S.E.5a E3953 near Lissett.
During the afternoon of 24th August 1918 the pilot of this No.21 Training Depot Station aeroplane took off from Eastburn aerodrome (Driffield) to undertake a general flying exercise. While flying in the Bridlington area the top left wing crumpled up in the air causing the pilot to loose control. The aeroplane rolled over and spun into the ground at 16.20hrs. His death was registered in the Bridlington district so must have occurred in this area, rather than Driffield where it was based. Exactly where in the Bridlington area has not been found in contemporary documents although near Lissett has been stated in the past and could be correct.
Pilot - Lt John Scrase RAF, aged 26. Buried Christchurch Churchyard, Luton, Chatham, Kent but commemorated Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, Kent.
John Scrase was born on 31st July 1892 at Chatham, Kent. His service file has very little information contained in it. He initially served in The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and appears to have received a commission in the RFC on 26th March 1918 then transferred to the RAF when it formed on 1st April 1918. When he was posted to No.21 T.D.S. is not stated in the file. The churchyard he is buried in is no longer maintained so a special memorial was later placed in Woodlands Cemetery.