Wellington LN438 at East Moor airfield.
The crew of this 429 Squadron Wellington had taken part in a fighter affiliation training exercise on 4th May 1943 and on their return to East Moor a heavy landing was made, the aircraft was badly damaged when the port undercarriage collapsed at 13.00hrs. The damage resulted in the aircraft being written off though no injuries were reported. The aircraft had flown only one operational flight while at East Moor. The crew are believed to have been the following..
Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF (R/139214).
Navigator - Sgt Gerald Irwin Phillips RCAF (R/110968).
Bomb Aimer - Sgt R B Paul RCAF (R/109366).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt Robert Eric Moden RAFVR (1330467).
Air Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffoo RCAF (R/131901).
All airmen were posted to 429 Squadron on 30th April 1943 from 22 O.T.U. and were posted out on 13th September 1943 to 432 Squadron which was converting to Lancasters at the time. It would appear that all these airmen survived the War if their names are recorded correctly.
Gerald Phillips was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada in 1918 and enlisted into the RCAF in Winnipeg on 28th June 1941. He received a commission in 1943 and was later posted to 432 Squadron. For service with 432 Squadron he was awarded the DFC, effective from 11th April 1944. The recommendation, as found by Hugh Halliday, reads... "This officer has completed 25 1/2 successful operational sorties, sixteen of which have been over strongly defended targets in Germany. He has proven himself to be an outstanding navigator and an inspiration to the members of his crew. On all occasions he has shown outstanding fortitude and skill and has cheerfully filled every assignment given to him. For his fine record of achievement, his superb leadership and his devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross." He was presented with the DFC on 30th October 1948.
Wellington LN438 was built to contract B124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong Ltd at Chester and was received by 18 MU on 16th February 1943. It was taken on charge by 424 Squadron at Topcliffe on 3rd April 1943. It sustained minor flak damage on 9th April 1943. Cat.A/FB damage was the probable damage assessment as anything greater would be recorded on the aircraft's AM Form 78. A repair on site was carried out. The aircraft was transferred to 429 Squadron at East Moor on 18th April 1943. It was badly damaged in a crash at East Moor on 4th May 1943. The damage was assessed as being Cat.E2/FA and it was struck off charge on 12th May 1943. It had clocked up a total of nearly 31 hours flying time.