In the early hours of 13th May 1943 a number of 1656 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft flew night training exercises. While Lancaster R5667 was awaiting clearance for take off Lancaster W4777 taxied into the back of it. The rear turret of R5667 was practically severed when it was sliced into by an engine of W4777. The rear gunner in R5667 was reasonably lucky in that he was leaning forward at the time of the collision and received only a glancing blow to his right scapula. The crew I list below were posted to 12 Squadron on 17th May 1943 with the pilot named on the AM Form 1180 so I assume most or all were with him a few days earlier.

Pilot - F/O Jack Burkhardt RAAF (412382).

Navigator - F/Sgt Herbert Harry Hoey RAFVR (1313173).

Flight Engineer - Sgt R Smith 358

Bomb Aimer - Sgt Alan Washbrook

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Patrick John Morley RAFVR (1335985).

Air Gunner - P/O John Angus Walker RAFVR (139374).

Air Gunner - Sgt Samuel George Short RAFVR (1333478).