One of the original Harvard planes, 42-31100 "B" The Gimp, was assigned to the 709th squadron and arrived at Rattlesden in November 1943.

On New Years Day, 1945, during takeoff in fog and heavy clouds, The Gimp stalled, and made a belly landing at the far end of the runway. Lt. Beighley's crew survived, but the aircraft was written off and salvaged.