Halifax III NA232 at Elvington airfield.

On 11th May 1945 this 347 Squadron aircraft was to have been flown on what was described as a "transport duties" flight to Orly, France. It was carrying at least eleven passengers as well as aircrew making eighteen in total. Soon after taking off the aircraft developed some form of technial issue so the pilot turned around and returned to Elvington. On landing at 08.30hrs one of the main tyres burst, the pilot could not control the swing that resulted and the aircraft came to rest with the undercarriage collapsed. The pilot was the 347 Squadron Commanding Officer. Exactly who the passengers were is unclear but they must have been important given that V.E.Day had just occurred.

Pilot - Cne Jean-Marie Verhille FAFL (000708).

Seventeen others - Names unknown.