Halifax L9616 at Riccall airfield.
On 18th March 1943 the trainee pilot of this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was being given instruction and on landing at Riccall airfield at 15.00hrs the aircraft bounced on one wheel, swung off the runway and the undercarriage then collapsed.
Instructor Pilot - P/O William Charles Richardson RAFVR (137203).
Pupil Pilot - F/Sgt Thomas Matheson Moran RCAF (R/105579).
Halifax L9616 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page at Radlett and was allotted to 37 MU on 11th September 1941. After a period of MU storage it was taken on charge by 1652 Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 28th January 1942. On 17th February 1942 it was deemed in need of a repair on site and was returned to 1652 C.U. use once complete on 2nd April 1942. The unit became 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit later in 1942. As a result of the crash at Riccall on 18th March 1943 Cat.B/FA was the initial damage assessment. On 30th March 1943 it was further assessed as beyond repair so was struck off charge, Re.Cat.E damage would have been the damage assessment but this is not stated on the aircraft's AM Form 78.
William Richardson had flown a Tour with 76 Squadron in Autumn 1942 and was posted to 1652 H.C.U. on 25th January 1943. He was later awarded the DFC for service with 692 Squadron, Gazetted on 10th October 1944.
Thomas Moran was born on 27th May 1920. He completed his training and was later posted to 77 Squadron. As WO2 he died on 13th May 1943 while flying Ops to Duisburg in 77 Squadron Halifax DT632. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.