Vickers FB.5 5649 near Catterick.

On 9th November 1916 this No.6 Reserve Squadron aeroplane was being flown in the Catterick area when insufficient fuel pressure caused the engine to mis-fire. The flying speed decreased causing the aeroplane to stall a hundred feet above the ground, it dived into the ground nose first in the Catterick area. The pilot was killed in the crash.

Pilot - 2Lt James Thornton RFC, aged 18. Buried West Calder Cemetery, Midlothian.


Very little is known about James Thornton. He appears to have held no Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate.

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