Halifax JB859 at Wombleton airfield.
On 27th April 1944 this 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit Halifax was the fourth of six aircraft that had been taxied around the perimeter track on the southern side of Wombleton airfield in preparation for take off for the crew to undertake Bullseye training flights. The pilot of this aircraft stopped the aircraft well back from the aircraft in front to await their turn to begin the take off run with the engines running. The brakes of the aircraft appeared to have not been fully applied and at 23.17hrs it was allowed to run slowly into the back of Halifax JD106 which was parked ahead of JB859 awaiting take off. The pilot of this aircraft had not noticed the aircraft had moved forward and his crew were all at their take off positions from which they could not see the aircraft was moving forward. The rear gunner of the other aircraft was sadly killed as a result of the collision and the rear of JD106 was badly damaged. This incident was the only fatal flying accident at Wombleton airfield during the Second World War. The pilot of this aircraft was later court martialed on a count of negligence but was found not guilty though he would appear to have not resumed pilot duties.
Halifax JB859 was built to Contract 1808/C4/ by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was delivered directly to 419 Squadron at Middleton St.George in March 1943. It sustained Cat.B damage on 13th May 1943 and was repaired by a team from Handley Page, with it being returned to 419 Squadron on 1st July 1943. It transferred to 1666 H.C.U. at Dalton on 20th August 1943 and moved with unit to Wombleton on 21st October 1943. It's AM.78 movement card lists it having sustained Cat.Ac damage on 9th March 1944 but how this happened is not yet known. It was repaired and returned to 1666 HCU on 1st April 1944. On 27th April 1944 it ran into Halifax JD106 in the incident above but suffered very minor damage. The damage was not listed on it's AM.78 movment card. After repair it continued to serve with 1666 HCU until 7th January 1945 when it was passed to 48 MU. It was struck off charge on 1st November 1945 as 'scrap'.
Pilot - F/O Willard K Wells RCAF (J/12573).
Navigator - P/O Hugh Allan Morrison RCAF (J/28857).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O Townsend RCAF (J/29894).
Bomb Aimer - P/O Douglas Bentley Hopkins RCAF (J/28985).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Edward Tarleton RAF (2203500).
Air Gunner - Sgt Harold Ceal Annable RCAF (R/214012).
Air Gunner - Sgt K J Murray RCAF (R/191820).
Hugh Morrison completed his conversion training and was posted to 431 Squadron. He was killed on 8th June 1944 when Halifax MZ602 failed to return from Ops to Versailles in support of the D-Day landings. All on board the aircraft were killed and are now buried Blevy Communal Cemetery, France.
Douglas Hopkins was later posted to 432 Squadron. He was born in Vancouver in 1921 but was living in Langley Prairie when he enlisted in Vancouver in March 1942 and he received his commission in 1943. He was recommended for the DFC on 28th October 1944 when he had flown thirty two operational flights between 27th May 1944 and 6th October 1944. Notification of his DFC was printed in the London Gazette on 16th February 1945 but there was no proper citation. The recommendation was more detailed, it reads.. "Flying Officer Hopkins is an above average Air Bomber, who has shown a high degree of skill and courage. This has been demonstrated in thirty-two successful sorties over enemy targets. His cheerful disposition, coupled with complete confidence and ability to successfully impart his knowledge to others, has been instrumental in developing new crews. For his fine record of achievement and strong sense of duty, this officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
Edward Tarleton was also posted to 432 Squadron and served in the same crew as Douglas Hopkins. He received a commission on 2nd February 1945 to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) and rose to F/O (war subs) on 2nd August 1945. He remained in the RAF post-war and was granted the rank of F/O (subs) on 1st November 1946, back dated to 2nd February 1946. He relinquished his commission in 1954.
While Harold Annable was the mid upper gunner in Halifax JB859 when this accident at Wombleton happened he later joined Bill Chalcraft's crew at 419 Squadron (who were to fly Halifax JD106 when the mishap happened to JD106 on 27th April 1944). Harold Annable was born in Hamilton, Ontario in January 1917 but was living in Lindsay, Ontario where he was working as a foundary worker when he enlisted in Toronto. He survived the War and returned home and died in June 1983. He was recommended for the DFC on 8th October 1944 when he had flown thirty three operational flights between 22nd May 1944 and 25th September 1944. Through Hugh Halliday's research this information has come to light. This recommendation adds that the Aachen raid on 24th May 1944 their aircraft attacked at intervals by three enemy fighters; his oxygen failed but he stayed at post until overcome by lack of oxygen. Then on 27th May 1944 while attacking Bourg-Leopold their aircraft was attacked three times by fighters but all were evaded before they could open fire. He was granted the DFC and notification appeared in the London Gazette on 15th December 1944. The recommendation also reads.. "As mid-upper gunner this airman has participated in a large number of sorties, including attacks on such targets as Dortmund, Brunswick, Bolmen and Kiel. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination and devotion to duty. On many occasions his aircraft has been attacked by enemy fighters. His timely combat manoeuvres and good shooting on these occasions have played a good part in the safe return of the aircraft."