Halifax V9991 at Riccall airfield.
On 12th March 1943 the crew of this 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft undertook a training flight. At 17.30hrs the aircraft landed heavily at Riccall causing the aircraft to bounce and then overshoot the runway. The aircraft came to rest with the undercarriage collapsed.
Pilot (pupil) - Sgt Norman Elsdon Jones RAF (656955).
Pilot (instructor) - Sgt Wilfred Eric Elder RNZAF (NZ.416101).
Wilfred Elder was later awarded the DFM for his actions on the night of 21st June 1943, Gazetted on 16th July 1943, the citation reads.."This airman was the captain and pilot of an aircraft which was detailed to attack Krefeld one night in June 1943. On the outward flight, one engine of the bomber became unserviceable but, despite this, Flight Sergeant Elder continued to the target and pressed home a determined attack, afterwards flying the aircraft back to base. This airman displayed great skill and tenacity throughout, setting an inspiring example." On 27th / 28th July 1943 Elder was flying Halifax DK188 on an operational flight to bomb Hamburg when the aircraft was damaged by night-fighters. The mid upper gunner of his crew died after an attack by the enemy aircraft, the flight engineer then went to occupy the turret and returned fire during another attack but was himself wounded. On their return to England they force landed in Norfolk. Wilfred Elder was awarded the DFC for further service with 76 Squadron, Gazetted on 16th November 1943.
Norman Jones was posted to 51 Squadron on 12th April 1943. He was killed on 13th May 1943 when Halifax DT685 crashed in Germany. He is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Halifax V9991 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was awaiting collection on 5th December 1941. It was received by 24 MU on 16th December 1941 and was taken on charge by 78 Squadron at Croft on 13th February 1942. On 19th April 1942 the tail wheel collapsed on landing at Croft, the aircraft sustained Cat.Ac damage and was repaired on site. It suffered Cat.B/FB damage on 31st May 1942 (probably during the Thousand Bomber raid on the night before). The aircraft was repaired on site and was returned to 78 Squadron on 16th September 1942. On 23rd October 1942 it received Cat.Ac/FA damage that was again repaired on site. It was returned to 78 Squadron on 27th November 1942. The aircraft was later transferred to 1658 Heavy Conversion Unit at Riccall on 27th February 1943. As a result of the damage sustained at Riccall on 12th March 1943 repairable Cat.B/FA damage was the initial damage assessment though was later downgraded to Re-Cat.Ac as it appears to have been repaired on site at Riccall. It was returned to 1658 H.C.U. on 29th April 1943. After this nothing further of the aircraft is known until it was struck off charge on 27th December 1945. It's AM Form 78 has a crossed out "GIA 3791M" ground instructional airframe number and also a note that it was allotted to No.1 School of Technical Training. This may be where it ended it's days.