Hurricane P3057 at Church Fenton Airfield.

On the 15th of July 1940 the Church Fenton's station record book states that two aircraft were damaged. One of those is almost certainly Hurricane P2995 which crashed at Copmanthorpe in the early hours of the 16th July, the identity of the other is believed to be Hurricane P3057 which struck an "obstacle" while taking off at night and crashed.

Pilot - P/O James R B Meaker DFC RAF (42514), ok.

James Meaker was born in County Cork, Ireland in January 19191. He had first served with 46 Sqdn and was then posted to 263 Sqdn prior to joining 249 Sqdn. P/O Meaker was killed on 27th September 1940 after he baled out of Hurricane P3864 over Sussex but was struck by the aircrafts tail and was killed. His DFC was Gazetted on 8th Oct 1940. His Citation reads..

""Pilot Officer Meaker has shot down at least five enemy aircraft and damaged others. Resolute in attack, with a calm, determined temperament, his leadership has been an example to his squadron.""