R.C.A.F. Headstones - Limavady

[JDCAVE]

7 OTU (operational training unit) of bomber command was based in Limavady. Training for Bomber Command was a dangerous business. The aircraft available were often "clapped" out and elderly aircraft no longer considered suitable for operations. Crew were initially trained on Wellingtons (2 engine aircraft, bristol hercules powered). Following a successful training on these aircraft, the aircrew progressed to a Heavy Conversion Unit or HCU. These aircraft were early variants 4 engined Halifaxes 2's and 5's that had been phased out and replaced by the later Halifax 3's 6's and 7's. The 2's and 5's were hideously underpowered. Also the rudders, when exposed to violent evasive manoeuvres, had a tendency to lock up and resulting in inverted spins from which they pilot would have considerable difficulty recovering.

JDC