On 1 February 1945 an Avro York carrying members of the British delegation to the Yalta conference crashed off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

During the flight to Yalta, undertaken during night time, the crew became unsure of their position due to a navigation radio malfunction.

The aircraft ended up over Lampedusa and circled for approximately one hour as crew members attempted to verify their position.

The crew eventually determined the proper course to Malta but by then the aircraft lacked the fuel quantity to cover the distance.

[1][2] The aircraft crew consisted of Warrant Officer William Wright, Leading Aircraftman John Chicken - wireless operator, Flight Sergeant Alfred Claude Jack Walker – flight engineer and Flying Officer Arthur Applebey – air gunner.