On January 14th 1945, Short Stirling EH988 of 1661 HCU was en route to Northern Ireland from Winthorpe when two of the four engines lost power. It crashed near Annesley, Nottinghamshire. All five crewmen were killed. Fatalities: TA Balls (Flight Engineer), EC Barton (Navigator), SL Cockbain (Pilot/Instructor) K Harris (Air Gunner), J Littlemore (Wireless Operator). The aircraft was destroyed.