Be2a (unidentified) at York.

On 23rd January 1914 an aeroplane of 2 Squadron RFC had been on route from Montrose to Farnborough (Netheravon) that would have been a record in terms of distance flying in the UK for the time had the flight ben successful. The pilot was posted out of 2 Squadron and to command his own unit at this time, hence the flight south. Unfortunately while in the Ripon area the aeroplane suffered engine trouble so was force landed near Hutton Conyers. A team of mechanics later arrived and repairs were carried out on site. The pilot later resumed the flight at around 09.00hrs on Monday, 26th January 1914 and reached Farnborough that day. He then travelled by train back to Montrose on Tuesday, 27th January 1914.

Many years ago historian Graham Sharpe located brief details that suggest two days later on 29th January 1914 the same pilot was again attempting to fly from Montrose to Netheravon but this time had to land at York owing to engine failure. The aeroplane was repaired on site and the pilot resumed the flight south on 31st January 1914. The first incident was recorded in newspapers thereby giving some contempary reference to it occuring. This later incident I have not yet located any newspaper article that mentions its occurance.

Pilot - Cpt John Harold Whitworth Becke RFC.