Halifax (Total: 6,178, Canadian: 250, Group 250)
Handley Page Halifax

The Handley Page Halifax is a British Royal Air Force (RAF) four-engined heavy bomber of the Second World War. It was developed by Handley Page to the same specification as the contemporary twin-engine Avro Manchester.
The Halifax has its origins in the twin-engine HP56 proposal of the late 1930s, produced in response to the British Air Ministry's Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use." The HP56 was ordered as a backup to the Avro 679, both aircraft being designed to use the underperforming Rolls-Royce Vulture engine. The Handley Page design was altered at the Ministry to a four-engine arrangement powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine; the rival Avro 679 was produced as the twin-engine Avro Manchester which, while regarded as unsuccessful mainly due to the Vulture engine, was a direct predecessor of the famed Avro Lancaster. Both the Lancaster and the Halifax would emerge as capable four-engined strategic bombers, thousands of which would be built and operated by the RAF and several other services during the War.
On 25 October 1939, the Halifax performed its maiden flight, and it entered service with the RAF on 13 November 1940. It quickly became a major component of Bomber Command, performing routine strategic bombing missions against the Axis Powers, many of them at night. Arthur Harris, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Bomber Command, described the Halifax as inferior to the rival Lancaster (in part due to its smaller payload) though this opinion was not shared by many of the crews that flew it, particularly for the MkIII variant. Nevertheless, production of the Halifax continued until April 1945. During their service with Bomber Command, Halifaxes flew a total of 82,773 operations and dropped 224,207 tons of bombs, while 1,833 aircraft were lost. The Halifax was also flown in large numbers by other Allied and Commonwealth nations, such as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Free French Air Force and Polish forces. Wikipedia
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR654
s/n HR654
Handley Page Ltd
HR 654
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*R". Failed to return from attack on Berlin on 29/30 March 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 6 crew killed and 1 POW.last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-29 to 1943-03-30
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax BII aircraft HR 654 EQ-R was shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt Paul Szameitat of the 5/NJG 3, flying Do 217N D5+SN from Schleswig airfield during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The Halifax crashed near Suderschmedeby south of Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany with only one crew member surviving
Flight Lieutenant JS Acheson (RCAF) Navigator, survived to be taken as Prisoner of War
Flight Sergeant JF Barnes (RCAF), Sergeant H Davenport (RCAF), Flight Sergeant NW Roberts (RCAF), Sergeant FJ Cherry (RAFVR), Sergeant G Jennings (RAFVR) and Sergeant LSV Lewis-Stanford (RAFVR) were all killed in action
There were two 408 Squadron Halifax II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial DT 679 EQ-Q for further information on this aircraft and crew







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR655
s/n HR655
Handley Page Ltd
HR 655
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*S". Bombed Turin, Italy on 4/5 February 1943. Failed to return from attack at Lorient, France on 7/8 February 1943. All crew were killed.last update: 2025-February-05





Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR656
s/n HR656
Handley Page Ltd
HR 656
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*T". Damaged by flak during mining operation to the Frisian Islands 21/22 January 1943. Landed on 2 engines, port inner & starboard inner. Failed to return from attack at Stuttgart on 11/12 March 1943, shot down by a night fighter. 4 crew evaded and 3 POWs.last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1943-03-11 to 1943-03-12
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Leeming
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Leeming. Halifax II aircraft HR 656 EQ-T had a port side engine failure on the way to operations over Stuttgart, Germany. Despite the engine loss and resulting drop in speed, the crew flew on and successfully dropped their bomb load. Sadly, on the return flight the Halifax was attacked and shot down by night fighter pilot Hptm Otto Materne of the 4/NJG 4, crashing north of Rozieres, France
Sergeant RD Davidson (RCAF), Sergeant JA Hammond (RCAF), Flying Officer GH Lamus (RAF) and Sergeant CT Hamilton (RNZAF) all survived and became Evaders
FS DDP Leitch (RAFVR), Sergeant LS Marsden (RAF) and Flying Officer AA Stewart (RNZAF) survived and all were taken ad Prisoners of War
Search for France-Crashes 39-45







