Hampden P1170 at Doncaster airfield.
On 14th October 1939 this 61 Squadron aircraft landed at Doncaster's former civilian grass airfield at 17.50hrs during night flying training without incident. The aircraft was flown from Hemswell to Doncaster airfield as Doncaster was being used as a scatter airfield for 61 Squadron's aircraft in case of enemy raids. On landing the pilot inadvertently taxied the Hampden on cinders which caused the undercarriage to collapse. The cinders were still red hot beneath the surface and although the pilot left the aircraft it later caught fire and was destroyed.
Hampden P1170 was built to contract 773239/38 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. It was allotted to 61 Squadron on 4th July 1941 and was taken on charge by them at Hemswell on 20th July 1939. It sustained Cat.W/FA damage in the crash at Doncaster on 14th October 1939. It was struck off charge on 29th October 1939.
Pilot - P/O Kenneth Jones RAF (40714).
Kenneth Jones had a DFC Gazetted two months after becoming a PoW. The citation states that "This officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to make a low-level attack on warships at Wilhelmshaven Harbour one night in July 1940. He delivered his attack in the face of a tremendous barrage of fire from all the defences. Pilot Officer Jones has shown conspicuous courage and devotion to duty on many previous occasions and has always pressed home his attacks with the same determination." He received a Mention in Despatches during his service and remained in the RAF until 1958.
On the night of 20th / 21st July 1940 P/O Jones his then crew were flying a mining operational flight with 50 Squadron in Hampden P4344 when the aircraft was damaged by flak. He crash landed the aircraft on land and all were made prisoners of war. His crew being Sgt G Wright, Sgt R Bonson and Sgt D D Cain.