Halifax HR727
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Halifax HR727
On October 5th 1943 Halifax bomber HR727 was returning from a raid when it crashed on Edale Moor, England.
After dropping its bombs Halifax HR727 was coned by searchlights over Frankfurt and was attacked by a German night-fighter. The pilot Sergeant Fenning managed to escape, but his plane was badly damaged. With one engine out, communication equipment not working, and a fuel tank holed and leaking fuel, the Halifax limped back towards its base in Yorkshire in deteriorating weather. With no way of knowing precisely where they were, the Halifax gently descended through the cloud, Sgt Fenning believing the aircraft to be in the vicinity of Selby, some 35 miles North East of where they actually were, that is over the hills of the Peak District.
The impact of the crash killed 4 crew members immediately. Three crew members survived, so while Sgt Garland stayed with the injured Sergeant Lane, Sgt Mack set off along the debris trail and into the night to find help. By the time help arrived the next day, Sgt Lane had died. Their bodies were taken down to the chapel in the Woodlands Valley.
Crew;
Sergeant Ernest Hatfield Fenning, RAF, pilot, killed.
Warrant Officer Class Two, Jean Gilbert Felix Fortin, RCAF, navigator, killed.
Sergeant Eric George Lane, RAFVR, flight engineer, survived briefly.
Sergeant Frank Allan Squibbs, RAFVR, wireless operator, killed.
Sergeant Boris Carl Short, RAFVR, gunner, killed.
Sergeant Victor Garland, RAF, bomb-aimer, survived.
Sergeant Jimmy Mack, RAF, gunner, survived.
They came all that way and were so near home.
They look so young Sergeants Lane & Squibbs.That’s quite a story Ian.The striking thing is that two survived such an ordeal.
I agree with Andy — they certainly did look young especially Lane. Shame that anyone has to lose their life in war of any kind. Amazing that pieces of these planes are still there too.
Fantastic site Ian , so much remains, amazing .
Thanks all. It’s always a bit of a shock to think of what that generation of young men and women went through.
Yes, huge stories which not many people know about
ive seen a few of these sites around the tops of glossop.
but it brings it home alot more when you know the names and story.
Looks as if this happened yesterday!
123 history
So tragic, that’s all I can think.
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Seen in 1-2-3 History (post 1, comment on 2, view 3) (?)
Yes, I’m quite amazed as to how much wreckage is still there.
1-2-3 History
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Transport In The Frame, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
sad story and nice picture
Thanks for the invite!