"Halifax Aircraft Arrives Home" - Painted by Stephen Snider
When Halifax aircraft, serial #337 of 644 Squadron a Mk VII A, taxied out from the dispersal on the night of 23 April 1945, no one could have known what would be her fate and that of her gallant crew. Their mission was a supply drop to the Norwegian Resistance.
After successfully dropping supplies to the Norwegian Resistance, they unfortunately flew over a highly defended highway bridge at Minnesund, Norway, resulting in serious damage to the aircraft. The starboard outer engine was on fire and the starboard inner engine was badly damaged. The fire was eventually put out.
The pilot, Flt. Lt. A. Turnbull, and crew realized they must ditch in Lake Mjosa. The crew survived the impact of the heavy landing. All but the flight engineer, Flt. Sgt. G.A. Basset, got clear of the aircraft. Within a short time, in the darkness of night, five crew members died of exposure. The rear gunner, Flt. Sgt. T. H. Weighman, was the one that survived the night. A local farmer rescued Weighman at dawn. Weighman is still alive today.
In 1982, the lake was searched by sonar, and the aircraft was located in 740 feet of water. An elaborate rescue was organized, and, in the autumn of 1995, the aircraft was lifted from Lake Mjosa where it has rested for 50 years. It took a twelve-man Air Command crew from 8 Wing Trenton two weeks to clean, dismantle and crate the aircraft. It was then airlifted (four C-130 Hercules loads) to CFB Trenton, where it is being restored by a dedicated restoration crew at the RCAF Memorial Museum, 8 Wing Trenton.
To appreciate this aircraft, one must visit the museum, spend some time, talk to and witness the dedicated workers, as they professionally restore this magnificent aircraft. There are many stories to be told about the history of this aircraft. These stories and more will be shared with you on your next visit to the museum.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Stephen Snider grew up in Trenton and attended Trenton High School from 1967 to 1973. He began his art education studying Fine Arts at the University of Ottawa and later transferred to the Ontario College of Arts in Toronto. Both he and his wife are freelance illustrators working for advertising and publishing clients in Canada and the United States. His wife specializes in children's books, and Stephen has special interests in architectural history and aviation subjects.
Stephen designed and painted the 30' x 60' mural at the bottom of King St. in Trenton of the "Old Market Place/Town Hall". He has produced many air show posters across Canada and travelled with the Armed Forces, covering peacetime activities. He and his wife now work out of their country home/studio west of Warkworth in the beautiful Northumberland hills.
TO ORDER COLOURED PRINTS OF THE "HALIFAX AIRCRAFT ARRIVING HOME", SEND CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER, for $35.00 (for unframed print) TO:
413 (Airforce City) Wing
P.O.Box 22043
300 West St.
Trenton, Ont.
K8V 6S3
Phone:- 613-392-2774 Ask for John Oliver
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