Sopwith 1F1 Camel B9186 at Beverley aerodrome.
On 6th July 1918 this No.72 Training Squadron aeroplane suffered the engine failing close to Beverley aerodrome, where it was based. The pilot attempted a slow turn toward the aerodrome but was flying low, the aeroplane stalled 150 feet above the ground, he lost control and it crashed. The pilot was pulled from the wreckage but died a few hours later.
Pilot - 2Lt John Hillier Blount RAF, aged 19. Buried Felixstowe Churchyard, Suffolk.
John Blount was born on 13th April 1899 at Ipswich, Suffolk. He was educated at Harrow School and undertook military training at Sandhurst. He had initially served in the Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in January 1918 and was posted to 127 Squadron in March 1918, then transferred to the RAF when it formed and the RFC folded. He appears to have received a commission in the RAF as late as 30th April 1918. In May 1918 he was posted to No.72 Training Squadron at Beverley and qualified as an assistant instructor. His great great great nephew is James Blunt, the accomplished singer / songwriter.