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR657
s/n HR657
Handley Page Ltd
HR 657
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Collided with another aircraft during cross country, crashed near Haxby, Yorks, 7.3.44units 408/78/1667 heavy Conversion Unit/1662Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR658
s/n HR658
Handley Page Ltd
HR 658
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*V". Bombed Cologne on 14/15 February 1943. Bombed Kiel on 4/5 April 1943. Failed to return from attack on Dortmund 4/5 May 1943, no survivors.last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR659
s/n HR659
Handley Page Ltd
HR 659
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43Units 408/78
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR660
s/n HR660
Handley Page Ltd
HR 660
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;148
Hit by flak near Ancona and crashed 3.3.44Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry transfer Unit/3 Overseas Aircraft Delivery unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR661
s/n HR661
Handley Page Ltd
HR 661
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on take-off for ops, undercarriage collapsed and starboard inner engine caught fire, Derna Main, 2.5.43Overseas Aircraft Preparation unit/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR662
s/n HR662
Handley Page Ltd
HR 662
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Failed to Return, Lorient, 30.1.43Unit 408
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR663
s/n HR663
Handley Page Ltd
HR 663
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, 17.4.43 PlzenUnit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR664
s/n HR664
Handley Page Ltd
HR 664
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K". Crash landed at base after raid on Berlin, early 1943, no injuries. Had been damaged by night fighter and by flak. According to Halifax Files, crashed and burnt after take-off, Fairfield Sanitorium, York, 10.1.44Units 408/78/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR665
s/n HR665
Handley Page Ltd
HR 665
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;138
Missing, 25.3.43Unit 138
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR666
s/n HR666
Handley Page Ltd
HR 666
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;138
Missing 15.9.43Unit 138
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR667
s/n HR667
Handley Page Ltd
HR 667
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;102
Failed to Return, Dortmund, 5.5.43Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR668
s/n HR668
Handley Page Ltd
HR 668
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Undercarriage collapsed on landing at Blyton, 22.4.44Unit 102/1662 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR669
s/n HR669
Handley Page Ltd
HR 669
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Koln, 27.2.43Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR670
s/n HR670
Handley Page Ltd
HR 670
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Undercarriage failure after damage from previous landing, crashed and burned, Fayid, ex ops, 9.9.43Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR671
s/n HR671
Handley Page Ltd
HR 671
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 4.45Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR672
s/n HR672
Handley Page Ltd
HR 672
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge, 13.6.45Telecommunications flying Unit/502/Coastal Command Development Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR673
s/n HR673
Handley Page Ltd
HR 673
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Koln, 4.7.43Units 502/35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR674
s/n HR674
Handley Page Ltd
HR 674
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed over target and burned, South Albania, (possibly struck top of mountain?) 19.10.43Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/ 301 Ferry Transfer Unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR675
s/n HR675
Handley Page Ltd
HR 675
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge 14.12.44Units 502/58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR676
s/n HR676
Handley Page Ltd
HR 676
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Mannheim, 19.11.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR677
s/n HR677
Handley Page Ltd
HR 677
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge after minor accident 19.11.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR678
s/n HR678
Handley Page Ltd
HR 678
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Stuttgart, 15.4.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR679
s/n HR679
Handley Page Ltd
HR 679
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 9.10.46Units Aeroplane Armament and Experimental Establishment
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR680
s/n HR680
Handley Page Ltd
HR 680
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge, 8.44Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit/ 301 Ferry Transfer Unit/Middle East/301 Ferry Transfer Unit/148
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR681
s/n HR681
Handley Page Ltd
HR 681
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, shipping strike, 28.12.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR682
s/n HR682
Handley Page Ltd
HR 682
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, 18.8.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR683
s/n HR683
Handley Page Ltd
HR 683
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on take-off and ran off runway at St Eval25.3.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR684
s/n HR684
Handley Page Ltd
HR 684
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;78
Failed to Return, Dusseldorf, 12.6.43Unit 78
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR685
s/n HR685
Handley Page Ltd
HR 685
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Krefeld, 22.6.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR686
s/n HR686
Handley Page Ltd
HR 686
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;502
Failed to Return, A/U patrol, 3.10.44Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR687
s/n HR687
Handley Page Ltd
HR 687
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;78
Failed to Return, Essen, 6.3.43Unit 78
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR688
s/n HR688
Handley Page Ltd
HR 688
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Diverted in bad weather after ops, crashed at Wivelliscombe, somerset, 29.3.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR689
s/n HR689
Handley Page Ltd
HR 689
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;502
Stalled on approach at St Eval after ops and struck B-17 (42-29647)26.3.43Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR690
s/n HR690
Handley Page Ltd
HR 690
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 11.12.44Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR691
s/n HR691
Handley Page Ltd
HR 691
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Belly landed on airfield after engine failure on take-off, Langar, 16.12.44Units 10/1658 Heavy conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR692
s/n HR692
Handley Page Ltd
HR 692
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Failed to Return, Essen, 13.3.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR693
s/n HR693
Handley Page Ltd
HR 693
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Propellor flew off 100 yards short of runway and burnt. St Davids 22.1.44Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR694
s/n HR694
Handley Page Ltd
HR 694
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Overshot St Davids in bad weather and low on fuel. 30.1.44Units 502/58/502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR695
s/n HR695
Handley Page Ltd
HR 695
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Struck off charge 6.3.45Units 10/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR696
s/n HR696
Handley Page Ltd
HR 696
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR697
s/n HR697
Handley Page Ltd
HR 697
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR698
s/n HR698
Handley Page Ltd
HR 698
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on take-off from Melbourne and undercarriage collapsed 1.8.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR699
s/n HR699
Handley Page Ltd
HR 699
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Failed to Return, Kiel, 5.4.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR711
s/n HR711
Handley Page Ltd
HR 711
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;102
Shot down by nightfighter while on ops, Hamburg, 30.7.43Units 51/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR712
s/n HR712
Handley Page Ltd
HR 712
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;102
Failed to Return, Stettin, 21.4.43Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR713
s/n HR713
Handley Page Ltd
HR 713
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408;1666
Served with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K". Bombed Berlin in early 1943, exact date not known. Failed to return from attack on Essen on 3/4 April 1943. Crashed in Lake Ijssel, north east of Amstedam, possibly a victim of a night fighter. All were killed.last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR714
s/n HR714
Handley Page Ltd
HR 714
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;77
Failed to return, Stettin, 21.4.43Unit 102/77
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR715
s/n HR715
Handley Page Ltd
HR 715
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Bochum, crashed north of Texel, Holland, 30.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR716
s/n HR716
Handley Page Ltd
HR 716
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Pilot crash landed aircraft after crew had bailed out, Clitheroe Farm, Driffield, 21.1.44Units 158/51/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR717
s/n HR717
Handley Page Ltd
HR 717
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Wuppertal, 30.5.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR718
s/n HR718
Handley Page Ltd
HR 718
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR719
s/n HR719
Handley Page Ltd
HR 719
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Dusselfdorf, crashed near Mook, Holland, 17.6.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR720
s/n HR720
Handley Page Ltd
HR 720
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Aachen, crashed near Vorstenborsch, Holland 14.7.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR721
s/n HR721
Handley Page Ltd
HR 721
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Abandonned over Selsey Bill, Hants, short of fuel, ex ops, Nurnberg, 11.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR722
s/n HR722
Handley Page Ltd
HR 722
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Stettin, 21.4.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR723
s/n HR723
Handley Page Ltd
HR 723
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;1666
Served with No. 405 (B Squadron, RCAF, coded "N". Damaged by night fighter during raid on Nurnburg, 10/11 August 1943. Abandonned due to icing at 15,000 feet, aircraft crashed at Pydew, Llandudno Junction, North Wales, and burnt, 27.10.44Units 405/35/77/1666Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR724
s/n HR724
Handley Page Ltd
HR 724
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Bochum, crashed at Ulft, Holland, 13.6.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR725
s/n HR725
Handley Page Ltd
HR 725
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, crashed near Soltau,Germany 24.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR726
s/n HR726
Handley Page Ltd
HR 726
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 23.11.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR727
s/n HR727
Handley Page Ltd
HR 727
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Crashed on Ashop Moor, Derbyshire, due to poor navigation and fuel shortage after ops, Frankfurt, 5.10.43Unit 76/102/51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR728
s/n HR728
Handley Page Ltd
HR 728
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Kassel, 4.10.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR729
s/n HR729
Handley Page Ltd
HR 729
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR730
s/n HR730
Handley Page Ltd
HR 730
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 1659
Struck off charge 1.11.45Units 51/102/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR731
s/n HR731
Handley Page Ltd
HR 731
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Gelsenkirchen, 26.6.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR732
s/n HR732
Handley Page Ltd
HR 732
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Leipzig, 4.12.43Unit 77/51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR733
s/n HR733
Handley Page Ltd
HR 733
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Essen, 1.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR734
s/n HR734
Handley Page Ltd
HR 734
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Koln, 4.7.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR735
s/n HR735
Handley Page Ltd
HR 735
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Krefeld, crashed near Bericum, Holland, 22.6.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR736
s/n HR736
Handley Page Ltd
HR 736
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Burnt out on ground after incendiaries were released, Gravely, 13.5.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR737
s/n HR737
Handley Page Ltd
HR 737
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Duisburg, 27.4.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR738
s/n HR738
Handley Page Ltd
HR 738
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, crashed near Lieberge, Germany 1.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR739
s/n HR739
Handley Page Ltd
HR 739
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Munchen-Gladbach, 31.8.43last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR740
s/n HR740
Handley Page Ltd
HR 740
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, bochum, 13.6.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR741
s/n HR741
Handley Page Ltd
HR 741
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Missing from patrol, presumed shot down by flak from U-boat 1-2.5.44Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR742
s/n HR742
Handley Page Ltd
HR 742
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Overshot on landing at St Davids and undercarriage collapsed. 27.4.44Transfer Ferry Unit/58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR743
s/n HR743
Handley Page Ltd
HR 743
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;58
Failed to Return, A/S sweep 9.5.43Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR744
s/n HR744
Handley Page Ltd
HR 744
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 23.11.44Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR745
s/n HR745
Handley Page Ltd
HR 745
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Shot down by enemy fighters over Bay of Biscay, 15-16.8.43Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR746
s/n HR746
Handley Page Ltd
HR 746
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;58
Failed to Return from patrol over Bay of Biscay, 16-17.8.43Transfer Ferry Unit/58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR747
s/n HR747
Handley Page Ltd
HR 747
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Overshot landing on return at Snaith from Dusseldorf 26.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR748
s/n HR748
Handley Page Ltd
HR 748
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed at north Dalton, Yorks, during descent through cloud while unfeathering prop, ex ops 13.7.43Units 76/78/1652 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR749
s/n HR749
Handley Page Ltd
HR 749
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Essen, 26.7.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR750
s/n HR750
Handley Page Ltd
HR 750
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR751
s/n HR751
Handley Page Ltd
HR 751
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to return, Hamburg, shot down by flak while approaching target, 2-3.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR752
s/n HR752
Handley Page Ltd
HR 752
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Montbeliard, 16.7.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR753
s/n HR753
Handley Page Ltd
HR 753
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, 28.3.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR754
s/n HR754
Handley Page Ltd
HR 754
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed near Hornsea Mere after overshoot action, ex ops, Essen, 4.4.43Unit 102/158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR755
s/n HR755
Handley Page Ltd
HR 755
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge, 26.9.44Unit 102/158/51/78/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit/1652 HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR756
s/n HR756
Handley Page Ltd
HR 756
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: RAE Woodbridge
Struck off charge 24.1.46
The one and only Mk.II Series II HR756 was originally fitted with Merlin XXs and later received Merlin 61s and 65s.
last update: 2025-February-05Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR757
s/n HR757
Handley Page Ltd
HR 757
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.3.43Unit 10/158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR758
s/n HR758
Handley Page Ltd
HR 758
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to return, Plzen, `17.4.43unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR773
s/n HR773
Handley Page Ltd
HR 773
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, mining 29.4.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR774
s/n HR774
Handley Page Ltd
HR 774
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed into hill, 10 miles southwest of Salisbury, wilts, in bad visibility, ops 20.8.43Transfer ferry Unit/58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR775
s/n HR775
Handley Page Ltd
HR 775
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Essen, crashed northeast of Deventer, Holland, 28.5.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR776
s/n HR776
Handley Page Ltd
HR 776
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Hannover, 23.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR777
s/n HR777
Handley Page Ltd
HR 777
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crash landed and burnt in field near Coltishall after being hit by enemy aircraft on ops, Bremen 9.10.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR778
s/n HR778
Handley Page Ltd
HR 778
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Duisburg, 27.4.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR779
s/n HR779
Handley Page Ltd
HR 779
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Mannheim, belly landed near Saarbrucken 17.4.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR780
s/n HR780
Handley Page Ltd
HR 780
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 419;1666
Crash landed 3/4 mile northwest of Sandberge, co, Durham, after both starboard engines failed 9.8.44Units 158/419/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR781
s/n HR781
Handley Page Ltd
HR 781
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, dortmund, 24.5.43158/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR782
s/n HR782
Handley Page Ltd
HR 782
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Leipzig, 4.12.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR783
s/n HR783
Handley Page Ltd
HR 783
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Crashed at Crockery Hill, Escrick, York, after engine failure 6.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR784
s/n HR784
Handley Page Ltd
HR 784
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Plzen, 17.4.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR785
s/n HR785
Handley Page Ltd
HR 785
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Dived into ground from 15,000 feet on fire, after ops, by Bran Road, Lincoln, 22.6.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR786
s/n HR786
Handley Page Ltd
HR 786
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Duisburg, 13.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR787
s/n HR787
Handley Page Ltd
HR 787
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Duisburg, 27.4.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR788
s/n HR788
Handley Page Ltd
HR 788
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, dusselfdorf, 12.6.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR789
s/n HR789
Handley Page Ltd
HR 789
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR790
s/n HR790
Handley Page Ltd
HR 790
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Bochum, 14.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR791
s/n HR791
Handley Page Ltd
HR 791
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Cannes, 12.11.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR792
s/n HR792
Handley Page Ltd
HR 792
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Raised undercarriage too soon after takeoff and belly landed at Stornoway 13.1.45Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR793
s/n HR793
Handley Page Ltd
HR 793
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Essen, 30.5.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Wuppertal Germany 1943-05-29 to 1943-05-30
35 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Graveley
Aircraft was shot down by a night fighter over Netherlands while on an operation to Wuppertal, Germany. The aircraft was abandoned and crashed near Sittard, Holland
Squadron Leader P Johnston DFC (RAF)and Sergeant FJ Jarvis (RAF) were missing, presumed killed. They have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial
Sergeant AW Cowan (RCAF) survived and evaded briefly, but was captured 1944-05-30 to join the other survivors: Pilot Officer R Wood (RCAF), FS BT Royall (RAAF), Flying Officer RG Houston (RAF )and Sergeant MT Byrne (RAF) as Prisoners of War. FS EA Roede (RAF) would evade until July before being captured in Brussels
WR Chorley notes that Pilot Officer Wood landed poorly when he baled, breaking his leg, and that he was older than the usual crewman (having lied about his age to re-join the RCAF in 1939 he was 38 years old, not the 33 on his records). His son, FS D Wood, joined the RCAF in Canada on the same day his father was taken POW, and later flew a tour of operations in 1944 as a gunner (Airforce Magazine, Vol 8, No 2, 1984)
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR794
s/n HR794
Handley Page Ltd
HR 794
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to gain height on take-off from Lindholme, crashed and burnt, 20.11.44Bombing Development Unit/1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR795
s/n HR795
Handley Page Ltd
HR 795
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Essen 28.5.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR796
s/n HR796
Handley Page Ltd
HR 796
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Abandoinned at 6000 feet, crashed at Chorley, Sussex, and burnt, 9.11.44Navigation Training Unit/405/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU/1656HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR797
s/n HR797
Handley Page Ltd
HR 797
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from mining mission on 12 June 1943. According to The Halifax Files, it failed to return from Dusselfdorf same date.last update: 2025-February-05








Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR798
s/n HR798
Handley Page Ltd
HR 798
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Cannes, 12.11.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR799
s/n HR799
Handley Page Ltd
HR 799
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Served with No. 35 Squadron, RAF. Failed to Return, Krefeld, 22.6.43last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR800
s/n HR800
Handley Page Ltd
HR 800
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;1666
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 30.1.45Navigation Training Unit/405/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR801
s/n HR801
Handley Page Ltd
HR 801
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 1659
Crash landed at Dalton after engine failure. 28.6.44Unit 35/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR802
s/n HR802
Handley Page Ltd
HR 802
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 428;1659;1664
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return from cross country exercise, 10.10.44Unit 35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1664 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR803
s/n HR803
Handley Page Ltd
HR 803
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed at Gt Paxton, Hunts, after engine failure 24.7.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR804
s/n HR804
Handley Page Ltd
HR 804
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Crashed in circuit at Warter Priory, Yorks, after engine failure, 25.11.43Units 405/35/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR805
s/n HR805
Handley Page Ltd
HR 805
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;10
Failed to Return, Leipzig, 20.2.44Unit 405/10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR806
s/n HR806
Handley Page Ltd
HR 806
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Engine failure on take-off for ops, ran into ditch and undercarriage collapsed, Gransden Lodge, 23.5.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR807
s/n HR807
Handley Page Ltd
HR 807
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR808
s/n HR808
Handley Page Ltd
HR 808
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Groundlooped on landing after rudder jammed. Gransden Lodge 18.6.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR809
s/n HR809
Handley Page Ltd
HR 809
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Minor accident 18.6.43, Struck off Charge 23.7.43last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-04-08 to 1943-04-09
405 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of the Ruhr
Took off in Halifax Mark II (Sqn code: LQ-X) at 21:32. Target was reached at 23:00 and the load released from 15,000 feet. Starboard engine cut out just before reaching target and started again after crossing enemy coast on way home. A/C was caught in heavy flak at target and gyro toppled when evasive action was taken. A/c went into a spin and the other three engines cut. The captain then warned crew to be ready to bale out. The second pilot Pilot Officer Bisson; Flight Engineer, Sergeant Whitterton; Mid Upper Gunner, Flight Sergeant Wagner and Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Cox baled out without waiting for orders. Captain righted a/c at 1,000 feet and three engines started up again so returned to base with the remaining four crew.Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR810
s/n HR810
Handley Page Ltd
HR 810
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*X". Coded "LQ*R" when damaged by flak during raid in Nurnburg on 10/11 August 1943. Lost on operation to Mannheim on 5/6 September 1943, crashed near Heidelberg.last update: 2025-February-05






