Lysander R2031 near Cayton, Scarborough.
On the 16th of July 1940 the crew of this aircraft were making their return to base following an anti-invasion
coastal patrol when the aircraft suffered engine failure near Scarborough while flying
in bad weather. A force-landing had to be made near Cayton but in doing so the aircraft crashed at 11.55hrs near to the
main Seamer to Filey road at Killerby Hall. The landing was made on soft ground which gave way as the plane touched down and
the aircraft overturned. As a result of damage sustained it was later written off. The crew of two survived, one was injured
slightly, the other escaped unhurt. The pilot had a total of 180 hours flying time
prior to this incident, of which around 60 hours were on the Lysander type. Killerby Hall has had its
fair share of aircraft incidents over the years; in all at least six aircraft have come down on or near
their land.
Pilot - P/O Hugh J Alderson RAF (33525), slightly injured.
Air Gunner - Name unknown, uninjured.
Flight Cadet Hugh Alderson was granted a permanant commission to the rank of P/O on probation in the RAF on 23rd December
1939 on completion of his course at Cranwell, nothing more is known of him.
Lysander R2031 was built to contract 994551/39 by Westland Aircraft Co. Ltd. at Yeovil and was
awaiting collection on 2nd June 1940. It was delivered to 4 Squadron based at Linton on Ouse around a
week later when 4 Squadron were re-equipped after the Battle of France. It sustained Cat.W/FA in the
accident detailed above.