Sopwith Camel C158 (probably) near Tadcaster aerodrome.
During the morning of 13th June 1918 this No.68 Training Squadron aeroplane was being flown at 2,000 feet in the general area of Tadcaster aerodrome, where it was based, when the port wing broke off. The aeroplane crashed at 10.00hrs and the pilot was killed. His death was registered in the Wetherby district so the crash must have occurred within this registration district. A constructional weakness in the aeroplane was believed to have been the cause of the accident.
Pilot - Capt Herbert James Hamilton MC RAF, aged 23. Buried Islington Cemetery and Crematorium, Middlesex.
Herbert Hamilton was born on 30th April 1895 at Hornsey, Middlesex. He initially served in the London Regiment (Artists Rifles) and served in France as part of the BEF in October 1914. He later transferred to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and received a commission. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in February 1916, initially as an observer with No.20 Squadron but later switched to undertake pilot training. He then served with No.1 Squadron and No.29 Squadron in France, being credited with a number of enemy aeroplanes shot down. He was himself injured in combat on 26th March 1918 so returned to England to recover. He transferred to the RAF when it formed in April 1918 and was posted to No.68 Training Squadron at Tadcaster on 24th May 1918 as an instructor. Notification of his Military Cross was printed in the London Gazette after his death on 26th July 1918. The citation for his M.C. stated "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has on many occasions displayed the utmost dash and fearlessness in engaging enemy aircraft at close range, and has succeeded in destroying a considerable number. He also attacked with machine-gun fire and from low altitudes enemy formations on the ground and dropped bombs on points of importance behind the hostile lines. He has invariably shown great determination and a fine offensive spirit."