296 Squadron / Halifax V

[1275GT]

Hi all, I think this is the right section - apoliges if it's not.
I'm looking for information ( or links to info ) on 296 squadron in the period between Sept.1944 - Feb.1945 when they were operating Halifax V's out of Earls Colne, Essex.. I know they were involved in supply drops to resistance forces - does anyone have any more detailed info?
A long shot, but I'm in particular interested in an aircraft I believe coded "7C or 9W - Y" with a serial number 355 ( I think the number should have 2 letters preceding, but I don't know what they are ).
This aircraft crashed in Norfolk, UK on 3rd Jan 1945. It's of concern to me as my grandfather was the navigator on that crew, all of which died as a result of the crash. ( Pilot 9288665 W/O Hinton, Air Gunner 747797 W/O Green, Flight Eng. 2219226 Sgt. Tinkler, Navigator 1324654 F/Sgt James )
Any info on the missions, that mission / crash in particular, or good modeling sources / pic's for the Halifax V would be gratefully recived.
Cheers, Neil

[Graham Boak]

The aircrft is probably LL355, control lost after single-engine fire. Pilot attempted forced landing but crashed 5 miles SW of Diss, Norfolk.

If you are looking for a model, the only real possibility is the Revell (ex-Matchbox) Halifax Mk.I/II. This is reasonably good in outline if sadly rather crude in details, and would require the undercarriage for a Mk.V and 4-blade propellors, both of which are available from Aeroclub. How much more you wanted to improve would be up to you. Aeroclub do provide replacement radiator intakes, which I would recommend.

If you wish to know more about the modelling, contact me offline. I'm afraid I cannot help you about the operation, or the unit coding beyond what you already know.

[1275GT]

Hi Graham, thanks for the reply, it adds another couple of peices to the puzzle !!
I may well be in contact about the modelling. I'm just starting to re-ignite my interest, but am starting out on a few easier projects to hone my skills a bit first.
Cheers, Neil

[Graham Boak]

Happy to help.

The following site may be of interest
http://www.raf38group.org

There was an even better one
www.tarrant-rushton.ndirect.co.uk
but it has died, and sadly no-one has relocated it.

I notice that you have not raised the question on the Halifax Forum
http://www.network54.com/Forum/261665/

[BC]

If "Neil" (1275GT) whose grandfather was F/Sgt James from Halifax LL355 is still around, I have some interesting information for you.

Regs,

BC

[1275GT]

Hi BC, sorry for the delay in replying, but I am indeed still around. Looking forward to your interesting information if you are...

Regards, Neil

[RSwank]

Parts of the tarrant-rushton site were captured by the Internet Archives. As is typical is these captures, some parts are missing but there may be something of interest.

https://web.archive.org/web/20070619...ndirect.co.uk/

[Graham Boak]

If you are still interested, there is a more recent and generally superior model of the Merlin Halifax produced by Revell itself (not a reboxing of the Matchbox). This includes a set of the Mk.V undercarriage (although undescribed in the instructions).

It is fair to add that the engine cowlings and propellers are oversize and require replacing. Those of the Matchbox kit require considerable reworking but are salvageable. There are a lot of faults with both kits but the Revell one is generally superior. You may not be concerned about these faults anyway.

[1275GT]

Thank you for the information, gents, much appreciated

[1275GT]

Hi all. I know I'm resurrecting this post from a while ago, but the member BC, who said he had information I may be interested in, hasn't replied to any of my attempts to contact him.
I was just wondering if anyone on here knew him personally who might tell him I'm still very interested in what he might have.
Long shot, I know, but any help would be gratefully received.