Halifax MZ538 damaged in the air, crash landed at Tholthorpe airfield.
During the early hours of 23rd May 1944 this 425 Squadron aircraft was used to flying an operational flight to bomb a target at Le Mans and took off from Tholthorpe airfield at 00.10hrs. While approaching the target at 00.29hrs the aircraft collided with 420 Squadron Halifax MZ540 while flying at 8,000 feet which damaged the leading edge of the starboard wing. The starboard outer engine was also damaged. The pilot initially lost control but regained it and the crew released their bomb load onto the target at 02.33hrs from 7,600 feet. They flew back to Tholthorpe and landed at 04.55hrs but the starboard wing dropped just before touching down, this saw the tail wheel hit the ground and being torn off, and the aircraft ground looped. The starboard undercarriage leg may have collapsed as the starboard outer engine received the most serious damage. The other aircraft appears to have been much more seriously damaged and the crew landed at Ford after crossing the English Channel.
The pilot was later awarded the DFM partly for his actions in bringing this damaged aircraft home. The citation reads "This airman has completed many sorties and has set a fine example of skill, gallantry and resolution. On one occasion, on the outward flight to an enemy target, his aircraft sustained damage and temporarily went out of control. Flight Sergeant Lacaille regained control although the aircraft vibrated violently and, displaying great determination, went on to bomb his target. On returning to base, he landed the damaged aircraft safely and without injury to any of his crew who had been ordered to take up crash stations. Flight Sergeant Lacaille set a fine example of skill, bravery and determination." The recommendation gives the date as being 23rd May 1944.
Pilot - F/Sgt Vincent Jean Paul LaCaille RCAF (R/81621).
Navigator - WO2 Joseph Alfred Ernest Painchaud RCAF.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt L J Charbonneau RCAF.
Bomb Aimer - F/Sgt J E W Larin RCAF.
Air Gunner - Sgt Joseph Marcel Albert Croteau RCAF (R/187075).
Air Gunner - Sgt J H A St.Yves.
Flight Engineer - Sgt Edwin George William Collyer RAFVR (1606189).
Joseph Painchaud was also awarded the DFC and the recommendation for which states.. "A navigator of very high calibre, Pilot Officer Painchaud has completed 35 sorties over enemy territory, including heavily defended targets such as Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Essen, Stuttgart and Hamburg. On the night of 22nd/23rd May 1944, Pilot Officer Painchaud and his crew were detailed to bomb Le Mans, France. About ten minutes away from the target, on the run-in, the aircraft was hit from underneath by another bomber. The starboard wing was struck and a large piece of the wing was ripped off. The starboard outer engine was unserviceable and the vibrations throughout the aircraft were terrific. Control was lost for a short while resulting in the aircraft going far off track. Under such trying circumstances, this navigator redirected the aircraft to the target and perfect bombing results were obtained. On this trip, as well as on numerous others, Pilot Officer Painchaud exhibited cool-headed judgement. His exceptional talent as a navigator enabled the damaged aircraft to get back to base on three engines where a landing was successfully accomplished. With an unconquerable spirit of determination, Pilot Officer Painchaud has navigated his aircraft with outstanding bombing results. Such keen devotion to duty is worthy of the highest praise. It is on these grounds that I recommend Pilot Officer Painchaud for the award of the non-immediate Distinguished Flying Cross."