Halifax near Helperthorpe, south of East Heslerton.

The aircraft took off from Breighton at 20.04 hrs on the 21st January 1944 for Ops to Magdeburg. The crew bombed the target from 20,000 feet at 23.10 hrs. Strong winds were reported over the target and this raid saw 648 aircraft up in the air, 224 were Halifax's. Some of the main force were now using the new H2S system. Whilst over the target this aircraft is believed to have been damaged by heavy flak and on their return the aircraft flew into bad visibility. At 02.15hrs on the 22nd January 1944 the aircraft flew into the ground to the south-east of East Heslerton. As there were no obstructions in the way the aircraft stayed more or less intact and only one of the crew sustained minor injuries. They were able to return to flying duties the following day.

The location of where this occured is almost certainly near Helperthorpe around four miles to the south-east of East Heslerton and technically outside the "Ryedale" remit. BBC Radio York ran a peice on this incident some years ago and the location was refered to Hemingthorpe which is believed to now be an error.

The aircraft was built to Contract B124357/40 by The London Passenger Transport Board Ltd, at their Leavesden factory. It was issued to 78 Sqdn at Breighton in December 1943 and then a paper move appears on the record card, it is registered as being with 3 OAPU at Llandow in December 1943 but this is clearly as the aircraft never went abroad so one must presume a clerical error. It was written off following the incident near East Heslerton on 22nd January 1944.

Pilot - Sgt W Hockler, ok.

F Eng - Sgt W Walker, injured.

Nav - F/O F Salt RCAF, ok. (Or Sait).

BA - F/O F Henderson, ok

WOp/AG - Sgt S Howard, ok.

AG - Sgt W McLean, ok.

AG - Sgt W G Baron, ok.