The Story of the Drub Halifax Bomber Crash in WW2

[@unpaidgroom1634]

My wife’s great uncle, Ed Riley, was the navigator on this flight. We visited the memorial today for the first time. I grew up in Batley and had never heard of Drub until my father-in-law told me this story.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for sharing!

[@unpaidgroom1634]

Ed did all the cartoons and drawings in Tom Scotland’s book “Voice from the stars” which contains the story of this crash. Apparently Ed disturbed a courting couple by landing nearby after parachuting from the plane.

[@alisonwilson8606]

Great video of the plain crash in Yorkshire and true story of it great weather

[@arthurbarritt8942]

I remember this incident very clearly - as young children we 'played' in the fuselage until it was removed! We thought this was great fun.

[@garysimpson3900]

Seventy plus years ago 20 year old men risked their lives training, flying operations over Europe, controlling powerful machines on a nightly basis having to make split second decisions on life & death. Today they call young footballers "Heroes" for coping with the "stress" of kicking a ball around a field in front of a crowed for 90 minutes while being paid £30k a week. Society gone mad.

[@antrod4502]

I’m a commercial pilot and I cannot imagine the courage it would take to tell your crew to bale out leaving you alone to face a potentially fatal crash landing. At 20 years of age... Just shows what people are capable of when the chips are down. Btw my uncle is Bill Duncanson as mentioned in your video. I’m very proud of the fact that as a five year old he raced across to be one of the first on scene to see if the pilot was okay. Great video and thanks for the effort.

[@AdventureMe]

My thoughts exactly. And at 20yrs old. Yes Bill is a great help, it was him who pointed me to do this subject.

[@roll_credits6136]

I love these stories! (Because they’re true!) You’re a credit to KZbin by keeping these stories alive! 🤘🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate, yes it's true. And a good story I had to tell.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for the information on this incident in Drub. Heart breaking to hear, yet puts a smile on my face as to his long life after this horrible day. So glad that the young boy and Scotland met after all those years. Wonderful video, Darren. Thats why I’m on a marathon watching your videos. Alway right to the point. Cheers buddy.

[@gaffzilla]

My father-in-law lived in East Bierley nearby and actually saw the wreckage. He never mentioned the plane broke up or exploded, but he said it came to rest on the ridge which is visible from the A58, over to your right as you drive towards Birkenshaw roundabout. An electricity pylon stands there now.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes, I have an update video coming out this Wednesday with more information and a closer look at the debris left behind.

[@DaveE368]

About a half a mile further on beyond the ridge where the plane stopped is a pub called "The Scotland" and I believe it is the only pub in England with this name. I don't know if there is any connection.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for that. I didn't know that.

[@alexhamilton4084]

I’m wondering if it’s named after the pilot? 👍🏻

[@lindabordman8551]

Superb story of a very brave man, look forward to other local history stories. Thanks

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. I have a few other local videos already on my channel. There's an update to this story coming on wednesday too.

[@socklesslad]

That was fascinating - and also slightly moving. Thanks!

[@2eldeano]

Brilliant video as per usual Darren, keep discovering more of your videos as we look back through your catalogue. When we get chance we'll have a ride out to Drub to take a look at the lovely Memorial up there. Keep up the great work and the history lesson is a added bonus!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Plenty more to come.

[@tam19711]

Brilliantly done, thanks, Darren

[@Fred-rj3er]

Wow! Thank you so much for your vids. You cover some of my old "stomping grounds". Not good at walking much these days so your vids are a real biggie. The knowledge is amazing. Thank you.

[@AdventureMe]

My pleasure!

[@simonslater4388]

Wow, as a child I lived on Kilroyd Drive which is about 200 yds from this area, I played in those hedgerows for years and never knew about this story. I frequent the Saville Arms occasionally too. I also did the same walk as you as a scout leader, wish I had know about it then to add some detail. Now, as an avid WWII aircraft fan its fascinating, thanks for the Video.

[@AdventureMe]

Hi Simon, thanks for the comments. That's a shame, you could have told them a great story. Check out my second part, out now.

[@joehiker8114]

That was very cool, thanks, really enjoying your you tube channel, thanks.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching!

