B.E.2d 5837 near Hipswell?
On 3rd December 1916 this No.53 Squadron aeroplane entered a steep turn at 300 feet above the ground, the nose was allowed to drop and the aeroplane spun into the ground in the general Catterick area killing the two crew. Their inquest was held at Hipswell which may suggest the crash occurred near here.
Pilot - Capt Harold North Steward RFC, aged 30. Buried Petersfield Cemetery, Hampshire.
Observer - 2Lt Maurice Thornely RFC, aged 19. Buried Catterick Cemetery, Yorkshire (E.10).
Maurice Thornely was a son of (the late) James Lamport and Edith Thornely, of Liverpool and was formerly serving with the Northamptonshire Regiment before being seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. He appears to have had no Royal Aero Club aviators' certificate.
Harold Steward had earlier been a serving officer with the 6th King Edward's Own Cavalry, Indian Army betfore transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in July 1916. He had served with No's 7, 8 and 36 Reserve Squadrons before being posted to No.53 Reserve Squadron on 24th November 1916. He appears to have had no Royal Aero Club aviators' certificate.