Halifax LK845 damaged in the air, landed at Croft airfield.
On the night of 22nd / 23rd April 1944 this 431 Squadron aircraft was used to flying an operational flight to bomb Dusseldorf. The 431 Squadron records do not state take off and landing times during April 1944 but the Croft station record book states that all 431 Squadron aircraft were airborne at 22.57hrs. The crew released their bomb load from 20,000 feet at 01.25hrs onto green target indicators but while over the target the aircraft was struck and damaged by falling incendiary bombs dropped from a higher flying aircraft. Minor damage resulted but did not prevent the crew from flying back to Croft and landing safely. There is a time of 04.03hrs given on the AM Form 1180 for this incident and it may relate to the landing time.
Pilot - P/O Elmer Orville Johnson RCAF (J/19424).
Navigator - F/O Richard Charles Banning Garrity RCAF (J/20923).
Air Bomber - P/O Gordon Beverly Jose RCAF (J/85356).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt William Risden Chapman RAFVR (1454040).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Donald Shenton RAFVR (1186790).
Air Gunner - Sgt Vernon Patrick O'Bright RCAF (R/197080).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Walter Thornes RAFVR (968983).