Gary, thanks to a member on the excellent Canberra Crazy forum I now know what happened.

B.2 WH704 had previously taken off from Bassingbourn on a training flight and had just completed a bombing exercise at Otmoor. At 15,000 ft two steep climbing turns were initiated, and on levelling out both engines stopped. After the second attempt to relight had failed the pilot concentrated on trying to land somewhere. RAF Debden was chosen and a successful landing was made, but downwind and at excessive speed. The Canberra subsequently ran off the end of the runway and into a field – sustaining some damage to the fuselage and flaps, and possibly a part undercarriage collapse as well judging by the photos. But thanks to the pilots skill and nerve both crew were uninjured.

Also can a mod change the date to the 10th please. Thanks.

Rob

Thank you Graham. Any additional information would certainly help.
There was a very basic display card with it but no name – date – etc, just that it belonged to a 231 OCU crew member and was recovered from the sea. And this card had been in the cabinet for some 15 to 20 years as I understand it.
That display area of the tower has been completely refurbed, with the helmet now on display in a genuine Bassingbourn crew locker dating from the 1950’s.

Rob

TwinOtter23 – thanks for looking anyway Howard

johngilly – yes its the two Canberra pics I’m interested in, thanks.

Rob