Hampden Page Handley

The crew that was killed at Westkerke flew a “Hampden Page Handley” with code letters EQ-N (AE438). The aircraft belonged to the 408th Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The nickname of the aircraft was “Flying Panhandle”. The crest of the squadron was picturing the Canadian goose and carries the motto “FOR FREEDOM”

Performance

• Maximum speed: 265 mph at 15,500 ft (410 km/h at 4,724 m)

• Range: 1,095 miles (1,762 km)

• Service ceiling 19,000 ft (5,790 m)

• Rate of climb: 980 ft/min (300 m/min)

• Wing loading: 27.3 lb/ft² (133 kg/m²))

• Power/mass: 0.104 hp/lb (0.172 kW/kg)