[@RedversCross]

Absolutely love your videos mate. Vert professional and informative. Love your passion for things. Local lad too. All good.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated. Plenty more to come.

[@michaelwatterson2965]

Great stuff, really interesting. I walk through Drub once a week, never knew anything about this. Thanks for this and all your previous videos, I've enjoyed every one of them. Keep them coming please.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have another update video coming this Wednesday with more of the debris and information.

[@nigelfitzmauricehawker1553]

Both my parents lived in Drub at the time. Mum mentioned it but never went into detail I had always assumed it was a German bomber

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching.

[@trevormegson7583]

Great story. Looking forward to the update. It's good that folk can add to the tale enabling a follow up.

[@AdventureMe]

Absolutely!

[@ianmcnab2739]

I lived a mile away from the crash site and was four years old at the time. My dad was on leave from the RAF and got out a pair of old binoculars (which I still have) to look at the smoke rising from the crash to see if any munitions were involved. I contacted Bill Duncanson in 2006 or so and he put me in contact with Tom Scotland, a real gentleman, who kindly sent me a signed copy of his book. I was able to tell Tom that the road was the Halifax Road, which seemed appropriate considering what he was flying - he had been told that it was the Huddersfield Road. For many years afterwards, as one went on the bus from Cleckheaton to Leeds, the corn that grew in that field was a different color in the area where the fuel had burned.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for the story, Bill is a lovely guy. I found it hard to pinpoint the exact crash site of the bomber.

[@jimjacksonish]

My father (John Jackson) was in the group of boys that saw the plane crash along with Billy Duncanson. They all lived on Hunsworth Lane and spent their youth playing on the old pit hills and exposing old mine shafts. He never really mentioned the crash to me so thanks for the video.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching. It's a pleasure.

[@glendagraham5397]

What a great story and video, Thank you.

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you too!

[@rancidschannel3206]

Really liked this

[@brianartillery]

Absolutely fascinating. I did not know about this until I saw your video. Thank you. Looks like a bit of undercarriage door in that hedgerow. Makes sense.

[@Wedgedoow]

Very interesting video, there are some air crash sites in our area that may be of interest to you, the super fortress on bleak low, a B17 on mill hill both with bits of wreckage strewn around als we have the tramway from Dove to Buxworth basin that is something you may wish to consider. Keep em coming.

[@AdventureMe]

Hi Pete, Yes I have Bleaklow on my list already. Ill look into the others. Thanks.

[@clecklass]

There were that many crashes on the moors (usually military) that there are two books about them called Dark Peak Aircraft Wrecks (books 1 & 2).

[@ianrumgay9595]

Fascinating story brave young chap could easily have ended badly .Like the update on the wall where it smashed through defo brings history to life That must have been best pint he ever had 🍺 great stuff look forward to next video.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Ian. It grabbed my attention, I had to cover it.

[@smd1uk]

Excellent video, really enjoyable.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rancidschannel3206]

Should have given it a quick scan with a metal detector as a finish to this. Really good

[@AdventureMe]

Wish I had one lol

[@garyclarkson169]

Very interesting story and a great piece of local history. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@paulclubley7206]

Great video, your channel is on my must watch list, i have also recomended your channel to friends

[@AdventureMe]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wyb80]

Absolutely fascinating 👌🏽

[@simonrichardson5077]

great work,thanks lad

[@bustermustaffa7460]

Another truly amazing video 5:10 made me chuckle

[@bustermustaffa7460]

Funny how you confirmed that he was on about the plane tail. :)

[@AdventureMe]

Yes, I realised what i'd said and how it sounded. I should have just left it lol.

[@bustermustaffa7460]

@@AdventureMe I was from Leeds so that's why I thought HELLO :)

[@bustermustaffa7460]

@@AdventureMe does your other half go on your adventures with you. I've emailed you for help

[@bustermustaffa7460]

I love old things but not anyone I knows cup of tea lol

[@celebrationballoonsofrothw2706]

Another really well presented and informative video and a really interesting story.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks again!

[@suesmith4366]

Fascinating 😮

[@davidstorey2567]

Hi, another great video. Have you thought about covering the Halifax Bomber crash in Tingley? There's a memorial to the crash on Bradford Road (A650) near Tingley roundabout

[@AdventureMe]

No I haven't, but i'll put it on my list.

