Lancaster W4777 at Lindholme airfield.

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.

Pilot - F/Sgt John Henry Terence Hayes RAAF (411906).

Ten days later Hayes had been posted to 101 Squadron, he and his crew were flying Lancaster W4919 on Ops to Dortmund on that date and all were killed.

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