Halifax NA517 at East Moor airfield.
The scene at East Moor following three overshoots on 8th August 1944.
During the early hours of 8th August 1944 this 415 Squadron aircraft was returning to base following a scrubbed operational flight to Caen having taken off from East Moor the previous evening at 21.00hrs. On their return to East Moor at 01.06hrs (and literally one minute after Halifax LW686 had crashed through the boundary fence) this aircraft returned with the full bomb load, it also overshot the runway and ran through into the overshoot area. The Strensall Road ditch took out the port undercarriage leg.
Pilot - P/O R W Gingrich RCAF (J/85621).
Flight Engineer - Sgt E Tait RAFVR (1004845).
Navigator - F/O E R Vaughan RCAF (J/28848).
Bomb Aimer - F/O Dickinson Gosling RCAF (J/28247).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/O J E Winch RCAF (J/27355).
Mid Upper Gunner - Sgt N Boyce RCAF (R/203808).
Rear Gunner - Sgt M H Hosier RCAF (R/212991).
Dorsal Gunner - Sgt J H Miller RCAF (R/374931).
R.W.Gingrich gained his Wings following training in Canada in June 1943. He completed twenty two operational flights with 415 Squadron between 28th July and 1st November 1944. Nothing more is currently known about his service.
Halifax NA517 was built to contract ACFT/891 by Fairey Aviation Ltd at Stockport and was delivered to 431 Squadron at Croft on 20th May 1944. It was transferred (or more likely loaned) to 432 Squadron at East Moor on 13th June 1944 as a replacement for LW616 "QO-R". NA517 completed nine operational flights with 432 Squadron between 15th June and 1st July 1944 but was then transferred to 415 Squadron, also at East Moor, on 15th July 1944. On paper the aircraft was not transferred to 432 Squadron until 2nd August 1944. Following the damage sustained on 8th August 1944 Cat.B/FB damage was recorded, it was then dismantled on site and removed to the Y.A.R.D. in late August 1944. On completion of repairs it was held in MU storage and later issued to 190 Squadron at Great Dunmow in May 1945 for general transport duties. This Unit disbanded on 28th December 1945 and it was flown to 29 MU for long term storage. It was later struck off charge and sold for scrap on 14th March 1947.
Dickinson Gosling was born in Neston, Alberta in 1917 and lived in Therien, Alberta prior to enlisting. He had previously worked in a garage. he had initially served in the Royal Canadian Artillery but enlisted into the RCAF in Edmonton on 5th June 1942. He was later Commissioned in 1943. He was awarded the DFC for service with 415 Squadron, effective from 5th April 1945 though there was no citation but the recommendation dated 23rd December 1944 when he had flown thirty operational flights reads.. "This air bomber has successfully completed a tour of operations. His work in the air has been most effective. Anxious to fly at any time under any conditions, he has also rendered valuable service to his section on the ground. Courageous, experienced and a fine leader. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."