Wellington X3545 at Dalton airfield.
On 1st February 1943 this 428 Squadron aircraft was damaged following a heavy landing at Dalton airfield on return from a cross country training flight. The aircraft either took off at 17.30hrs or the landing occurred then.
Pilot - Sgt Kingdon Roger Knapp RCAF.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Bertram Arthur Nicholls RAFVR (942990).
Other crew - Names unknown.
Wellington X3545 was built to contract B.92439/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd, at Squires Gate. It was received by 18 MU on 19th April 1942 and was place in long term MU storage until being taken on charge by 466 Squadron at Driffield on 7th November 1942. They formed in October 1942 and the aircraft appears to have been one of four that arrived there on 8th November 1942. On 25th November 1942 this Wellington was transferred to 428 Squadron at Dalton and was one of their first to arrive. It sustained minor Cat.A/FA damage on 1st February 1943 and was repaired on site at Dalton 1ith it returning to 428 Squadron on 26th March 1943. 428 Squadron ceased using this type of Wellington in May 1943 so the aircraft was next taken on charge by 20 O.T.U. at Lossiemouth on 16th June 1943. On 21st March 1944 it disappeared on a transit flight from Leuchars to Lossiemouth with the crew of six being killed. Cat.E(m) damage was recorded and the aircraft was written off.