Halifax
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Handley Page, Limited |
| Primary Role | Heavy Bomber |
| Maiden Flight | 24 September 1939 |
Contributor: C. Peter Chen
ww2dbaseDue to the build-up of political tension in Europe, the British Royal Air Force ordered 100 Halifax bombers even before a prototype unit took flight. Production began at English Electric's plant at Samlesbury, Lancashire after the European War began. The Halifax bombers were built to be heavy bombers, featuring a large internal bomb bay with the possibility of carrying additional bombs in the wings. They first entered service with No. 35 Squadron RAF in Nov 1940, and conducted their first combat mission against Le Havre on the night of 11-12 Mar 1941. Veterans of Halifax bomber crews recalled their relative relief knowing that, flying at the high altitude that Halifax bombers were capable of, they were safe from flak; however, they had the vulnerability of having a large blind spot beneath the back of the aircraft, which soon became a favorite angle of attack by German Luftwaffe fighters. In 1943, the most numerous variant of the Halifax design, B Mk III, was introduced; 2,091 of this variant were eventually built. In service with RAF Bomber Command, Halifax bombers flew 82,773 missions, dropped 224,207 tons of bombs, and lost 1,833 aircraft. They also serviced in other roles such as glider tugs, reconnaissance aircraft, and paratrooper transports. When production ended in Nov 1946, 6,176 were built.
ww2dbaseAfter the war, they remained in service with the RAF Coastal Command, the RAF Transport Command, the French Air Force, and the Pakistan Air Force. The last active Halifax bomber was retired from Pakistani service in 1961.
ww2dbaseSources: Inferno, Wikipedia.
Last Major Revision: May 2008
Halifax Timeline
| 11 Mar 1941 | During the night of 11 to 12 Mar, six British Handley Page Halifax bombers of No. 35 Squadron of No. 4 Group from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom attacked Le Havre, France. It was the operational debut of the four-engine heavy bomber. It was marred by the accidental shoot-down of one of them by an RAF nightfighter. |
| 11 May 1941 | The first combat mission by the RAF's new four-engine Halifax bombers failed to succeed when the bombers failed to find their French targets. |
| 30 Jun 1941 | The Handley Page Halifax bomber made its first daylight operation during a raid on Kiel, Germany but it did not take long to discover that its defensive armament was inadequate for daylight use and by the end of the year Halifax bombers were only used on night raids. |
SPECIFICATIONS
B Mk III
| Machinery | Four Bristol Hercules XVI radial engines rated at 1,615hp each |
| Armament | 4x7.7mm dorsal Browning machine guns, 4x7.7mm tail Browning machine guns, 1x7.7mm nose Vickers K machine gun, 5,897kg of bombs |
| Crew | 7 |
| Span | 31.75 m |
| Length | 21.82 m |
| Height | 6.32 m |
| Wing Area | 110.60 m² |
| Weight, Loaded | 24,675 kg |
| Speed, Maximum | 454 km/h |
| Rate of Climb | 3.80 m/s |
| Service Ceiling | 7,315 m |
| Range, Normal | 1,860 km |
Photographs
 |  |  |  |
Did you enjoy this article or find this article helpful? If so, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 per month will go a long way! Thank you. Share this article with your friends: Stay updated with WW2DB: |
Visitor Submitted Comments
2. Anonymous says:
14 Oct 2009 09:04:35 PM
Does anyone know how I might find out the fate of a Halifax serial number LW139, which was based in Yorkshire in early 1945 -- Probably at Eastmoor Air Field.
Thanks.
14 Oct 2009 09:04:35 PM
Does anyone know how I might find out the fate of a Halifax serial number LW139, which was based in Yorkshire in early 1945 -- Probably at Eastmoor Air Field.
Thanks.
3. Michael Allman says:
3 May 2010 05:57:11 AM
Looking for PO Ken Parsons flying a Halifax who parachute landed in Holland in 1944 & evaded capture by being hidden away by the Dutch Resistance in Apeldoorn & later made his way back to England with PO Eric J Blakemore DFM of Lancaster LL840 both escaping from Apeldoorn in a fire engine.
Any information please contact Michael Allman on Tel:- 01442 214560 or e-mail allmanhemel1@hotmail.com
3 May 2010 05:57:11 AM
Looking for PO Ken Parsons flying a Halifax who parachute landed in Holland in 1944 & evaded capture by being hidden away by the Dutch Resistance in Apeldoorn & later made his way back to England with PO Eric J Blakemore DFM of Lancaster LL840 both escaping from Apeldoorn in a fire engine.
Any information please contact Michael Allman on Tel:- 01442 214560 or e-mail allmanhemel1@hotmail.com
4. Anonymous says:
8 Sep 2010 11:41:43 AM
LW139 served with 429 Squadron RCAF. Had engine failure on takeoff and crashed and burnt on Feb. 2, 1945.
Cheers, Karl Kj.
8 Sep 2010 11:41:43 AM
LW139 served with 429 Squadron RCAF. Had engine failure on takeoff and crashed and burnt on Feb. 2, 1945.
