Halifax MZ872 at Leeming airfield.
On 11th March 1945 this 429 Squadron aircraft was flown on an operational flight to bomb Essen. The aircraft took off from Leeming at 11.35hrs and the crew released their bomb load onto target markers through cloud at 15.18hrs from 17,900 feet. On landing normally at Leeming at 17.45hrs the undercarriage collapsed without warning. The modification to the tail wheel assembly mounting had not yet been carried out this aircraft. Unfortunately the 429 Squadron orb scribe only listed pilots of aircraft undertaking operational sorties in March 1945 so the crew is not 100% confirmed.
Pilot - F/Lt William Fikis RCAF (J/88425).