On 4th July 1942 this No.4 Elementry Flying Training School aircraft was being flown on a training flight over the Howden area with an instuctor demonstrating to the trainee various flying techniques. The aircraft took off at 09.05hrs and during the flight made a fast diving turn but in pulling out of the dive the instructor became overcome with the effected of the "G" force and passed out. The aircraft then dived into the ground near Bellasize landing ground, close to Newland Gate Farm, Howden. The instructor was killed but the trainee appears to have survived.
Tiger Moth T8200 was built to contract 20916/39 by The Morris Motor Car Co. Ltd. at Cowley and was awaiting collection in April 1941. It was taken on charge by 4 EFTS at Brough on an unknown date. As a result of the crash on 4th July 1942 the aircraft was written off with Cat.E2/FA damage.
Instructor Pilot - F/O Clifford Whitehead DFM RAF (45299), aged 27. Buried Arnold Cemetery, Nottinghamshire.
Trainee Pilot - Sgt Kenneth Harvey RAFVR (1503638). Seriously injured.
Clifford Whitehead received a commission to P/O on probation on 5th February 1941. The CWGC database and the London Gazette differ with the service numbers. CWGC give "45299"
while the London Gazette give "45289". He rose to F/O on 5th February 1942, with seniority back dated to 22nd January 1942. P/O E V Bowen also had the service number of 45289, I would
suggest that the London Gazette have made an error in Whitehead's case and his correct service number was indeed 45299. He was awarded the DFM for service with 56 Squadron in the Battle of Britain, notification appeared in the London Gazette on 30th August 1940, the citation reads.. "Sgt Whitehead has taken part in most of the patrols with his squadron since the outbreak of hostilities. He has personally destroyed four enemy aircraft, and probably three more. He has carried out his many tasks with enthusiasm, and has set an example by his courage and leadership." His son is aclaimed actor Geoffrey Whitehead who has starred in numerous television series.
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