On 22nd November 1942 this 2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit aircraft collided in the air over the Lissett area with Spitfire BL246 at 21.50hrs while both pilots were undertaking training exercises. It is believed that this Beaufighter was using the partially completed Lissett airfield to carry out a circuits and landings exercise at the time of the collision. Both aircraft crashed near Barmston and both sites have been dug with an MoD Licence in 2005-2006 by a group including Max Elliott.
Beaufighter EL394 was built to contract B.65570/40 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. at Old Mixon, Weston-super-Mare and was awaiting collection in September 1942. It was taken on charge shortly after by No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit at Catfoss and was destroyed following the crash on 22nd November 1942. Cat.E2/FA damage was the result of the damage assessment and it was struck off charge.
Pilot - Sgt Robert Andrew Patterson RCAF (R/102077), aged 20, of Mossbank, Saskatchewan, Canada. Buried Brandesburton Churchyard, Yorkshire (grave 23).
Robert Patterson was born on 30th December 1921 at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada and was the son of Walter and Agnes Bernice (nee Lamb) Patterson. His father had fought in WW1 was originally from Elmville, Huron County, Ontario but moved to Lumsden, Saskatchewan in 1906. Prior to enlisting into the RCAF Robert worked on the construction of the bombing and gunnery school at Mossbank. He enlisted for RCAF service in Regina on 1st May 1941 and after training was awarded his pilot's flying badge on 27th February 1942. On arrival in the UK in Spring 1942 he trained at 2 (P)AFU and 60 OTU before posting to 2 (C)OTU on 13th October 1942. Patterson Creek in Saskatchewan is named in his honour.
Small items retained by Eric Barton following his locating of the crash site.