[galgos]

Originally Posted by SiA8/U1

Hi Guys

I'm looking for information about the crash of Avro Lancaster W4239 on the 31st October 1942.

My great uncle RAFVR Sgt Donald Francis No 1315446 was the Air Bomber on board. He, along with Sgt Matthams RAAF, were seroiusly injured and both died the next day.

I am looking for any information or photographs of aircraft or crew.

Information I have so far:

From th 97 Sqn Association website:
Flying from Woodhall Spa

8 aircraft detailed for ops and two aircraft for night cross countrys.
Ops cancelled.
One of the night exercise aircraft, W4239, crashed just outside the aerodrome for reasons unknown.

Sgt McLeod (pilot)
Sgt Matthams (navigator)
Sgt Francis (air bomber)
Sgt Starkie
Sgt Dykes
Sgt Guy (W/Op)

From the Lostbombers website:



"Serial Range W4102 - W4700 This aircraft was one of 450 Manchesters ordered from A.V.Roe (Chadderton) Jan40 of which the last 207 were built as Lancaster Mk.1s delivered from Jul42 to Nov42 initially fitted with Merlin 20 engines. W4239 was delivered to No.9 Sqdn 30Sep42, joining No.97 Sqdn 28Oct42. W4239 took part in the following Key Operations: With No.9 Sqdn as WS-T, Osnabr_ck 6/7Oct42; Milan 24Oct42-Daylight. No operations with No.97 Sqdn. Crashed in the Woodhall Spa circuit, while trying to land at the end of a Bullseye flight. The accident was attributed to the outer port propeller coming out of coarse pitch and overspeeding. No casualties reported or the condition of the aircraft. Sgt W.MacLeod. "

97 Sqn call sign quoted as OF-L


I would like to confirm the cause of the accident and the callsign.

Other places to look for information would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Si

Si,
Apart from the issue of plagiarism of Bill Chorley's books, use the Lost Bombers site with caution, there are a lot of errors on there.
Max