Battle N2102 near Wilberfoss.
On 27th February 1940 234 Squadron was about to begin converting from flying Battles and Blenheims to Spitfires. The
pilot of this aircraft was undertaking a local flying exercise when the engine of his aircraft failed in the Pocklington
area and after the aircraft suffered engine failure he attempted to bellyland it but hit a hedge just before touching down in
a field near Mill Farm, Wilberfoss. The aircraft was recovered by 60 MU the following day but the damage was enough for it to be written off.
Pilot - P/O Gordon S Crimp RAF (41904), possibly slight injured?
Gordon Crimp was granted a Short Service commission in the RAF on 15th April 1939 to the rank of
Acting P/O on probation. He was confirmed in the rank of P/O on probation on 6th November 1939
and to P/O on 6th February 1940. He rose to F/O on 6th November 1940 and F/Lt exactly a year
later. He survived the War and continued his service at least until January 1952 when he
extended his period of service for a further five years.
Battle N2102 was built to contract 768880/38 by Fairey Aviation Ltd at Stockport and delivered
to 602 Squadron based at Abbotsinch on 23rd March 1939. On 4th May 1939 it suffered a Cat.M/FA mishap when it
hit a house on approach to land at Abbotsinch but was able to land safely. It was repaired on site and returned
to the unit. It later transferred to 266 Squadron at Sutton Bridge on 8th January 1940 and then was transferred
to 234 Squadron at Leconfield on 24th February 1940. Four days later it suffered the accident at Wilberfoss as detailed above
and after inspection by 60 MU Cat.W/FA was recorded. It was struck off charge on 7th March 1940. The aircraft was an unusual
one in that it was one of only afew made with dual controls.