Anson L7924 near Gilling West, Richmond.
On 16th October 1940 the crew of this aircraft were on the return leg of a navigation
exercise to Carlisle from Cotesmore when the wing of the aircraft clipped a tree on Hartforth
Hill Flatts, near Gilling West, to the north of Richmond, at 15.15hrs. At the time visibility
was reported as being poor. Sadly all five airmen on board were killed as a result of the crash.
Pilot - Sgt Sidney J Howard RAF (566350), aged 24, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. Buried Nettlesham Churchyard, Lincolnshire.
Pilot - Sgt Arthur Hurst RAFVR (745670), aged 21, of Tean. Buried Upper Tean Churchyard, Staffordshire.
Pilot - Sgt Stanley R Sumner RAFVR (748246), aged 20, of Luton. Buried Luton General Cemetery, Bedfordshire.
Wireless Operator - Sgt Thomas H Todd (RAF (640677), aged ? Of Fir Tree. Buried Crook and Willington Cemetery, Durham.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Cyril Murray RAF (553919), aged 18, of Moss Bank, St Helens. Buried St Helens Cemetery, Lancashire.
Anson L7924 was built to contract 690658/37 by A.V. Roe Ltd, at Newton Heath and was awaiting collection in April 1938. It was taken on charge by
6 FTS at Netheravon shortly afterwards. On 26th August 1938 it moved with this unit to Little Rissington and on 3rd September 1939 the
unit re-designated as 6 SFTS. On 8th April 1940 it transferred to 14 OTU at Cottesmore when this unit formed. Following the crash near Richmond on
16th October 1940 Cat.W/FA damage was recorded and the aircraft was written off.