Thank you all SO much for all this information - I cannot overestimate how grateful and moved the lady is with with all this help from - as she put it - total strangers. She wants me to express her most sincere gratitude to you all. David Thompson - I'll pm you shortly.
I was particularly interested to learn of the problem with the Halifax which is of immense interest to the lady and her family and may explain a family tale, originating with her father's brother (also a Halifax crew member) that sabotage was suspected in this and another Halifax loss a few days earlier. Despite knowing several ex-Halifax crew I had never heard of these problems. I occasionally see a Halifax pilot who lives locally (he's now aged 94) so I'll ask him and report back if he can add anything to the history.
One last question, if I may - does anyone know exactly where the crash was? All we know is 'near Sowerby'?
Once again, many, many thanks to you all.
DS