Cheers, Karl Kj.
5. PAUL J. MANSELL. says:
10 May 2011 08:31:35 AM
Your description "horizontal bomber" is wrong as they were and are 'level' bomber as opposed to 'dive bombers'. I i is these historical distortions like this that mislead future historians and present-day students of aeroplanes and aeronautic history
10 May 2011 08:31:35 AM
Your description "horizontal bomber" is wrong as they were and are 'level' bomber as opposed to 'dive bombers'. I i is these historical distortions like this that mislead future historians and present-day students of aeroplanes and aeronautic history
6. Anonymous says:
10 Jul 2012 10:51:29 PM
My dad of the same name had over 400 hours in a Halifax VII I believe it had R.R. Griffin engines the same Bomb load as a late model Lancaster but 2 bombay doors so after the War they were not as handy for freight. So most of them were scrapped and very little is ever heard about the Halifax in general. RCAf Pilot officer My Dad
10 Jul 2012 10:51:29 PM
My dad of the same name had over 400 hours in a Halifax VII I believe it had R.R. Griffin engines the same Bomb load as a late model Lancaster but 2 bombay doors so after the War they were not as handy for freight. So most of them were scrapped and very little is ever heard about the Halifax in general. RCAf Pilot officer My Dad
7. Anonymous says:
26 Sep 2013 03:05:52 PM
Had the pleasure to sit next to a veteran from Halifax bombers on train to Scotland on Weds. He served 1940 to 1946 and became a University lecturer at Cambridge. Has a cottage in Scotland which is reached by his 34ft double hulled boat which has just been fitted with a new engine taking 4 months to fit out. Was travelling from Kings Cross 1st class. Would love to contact him as we had only a short period to acquaint ourselves, my wife and I. Any help most appreciated.
26 Sep 2013 03:05:52 PM
Had the pleasure to sit next to a veteran from Halifax bombers on train to Scotland on Weds. He served 1940 to 1946 and became a University lecturer at Cambridge. Has a cottage in Scotland which is reached by his 34ft double hulled boat which has just been fitted with a new engine taking 4 months to fit out. Was travelling from Kings Cross 1st class. Would love to contact him as we had only a short period to acquaint ourselves, my wife and I. Any help most appreciated.
8. John Hughes says:
5 Nov 2013 02:02:31 AM
How can I find out the squadron ( poss 35 ) and number of a Halifax shot down over France 12/11/1943 . The pilot survived but the rest of the crew including my bother in laws grand uncle died and are buried in St Desir War Cemetery . Any help would be appreciated thank you .
5 Nov 2013 02:02:31 AM
How can I find out the squadron ( poss 35 ) and number of a Halifax shot down over France 12/11/1943 . The pilot survived but the rest of the crew including my bother in laws grand uncle died and are buried in St Desir War Cemetery . Any help would be appreciated thank you .
9. Lily says:
10 Nov 2013 08:34:47 AM
My grandad was shot down over France but i am not sure its the same plane..he was an airless wiregunner.he was no 35 too..i think there was a man named george on there too!!
10 Nov 2013 08:34:47 AM
My grandad was shot down over France but i am not sure its the same plane..he was an airless wiregunner.he was no 35 too..i think there was a man named george on there too!!
10. Steve Adamson says:
20 Jan 2014 01:56:10 AM
Looking for any information on Desmond Vincent Simmonds of 158 squadron, Lissett please.
20 Jan 2014 01:56:10 AM
Looking for any information on Desmond Vincent Simmonds of 158 squadron, Lissett please.
11. Will McClure says:
28 Nov 2014 09:32:17 PM
Hi I have a metal plate with 4 rivets at the corners from a Halifax - Serial Number HI/4686 & under that a number 175 can you tell me about this please?
Regards
Wm
28 Nov 2014 09:32:17 PM
Hi I have a metal plate with 4 rivets at the corners from a Halifax - Serial Number HI/4686 & under that a number 175 can you tell me about this please?
Regards
Wm
12. Andy Powell J/T retd. G1961029Anonymous says:
17 Feb 2015 01:51:38 PM
Does anybody have any information about the recruitment poster headed with Churchills Never in the field of human conflict speech featuring five aircrew looking skywards.My greatuncle,Pilot Officer Harold Stone,35 Sqadron,Tail gunner in a Halifax is second from the right.I have the original framed poster and Aircew photograph hanging on my wall and hope to show it at the proposed Bomber memorial in Lincoln later this year. Regards Andy Powell.
17 Feb 2015 01:51:38 PM
Does anybody have any information about the recruitment poster headed with Churchills Never in the field of human conflict speech featuring five aircrew looking skywards.My greatuncle,Pilot Officer Harold Stone,35 Sqadron,Tail gunner in a Halifax is second from the right.I have the original framed poster and Aircew photograph hanging on my wall and hope to show it at the proposed Bomber memorial in Lincoln later this year. Regards Andy Powell.
