I have researched the crash of this aircraft as far as I can. It crashed on the N.Yorks Moors 5th Sept 1943 killing all aboard (including a flying instructor I believe. The reason I have taken such an interest in this particular crash is that its demise was witnessed by a relative, and I have vsited the site a couple of times over the years. I have obtained the official report of the incident from Hendon, and also read some info on it in 'Wings over Rufforth', an excellent little book.
I am wondering if anyone would happen to have a picture of this particular Halifax, or know where I could try source one? Also...would it have been Merlin or Hercules...my guess is Merlin but can't be sure.
Also..confession time. I was young, but perhaps old enough to know better when I visited the site and took a few bits home, which I still have. So this means I took something from an offial war grave doesn't it? I feel really bad about it, but the only consolation is that I have spent a long time trying to find out what took place, who was onboard and perhaps helped ensure what happened won't be forgotten. It's a cliche but I do have the utmost respect for the crew and what they died for. I've always felt a strange connection to the site and the tragedy that unfolded there.
So, confessions over...I would be grateful if anyone could help me build up my knowledge of this particular aircraft and its crew...photos would be especially welcome but I appreciate this is unlikely
I have checked the "Halifax File" and DG402 was only used at the HCU and did not see combat.
The Mark V Halifaxes had the Dowty landing gear and this landing gear was weaker than the other landing gear used on other marks of Halifax. The other landing gear on the other marks was called Messier landing gear.
Ian Foster, our founder, has been collecting photos of all marks of Halifax and may have a photo of DG402 or one of her sister ships, so hopefully he will respond to your request.
DG402 was built by Rootes Securities at Speke, U.K. (Manchester?)