Aircraft accidents in Ryedale

Wellington at East Moor.

This Wellington took part in a fighter affiliation exercise on the 4th of May 1943, on its return to base a heavy landing was made and the aircraft was badly damaged when the port undercarriage collapsed at 13.00hrs. The damage resulted in the aircraft being written off with Cat E2/FA damage. There were no injuries reported. The aircraft did one op whilst at East Moor.

The aircraft was built to contract B124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd at Chester and delivered to 424 Sqdn at Topcliffe after MU acceptance in January 1943. It was transferred to 429 Sqdn at East Moor in mid April 1943 and was written off in the incident detailed above with Cat. E2/FA damage on 4th May 1943.

Pilot - Sgt R E Murray RCAF, ok.

Nav - Sgt Gerald I Phillips RCAF (J/19065), born Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. Ok.

BA - Sgt R B Paul RCAF, ok.

W Op / AG - F/Sgt R E Moden RAF, ok.

Rear Gunner - Sgt J G Stuffco RCAF, ok.

All airmen were posted in to 429 Sqdn on 30th April 1943 from 22 OTU and were posted out on 13th Sept 1943 to 432 Sqdn. It would appear that all these airmen survived the War.

Gerald Irwin Phillips was awarded the DFC, effective from 11th April 1944 whilst at 432 Sqdn. He was born in Selkirk, Manitoba in 1918 and enlisted in Winnipeg on 28th June 1941. He was commissioned in 1943. The citation reads ""...completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." The recommendation reads... ""This officer has completed 25 1/2 successful operational sorties, sixteen of which have been over strongly defended targets in Germany. He has proven himself to be an outstanding navigator and an inspiration to the members of his crew. On all occasions he has shown outstanding fortitude and skill and has cheerfully filled every assignment given to him. For his fine record of achievement, his superb leadership and his devotion to duty, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross."". He was presented with the DFC on 30th October 1948.