Halifax MZ866 at Leeming airfield.
During the afternoon of 28th October 1944 this 427 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb Cologne. The aircraft took off from Leeming at 13.11hrs, released the bombs over the target at 15.54hrs from 19,000 feet and landed at Leeming at 18.30hrs. An hours later the aircraft was parked and sat empty on a dispersal point at Leeming airfield, towards the northern side of the airfield. at 19.25hrs the aircraft was being refuelled and also being inspected for having a hung-up bomb at the same time. Unfortunately when the bomb doors were opened a high explosive bomb and four incendiary bombs fell out, landing next to the fuel tanker, and three of the incendiaries exploded on impact which ignited fuel vapour. The aircraft should not have been refuelled at the same time as this inspection was being carried out. The aircraft's crash team were soon on the site and extinguished the fire but damage was done to the aircraft. Remarkably no injuries appear to have resulted. The damage was initially assessed as repairable Cat.B but was later re-assessed as beyond repair so was written off.
The driver of the fuel tanker, Cpl John Dalton Hall RCAF (R/74166), is mentioned in the airfield records as having "showed great presence of mind and completely disregarded his own safety. He jumped into the driving seat of his vehicle and drove it away from the burning aircraft". For his actions Cpl Hall was awarded a Mention in Despatches, Gazetted on 14th June 1945. Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research has located the recommendation for the award that states that he was.. "In charge of a petrol tanker refuelling an aircraft, Corporal Hall showed great presence of mind and a disregard of personal safety when the aircraft caught fire from exploding vapour. Although the connecting hose was already alight, he jumped into the cab of the vehicle and drove it away to a place of safety. He then assisted in extinguishing the fire at the rear of the vehicle. By his prompt action he prevented the possible explosion of the tanker and the destruction not only of the aircraft, but also of other valuable equipment." Rigger Cpl Chapman was also mentioned in the airfield record book for his actions but does not appear to have received any further accolade.
No crew.