to Kassel when the aircraft crashed in Germany with the loss of all of the crew. All are buried in Hanover War Cemetery.
Halifax JB893 was built to contract ACFT/1808/C4 by English ELectric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was taken on charge by 405 Squadron at Leeming on 22nd March 1943. It was damaged in a collision with Halifax JB906 on 4th April 1943 at Leeming. Cat.A(c)/FB damage was the damage assessment and the repair commenced on site on 8th April 1943. 405 Squadron moved to Gransden Lodge while it was being repaired and on 18th May 1943 it was returned to them. On 2nd June 1943 it was transferred to 408 Squadron at Leeming. It sustained minor flak damage on 11th / 12th June 1943 and also flak damage on 13th / 14th July 1943 with 408 Squadron and was repaired on site both times. On 12th August 1943 it was transferred to 429 Squadron at Leeming when 408 Squadron began converting to Lancasters. On 29th August 1943 it was transferred to 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit at Topcliffe. On 12th October 1943 it was being flown on a cross country flight when it caught fire and crashed at Lower Brailes, Oxfordshire. Cat.E2/FA damage was recorded on the paperwork and it was struck off charge.