Lysander R2031 near Killerby Hall, Cayton, Scarborough.
On the 16th of July 1940 the crew of this aircraft were making their return to base following an anti-invasion
coastal patrol when the aircraft suffered engine failure near Scarborough whilst flying
in bad weather. A force-landing had to be made, but in doing so the aircraft crashed at 11.55hrs near to the main Seamer to Filey road.
The landing was made on soft ground which gave way as the plane touched down, the aircraft overturned and as a result of damage sustained it
was later written off. The crew of two survived, one was injured slightly, the other escaped unhurt. Air Britain publications quote "5 miles
South of Scarborough" as the crash location, this is now thought to be inaccurate. The pilot had a total of 180 hours flying time
prior to this incident, of which around 60 hours were on the Lysander.
The aircraft was built to contract 994551/39 by Westlands at Yeovil and delivered to 4 Squadron at Linton-on-Ouse in June 1940. It sustained
Cat W/FA damage in the incident detailed above and was written off.
Pilot - P/O Hugh J Alderson RAF (33525), slightly injured.
Air Gunner - Unknown, ok.
The owners of Killerby Hall had their fair share of aircraft incidents over the years; in all six aircraft have come down on or near their land.
I do not know exactly where this aircraft came down although information in police reports suggests it was close to the main Seamer to Filey road.
Flt Cadet Hugh Alderson was granted a permenant commission on probation in the RAF on 23rd December 1939, nothing more is known of him.