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

Handley Page Halifax

(RAF Photo, 1942)(Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page) A Royal Air Force Handley Page Halifax Mk. II Series I (Serial No. W7676), coded TL-P, of No. 35 Squadron, RAF, based at Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire in the UK, being piloted by Flight Lieutenant Reginald Lane, (later Lieutenant-General, RCAF), over the English countryside. Flt Lt Lane and his crew flew twelve operations in W7676, which failed to return from a raid on Nuremberg on the night of 28/29 August 1942, when it was being flown by Flt Sgt D. John and crew.

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

YouTube Halifax Heavy Bomber WWII

unvetted Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Wikipedia Wikipedia Halifax Bomber

Museum National Air Force Museum of Canada

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR654

s/n HR654

EQ RAF Roundel R

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
   1943-March-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Berlin, shot down by a night fighter. 6 killed and 1 POW. 2019-08-20

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

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

unvetted Source Aviation Safety Network

unvetted Source Daily Operations

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR655

s/n HR655

EQ RAF Roundel S

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
   1943-February-08 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Lorient. All were killed. 2019-08-20

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR656

s/n HR656

EQ RAF Roundel T

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
   1943-March-12 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack at Stuttgart, shot down by a night fighter, 4 crew evaded and 3 POWs. 2019-08-20

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

unvetted Source Search for France-Crashes 39-45

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

unvetted Source Aviation Safety Network

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, 7.3.44
units 408/78/1667 heavy Conversion Unit/1662Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR658

s/n HR658

EQ RAF Roundel V

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
   1943-May-05 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Dortmund, no survivors. 2019-08-20

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, 17.4.43
Units 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 3.3.44
Overseas 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, 2.5.43
Overseas 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, 30.1.43
Unit 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 Plzen
Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR664

s/n HR664

EQ RAF Roundel K

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, 10.1.44
Units 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, 25.3.43
Unit 138
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR666

s/n HR666

Handley Page Ltd

HR 666

Merlin XX/22

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, 5.5.43
Unit 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, 22.4.44
Unit 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, 27.2.43
Unit 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, 9.9.43
Overseas 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 4.45
Overseas 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, 13.6.45
Telecommunications 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, 4.7.43
Units 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?) 19.10.43
Overseas 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 14.12.44
Units 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, 19.11.43
Unit 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 19.11.43
Unit 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, 15.4.43
Unit 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, 9.10.46
Units 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, 8.44
Overseas 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, 28.12.43
Unit 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, 18.8.43
Unit 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 Eval25.3.43
Unit 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, 12.6.43
Unit 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, 22.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR686

s/n HR686

Handley Page Ltd

HR 686

Merlin XX/22

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, 6.3.43
Unit 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, 29.3.43
Unit 502
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR689

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR690

s/n HR690

Handley Page Ltd

HR 690

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Struck off charge 11.12.44
Unit 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, 16.12.44
Units 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, 13.3.43
Unit 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 22.1.44
Unit 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. 30.1.44
Units 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 6.3.45
Units 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, 24.5.43
Unit 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, 29.6.43
Unit 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 1.8.43
Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR699

s/n HR699

Handley Page Ltd

HR 699

Merlin XX/22

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, 30.7.43
Units 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, 21.4.43
Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR713

s/n HR713

EQ RAF Roundel K

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
   1943-April-04 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on Essen. All were killed. 2019-08-20

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, 21.4.43
Unit 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, 30.9.43
Unit 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, 21.1.44
Units 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

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR718

s/n HR718

Handley Page Ltd

HR 718

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43
Unit 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, 17.6.43
Unit 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 14.7.43
Unit 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, 11.8.43
Unit 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, 21.4.43
Unit 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, 27.10.44
Units 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, 13.6.43
Unit 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 24.8.43
Unit 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, 23.11.43
Unit 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, 5.10.43
Unit 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, 4.10.43
Unit 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, 17.4.43
Unit 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 1.11.45
Units 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, 26.6.43
Unit 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, 4.12.43
Unit 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

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, 4.7.43
Unit 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, 22.6.43
Unit 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, 13.5.43
Unit 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, 27.4.43
Unit 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 1.9.43
Unit 158
last 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, 13.6.43
Unit 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 1-2.5.44
Unit 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. 27.4.44
Transfer 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 9.5.43
Unit 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 23.11.44
Unit 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, 15-16.8.43
Unit 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, 16-17.8.43
Transfer 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 26.5.43
Unit 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 13.7.43
Units 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, 26.7.43
Unit 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, 28.5.43
Unit 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, 2-3.8.43
Unit 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, 16.7.43
Unit 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, 28.3.43
Unit 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, 4.4.43
Unit 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, 26.9.44
Unit 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-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR757

s/n HR757

Handley Page Ltd

HR 757

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: ;158

Failed to Return, Berlin, 30.3.43
Unit 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, `17.4.43
unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR773

