Oxford L9647 near Burton Fleming, Yorkshire Wolds.

On the 19th May 1942 the pilot of this aircraft was flying in formation with Oxford R6358 when a collision occurred. The wing of the other aircraft struck the tail of this aircraft which caused this aircraft to dive into ground at 10.30hrs near Pear Tree Farm, Burton Fleming. The pilot of this aircraft, who was flying solo, was killed. The other aircraft managed to land safely probably back at its base.

Pilot - Sgt Bernard R Rutherford RAAF (406540), aged 22, of West Perth, Western Australia. BUried Leconfield Churchyard, Yorkshire.

Bernard Rutherford was born in Wolverhampton, England on 22nd August 1919, he enlisted in Perth, Western Australia. Sadly his younger brother Thomas Rutherford RAAF (406626) died only weeks later on 14th August 1942 flying Blenheim BA192 with 54 OTU which crashed near Charterhall, he was twenty years old and is buried in Duns Cemetery, Berwickshire. Thomas was born on 3rd August 1922 in Brampton, England and also enlisted in Perth. Their father Stamford Rutherford RAAF (296635) also served in the UK during WW2.