On 24th July 1942 this No.25 Operational Training Unit aircraft took off at 03.20hrs from Finningley airfield with it's crew tasked with a night training exercise. It is believed that a technical fault had developed in the aircraft which prompted the instructor to abandon this training early and return to base. As it neared Finningley this aircraft collided with Wellington T2701 from the same training unit which was climbing away after overshooting the airfield and both aircraft crashed north west of Finningley airfield in flames at 03.55hrs. A total of eleven airmen lost their lives in this accident. In Aviation Archaeologist Magazine (Srs 2, No.6) it states that in 1987 parts of this aircraft were located on marshy ground on the banks of the River Torne (near Rossington) including a propeller blade.

Wellington DV476 was built to contract B.124362/40 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd at Hawarden, Chester and was awaiting collection in November 1941. It was received by 45 MU on 8th December 1941 and after preparation it was taken on charge by 25 O.T.U. at Finningley on 19th December 1941. As a result of the crash near Finningley on 24th July 1942 the aircraft was written off with Cat.E2/FA damage being recorded. It was struck off charge on 31st July 1942.

Instructor Pilot - P/O Richard Colvin Seddon Beck DFM RNZAF (402158), aged 30, of Hokitika, Westland, New Zealand. Buried Finningley Churchyard, Yorkshire.

Trainee Pilot - P/O John Vernon Robinson RAFVR (119240), aged 20, of Great Crosby, Liverpool. Buried Sefton Churchyard, Lancashire.

Observer - Sgt Harry Champion Jellyman RAFVR (1381351), aged ? Of Gilfach Goch. Buried Llantrisant (Trane) Cemetery, Glamorganshire.

Bomb Aimer - P/O William Caufield Waterson RAF (116706), aged 22, of Broxburn. Buried Uphall Cemetery, West Lothian, Scotland.

Observer - Sgt Norbron Basil Hyde RAFVR (1088309), aged 21, of Wombwell. Buried Wombwell Cemetery, Yorkshire.

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Stanley James Plume RAFVR (1376309), aged 28, of Leyton. Buried Chingford Mount Cemetery, Essex.

Air Gunner - F/Sgt Frederick Colin Ethell RAFVR (950909), aged 21, of The Rectory, Whalley Range, Manchester. Cremated Manchester.

Richard Beck was born on 17th December 1911 in Wesport, Buller, New Zealand and was educated at Westport Technical High School. He was living there and working as a motor mechanic when he was successful in enlisting as a pilot in July 1940 and after training he was awarded his Wings in January 1941 He begun operational training on Hampdens at 16 OTO on 16th April 1941. and was posted to 408 Squadron in July 1941 but was then posted to 49 Squadron, on 29th July 1941. He was reposted back to 408 Squadron on 21st August 1941. He received his commission on 5th February 1942 and was posted to 25 OTU on 7th March 1942 having completed his Tour. He was awarded the DFM for service with 408 Squadron, Gazetted on 13th March 1942. The citation for his DFM reads.. "During his operational tour this airman has carried out some particular find flights. In January 1942 he carried out a successful mine-laying mission off La Rochelle in adverse weather conditions. Afew days previously he had attacked a synthetic rubber factory at Huls. In September 1941 he participated in a daylight raid on Abbeville. On several occasions he has attacked the search light belt near Bocholt, this facilitating the passage of our bombers to their objectives. This airman has set a very fine example."

The original recommendation for his DFM, dated 27th January 1942 (reproduced by Ian Tavender in his book "The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War") reads.. "This Flight Sergeant pilot, with Sergeant Fraser as navigator has carried out some particularly fine flights during the course of his 29 sorties involving 169 hours flying. He carried out a most successful mine-laying flight to La Rochelle in January 1942, and despite adverse weather conditions, planted his mine successfully in the correct place. He also made a successful attack on the synthetic rubber factory at Huls a few days previously and obtained a first class night photograph. In addition, he took part in a successful daylight raid in formation on Abbeville in September 1941. On two or three occasions, he has been detailed to attack the searchlight belt near Bocholt. On each occasion, he has carried out a determined attack which enabled other aircraft to press on to the targets in the Ruhr practically unhindered. On all occasions, this pilot has set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty and has been an inspiration to other pilots in the squadron. This Non-Commissioned Officer is in the Royal New Zealand Air Force attached to the Royal Air Force."

William Waterson received a commission to P/O on probation (emergency) on 21st February 1942.

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