Spook’N Droop

This photo was recorded by F/L Lindsay as roll # 5, print #3, [Death Heads in Top Hats]
This Halifax wore code letters KW-U and served in seven different RAF and RCAF Squadrons.	Reproduction by Clarence "Mr. Nose Art" Simonsen.

Halifax Mk III, serial LV860 was the fourth built in a batch of 27 starting on 10 February 1944. The new aircraft was first delivered to No. 35 Sqn., then No. 10 Sqn. of the Royal Air Force. LV860 arrived with No. 6 [RCAF] Group, No. 415 Sqn. on 31 July 1944, transferred the same date to No. 427 [Lion] Squadron, where she received her Nose Art and name- “Spook’N Droop.”  

The Halifax next moved to No. 429 Sqn. on 2 August 1944, again transferred to No. 420 Sqn. on 16 March 1945, and last to No. 425 Sqn. on 16 April 1945. Involved in accident on 21 April, LV860 was sent for disposal on 31 May 1945, arriving at Rawcliffe on 8 June 1945.

In March 1944, No. 427 [Lion] Squadron began to switch from the Halifax aircraft to the British built Lancaster Mk. III. The ex-crew of Halifax LV860 were now assigned Lancaster ME501 code KW-T. The same Nose Art now appeared on the new Lancaster, which completed at least nine operations and three German fighters shot down.