Spitfire N3102 at Catterick airfield.

In former 41 Squadron pilot Mr Ted Shipman's book named "One of the Few" he makes mention to a flying accident at Catterick which he claims was on 26th April 1940, his account states.."One evening at dusk, when I was leading Green Section home from Greatham, my Number Two, Sgt Howitt (a Grantham lad) had the misfortune to strike the landing approach indicator with his undercarriage as he landed. He turned over but fortunately was not hurt; however his machine needed some attention!”

This account remains the only reference located as to providing any detail into the incident. The official records however suggest the date to be earlier in the month, on 13th April 1940 and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Spitfire N3102 was built to contract 527113/36 By Vickers Armstrong's (Supermarine) Ltd at Woolston and first test flown on 24th October 1939 and delivered to 9 MU at Cosford on 29th October 1939 and placed into storage. It was later issued to 41 Squadron at Catterick on 19th March 1940. Cat.W damage was recorded after inspection and it was struck off charge on 26th April 1940 (which happens to be the date suggested in Ted Shipmans account). Spitfire N3196 was indeed damaged at Catterick on the 26th April which could be the aircraft Shipman is refering, and if so the reasons surrounding the damage to N3102 are not yet known as they were virtually identical.

Pilot - Sgt Isaac Edward Howitt RAF (580341), of Grantham. Uninjured.