I Trained at St Athans ,South Wales as Flight Engineer Halifax Bombers from September 1943 to May 1944.Attached to the RCAF 1659 HCU at Topcliffe in July 1944.Joined RCAF operational unit 433 Squadron at Skipton on Swale in August 1944.
During the next eight months I took part in 30 operations over Europe part of the time as F/E on a Halifax and part a Lancaster. Some 'trips'were quite 'hairy'. I remained in the Air Force until March 1947. If anyone had a similar experience and would like to reminisce please post amessage.Regards.
An Introduction to 6 Group Bomber Command.
On the 5th August 1944 having completed training at 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit,RCAF,Topcliffe where I had been assigned a crew. We were posted to 433 Squadron Skipton on Swale.Having just reported to Squadron Offices we proceeded towards our Nissen huts situated in a field about
half a mile away next to the river Swale. Almost immediately as we approached the village,a Halifax returning from a bombing mission, damaged and on three engines crashed at our feet about 50 yards away. The pilot had been given red flare warning him to go around again ,whilst doing so a second engine failed hence the crash.
The Pilot and Flight Engineer were killed also a small boy in the village.The rest of the crew were seriously injured.
After a Squadron Reunion in Toronto in October 1982 a committee meticulously planned , with generous contributions, a dedication and plaque honouring the Squadrons who served at Skipton on Swale, recording the crash incident. On the 19th May 1984 the ceremony took place ,many veterans
attended .The plaque was placed on the spot where the Halifax had come to rest having struck an elm tree. During the ceremony the last flying Lancaster flew over the site.
The elm tree is no longer there but in its place
stands a maple tree brought over from Canada.
Probably one of many similar incidents however,I felt it was worth placing on record.
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