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR811
s/n HR811
Handley Page Ltd
HR 811
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: :405:35:102
This a/c when later serving with Sqn 102, failed to return from a mission 1943-11-26.last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-07-24 to 1943-07-25
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Hamburg
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. BROTHER to Albert Benjamin McLellan. Halifax aircraft HR811 was hit by flak over enemy territory on July 25, 1943.Warrant Officer McLellan succumbed to his wounds while in the Addenbrook Hospital. Other crew members returned safely: Pilot Officer Cowan, Sergeant Culpin, Fl/Sergeant Milne, Sergeant Langley, Sergeant Mace, Sergeant HurstHalifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR812
s/n HR812
Handley Page Ltd
HR 812
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR813
s/n HR813
Handley Page Ltd
HR 813
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Lost on operations, Koln, 3-4 July 1943.last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-07-03 to 1943-07-04
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of the Ruhr
From Operations Record Book:
Weather:-10/10 at first, clearing by mid day to fine. Visibility ability poor at first becoming very good. Light northerly wind.
OPERATIONS: BOMBING ATTACK ON "COLOGNE" 11 Aircraft detailed Ten of our aircraft reached and bombed primary from an average height of 19,500 feet on red and green TI in good visibility. Target was a mass of fires with smoke up to 10,000 feet.One of our aircraft was attacked by an unidentified night fighter and severely damaged, the starboard elevator and tail assembly by canon shells; canon shells to starboard centre mainplane, wing internally damaged, fuselage, holed, and bomb doors shot up and mid upper turret astro dome were also holed. Captain of this aircraft is 13399011 Sergeant Phillips J who had much difficulty in preventing aircraft getting into stalling speed because aircraft would not be stopped from climbing. This was overcome by tying the control column to the rudder [word?] by means of the dinghy rope, which was slightly successful although pressure still had to be maintained on the stick. The mid upper gunner was slightly injured in his leg. One of our aircraft is missing. members of the crew were ....... Nothing has been heard from this crew since time of takeoff.