13. colin percival says:
17 Apr 2015 06:42:06 AM
I am trying to find out anything about my dad who flew in Halifax s his name was Roland David Thomas Percival and was in the bison squadron at lemming I believe
thanks colin
17 Apr 2015 06:42:06 AM
I am trying to find out anything about my dad who flew in Halifax s his name was Roland David Thomas Percival and was in the bison squadron at lemming I believe
thanks colin
14. Gordon Boyd says:
11 May 2015 05:48:25 AM
Looking for any information Halifax 640 squadron RAF Leconfield. The plane was "ZOLA " and was knocked down over France on March 1945.
11 May 2015 05:48:25 AM
Looking for any information Halifax 640 squadron RAF Leconfield. The plane was "ZOLA " and was knocked down over France on March 1945.
15. Gordon Boyd says:
18 May 2015 04:17:19 AM
Halifax 640 Squadron
Additional information. The crew were -
Jack Brett
Jack Boyd
M.A.Shaw
A Nicol
R Lees
J driver
18 May 2015 04:17:19 AM
Halifax 640 Squadron
Additional information. The crew were -
Jack Brett
Jack Boyd
M.A.Shaw
A Nicol
R Lees
J driver
16. Russ Jones says:
7 Sep 2015 02:59:57 PM
My wifes great uncle - Sgt Alfred Rostron, pilot of Halifax ZA-F (BB220), was shot down near Wippingen Germany 27/09/1943. All crew sadly lost their lives. We have been desperately trying to find a photo of the aircraft / crew, but have been unsuccessful. I realise that posting this is a bit of a long shot, but hey, you never know if there is that 1 person that could help.
7 Sep 2015 02:59:57 PM
My wifes great uncle - Sgt Alfred Rostron, pilot of Halifax ZA-F (BB220), was shot down near Wippingen Germany 27/09/1943. All crew sadly lost their lives. We have been desperately trying to find a photo of the aircraft / crew, but have been unsuccessful. I realise that posting this is a bit of a long shot, but hey, you never know if there is that 1 person that could help.
17. Anonymous says:
23 Sep 2015 05:09:42 AM
Does anyone have any photos or links to same of 429 Bison sqn RCAF when they formed up at RAF Leeming?
Crew photos would be a great asset. MY father flew with 429 Sqn
P.O. MN McLean
23 Sep 2015 05:09:42 AM
Does anyone have any photos or links to same of 429 Bison sqn RCAF when they formed up at RAF Leeming?
Crew photos would be a great asset. MY father flew with 429 Sqn
P.O. MN McLean
18. Matt says:
7 Nov 2015 10:20:21 AM
I'm searching for records of a downed Halifax bomber. My great uncle piloted the plane. Although hit he kept it aloft long enough for the crew to bail out. He went down with the aircraft somewhere off the coast of Northern England or Scotland. My 99 year old grandmother, his sister inlaw desperately wants to know, as I do the details. His name was Harry Hobbs, from the Rainham, Milton/Sittingbourne Kent area. He died at just 21. If anyone can point me in the direction I'd be grateful.
7 Nov 2015 10:20:21 AM
I'm searching for records of a downed Halifax bomber. My great uncle piloted the plane. Although hit he kept it aloft long enough for the crew to bail out. He went down with the aircraft somewhere off the coast of Northern England or Scotland. My 99 year old grandmother, his sister inlaw desperately wants to know, as I do the details. His name was Harry Hobbs, from the Rainham, Milton/Sittingbourne Kent area. He died at just 21. If anyone can point me in the direction I'd be grateful.
19. Bill Norman says:
16 Jun 2016 04:56:20 AM
Message for Gordon Boyd. You will find information regarding the loss of 'your' 640 Sqdn Halifax in the book HALIFAX SQUADRON(Tthe wartime bombing operations of No. 640 Squadron, Leconfield.) See |Bill Norman's Book Page at www.billnorman.co.uk
16 Jun 2016 04:56:20 AM
Message for Gordon Boyd. You will find information regarding the loss of 'your' 640 Sqdn Halifax in the book HALIFAX SQUADRON(Tthe wartime bombing operations of No. 640 Squadron, Leconfield.) See |Bill Norman's Book Page at www.billnorman.co.uk
20. Archivist says:
24 Jul 2016 08:36:45 AM
Does anyone have any detail of the loss of 304 Squadron Halifax PP232 which crashed on a training exercise at Green Farm, Lawshall, Suffolk on about 22 Aug 1946. All 3 crew on board killed
24 Jul 2016 08:36:45 AM
Does anyone have any detail of the loss of 304 Squadron Halifax PP232 which crashed on a training exercise at Green Farm, Lawshall, Suffolk on about 22 Aug 1946. All 3 crew on board killed
21. Anonymous says:
11 Nov 2016 05:01:00 AM
Have you any records of my relative who was a halifax crewman in ww2 his name was fred dilling
11 Nov 2016 05:01:00 AM
Have you any records of my relative who was a halifax crewman in ww2 his name was fred dilling
22. Steve Beare says:
27 Nov 2016 06:51:48 AM
My father was a navigator stationed at Breighton and was with 78 Squadron, his pilot was a man named Shelby. My father flew 35 sorties and was awarded the DFC. does anyone have any info regarding him or his crew?
