Blenheim L8686 at Catterick airfield.
On 28th November 1939 this aircraft was written off following a heavy landing at Catterick after an engine cut out and the aircraft stalled whilst attempting crash-landing. The aircraft is reported to have cartwheeled and was written off as a result.
Pilot - P/O Henry Ferdinand Auger RAF (41815). Injured.
The pilot was injured again on 24th March 1940 as pilot of Blenheim L6709 which suffered engine failure and he crash landed the aircraft near RAF Greatham near Hartlepool.
He recovered and was later posted to 261 Squadron and flew in the defence of Malta. He was killed on 23rd April 1941 and is commemerated on the Malta Memorial.
Blenheim L8686 was built to contract 551920/37 by Rootes Securities Ltd at Speke and delivered to MU storage in August 1939. 219 Squadron reformed at Catterick on 4th October 1939 and L8686 was delivered to them around that date but the exact date is not known. Following the incident detailed above Cat.W/FA was recorded and it was struck off charge.