On the night of 19th / 20th February 1944 424 Squadron were to have flown operational flights. Just before midnight crews began to taxi to the runway to await their turn to take off. At 23.52hrs this aircraft taxied into the back of Halifax LW433 that was ahead also awaiting their turn to take off. Sadly the rear gunner in LW433 was killed when the propeller of HX316 struck the turret in which he was sat. The aircraft was repaired and resumed 424 Squadron service.
Pilot - 1/Lt Archie Melville Compston RAAF (O-886286)