Halifax W7815 near Greasbrough.
On 9th December 1943 this 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit aircraft the crew of this aircraft took off from Marston Moor airfield to undertake a dual control flying exercise. During the flight the instructor was demonstrating flying on two engines so the propellers on two engines were feathered. When this part of the training was complete these two propellers were unable to be unfeathered and the aircraft was loosing height. A forced landing was made at 10.24hrs on land near Bassingthorpe Farm, Greasbrough, near Rotherham. Both pilots sustained minor injuries and the aircraft received enough damage to later write it off after assessment.
Pilot (instructor) - F/Lt David Roy Fisher DFC DFM RAFVR (125430). Slightly injured.
Pilot (trainee) - Sgt Stephen Thompson Wells RAFVR (1385181). Slightly injured.
- Sgt James Royden Weaver RAFVR (1607038).
- Sgt Reginald Henry Brown RAFVR (1390357).
- W/O Allen.
- W/O Hughes.
- F/Sgt Gray.
David Fisher flew two tours with 77 Squadron. He was awarded the DFM on 15th May 1942 for earlier service with 77 Squadron flying Whitleys, the citation states "One night in April 1942, this airman captained an aircraft which attacked Rostock. On the outward journey, shortly after crossing the North Sea, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. Although his aircraft was severely damaged, Sergeant Fisher succeeded in evading the attacker and, displaying great courage and resolution, flew the remaining 140 miles to his target which he both bombed and photographed. He finally flew the damaged aircraft back to base and made a safe landing. Throughout, this airman showed great determination and skilful airmanship."He was awarded the DFC in June 1943 for further service with 77 Squadron, Gazetted on 11th June 1943. After instructing at 1652 HCU he was later posted to 102 Squadron but was killed on 17th June 1944 in Halifax MZ301 and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Sgt Wells and his crew flew one Tour. He received a commission in October 1944. He, with F/Sgt Weaver and F/Sgt Brown later served with 644 Squadron but were killed on 3rd March 1945 flying Halifax NA127 which failed to return. All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Wells was awarded the American Air Medal in 1945.
Halifax W7815 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was taken on charge by 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 22nd August 1942. The aircraft sustained Cat.A/FA damage when it overshot on landing at Marston Moor on 11th April 1941 and was repaired on site. As a result of force landing near Greasbrough on 9th December 1943 Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 20th December 1943 having clocked up 620 hours total flying time.