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR814
s/n HR814
Handley Page Ltd
HR 814
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 22.6.45Units 502/Coastal command Development Unit/1674 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR815
s/n HR815
Handley Page Ltd
HR 815
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 22.6.45Units 502/1174 Heavy conversion Unit/1674HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR816
s/n HR816
Handley Page Ltd
HR 816
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Elberfield,25.6.43last update: 2025-February-05






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR817
s/n HR817
Handley Page Ltd
HR 817
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Failed to Return, Peenemunde, 18.8.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05
Combat Peenemunde Germany 1943-08-17 to 1943-08-18
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Hamburg
Halifax II aircraft HR 817 LQ-C strayed south of its intended route and was shot down by flak near Flensburg during a night attack against the V-2 rocket sites at Pennemunde, Germany. The bomber crashed at Friedenshugel, Germany
All were Killed in Action







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR818
s/n HR818
Handley Page Ltd
HR 818
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge, 30.11.44Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR819
s/n HR819
Handley Page Ltd
HR 819
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Aachen, 14.7.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR832
s/n HR832
Handley Page Ltd
HR 832
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;1659
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Crashed on cross country training flight 16 June 1943. Struck by lightning, encountered turbulence, broke up in flight. Crashed at Clifton Farm, Clenchwarton, 2 miles west of Kins Lynn, Norfolk, UK.last update: 2025-February-05
Operational None 1943-06-16 to 1943-06-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of the Ruhr
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and turbulence on a routine cross-country training flight. The Halifax was struck by lightning and broke up in flight, crashing at Clifton Farm, Clenchwarton, 2 miles west of Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England with the loss of the entire crew
Flying Officer RE Agassiz (RCAF), Flying Officer WC Davies (RCAF), FS CL Pudney GC (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant a Faulkner (RAFVR), Flying Officer RW Frewin (RAFVR), Sergeant MK Holliday (RAF) and Flight Lieutenant CD Lawson MiD (RAF) were all killed in this flying accident
405 Squadron Halifax II HR832 Fl/Lt Lawson RAF Gransden Lodge...







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR833
s/n HR833
Handley Page Ltd
HR 833
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;35
Failed to Return, Wuppertal, 30.5.43Unit 405/35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR834
s/n HR834
Handley Page Ltd
HR 834
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 1659;1666
Crash landed and burnt after starboard outer engine failed on take-off from Wombleton 27.5.44Units 51/102/1659Heavy Conversion Unit/1666HCU
On 1944-05-27, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with HCU 1664/1669 at Wombleton, wrote in his diary: "Well we had the third of our usual string of three prangs to-day when QY-B "Beer" - this is the third B in a month so we are going to stop using that letter for awhile - HR834 - one of our newest & best kites with 4 brand new Merlin XXI engines in it. The SO [starboard outboard] engine cut out on takeoff just after he got airborne, it swung to the right, ploughed through the top of 4 big trees right in the middle of the bomb [storage] dump (I'm sure glad that didn't stop him or the whole dump would have gone up & I wouldn't have been writing this) then caromed of another tree to end up in the middle of a nearby farmers field where the kite broke up badly & then caught fire."
"There were 9 men in the kite & they all got out in one of the most miraculous escapes I ever expect to see, with very minor injuries. I hoped on my motor bike & was there 5 minutes after it happened to see the crew wandering around not quite knowing how they got out. I helped the rear gunner who was cut badly about the face into a truck & then it got stuck in the mud & we had to push it out. Two others had broken ankles & 3 had to be treated for minor shock. Other than that there wasn't much else the matter with them. We tried to get the fire out but it was pretty hopeless especially with all the ammunition exploding all over the place. I was using a fire extinguisher for awhile until the intense heat drove us away. An investigation later showed that an inlet valve spring broke on the B bank causing the explosive charge to blow by into the induction manifold & setting fire to the mixture coming into the cylinder. Quite a small thing to right-off an aircraft & almost the crew."
Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR835
s/n HR835
Handley Page Ltd
HR 835
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing 1943-05-23 to 1943-05-24
51 (B) Sqn (RAF) Snaith
Battle of the Ruhr
23/24 May 1943 DORTMUND After a 9-day break in major operations, Bomber Command dispatched 826 aircraft on this raid, the greatest number in a 'non-1,000' raid so far in the war and the largest raid of the Battle of the Ruhr. The force comprised: 343 Lancasters, 199 Halifaxes, 151 Wellingtons, 120 Stirlings and 13 Mosquitoes. 38 aircraft - 18 Halifaxes, 8 Lancasters, 6 Stirlings, 6 Wellingtons - were lost, 4?6 per cent of the force. The Pathfinders marked the target accurately in clear weather conditions and the ensuing attack proceeded according to plan. It was a very successful raid. Large areas in the centre, the? north and the east of Dortmund were devastated. Nearly 2,000 buildings were completely destroyed. Many industrial premises were hit, par?ticularly the large Roesch steelworks, which ceased production. 599 people were killed, 1,275 were injured and the bodies of about 25 other people were never found. Dortmund was not attacked in strength again by Bomber Command until exactly year after this raid.





Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR836
s/n HR836
Handley Page Ltd
HR 836
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, 24.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR837
s/n HR837
Handley Page Ltd
HR 837
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 11.1.45Units 158.1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR838
s/n HR838
Handley Page Ltd
HR 838
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 11.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR839
s/n HR839
Handley Page Ltd
HR 839
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR840
s/n HR840
Handley Page Ltd
HR 840
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Wuppertal, crashed at Swalmen, Holland, 30.5.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR841
s/n HR841
Handley Page Ltd
HR 841
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;77;97
Failed to Return, Berlin,29.1.44Units 405/35/77
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR842
s/n HR842
Handley Page Ltd
HR 842
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR843
s/n HR843
Handley Page Ltd
HR 843
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Crashed and burnt in forced landing at Staplefield, Gatwick, ex ops Gesenkirchen 10.7.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR844
s/n HR844
Handley Page Ltd
HR 844
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR845
s/n HR845
Handley Page Ltd
HR 845
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 30.12.44Royal Aircraft Establishment
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR846
s/n HR846
Handley Page Ltd
HR 846
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 21.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR847
s/n HR847
Handley Page Ltd
HR 847
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Force-landed at Lichfield after engine trouble 28.4.44Units 405/35/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR848
s/n HR848
Handley Page Ltd
HR 848
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Krefeld, 22.6.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR849
s/n HR849
Handley Page Ltd
HR 849
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Hamburg
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft #HR 849 LQ-E was shot down by flak over Bremen, Germany while on an operation to Hamburg, Germany. The entire crew was lost on this, their 5th operation and the 10th bomber lost on this 4th raid against targets in Hamburg
FS WJ Crozier (RCAF), Sergeant T Brownless (RAFVR), Sergeant H Gardner (RAFVR), Sergeant AF Gregory (RAFVR), Sergeant SJ Passey (RAFVR), Sergeant ST Pitt (RAFVR) and Sergeant D Rowbotham (RAF) were all killed in action
The Battle of Hamburg, Allied Bomber Forces Against a German City in 1943 by Martin Middlebrook, Appendix 4 page 343