27 Nov 2016 06:51:48 AM
My father was a navigator stationed at Breighton and was with 78 Squadron, his pilot was a man named Shelby. My father flew 35 sorties and was awarded the DFC. does anyone have any info regarding him or his crew?
23. Anonymous says:
14 Jan 2017 04:03:13 AM
My mothers cousin was a navigator
On a Halifax during the war apparently the plane ditched with no survivors whilst returning from a raid, his name was Alan E.F. Baker.
Any further info would be appreciated
14 Jan 2017 04:03:13 AM
My mothers cousin was a navigator
On a Halifax during the war apparently the plane ditched with no survivors whilst returning from a raid, his name was Alan E.F. Baker.
Any further info would be appreciated
24. Anonymous says:
19 Jan 2017 12:26:32 PM
Since my last post I have found out the Halifax was MZ789 which crashed landed at Guines on 29/11/44. The pilot was F/Sgt. O.J. Natrass
19 Jan 2017 12:26:32 PM
Since my last post I have found out the Halifax was MZ789 which crashed landed at Guines on 29/11/44. The pilot was F/Sgt. O.J. Natrass
25. Julie says:
22 Jan 2017 06:59:58 AM
My father, Arthur Day, was a Halifax crew member. How do I find out more information please?
22 Jan 2017 06:59:58 AM
My father, Arthur Day, was a Halifax crew member. How do I find out more information please?
26. Great niece says:
3 Mar 2017 11:10:03 AM
Hi
Halifax MZ789 crash - all crew survived to my knowledge (including my g.uncle).
They were helped back by the resistance or freed French depending on who tells the tale.
3 Mar 2017 11:10:03 AM
Hi
Halifax MZ789 crash - all crew survived to my knowledge (including my g.uncle).
They were helped back by the resistance or freed French depending on who tells the tale.
27. Michael LongAnonymous says:
19 Jun 2017 08:24:05 AM
around 1940 my dad,Leslie Long, was attached to 228 sqn. on Halifaxes. Trying to find out more info.
19 Jun 2017 08:24:05 AM
around 1940 my dad,Leslie Long, was attached to 228 sqn. on Halifaxes. Trying to find out more info.
28. Anonymous says:
25 Aug 2017 11:19:25 AM
Halifax crash site LK Queenie.
Carpenters wood maidenhead.
Crash report says air craft exploded in mid air before impact my father's report on this is different.
First my father being a young mischievous lad living in area recalls the plane circling round then suddenly dropping out of sky with massive explosion on impact. My father being one of the first on site described the site as total destruction, the dense populated wood non existent a around large crater, further out trees with tops missing. The payload being carried by this plane were thrown outwards with the blast, some bombs exploding around main crater others laying unexploded. My father left the site as the military police arrived to make site safe. He returned several days later to look for plane parts only to find fragments no real wreckage. He did pick up part of a parachute harness blown from one of crew members then he noticed on the tree trunks left standing black burnt human flesh. Not a nice site, I asked him how did he know he said you could tell by the flies. Another item he found was the planes identity plate.
Like my father I have spent hours in this wood ferreting rabbits. All the small bomb craters around the main crater suggest the plane exploded on impact.
The main creator lies on a slope, looking from maidenhead direction you would not of seen impact. From Henley direction you would of seen impact, but being high on a slope plane would of looked like it exploded in air.
Does anyone have any info to add.
Martin..
25 Aug 2017 11:19:25 AM
Halifax crash site LK Queenie.
Carpenters wood maidenhead.
Crash report says air craft exploded in mid air before impact my father's report on this is different.
First my father being a young mischievous lad living in area recalls the plane circling round then suddenly dropping out of sky with massive explosion on impact. My father being one of the first on site described the site as total destruction, the dense populated wood non existent a around large crater, further out trees with tops missing. The payload being carried by this plane were thrown outwards with the blast, some bombs exploding around main crater others laying unexploded. My father left the site as the military police arrived to make site safe. He returned several days later to look for plane parts only to find fragments no real wreckage. He did pick up part of a parachute harness blown from one of crew members then he noticed on the tree trunks left standing black burnt human flesh. Not a nice site, I asked him how did he know he said you could tell by the flies. Another item he found was the planes identity plate.
Like my father I have spent hours in this wood ferreting rabbits. All the small bomb craters around the main crater suggest the plane exploded on impact.
The main creator lies on a slope, looking from maidenhead direction you would not of seen impact. From Henley direction you would of seen impact, but being high on a slope plane would of looked like it exploded in air.
Does anyone have any info to add.
Martin..
