Halifax near Welburn, Malton.

The Halifax crashed at 17.20hrs on the 31st of October 1942 near Greets Farm, Welburn, five miles south west of Malton. The crew where on a training flight. The pilot stated that he had lost rudder control, the starboard wing dropped and the aircraft sideslipped before going into a flat spin and crashing. Rudder overbalance was later blamed for the crash. The aircraft was written off with Cat E damage, however all four engines only sustained Cat B damage and were probably used again. Six airmen were injured, five seriously. They were treated at Malton Hospital prior to being tranferred to Station Sick Quarters.

The aircraft was built to contract 692649/37 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and delivered to 1652 HCU at Marston Moor on 2nd January 1942 when the unit formed. It sustained Cat. E2/FA damage on 31st October 1942 and was written off.

Pilot - Sgt R Britcher RAF, injured. He had a total of 180 hours flying time prior to the crash, only eight of these were on the Halifax.

2nd Pilot - Sgt A Brannigan RAF, injured.

Sgt E J Taylor, injured.

Sgt P E Godfrey, injured.

Sgt R M Eyles RAAF, injured.

Sgt R G Boanas, injured.