Halifax LL589 damaged in the air, landed at Carnaby airfield.
On the night of 16th / 17th August 1944 this 420 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb Kiel and took off from Tholthorpe airfield at 21.22hrs. The crew released their bomb load from 19,000 feet at 00.13hrs. While over the North Sea and in poor visibility at 01.41hrs Halifax MZ877 of 466 Squadron flew at ninety degrees across the main returning bomber stream and a collision occurred with Halifax LL589. The pilot's canopy, both port propellers and the starboard tailplane of Halifax LL589 were damaged and the pilot received injuries as a result of the collision. Despite the damage the pilot remained in control and the aircraft was landed at Carnaby emergency airstrip at 02.25hrs.
The pilot was subsequently recommended for the award of the DFC for his actions on this night, the recommendation (as located by historian Hugh Halliday) states.. "Flying Officer Kidd showed throughout his tour fine qualities of leadership and airmanship of the highest order. On one occasion when returning from a successful attack on a heavily defended German target, his aircraft collided with another which was flying at 90 degrees to the course. Considerable damage was caused to the canopy, port propellers and tail assembly, and Flying Officer Kidd suffered a fractured right arm and severe cuts about the face which blinded his right eye. Only by skilful airmanship under these most trying conditions did this officer succeed in controlling his aircraft and safely landing it back in this country, thereby saving the lives of his crew. This officer's courage and endurance set a fine example to this squadron and it is recommended that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross." The awarded of the DFC was Gazetted on 3rd November 1944.
Pilot - F/O Keith Roy Kidd RCAF (J/23340).
Navigator - WO2 W T Battrick RCAF (R/156207).
Air Bomber - F/O V G Lafranier RCAF (J/28352).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt I L Thomson RCAF (R/212686).
Flight Engineer - Sgt Douglas James Inglis RAF (645344).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt Sidney Lowe RAFVR (1819390).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt E W Peterson RCAF (R/163059).
Air Gunner - F/Sgt J E B L Decary RCAF (R/148472).