The Loss of Halifax DT524

The Loss of Halifax DT524

A copy of records held by the RAF on the loss of Arthur's Halifax.

Three printed sheets

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MBaileyAW143799-190123-03, MBaileyAW143799-190123-04, MBaileyAW143799-190123-05

[Image 2 of this Item is a combination of Images 1 and 3, therefore only Image 2 has been transcribed]

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From: Mr S H Clarke, Air Historical Branch (RAF)
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Room 308, 3-5, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HW

Telephone (Direct dial) 0171 218 5456
(Switchboard) 0171 218 9000
(Fax) 0171 218 5927

Thank you for your letter of 28 June seeking information about your late brother, Pilot Officer A W Bailey, who sadly lost his life serving with the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Brief records held in AHB (RAF) show that on 7 September 1943 143799 P/O A W Bailey was flying as the Flight Engineer (Instructor) on board Halifax II serial no. DT 524 of No. 1658 Conversion Unit. The aircraft took off from RAF Riccall on a non-operational training flight and some 30 minutes later at 12.00 hours it spun into the ground and exploded on impact. The accident occurred at Newholme Plantation, some 2 miles South of Breighton and tragically all 10 aircrew on board were killed.

I enclose an enlarged copy of the AM Form 1180 (the old Flight Safety aircraft accident record card) which confirms the information provided above and also includes details of the subsequent investigation. The reverse of this card reads as follows: “Eye witness reports:- aircraft went into steep bank to starboard with smoke emitting from starboard outer engine, turn steepened into dive, pilot recovered at 9000 feet but aircraft spun to port, spun into the ground exploding on impact. AIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch) – Primary cause – loss of the blade from starboard outer propeller (fatigue failure in nose housing) this led to subsequent breaking away of rest of propeller and reduction gear. This sudden loss of power during very steep turn to right caused loss of control, but subsequent spin to the left possibly the (due?) rudder (unreadable)”. Regrettably these last few words have proved indecipherable to everyone in the branch.

The full crew was:-

14255 P/O M M Caplan Pilot (Instructor)
J20568 F/O L G Dunlop Pilot (Pupil)
R132048 Sgt S R Parker Bomb Aimer
1497496 Sgt F Reynolds Navigator
143799 P/O A W Bailey Flight Engineer (Instructor)
1653142 Sgt A L G Williams Flight Engineer (Pupil)
J17294 P/O J Lowe Air Gunner (Instructor)
1349486 Sgt G Gibson Mid Upper Gunner
1391617 Sgt A J Gamble Air Gunner (Rear)
1146785 Sgt E L McCartie Wireless Operator