On 21st January 1917 this RNAS Flying School aeroplane was wrecked following a forced landing due to engine failure at or near Redcar.
Pilot - Probationary F/O Ronald Victor Power RNAS.
Ronald Power was born on 21st June 1897 and had initially served as Private in the 2nd Artists Rifles. He transferred to the RNAS and was granted a commission on 3rd September 1916. He was posted to RNAS Redcar Flying School on 7th October 1916 but his training appears to have been cut short and he was posted to Cranwell where his commanding officer stated "I am afraid we shall never make a pilot of this officer, it is perfectly clear that he is far too nervous to ever fly seriously." Initially his commission was terminated on 5th February 1917 though this was postponed as he was due to attend a Court Martial, his commision was then terminated on 12th February 1917. He possibly later served as an officer in the Tank Corps, British Army.
Caudron G.III 8945 was built by British Caudron Company Ltd at Hendon and was delivered to A.A.P. at Hendon on 24th May 1916 where it was tested and accepted on 26th May 1916. It was taken apart and transported by rail to RNAS Redcar on 11th July 1917. Following re-erection and testing it was accepted on 2nd August 1916 and then joined the RNAS Flying School at Redcar. It was damaged in accidents at Redcar on 23rd August 1916, 24th October 1916 and 11th December 1916 from which it was repaired on site. On 21st January 1917 it was again damaged at Redcar but was not repaired, it was assessed and deleted from stock on 31st January 1917.
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