29. Jeremy Marten says:
14 Nov 2017 01:04:29 PM
My wife's grandfather was a Halifax navigator in WWII. They were shot down in the Atlantic. After three days in a raft, one friend had died. That day they heard an aircraft engine and saw a plane coming towards them. They shed tears of joy. As it came closer, they realized from the engine sound that it was a german fighter, were terrified, and thought they would soon be dead. As the german plane went overhead, he dipped his wings repeatedly, the international symbol for "I see you". They were picked up later that day by an allied vessel. The German pilot had radio'd the vatican their co-ordinates, who then passed the co-ordinates on to the allied side. 30 years later, through sheer luck he met the German pilot in Ottawa Canada. He was the crotchetiest man you ever met and when he told me that story he was sobbing like a baby. Amazing.
14 Nov 2017 01:04:29 PM
My wife's grandfather was a Halifax navigator in WWII. They were shot down in the Atlantic. After three days in a raft, one friend had died. That day they heard an aircraft engine and saw a plane coming towards them. They shed tears of joy. As it came closer, they realized from the engine sound that it was a german fighter, were terrified, and thought they would soon be dead. As the german plane went overhead, he dipped his wings repeatedly, the international symbol for "I see you". They were picked up later that day by an allied vessel. The German pilot had radio'd the vatican their co-ordinates, who then passed the co-ordinates on to the allied side. 30 years later, through sheer luck he met the German pilot in Ottawa Canada. He was the crotchetiest man you ever met and when he told me that story he was sobbing like a baby. Amazing.
30. James. says:
15 Dec 2017 04:23:22 AM
Than you for that story Jeremy. There is a lot of hatred still directed at Germans and the movies are making it worse and eternal. I also remember hearing that German machine gunners paused their shooting at the Somme when they saw the carnage they were causing and asked the allied troops they were shooting at to take cover.
15 Dec 2017 04:23:22 AM
Than you for that story Jeremy. There is a lot of hatred still directed at Germans and the movies are making it worse and eternal. I also remember hearing that German machine gunners paused their shooting at the Somme when they saw the carnage they were causing and asked the allied troops they were shooting at to take cover.
31. Bob says:
7 Mar 2018 06:59:01 PM
These stories are very interesting to read. I can add one I gleaned from a friend in England.
My grand uncle went down in a Halifax on a training flight in Wales. An unfortunate incident of weather and navigation.
When the aircraft hit the mountain, it was destroyed as were all on board.
What was not in the inquest was the aftermath of the crash immediately.
My friend had met a fellow who happened to be among the first on the site afterwards and he explained there had been a substantial fire.
That means that if any of the crew had survived the crash, the fire will have taken its toll quickly after.
That aircraft wouldn't necessarily have been loaded at the time as it was training. However, they ran on gasoline and apparently had plenty on board so the fuel and fast ignition and spread.
RIP the crew, they were deeply missed.
7 Mar 2018 06:59:01 PM
These stories are very interesting to read. I can add one I gleaned from a friend in England.
My grand uncle went down in a Halifax on a training flight in Wales. An unfortunate incident of weather and navigation.
When the aircraft hit the mountain, it was destroyed as were all on board.
What was not in the inquest was the aftermath of the crash immediately.
My friend had met a fellow who happened to be among the first on the site afterwards and he explained there had been a substantial fire.
That means that if any of the crew had survived the crash, the fire will have taken its toll quickly after.
That aircraft wouldn't necessarily have been loaded at the time as it was training. However, they ran on gasoline and apparently had plenty on board so the fuel and fast ignition and spread.
RIP the crew, they were deeply missed.
32. Anonymous says:
17 May 2018 02:51:22 PM
Comment 17 dated 23rd Sept 2015.
You could do worse than trying to contact the officer in charge of the Squadron History Records for 429 Sqn. The squadron is currently active, based at CFB Trenton, Ontario (operating Globemaster transport aircraft). I posed a similar query to another RCAF squadron and you wouldn't believe the old crew photos that they could provide.
Best of luck !
17 May 2018 02:51:22 PM
Comment 17 dated 23rd Sept 2015.
You could do worse than trying to contact the officer in charge of the Squadron History Records for 429 Sqn. The squadron is currently active, based at CFB Trenton, Ontario (operating Globemaster transport aircraft). I posed a similar query to another RCAF squadron and you wouldn't believe the old crew photos that they could provide.
Best of luck !
33. ajcarr says:
10 Mar 2019 06:46:11 PM
My uncle served in Halifaxes of RCAF 420 Sqn, and he said that they mounted a dorsal machine gun at the place where the H2S radome would have gone, and that protected them against Schräge Musik attacks.
10 Mar 2019 06:46:11 PM
My uncle served in Halifaxes of RCAF 420 Sqn, and he said that they mounted a dorsal machine gun at the place where the H2S radome would have gone, and that protected them against Schräge Musik attacks.
34. J woods says:
10 Nov 2019 02:02:00 PM
Looking for any info on my grandad . Gilbert Bailey Porter 51849 serving with the RCAF WW2 , flew a Halifax bomber . Sq 405 . Bombed Cologne , was a POW 2/3 times ... from Ontario Canada ... any information would be appreciated ..
