Halifax NP690 at East Moor airfield.
On 18th August 1944 this 432 Squadron Halifax was taking off from East Moor airfield at 21.25hrs for an operational flight to bomb Bremen when it swung off the runway and both main undercarriage legs collapsed, having skidded to a halt in the general area of the control tower and the intersection of runways 04/22 and 17/35 the aircraft caught fire. The crew escaped and ran clear and the general area was evacuated before the aircraft blew up scattering bits of it all over the airfield and leaving a large crater. Needless to say it was written off. Part of the aircraft caused damage to the radar section buildings braking windows and passed right through No.1 radar workshop and into the radar stores building.
This photograph possibly shows part of the wrecked Halifax NP721 or Halifax NP690 being removed from the middle of East Moor airfield. I thank Mrs Mary Ann Bourassa for this photograph. The pilot would give his account of this incident to a Canadian newspaper "Yorkregion.com" in 2009 - he stated that he "threw all the throttles back and the plane went sideways. The plane kept grabbing and pulling to the left. I knew we would never reach top speed.” He stated that after the undercarriage had collapsed and the aircraft had stopped he got out of the aircraft through the cockpit escape hatch and then down onto the wing. He recalled that all his crew escaped with minor injuries, except for the rear gunner, who dropped from the back of the plane and (possibly) injured his neck in a heavy landing. Another plane was at the end of the runway and a member of ground crew had pulled it clear with a tractor before it was caught in the fire and blast.
Pilot - P/O Joseph Arthur Gault RCAF (J/29071).
Flight Engineer - Sgt William Border RAF (635121).
Navigator - F/O R Howard RCAF (J/36323).
Bomb Aimer - F/O Paul Joseph Handkamer RCAF (J/36228).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Arthur Edward Lawson RCAF (R/164656).
Mid Upper Gunner - Sgt W Carmen RCAF (R/251579).
Rear Gunner - Sgt R G Walters RCAF (R/223356). Injured neck.
I credit Hugh Halliday's RCAF awards research in compiling this webpage.
Halifax NP690 was built to contract ACFT/1688/C4/C by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and taken on charge by 432 Squadron at East Moor on 23rd June 1944. NP690 commenced Ops on 1st July 1944. Following the crash at East Moor on 18th August 1944 Cat.E2 Burnt damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 28th August 1944.
F/O Joseph Gault was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for service with 432 Squadron. The award became effective from 15th March 1945. He was born in Moose Jaw in 1921 and enlisted on 8th May 1942. There was no full citation for his DFC other than the commonly used one of "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." The recommendation dated 28th October 1944 when he had flown twenty six operational flights (127 hours 30 minutes flying) between 25th July and 25th October 1944 states that.. "Throughout his operational career this officer has displayed enthusiasm and keenness for operational flying. He has been an inspiration to the members of his crew and has shown a high degree of airmanship and dogged determination, having completed twenty-six successful sorties. His calm, quiet manner, qualities of leadership and splendid record warrant a strong recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)."
F/O Paul Handkamer was Mentioned in Despatches whilst with 432 Squadron. His award was effective as 1st January 1946. He lived in Winnieg and enlisted there on 1st June 1942. The recommendation (with WO A E Lawson) was dated 16th November 1944 when he had flown twenty five operational flights stated that... "On 4th November 1944, this officer and airman were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. While over the target the Flight Engineer received severe injuries from "flak". Flying Officer Handkamer and
Warrant Officer Lawson immediately went to the Engineer's aid. Although their efforts to save his life were in vain, due mainly to the fact that he had lost so much blood, they fought unceasingly with all means at their disposal to save his life." The Flight Engineer was Sgt W Border, Halifax NP708 landed at Woodbridge on return. NP708 went on to complete 78 Ops. The recomendation also stated that "this officer and airman set the highest example of brotherhood and crew loyalty which.. be recognized by the award of Mention in Despatches (Immediate)."
Arthur Lawson, (then P/O) was also Mentioned in Despatches for the same actions, this being Gazetted on 1st January 1946. His home was in Montreal where he enlisted on 21st May 1942. The recommendation was dated 16th November 1944 when he had flown twenty nine operational flights and is pretty much the same as Handkamer's.