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR850
s/n HR850
Handley Page Ltd
HR 850
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR851
s/n HR851
Handley Page Ltd
HR 851
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return,Hamburg, hit by flak and nightfighters 30.7.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR852
s/n HR852
Handley Page Ltd
HR 852
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Dusselfdorf, 12.6.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05




Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR853
s/n HR853
Handley Page Ltd
HR 853
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Force-landed at Highfield Farm, Doncaster to Selby Rd, after starboard engine failed, ex ops, 26.5.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR854
s/n HR854
Handley Page Ltd
HR 854
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Montbeliard, 16.7.43last update: 2025-February-05
Combat Montbeliard France 1943-07-15 to 1943-07-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of the Ruhr
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax II aircraft HR 854 LQ-A was homeward-bound from an operation to bomb the Peugeot motor factory at Montbeliard, France, when it was attacked by (unidentified) German night-fighters and the two starboard engines were shot up. After losing considerable altitude over 35 minutes, the pilot finally ordered the crew to bail out before the Halifax crashed near Tonnerre, France
Rear Air-Gunner, Flight Sergeant Arthur Osbourne Prior (RAFVR) survived and was captured to become a Prisoner of War
Flight Lieutenant James Henry Foy DFC MiD (RCAF), Squadron Leader Albert Lambert DFC & Bar (RCAF), Flying Officer Hugh Thompson Huston MiD (RCAF), Pilot Officer John Bert McDougall MiD (RCAF), Sergeant Gregor MacGregor (RCAF) and Flying Officer Thomas William Simpson (RCAF) all survived and became Evaders and these crew members eventually made their way over the Pyrenees Mountains, through Spain, on to Gibraltar, ultimately returning safely to the UK
The crew came down at about 03:15 hours, just West of Beliecarde. They buried their parachutes and mae wests in thick undergrowth and pulled briar over them. They moved South, reaching a canal, walking along it, for about 30 minutes. As it became light, the crew hid in a wood along the canal bank. At 23:00 hours on 16 July 1943, they continued along the canal, endeavoring to find a bridge. They eventually crossed the canal and continued walking until 02:00 hours, when they again hid in woods. The crew spent all of the day, 17 July 1943, in the woods, and began to walk South at 23:00 hours., eventually reaching the outskirts of Les Bordes at 05:30 hours. From the cover of a wood, they watched a nearby farmhouse, which they eventually approached, were taken in, fed and sheltered. Those who dared - A Comprehensive List of World War ll Allied Escapers







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR855
s/n HR855
Handley Page Ltd
HR 855
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 428;1666
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Groundlooped on takeoff and undercarriage retracted to avoid another aircraft, Wombleton,8.8.44Units 35/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR856
s/n HR856
Handley Page Ltd
HR 856
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". Named "Willie". Failed to return from raid on the Fiat Motor Works at Turin, Italy on 17 August 1943. 7 crew lost.last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR857
s/n HR857
Handley Page Ltd
HR 857
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;428;1659
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*K". Struck off charge, 25.1.45Units 405/35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR858
s/n HR858
Handley Page Ltd
HR 858
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 408
Struck off charge, 1.11.45Units 158/51/781652 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR859
s/n HR859
Handley Page Ltd
HR 859
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR860
s/n HR860
Handley Page Ltd
HR 860
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Struck off Charge, 1.11.45Units 405/10/1652 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Combat Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-07-09 to 1943-07-10
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of the Ruhr
N405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Pathfinder Force). Target - Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Halifax aircraft HR 860 was badly damaged by flak over the target but returned and landed safely at RAF Station, Gransden Lodge. F/O. Law was the only casualty and was killed in the aircraft by shell fragments.Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR861
s/n HR861
Handley Page Ltd
HR 861
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 11.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR862
s/n HR862
Handley Page Ltd
HR 862
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Peenemunde, 18.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR863
s/n HR863
Handley Page Ltd
HR 863
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Hamburg, crashed possibly due to icing 3.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR864
s/n HR864
Handley Page Ltd
HR 864
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 26.7.43last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Essen Germany 1943-07-25 to 1943-07-25
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft HR 863 LQ-M was shot down by Oberleutnant Paul Zorner of the 3/NJG 3, flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 inbound for an operation against the Krupp Works armament factories in Essen, Germany. The Halifax crashed and exploded between Thesinge and Ten Boer, Groningen, Netherlands with the loss of all but one crew member
Flying Officer ME Tomczak (RCAF), Flying Officer AP McCracken (RCAF), Pilot officer MS Smyth (RCAF), Warrant officer Second Class CJV Kettley (RCAF), Flight Sergeant EK White (RCAF), and Sergeant AJ Wood (RAF) were all killed in action
The Bomb Aimer, Flight Lieutenant AJ Sochowski (RCAF) was the only crew member to escape the aircraft before it crashed and survived to become a Prisoner of War