10 Nov 2019 02:02:00 PM
Looking for any info on my grandad . Gilbert Bailey Porter 51849 serving with the RCAF WW2 , flew a Halifax bomber . Sq 405 . Bombed Cologne , was a POW 2/3 times ... from Ontario Canada ... any information would be appreciated ..
35. graham Davis says:
30 Nov 2019 04:37:45 AM
I am searching for a photo of a hailfax MK 5 of 76 sqdn Raf in 1943.It was coded MP-X and the serial was LK 932.It was shot down on Nov 3rd 1943 over Belgium while on the Dusseldorf raid .The pilot was fl/lt Denis Hornsey and evaded capture and with the help of the Comete line he walked home through Spain and Gibraltar.After the war he wrote a book entitled THE PILOT WALKED HOME, and is quite a well known book in Bomber Command. I am looking for a photo of the nose art which was a FIST with a FINGER pointing upwards and the word EXCELSIOR underneath.I have tried most websites and some museums but so far i have been unsuccessful. I would be so grateful if anyone could help,Thank you.GP Davis.
30 Nov 2019 04:37:45 AM
I am searching for a photo of a hailfax MK 5 of 76 sqdn Raf in 1943.It was coded MP-X and the serial was LK 932.It was shot down on Nov 3rd 1943 over Belgium while on the Dusseldorf raid .The pilot was fl/lt Denis Hornsey and evaded capture and with the help of the Comete line he walked home through Spain and Gibraltar.After the war he wrote a book entitled THE PILOT WALKED HOME, and is quite a well known book in Bomber Command. I am looking for a photo of the nose art which was a FIST with a FINGER pointing upwards and the word EXCELSIOR underneath.I have tried most websites and some museums but so far i have been unsuccessful. I would be so grateful if anyone could help,Thank you.GP Davis.
36. Lawrence Johnson says:
10 Jan 2020 03:17:03 PM
My second cousin P.O.Philip Matthews from Langruth ,Manitoba was killed in 1942 in northern England.Their Halifax bomber crashed while on a training mission along with four other RCAF members.They are all buried in a military cemetery in Ripon England.He was 22.
10 Jan 2020 03:17:03 PM
My second cousin P.O.Philip Matthews from Langruth ,Manitoba was killed in 1942 in northern England.Their Halifax bomber crashed while on a training mission along with four other RCAF members.They are all buried in a military cemetery in Ripon England.He was 22.
37. anymous says:
6 Feb 2020 05:36:13 AM
I have a photograph of a squadron in front of a Halifax. I am not sure of the date the photograph was taken or the Squadron. My father is in the picture. I am happy to share this picture to see if anyone recognises any of the other persons. My Father was Bomber command mostly Blenheims.
6 Feb 2020 05:36:13 AM
I have a photograph of a squadron in front of a Halifax. I am not sure of the date the photograph was taken or the Squadron. My father is in the picture. I am happy to share this picture to see if anyone recognises any of the other persons. My Father was Bomber command mostly Blenheims.
38. Mike Sweetapple says:
16 Aug 2020 01:58:10 AM
I am trying to find any available information regarding my uncle, Eric Sweetapple, who served with 158 squadron as a WOP/AG on Halfaxes
16 Aug 2020 01:58:10 AM
I am trying to find any available information regarding my uncle, Eric Sweetapple, who served with 158 squadron as a WOP/AG on Halfaxes
39. Sheena Fegan says:
16 Oct 2020 03:47:18 PM
Looking for any info on Patrick Fegan who was a navigator on Halifax during war
16 Oct 2020 03:47:18 PM
Looking for any info on Patrick Fegan who was a navigator on Halifax during war
40. SimonWilliams says:
5 May 2021 09:53:08 AM
My great uncle was on LL401 a halifax bomber from 298sqdn I’d like to know which version of the halifax he was flight sergeant in( I know he was lost over France in august 44 and is buried at la rouge cemetery
5 May 2021 09:53:08 AM
My great uncle was on LL401 a halifax bomber from 298sqdn I’d like to know which version of the halifax he was flight sergeant in( I know he was lost over France in august 44 and is buried at la rouge cemetery
41. Tony says:
7 Jul 2021 01:20:38 AM
Hi Mike Sweetapple the archivists at 158 Sqn Assoc wouldbe very happy to supply you with info about you uncle.
contact us at: 158sqnassoc@gmail.com
7 Jul 2021 01:20:38 AM
Hi Mike Sweetapple the archivists at 158 Sqn Assoc wouldbe very happy to supply you with info about you uncle.
contact us at: 158sqnassoc@gmail.com
42. Rex Harrison says:
28 Sep 2021 06:24:18 PM
Hi
Im just seeing if anyone could help withinformation relating to my Farther
Ernst William Joesph Harrison
he was a navigator in the Halifax
and comes from new Zealand
28 Sep 2021 06:24:18 PM
Hi
Im just seeing if anyone could help withinformation relating to my Farther
Ernst William Joesph Harrison
he was a navigator in the Halifax
and comes from new Zealand
43. Andy Clark says:
25 Nov 2021 02:39:08 PM
Why is there little to no recognition of this aircraft and its crews when there is so much for the Lancaster. Very similar aircraft, nearly as many built and just as many aircrew.
