Lancaster Mk.X KB985 at Carnaby airfield.

On the night of 2nd / 3rd June 1945 this 405 Squadron aircraft was due to undertake a training exercise, possibly a cross country flight as it had a significant amount of fuel on board. It was also loaded with bombs to give it weight. It suffered the port tyre burst on take off at Linton on Ouse at 22.40hrs. The crew were instructed to jettison the bomb load, probably over the North Sea, and return to base. On return to the skies over Linton on Ouse they were then instructed to fly the aircraft with high revs to use up fuel until the fuel weight was reduced and then head to Carnaby to land. They then diverted to Carnaby and belly landed at 00.58hrs. Cat.B/FA damage was the initial damage assessment but it was later upgraded to Re-Cat.E on 12th June 1945 and was struck off charge.

Pilot - F/Lt James Raymond Hartley DFC RCAF (J/28134).

Crew - Names unknown.