s/n HR773

Handley Page Ltd

HR 773

Merlin XX/22

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 20.8.43
Transfer 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, 28.5.43
Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR776

s/n HR776

Handley Page Ltd

HR 776

Merlin XX/22

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 9.10.43
Unit 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, 27.4.43
Unit 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 17.4.43
Unit 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 9.8.44
Units 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, 24.5.43
158/1658 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, 4.12.43
Unit 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 6.8.43
Unit 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, 17.4.43
Unit 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, 22.6.43
Unit 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, 13.5.43
Unit 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, 27.4.43
Unit 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, 12.6.43
Unit 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, 28.5.43
Unit 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, 14.5.43
Unit 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, 12.11.43
Unit 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 13.1.45
Unit 58
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR793

s/n HR793

TL RAF Roundel J

Handley Page Ltd

HR 793

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: ;35

Failed to Return, Essen, 30.5.43
Unit 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)

unvetted Source search T/R number

Operatins Record Books 35 Sqn ORB

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, 20.11.44
Bombing 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 28.5.43
Unit 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, 9.11.44
Navigation Training Unit/405/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU/1656HCU
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR797

s/n HR797

LQ RAF Roundel A

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

Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1943-06-11 to 1943-06-12

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

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.

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR798

s/n HR798

Handley Page Ltd

HR 798

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Failed to Return, Cannes, 12.11.43
Unit 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, 22.6.43
last 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 30.1.45
Navigation 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. 28.6.44
Unit 35/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR802

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 24.7.43
Unit 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, 25.11.43
Units 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, 20.2.44
Unit 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, 23.5.43
Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR807

s/n HR807

LQ RAF Roundel E

Handley Page Ltd

HR 807

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 28.5.43
Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Essen Germany 1943-05-27 to 1943-05-28

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 807 was shot down at Dusseldorf, Germany during operations against Essen, Germany.

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 18.6.43
Unit 405
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR809

s/n HR809

LQ RAF Roundel X

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 23.7.43
last 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

LQ RAF Roundel R

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

Bombing Mannheim Germany 1943-09-05 to 1943-09-06

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft HR 810 lost during operations against Mannheim, Germany.

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR811

s/n HR811

LQ RAF Roundel S

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 Hurst

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR812

s/n HR812

Handley Page Ltd

HR 812

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: ;35

Failed to Return, Koln, 29.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR813

s/n HR813

LQ RAF Roundel H

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, 22.6.45
Units 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, 22.6.45
Units 502/1174 Heavy conversion Unit/1674HCU
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR816

s/n HR816

LQ RAF Roundel C

Handley Page Ltd

HR 816

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Elberfield,25.6.43
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Elberfeld Germany 1943-06-24 to 1943-06-25

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of the Ruhr

405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft HR 816 missing whilst making a night attack against Elberfeld, Wuppertal, Germany

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR817

s/n HR817

LQ RAF Roundel C

Handley Page Ltd

HR 817

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Failed to Return, Peenemunde, 18.8.43
Unit 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, 30.11.44
Unit 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, 14.7.43
Unit 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

unvetted Source 405 Squadron Halifax II HR832 Fl/Lt Lawson RAF Gransden Lodge...

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

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, 30.5.43
Unit 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 27.5.44
Units 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."



Museum 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, 24.5.43
Unit 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

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR837

s/n HR837

Handley Page Ltd

HR 837

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Struck off charge, 11.1.45
Units 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

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, 29.6.43
Unit 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, 30.5.43
Unit 158
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR841

s/n HR841

Handley Page Ltd

HR 841

Merlin XX/22

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR842

s/n HR842

Handley Page Ltd

HR 842

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Failed to Return, Dortmund, 24.5.43
Unit 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 10.7.43
Unit 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, 24.5.43
Unit 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, 30.12.44
Royal 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, 21.8.43
Unit 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 28.4.44
Units 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, 22.6.43
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR849

s/n HR849

LQ RAF Roundel G

Handley Page Ltd

HR 849

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43
last 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

unvetted Source Allied Losses and Incidents: All Commands

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR850

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 30.7.43
Unit 35
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, 26.5.43
Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR854

s/n HR854

LQ RAF Roundel A

Handley Page Ltd

HR 854

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Montbeliard, 16.7.43
last 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

unvetted Source Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

unvetted Source France-Crashes 39-45 Search

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,8.8.44
Units 35/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR856

s/n HR856

LQ RAF Roundel W

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
   1943-August-17 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on the Fiat Motor Works at Turin, northern Italy. 7 crew lost. 2019-08-20

Bombing Turin Italy 1943-08-16 to 1943-08-17

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

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.