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR865
s/n HR865
Handley Page Ltd
HR 865
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 405/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR866
s/n HR866
Handley Page Ltd
HR 866
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Undercarriage collapsed on landing at Graveley 3.11.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR867
s/n HR867
Handley Page Ltd
HR 867
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;102
Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.12.43Units 405/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR868
s/n HR868
Handley Page Ltd
HR 868
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 25.1.45Units 51/1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR869
s/n HR869
Handley Page Ltd
HR 869
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 28.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR870
s/n HR870
Handley Page Ltd
HR 870
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on take-off for cross country and undercarriage collapsed, Snaith, 18.10.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR871
s/n HR871
Handley Page Ltd
HR 871
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43, crashed in Baltic Sea Unit 405
The following links to video documenting recovery of HR871 parts from the Baltic.
BCM Halifax Recovered Parts Video 1
BCM Halifax Recovery Operation Video
BCM Halifax Recovery Discussion
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Hamburg
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge. Halifax BII aircraft encountered a massive electrical storm during an operation against targets in Hamburg, Germany. Battling towards the target, with ice building up on the wings, the Halifax was struck by a blinding flash of lightning. Both inboard engines lost power, the electrical system and radio destroyed, the bomber lost altitude while the pilot fought to regain control, managing to do so at an altitude of about 4000 feet. Return to the UK was out of the question and the navigator instead plotted a course for neutral Sweden. The Halifax crashed into the Baltic Sea near Kampinge Bay, Sweden shortly after the crew safely abandoned the bomber and all became interned prisoners of Sweden
In an interesting turn of fate, many of the Canadians on this and other downed crews not only survived being shot down, they also played hockey against Swedish teams while they were interned. They were well treated and housed and played hockey for several months before being repatriated to UK 1944-01-30
Amazingly, the wreckage of Halifax HR 871 was located by Swedish divers in 2011 and is now in the process of being recovered, lead by Karl Kiarsgaard, Director of the Halifax 57 Rescue (Canada), Bomber Command Museum of Canada. The plan is to have the Halifax restored as a static display at the museum, similar to Halifax NA 377, recovered by Halifax 57 Rescue from the bottom of Lake Mjosa, Norway. The aircraft was beautifully restored to static condition and is now on display at the RCAF Memorial Museum at Trenton, Ontario.
Royal Air Force serial and Image Database







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR872
s/n HR872
Handley Page Ltd
HR 872
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Lost on operations to Mannheim on 10 August 1943, crashed in Belgium.last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR873
s/n HR873
Handley Page Ltd
HR 873
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on take-off from Rufforth and hit barn 18.9.44Units 35/10/102/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR874
s/n HR874
Handley Page Ltd
HR 874
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Mannheim 6.9.43Unit 78
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR875
s/n HR875
Handley Page Ltd
HR 875
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 27.7.45Royal Aircraft Establishment
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR876
s/n HR876
Handley Page Ltd
HR 876
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;35
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Berlin, 3.12.43Units 405/35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR877
s/n HR877
Handley Page Ltd
HR 877
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge 18.10.46Units 35/Navigation Training Unit/1662 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR878
s/n HR878
Handley Page Ltd
HR 878
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 31.8.43, crashed at Kuinne, Holland and recovered by RNAF in 1964Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR879
s/n HR879
Handley Page Ltd
HR 879
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck tree on three-engined undershoot at Rufforth, 4.12.44Units 35/10/1663 Heavy conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR880
s/n HR880
Handley Page Ltd
HR 880
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Torino, 17.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR905
s/n HR905
Handley Page Ltd
HR 905
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Failed to Return, Aachen, 14.7.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05








Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR906
s/n HR906
Handley Page Ltd
HR 906
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Hamburg, 30.7.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR907
s/n HR907
Handley Page Ltd
HR 907
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Hannover, 28.9.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR908
s/n HR908
Handley Page Ltd
HR 908
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Mannheim, 10.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR909
s/n HR909
Handley Page Ltd
HR 909
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge 30.10.44Royal Aircraft Establishment
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR910
s/n HR910
Handley Page Ltd
HR 910
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;419
Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Lost during mining operation to the Frisian Islands off Borkum on 12/13 February 1944.Units 405/419
last update: 2025-February-05
Minelaying Borkum Island Germany 1944-02-11 to 1944-02-12
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Berlin
Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*R". Lost during mining operation to the Frisian Islands off Borkum on 12/13 February 1944. Five other crews were in the same area at the same time and reported no enemy activity. The loss of this crew remains a mystery. 52 Aircraft deployed incl. Units 405/419





Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR911
s/n HR911
Handley Page Ltd
HR 911
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Kassel, 23.10.43Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR912
s/n HR912
Handley Page Ltd
HR 912
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 419;429
Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*F". Failed to return from attack on the rail yards at Vaires, France on 29/30 March 1944. No survivors.Units 35/419
last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Vaires-sur-Marne France 1944-03-29 to 1944-03-30
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Berlin
76 Halifaxes and 8 Mosquitoes of 4, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the railway yards at Vaires, near Paris, in bright moonlight. The bombing was very accurate and 2 ammunition trains which were present blew up; it is reported that 1,270 German troops were killed. 1 Halifax lost.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). The crew of Halifax aircraft HR 912 were engaged in a night trip to the rail yards at Vaires, France when their aircraft was hit by flak over Le Havre, France. The pilot made a crash landing in the English Channel.






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR913
s/n HR913
Handley Page Ltd
HR 913
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on landing, struck ditch and undercarriage collapsed, Lindholme, 3.5.44Units 35/1656 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR914
s/n HR914
Handley Page Ltd
HR 914
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Tire burst on landing and undercarriage collapsed, Lindholme, 3.5.44Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR915
s/n HR915
Handley Page Ltd
HR 915
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 31 August 1943. (The Halifax File claims it was 1.9.43) Crew member Squadron Leader G.T. Pearson taken POW, part of the team that planned and carried out the Great Escape.last update: 2025-February-05







Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR916
s/n HR916
Handley Page Ltd
HR 916
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;428;1659
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 21.2.45Units 405/35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR917
s/n HR917
Handley Page Ltd
HR 917
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Hamburg
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 917 failed to return from a night raid on Hamburg, Germany. Six RAF members of the crew, Flight Lieutenant H.W.J. Dare, P/Os J.R.F. Ratcliffe, K.C. Rigby, Sergeants E. Darbyshire, W. Hutchison, and D.A. Thomas, were also killed.Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR918
s/n HR918
Handley Page Ltd
HR 918
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". Shot down, probably by night fighter, crashed north of Haldensleben, NNW of Magdeburg en route to Berlin on 23 August 1943.last update: 2025-February-05





Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR919
s/n HR919
Handley Page Ltd
HR 919
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Flew into high ground at Garrowby Hill, Yorks, 17.9.43Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR920
s/n HR920
Handley Page Ltd
HR 920
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Failed to Return, Montlucon, 16.9.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR921
s/n HR921
Handley Page Ltd
HR 921
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Damaged by night-fighter while on ops, landed safely but damaged beyond repair 4.11.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR922
s/n HR922
Handley Page Ltd
HR 922
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Failed to Return, Hannover, 27.9.43Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR923
s/n HR923
Handley Page Ltd
HR 923
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43, crashed at Sandhammaren, SwedenUnit 405
last update: 2025-February-05
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-24
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) RAF Gransden Lodge, Halifax II aircraft HR 923 LQ-V on a raid against targets in Berlin, Germany, was attacked by an Me109 fighter and badly shot up after completing its bomb-run. Short of fuel due to punctured fuel tanks and severely damaged, the Halifax diverted to Sweden, ditching south of Sandhammaren lighthouse, near Ystad, Sweden
Warrant Officer 1st Class H Smith (RCAF), Pilot Officer D P Davies (RCAF), Sergeant L F Cassidy (RCAF), Sergeant J S Gates (RCAF), Sergeant J H Flick (RCAF), Sergeant J C Catling (RAF) and Sergeant T O'Toole (RAF) were all safe after the ditching and were interned in Sweden. The crew were very well treated and even travelled around Sweden to play hockey against Swedish teams. They played 24 games before they were repatriated to England, 1944-03-16
Royal Air Force Serial and Image database






Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR924
s/n HR924
Handley Page Ltd
HR 924
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Damaged by Bf.110 on ops, abandonned on return, aircraft crashing at Patrington, Yorks, 23.9.43Units 102/10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR925
s/n HR925
Handley Page Ltd
HR 925
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 419;428;1666
Served with No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*D". Also with No. 428 Squadron, RCAF. Struck off Charge 1.11.45Units 35/419/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR926
s/n HR926
Handley Page Ltd
HR 926
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Kassel, 23.10.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR927
s/n HR927
Handley Page Ltd
HR 927
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Broke up and burnt in crash landing on approach to landing at Lindholme, following engine failure 3.10.44Units 102/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit/1656HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR928
s/n HR928
Handley Page Ltd
HR 928
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Berlin. 24.8.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05




Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR929
s/n HR929
Handley Page Ltd
HR 929
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Ditched off Sardinia, while on ops, Cannes, 12.11.43Units 405/35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR930
s/n HR930
Handley Page Ltd
HR 930
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Deemed repairable 5.10.43 then changed to damaged beyond repair.Units 51/1662 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR931
s/n HR931
Handley Page Ltd
HR 931
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Berlin, 31.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR932
s/n HR932
Handley Page Ltd
HR 932
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 6.3.45Units 158/78/77/346/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit/1658HCU/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR933
s/n HR933
Handley Page Ltd
HR 933
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Gelsenkirchen, 10.7.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR934
s/n HR934
Handley Page Ltd
HR 934
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Essen, 26.7.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR935
s/n HR935
Handley Page Ltd
HR 935
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 20.2.45Unit 51/77/346/1658 Heavy conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR936
s/n HR936
Handley Page Ltd
HR 936
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR937
s/n HR937
Handley Page Ltd
HR 937
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, 1.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR938
s/n HR938
Handley Page Ltd
HR 938
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Nurnburg, crashed southeast of givet, Belgium, 11.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR939
s/n HR939
Handley Page Ltd
HR 939
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Reduced to spares, 6.2.44Unit 51/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR940
s/n HR940
Handley Page Ltd
HR 940
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Nurnburg, 24.7.43, shot down by Ju 88Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR941
s/n HR941
Handley Page Ltd
HR 941
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Hamburg, 25.7.43, shot down by Bf 110Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR942
s/n HR942
Handley Page Ltd
HR 942
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 22.10.46Unit 158/78/102/1663 Heavy Conversion Unit/1658 HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR943
s/n HR943
Handley Page Ltd
HR 943
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Munich, 7.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR944
s/n HR944
Handley Page Ltd
HR 944
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR945
s/n HR945
Handley Page Ltd
HR 945
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Hannover, 9.9.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR946
s/n HR946
Handley Page Ltd
HR 946
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 21.1.44Unit 51/77
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR947
s/n HR947
Handley Page Ltd
HR 947
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge, 6.3.45Units 51/102/77/1658 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR948
s/n HR948
Handley Page Ltd
HR 948
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, Frankfurt, 21.12.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR949
s/n HR949
Handley Page Ltd
HR 949
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Leipzig, 20.2.44Units 51/77
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR950
s/n HR950
Handley Page Ltd
HR 950
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;51
Failed to Return, 20.11.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR951
s/n HR951
Handley Page Ltd
HR 951
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Groundlooped on landing after cross country and undercarriage collapsed, snaith, 19.8.43Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR952
s/n HR952
Handley Page Ltd
HR 952
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;10
Failed to Return, Berlin, 29.1.44Units 51/10
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR977
s/n HR977
Handley Page Ltd
HR 977
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, 23.11.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR978
s/n HR978
Handley Page Ltd
HR 978
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;102
Failed to Return, Laon, 24.3.44Units 158/102
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR979
s/n HR979
Handley Page Ltd
HR 979
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR980
s/n HR980
Handley Page Ltd
HR 980
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;158
Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR981
s/n HR981
Handley Page Ltd
HR 981
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Crashed into house after forced-landing after engine fire on take-off for ops, Snitterby House Farm, near Hemswell, 10.8.43Units 158/51
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR982
s/n HR982
Handley Page Ltd
HR 982
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Failed to Return, A/S patrol, 27.9.43Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR983
s/n HR983
Handley Page Ltd
HR 983
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off charge 4.12.44Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR984
s/n HR984
Handley Page Ltd
HR 984
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405
Grondlooped on take-off from Gravely for ops and undercarriage collapsed, 15.2.44Units 405/35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR985
s/n HR985
Handley Page Ltd
HR 985
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Cannes, 13.11.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR986
s/n HR986
Handley Page Ltd
HR 986
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: ;35
Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.12.43Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR987
s/n HR987
Handley Page Ltd
HR 987
Merlin XX/22
Known Units:
Struck off Charge, 1.11.45Units 35/158/35/1652 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05
Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR988
s/n HR988
Handley Page Ltd
HR 988
Merlin XX/22
Known Units: 405;428;1666
Struck off chaerge, 1.11.45Units 405/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2025-February-05