Crash of a Handley Page H.P.57 Halifax II near Todmorden: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jan 21, 1943
Operator:
Registration:
DT581
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Snaith - Snaith
Region:
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The crew had taken off from their base at Snaith near Selby to drop two mines (an A.108 and B.200 type) into the sea in the 'Nectarines' area of the North Sea, this was around the Frisian Islands. The crew had been briefed to fly from base to the Mablethorpe on the Lincolnshire coast before setting course direct for the Frisian Is. and then returning via the same route. On returning they over-shot their base and continued westwards. The aircraft eventually struck a drystone wall on the edge of Hoar Side Moor and slid to a halt where it burned out.
Crew (51st Squadron):
P/O Richard Donovan Getliffe, pilot,
P/O Edward Burt Chatfield, pilot,
Sgt Alexander Campbell, flight engineer,
Sgt Allan Campbell, air bomber, †
Sgt George Hugh Whyte, wireless operator and air gunner, †
Sgt John James Merritt, air gunner,
Sgt Reginald Ernest Smart, air gunner.
Source and photo:
http://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/pages/pennines/penninesdt581.htm