[@jazmindeakin5644]

i am a New Zealand girl and love Halifax bomber

[@martinbairstow8706]

thats my village lol but i always thought the pilot got taken to drub club (which i just across the road from the village green) not the savile arms cause thats a bit of a walk from were cockpit ended up after the crash

[@AdventureMe]

His book says the Saville Arms.

[@martinbairstow8706]

@@AdventureMe you live n learn

[@AdventureMe]

He could have got it wrong, you never know.

[@deusdaveandthezepster785]

Very interesting, Thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@a11csc]

been through drub loads of times never knew that

[@AdventureMe]

me neither

[@richardhalliday159]

Excellent content, very interesting, I had never heard of this occurrence until the plaque unveiling on local TV, your presentation is very informative and entertaining, I have viewed several other videos you have made and found them equally interesting, you are a natural at the job showing a genuine interest and enthusiasm of the subject matter you are producing, I don’t know your circumstances but can I suggest you present your portfolio to tv production companies with a view to reaching a larger audience. Kind regards. Richard Halliday ( When measured on satellite pictures I found I only live 8 miles from the site in Baildon )

[@AdventureMe]

Hi Richard, Thank you for your kind words. I think in the T.V world, I would lose the authenticity. They would control the output and I would have to fit their narrative. At least on KZbin I can do what I want and edit how I feel. Also KZbin is already taking over the mainstream media, it will be the place for all content in the not so distant future. I am doing some videos over your way soon, I will be hanging around Saltaire and Shipley Glen doing some videos.

[@richardhalliday159]

AdventureMe Thinking about the content control - I think you are absolutely right - do your own thing. Saltaire, now that is a mine of rich seams, it also ties in well with Shipley Glen which is a stones throw away. Plenty of literature available, Salt and Saltaire very well documented, you should have no trouble sourcing content, be sure to meet up with Maria Glott, she lives in Saltaire and is the official guide, you can contact her through Bradford Council. Best wishes. Richard Halliday.

[@markojack15]

@@richardhalliday159 I know it's been done before but I like this guys style of presenting and just want to lay two words before him in regards of Saltaire. Milner Field (or the remains of) I totally get the "authenticity" and freedom angle as I am a self-published writer of historical walking books and share the very same ethos. All the work is mine and mine alone in the same way that Darren's work is his.

[@adrianhill407]

In aviation circles, this would be described as a Forced Landing. It was not a crash landing because the aircraft was under control the whole time.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Adrian, I didn't know that.

[@SPENWASHGAZZ]

When i was a young boy my dad told me about a plane that crashed at the bottom of Drub lane he and his mates all went their and i believe found sum bits of the plane . I think he said they were on the way home from school maybe if you can tell me the time of the crash to see if it wold be the right time for school finishing time time .They were all very exited .Dad had 2 older brothers in the army over seas at the time the family lived a short distance from the crash . kilroyd avenue just off Whitehall road . very interesting history Thanks .

[@AdventureMe]

I'll see if i can find out the time.

[@AdventureMe]

Hi Mate, all he remembers is it was early /mid afternoon. So that would probably be about right for school home time.

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

School on boxing day? - might have been about 3:30 pm though!

[@AdventureMe]

@@hoppinonabronzeleg9477 That's what he said in the story, I never questioned it. But yeah that seems strange.

[@AndySnell-vc4mx]

Has “The Scotland” pub nearby have anything to do with this?

[@AdventureMe]

I don't think so. I think it was always called that. But who knows

[@alexhamilton4084]

You know the bomber photo you showed was a Lancaster not a Halifax?

[@AdventureMe]

You're the only person that noticed that. Yes I know, It was just for illustration purposes.

[@alexhamilton4084]

@@AdventureMe sorry 🤭😃👍🏻

[@southleedsmemories2686]

What a wonderful little story.You need to invest in a metal detector ;-)

[@AdventureMe]

Cheers. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on this story on wednesday.

[@southleedsmemories2686]

@@AdventureMe Will do.

[@AGale2110]

What a brilliant story couldn't be more English

[@AdventureMe]

Yes indeed. Keep your eyes peeled for a midweek update on this story.