1446 (Ferry Training) Flight, RAF Hastings, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Wellington Ic aircraft HX603, bound for Lagos, Nigeria, crashed on take-off when the undercarriage was retracted too early. The aircraft skidded on it's belly into trees and caught fire
Flight Sergeant GB Simpson (RCAF) was killed in the crash. Sergeant HG Lawrence (RAFVR) initially survived but succumbed to his injuries later that day. Flight Sergeant JW Cullen (RCAF) and Sergeant JD Nelson (RAAF) were severely injured and died the following day in the General Hospital at Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sergeant F Browning (RCAF), survived, safe