On the night of 20th / 21st July 1942 the crew of this No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit aircraft were detailed to undertake a night navigation training flight and they took off from Catfoss airfield at 23.55hrs. Exactly what then happened after taking off was never known. In the early hours of the morning the aircraft dived into the ground near Bartindale Plantation, a mile south of Reighton and all on board were sadly killed. The circumstances prior to the crash was never fully understood. An investigation found that there was no fuel in the tanks prior to the crash. It was assumed that the pilot had lost control after the aircraft had entered a flat spin.
Blenheim Z5723 was built to contract B.119994/40 by A.V.Roe & Co. Ltd. at Chadderton and was waiting collection in July 1940. It was taken on charge by 248 Squadron shortly after completion and was initially based at Sumburgh with 248 Squadron but moved with them to Dyce on 6th January 1941 and to Bircham Newton with them on 21st June 1941. In July 1941 248 Squadron began conversion to Beaufighter MkIc's so the aircraft was placed in MU storage prior to being taken on charge by No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit at Catfoss. As a result of the crash near Bridlington on 21st July 1942 Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge.
Pilot - Sgt George Campbell Jardine RAFVR (1070430), aged 28. Buried Peebles Cemetery, Peeblesshire, Scotland.
Observer - Sgt Walter Edward Mason RAAF (404586), aged 21. Buried Brandesburton Churchyard, Yorkshire.
Wireless Operator / Observer - Sgt Mervyn Davies RAFVR (1264534), aged 22. Buried Morriston Cemetery, Swansea, Glamorganshire, Wales.
George Jardine's grave in Peebles Cemetery (photo found on Peebles War Dead website). The casualty file states that he was born on 2nd May 1914 and enlisted for RAF service on 22nd September 1940. His age differs on the CWGC online database.
Walter Mason was born in London on 24th November 1920 but his family moved to Australia when he was young. His family were living at Townsville, Queensland, Australia when he enlisted in Brisbane on 11th October 1940.
Mervyn Davies was born on 29th February 1920 and enlisted for RAF service on 3rd September 1940.