25 Nov 2021 02:39:08 PM
Why is there little to no recognition of this aircraft and its crews when there is so much for the Lancaster. Very similar aircraft, nearly as many built and just as many aircrew.
44. L Ogden says:
29 Dec 2021 03:01:54 AM
I’m researching more information on my Grandad he was F. Hicks navigator 158 Squadron … Halifax Crew possibly shot down near Frankfurt 20/21 Dec 1943 .. Taken as POW with his crew … would appreciate any information about him and his crew thank you
29 Dec 2021 03:01:54 AM
I’m researching more information on my Grandad he was F. Hicks navigator 158 Squadron … Halifax Crew possibly shot down near Frankfurt 20/21 Dec 1943 .. Taken as POW with his crew … would appreciate any information about him and his crew thank you
45. Dick Parker says:
13 Jan 2022 11:56:47 AM
My f-in-law, Sqn/Ldr James (Jim) Baillie RCAF, was one of the last flight commanders on 426 (Thunderbird) Sqn at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, at the end of the war.
He piloted Halifax Mk 3 & 7 types during his tour of op’s.
Question! Please!
Does anyone know why the Bristol Hercules powered Halifax had exhausts on No’s 2,3,and 4 engines on the right (stbd) side on nacelle position, while on No.1 engine the exhaust was mounted on the left of its engine nacelle?
My f-in-law passed years ago in Victoria B.C. at age 92, and I never thought to ask him this question. It’s been bugging me for a long time now!
Thank you.
diksu@hotmail.com
Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. (ex RAF)
13 Jan 2022 11:56:47 AM
My f-in-law, Sqn/Ldr James (Jim) Baillie RCAF, was one of the last flight commanders on 426 (Thunderbird) Sqn at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, at the end of the war.
He piloted Halifax Mk 3 & 7 types during his tour of op’s.
Question! Please!
Does anyone know why the Bristol Hercules powered Halifax had exhausts on No’s 2,3,and 4 engines on the right (stbd) side on nacelle position, while on No.1 engine the exhaust was mounted on the left of its engine nacelle?
My f-in-law passed years ago in Victoria B.C. at age 92, and I never thought to ask him this question. It’s been bugging me for a long time now!
Thank you.
diksu@hotmail.com
Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. (ex RAF)
46. Andy Scott says:
15 Jan 2022 05:38:01 AM
My late father flew 59 sorties in a Halifax, unfortunately he didn't speak much about his experiences. I did have his log book, but that was stolen from the fire station I worked at. How do I find out more information about his postings and his flying record ?
15 Jan 2022 05:38:01 AM
My late father flew 59 sorties in a Halifax, unfortunately he didn't speak much about his experiences. I did have his log book, but that was stolen from the fire station I worked at. How do I find out more information about his postings and his flying record ?
47. D kelly says:
21 Jan 2022 08:50:32 PM
To L. Ogden 29th December, 2021 start at the 158squadron.co.uk squadron website; I think you will find what you need to get started there along with good links to other useful sites
21 Jan 2022 08:50:32 PM
To L. Ogden 29th December, 2021 start at the 158squadron.co.uk squadron website; I think you will find what you need to get started there along with good links to other useful sites
48. D Kelly says:
21 Jan 2022 08:55:01 PM
I think this may be the crew you are looking for?158squadron.co.uk/personnel/detail/1057
21 Jan 2022 08:55:01 PM
I think this may be the crew you are looking for?158squadron.co.uk/personnel/detail/1057
49. dan thornback says:
7 Feb 2023 05:57:51 AM
love this site..
my great uncle vince cleveland
a bomb aimer was shot down aug 31 1943 along with the crew of JD464 .he was killed along with the skipper the tail gunner the rest were taken as pow.ive researched him but we have never been able to find his actual location.somewhere in the black forest . only 21 years old.met his brothers and of course my grandmother was his older sister.he is remembered .
7 Feb 2023 05:57:51 AM
love this site..
my great uncle vince cleveland
a bomb aimer was shot down aug 31 1943 along with the crew of JD464 .he was killed along with the skipper the tail gunner the rest were taken as pow.ive researched him but we have never been able to find his actual location.somewhere in the black forest . only 21 years old.met his brothers and of course my grandmother was his older sister.he is remembered .
50. ken KLINE says:
26 Mar 2023 11:08:25 PM
My friend, Don Rogers was the flight eng. on Halifax HX338 NP-W "THE WIZARD OF AUS." He gave me his log books, some photos, a book written by hiis friends, Benwell and Chorley "IN BRAVE COMPANY" which itemised the complete horror that occurred. The pilot was Ted Paulsen. I note your info shows a different crew on this aircraft. It was only called THE WIZARD OF AUS because it had a crew of 6 Aussies and 1 Pom. When I rang Gordon EDWARDS, to inform him of Don,s passing, it was ironic that only the tail gunner should be the only surviving crew member. Don told me many stories, reluctantly, about the missions this aircraft and crew.
