Monday 13th January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of a dark day in our region’s wartime history.
On that date back in 1945 an Avro Lancaster on a training mission out of RAF Middleton St George (today’s Teesside International Airport).
After successfully completing their mission at altitude over the North York Moors, the aircraft (serial code KB793) was on approach to land with no issues when, suddenly, a fire broke out in one of the engines.
The sparks and flames quickly spread to the wing, leading the crew to elect to bail out to safety using their parachutes. They landed along the line of today’s A66 road between Elton and Long Newton.
At the controls was Pilot Officer William McMullen, who had decided to selflessly stay at the controls of the stricken aircraft and try to steer it to land if possible.
Sadly, it wasn’t possible and all William could do was battle the controls to steer the aircraft away from the town of Darlington whose 80,000 population stretched out before him.
Many in Darlington were drawn outside by the sound of the aircraft engines passing low overhead, and were able to witness the actions of the pilot in steering it away from the built-up area shortly before it hit the ground.
It crashed near Lingfield Farm on the edge of Darlington, frustratingly close to the airport, but thankfully away from the many houses of Darlington.
However, William McMullen was killed in the impact.
McMullen Road
McMullen Road and the crash site today.
Today, the site of the crash is a busy road, lined with houses, car garages and other businesses.
Appropriately, it has been renamed McMullen Road in honour of the gallant pilot who lost his live saving others.
Half-way along the road, close to the crash site, is a memorial stone commemorating the event and telling of William’s bravery.
80th Anniversary Memorial
Pilot Officer William McMullen RCAF © Tony Hibberd – IBCC (WMR-98279)
A memorial is held at the memorial on McMullen Road every year, but this year is a special anniversary.
On Monday 13th January 2025 a Service of Remembrance to mark the 80th anniversary of Pilot Officer William Stuart McMullen, (428 Sqdn RCAF), sacrificing his own life to save the town of Darlington at 8.49pm on 13th January 1945, will be held at the McMullen Road Memorial, starting at 8.30pm.