On 4th January 1943 this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft was being taxied around the edge of Riccall airfield when it collided with Halifax DG220 that was doing the same. Both aircraft received minor damage. Both pilots assumed that the pilot of the other aircraft would give way. The unit record book identified the aircraft as being aircraft "6" and "23" but which was which I do not yet know.
Pilot - Acting S/Ldr Henry Howard Drummond RAFVR (112544).
Henry "Harry" Drummond had earlier served with 76 Squadron. On 24th July 1941 he was injured by fire from a night fighter, he managed to get his aircraft back and land at Stanton Harcourt. He was awarded the DFM for service with 76 Squadron, Gazetted 21st October 1941. He recieved a commission three days after his DFM was Gazetted and was later awarded the AFC, Gazetted on 1st January 1944 (possibly for his work instructing). He had risen to the rank of Acting W/C by the end of the War and remained in the RAF in the Post-War period but under the terms of his wartime commission reverted to the lower rank. As F/Lt he relinquished his commission in July 1952.
Halifax R9434 was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was awaiting collection on 20th January 1942. It was initially staken on charge by 76 Squadron at Middleton St.George on 30th January 1942 but it does not appear to have been used on operations. On 27th February 1942 it was transferred to 78 Squadron at Croft and served with them until transferred to 1652 Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 15th May 1942. As a result of a minor landing accident at Sherburn in Elmet on 27th July 1942 minor repairable damage of Cat.Ac/FA was the assessment and it was repaired there. On completion of the repair on 22nd August 1942 it was transferred to 158 Conversion Flight at Rufforth. On 1st November 1942 158 C.F. was absorbed into 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall but there is no record of this aircraft serving with 1658 H.C.U. on the AM Form 78. It sustained Cat.Ac/FA damage on 4th January 1943 at Riccall in a collision with another aircraft while with 1658 H.C.U. that was repaired on site. The repair was complete on 16th February 1943. On 18th February 1943 it was again slightly damaged to Cat.A/FA status with repairs on site being made. The aircraft was then transferred to 1674 H.C.U. at Longtown on 20th April 1944. On 13th June 1944 it failed a major inspection that saw Cat.E1 damage being the assessment, it was struck off charge on 21st June 1944.
Back to monthly table.