Halifax JD304 at Marston Moor airfield.
During the afternoon of 2nd May 1944 this 102 Squadron aircraft was flown from Pocklington airfield to Marston Moor airfield where it was to be taken on charge by 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit. 102 Squadron were disposing of their older Halifax MkII and were replacing them with MkIII, this aircraft was one that was being disposed of. The aircraft landed in a cross wind at Marston Moor at 17.14hrs, unfortunately a tyre burst and after the aircraft swung off the runway which saw the undercarriage collapse. The aircraft was deemed beyond repair and was not accepted by 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit. The pilot had only just completed a Tour with 76 Squadron. I cannot locate a posting for him joining 102 Squadron nor joining 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit, I tentatively speculate he was beginning a role as an instructor at 1652 H.C.U. and was perhaps tasked with collecting JD304 from Pocklington (though I can quite easily delete this!).
Pilot - F/O James Dodds RAFVR (157404).