W5356
| Squadron | No. 12 Squadron |
|---|---|
| Fate | Lost on operations |
| Lost | 9 January 1942 |
Notes
Wellington Mk II W5356 of No. 12 Squadron was returning from a raid over German-occupied France on 9 January 1942 when an engine failed. The pilot made for RAF Wythall but, with no runway available, crash-landed at Middle Lane (Highfield) Farm, Wythall, Worcestershire, striking an oak tree; the aircraft burst into flames. Four of the six crew died and two — the Canadians Sgt “Bud” Cable and P/O “Bill” Breck — survived, pulling their comrades from the wreckage. A memorial to the crew was unveiled at Wythall in 2024.
Operations flown
Non-operational flight — Crashed on return
Crew: Douglas Butterworth (Other) · Brian Franklin (Other) · Charles Edward Morrey (Other) · Wilfred Henry Burnham (Other) · Alan William Breck (Other) · H Bernard Cable (Other)
Source: Crew memorial near Budna, Northill, Bedfordshire (Hudson AE558, 1428 Conversion Flight) →