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR857

s/n HR857

NA RAF Roundel K

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, 25.1.45
Units 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, 1.11.45
Units 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, 3.8.43
Unit 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, 1.11.45
Units 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, 11.8.43
Unit 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, 18.8.43
Unit 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 3.8.43
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR864

s/n HR864

LQ RAF Roundel M

Handley Page Ltd

HR 864

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF. Failed to Return, Essen, 26.7.43
last 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

unvetted Source [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

unvetted Source Aviation Safety Network

unvetted Source Results

unvetted Source The RAF Pathfinders Archive

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, 24.8.43
Unit 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 3.11.43
Unit 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, 30.12.43
Units 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 25.1.45
Units 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

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, 18.10.43
Unit 51
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR871

s/n HR871

LQ RAF Roundel B

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.

FaceBook BCM Halifax Recovered Parts Video 1

FaceBook BCM Halifax Recovery Operation Video

FaceBook BCM Halifax Recovery Discussion

last 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 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.

unvetted Source Royal Air Force serial and Image Database

unvetted Source RESURRECTION - Vintage Wings of Canada

unvetted Source Halifax Bomber Recovery

unvetted Source The unknown RCAF hockey story from World War II Sweden

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR872

s/n HR872

LQ RAF Roundel K

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

Bombing Mannheim Germany 1943-08-09 to 1943-08-10

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Hamburg

Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Shot down by a night- fighter (Lt Norbert Pietrek 11. on operations to Mannheim on 10 August 1943, crashed in Belgium.

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 18.9.44
Units 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 6.9.43
Unit 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, 27.7.45
Royal 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, 3.12.43
Units 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 18.10.46
Units 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 1964
Unit 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, 4.12.44
Units 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, 17.8.43
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR905

s/n HR905

Handley Page Ltd

HR 905

Merlin XX/22

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR906

s/n HR906

Handley Page Ltd

HR 906

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Failed to Return, Hamburg, 30.7.43
Unit 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, 28.9.43
Unit 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, 10.8.43
Unit 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 30.10.44
Royal Aircraft Establishment
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR910

s/n HR910

VR RAF Roundel R

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, 23.10.43
Unit 102
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR912

s/n HR912

VR RAF Roundel F

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
   1944-March-30 Failed to Return Failed to return from attack on the rail yards at Vaires, no survivors. 2019-08-20

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, 3.5.44
Units 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, 3.5.44
Unit 35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR915

s/n HR915

LQ RAF Roundel O

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

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-31 to 1943-09-01

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

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)

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 21.2.45
Units 405/35/428/1659 Heavy Conversion Unit/1669HCU
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR917

s/n HR917

LQ RAF Roundel G

Handley Page Ltd

HR 917

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Failed to Return, Hamburg, 3.8.43
Unit 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

LQ RAF Roundel G

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
   1943-August-23 Accident Crash Crashed north of Haldensleben, NNW of Magdeburg en route to Berlin. 2019-08-20

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-24

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge

Battle of Berlin

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.

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, 17.9.43
Unit 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, 16.9.43
Unit 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 4.11.43
Unit 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, 27.9.43
Unit 10
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR923

s/n HR923

LQ RAF Roundel V

Handley Page Ltd

HR 923

Merlin XX/22

Known Units: 405

Failed to Return, Berlin, 24.8.43, crashed at Sandhammaren, Sweden
Unit 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

unvetted Source Royal Air Force Serial and Image database

unvetted Source RAF Forced Landing - Halifax BII - Serial # HR923

unvetted Source The unknown RCAF hockey story from World War II Sweden

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, 23.9.43
Units 102/10
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR925

s/n HR925

VR RAF Roundel D

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 1.11.45
Units 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, 23.10.43
Unit 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 3.10.44
Units 102/1667 Heavy Conversion Unit/1656HCU
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, 12.11.43
Units 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

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR932

s/n HR932

Handley Page Ltd

HR 932

Merlin XX/22

Known Units:

Struck off charge 6.3.45
Units 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, 10.7.43
Unit 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, 26.7.43
Unit 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, 20.2.45
Unit 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, 24.8.43
Unit 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, 1.9.43
Unit 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, 11.8.43
Unit 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, 6.2.44
Unit 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 88
Unit 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 110
Unit 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, 22.10.46
Unit 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, 7.9.43
Unit 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, 24.8.43
Unit 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, 9.9.43
Unit 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, 21.1.44
Unit 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, 6.3.45
Units 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, 21.12.43
Unit 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, 20.2.44
Units 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

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, 19.8.43
Unit 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, 29.1.44
Units 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, 23.11.43
Unit 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, 24.3.44
Units 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, 24.8.43
Unit 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, 24.8.43
Unit 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, 10.8.43
Units 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, 27.9.43
Unit 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 4.12.44
Unit 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, 15.2.44
Units 405/35
last update: 2025-February-05

Halifax B/GR.Mk.II serial HR985

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, 30.12.43
Unit 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, 1.11.45
Units 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, 1.11.45
Units 405/428/1666 Heavy Conversion Unit/1662HCU
last update: 2025-February-05