26 Mar 2023 11:08:25 PM
My friend, Don Rogers was the flight eng. on Halifax HX338 NP-W "THE WIZARD OF AUS." He gave me his log books, some photos, a book written by hiis friends, Benwell and Chorley "IN BRAVE COMPANY" which itemised the complete horror that occurred. The pilot was Ted Paulsen. I note your info shows a different crew on this aircraft. It was only called THE WIZARD OF AUS because it had a crew of 6 Aussies and 1 Pom. When I rang Gordon EDWARDS, to inform him of Don,s passing, it was ironic that only the tail gunner should be the only surviving crew member. Don told me many stories, reluctantly, about the missions this aircraft and crew.
51. Janet says:
24 Jun 2023 04:51:24 PM
My dad proudly flew the Halifax. I have his album. He left his alcoholic brother with his invalid mothers, crippled sister, and another lazy one, just to fight. It didn’t really become real until a few years ago, when we were in a Munich hotel…he just broke down and cried, just guilt for all those lives lost.
24 Jun 2023 04:51:24 PM
My dad proudly flew the Halifax. I have his album. He left his alcoholic brother with his invalid mothers, crippled sister, and another lazy one, just to fight. It didn’t really become real until a few years ago, when we were in a Munich hotel…he just broke down and cried, just guilt for all those lives lost.
52. Coach Kurc says:
21 Jul 2023 08:57:10 AM
My late father-in-law was flight engineer in the RCAF flying in the Halifax, amongst others, during his war years - Group 6, 428 Squadron - Y-Yokum for much of the Halifax time. He never shared his experiences with his daughters and until I came along and married the youngest, when he opened up about some of the people and events he was part of. The family knew of what happened for him to be awarded the DFM, as there was the official record, but when he elaborated [not glorified] the event came alive - and I thought that might be the case for many of those who served during that time. We are loosing the real history as these veterans are passing on with untold stories that might explain the pain they lived with long after the war passed.
Interestingly, I recently - at aged 70, found my biological father - or rather discovered who he was, as he passed away over 20 years ago. He too was part of the RCAF, but in south Asia - part of the "Burma Bombers", which I am finding as much information as I can - while I have the time and energy to do so.
21 Jul 2023 08:57:10 AM
My late father-in-law was flight engineer in the RCAF flying in the Halifax, amongst others, during his war years - Group 6, 428 Squadron - Y-Yokum for much of the Halifax time. He never shared his experiences with his daughters and until I came along and married the youngest, when he opened up about some of the people and events he was part of. The family knew of what happened for him to be awarded the DFM, as there was the official record, but when he elaborated [not glorified] the event came alive - and I thought that might be the case for many of those who served during that time. We are loosing the real history as these veterans are passing on with untold stories that might explain the pain they lived with long after the war passed.
Interestingly, I recently - at aged 70, found my biological father - or rather discovered who he was, as he passed away over 20 years ago. He too was part of the RCAF, but in south Asia - part of the "Burma Bombers", which I am finding as much information as I can - while I have the time and energy to do so.
53. Marina Strong says:
23 Jul 2023 06:43:21 AM
On the26th July, my friend Sergeant Robert P Cookson will celebrate 80 years since he was rescued from the Mediterranean sea. His Halifax W1161 from the 462 Sqn crashed after returning from a bombing raid over Reggio Calabria, Italy. He and the rest of the crew survived nine days (212 Hours) in a dinghy, before being rescued. He will be 105 years old in December. A lovely guy.
23 Jul 2023 06:43:21 AM
On the26th July, my friend Sergeant Robert P Cookson will celebrate 80 years since he was rescued from the Mediterranean sea. His Halifax W1161 from the 462 Sqn crashed after returning from a bombing raid over Reggio Calabria, Italy. He and the rest of the crew survived nine days (212 Hours) in a dinghy, before being rescued. He will be 105 years old in December. A lovely guy.
All visitor submitted comments are opinions of those making the submissions and do not reflect views of WW2DB.
Search WW2DB
News
- » Wreck of USS Edsall Found (14 Nov 2024)
- » Autumn 2024 Fundraiser (7 Nov 2024)
- » Nobel Peace Prize for the Atomic Bomb Survivors Organization (11 Oct 2024)
- » Wreck of USS Stewart/DD-224 Found (2 Oct 2024)
- » See all news
Current Site Statistics
- » 1,150 biographies
- » 337 events
- » 43,917 timeline entries
- » 1,241 ships
- » 350 aircraft models
- » 207 vehicle models
- » 374 weapon models
- » 123 historical documents
- » 260 facilities
- » 470 book reviews
- » 28,541 photos
- » 432 maps
Famous WW2 Quote
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, 16 Mar 1945
Support Us
Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Even $1 a month will go a long way. Thank you!
Or, please support us by purchasing some WW2DB merchandise at TeeSpring, Thank you!
19 Sep 2007 02:14:40 AM
No.35 Squadron was reformed with Halifax bombers at Boscombe Down on 5th November 1940 (Not 1946)