North American Harvard

Photo Source: thisisme.ca 

It had long been recognised that the Lysander was obsolete as an operational type.  There was therefore "keen delight" in the Squadron when two Harvards were flown in on 10 November 1942, giving the pilots "a chance at some real flying." They hoped that re-equipment with Hurricanes would soon follow. Two of the famous fighters were received before the end of the month for acceptance checks, and after some serviceability snags were overcome the pilots began practice flying on the single-seater.

Early in January a third Hurricane was delivered and almost immediately written off.  The C.O. (Commanding Officer) W/C (Wing Commander) Ross (he had been promoted in December), took the new machine (BWE837) up for its acceptance check early in the afternoon of 5 January after which F/O Prendergast took off for his first solo on that type. Hardly had he become airborne when the engine began to cut out intermittently. The pilot tried to turn back to the airfield, but as he did so the engine stopped completely and the Hurricane came down in a grove of trees about one mile south of the field.  Cutting a swath through 100 yards of spruce trees, the aircraft came to rest with its starboard wing torn off, the propeller wrenched from the engine, the fuselage broken in two behind the cockpit, and the engine twisted to one side.  Miraculously, Prendergast escaped with a slight cut under the chin and some bruises on his shins. Realizing that the crash would be almost invisible from the air, he did not await the arrival of the rescue party, but limped back to the airfield to report his “shaky do”.

“a shaky do”

Photo source: 439 Sqn archives

Some of 439's air arsenal. 

L-R Bolinbroke Mk IV, Hurricane, Lysander 7, Harvard Mk II, Anson Mk-I

Photo source: 439 Sqn archives

The addition of Hurricanes to the squadron's equipment meant that it was operating four different types - the original Lysander, the Harvard, (1) the Hurricane. Shortly after moving to Debert No. 123 received one twin-engined Anson, (later increased to two) for use as a flying classroom, as light transport, and as a long-range navigational trainer. A fifth variety was added in January 1943 with the acquisition of some twin-engined Bolingbrokes. These five types remained in use from January through June 1943.  Then the last Lizzies were transferred away, and the Bolingbrokes soon followed. During its last months at Debert No. 123 new Harvards and Hurricane XIIs on its training program, with an Anson for conveying personnel cross country as necessary.

 

 

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