Maurice Farman S.11 Shorthorn A6848 at Doncaster aerodrome.
On 4th April 1918 the pilot of this No.49 Training Squadron aeroplane attempted to take off from Doncaster aerodrome and in doing so, instead of climbing away straight ahead he attempted to make a steeply banked climbing turn but while doing so the engine failed. The pilot could not right the aeroplane and it sideslipped into the ground. Both men flying in it were injured. The pilot sustained head and leg injuries.
Pilot - Sgt John Dewbery RAF (359). Injured.
Fitter - Cpl George Ernest Summers RAF (29909). Injured.
John Dewbery was born on 19th April 1894 at Kingston, Surrey. He worked as a motor engineer before joining the Royal Flying Corps back in September 1912, being one of the early members. He was with No.5 Squadron at the outbreak of the Great War and served in France from 14th August 1914. He was wounded in action on 7th December 1915 serving as an aerial gunner in No.11 Squadron which saw him sent back to hospital in England. He recovered but reverted to the rank of AM1 and remustered to undertake pilot training. He gained his Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate (Cert.No.4182) at the Military School, Thetford, on 31st January 1917. The date he was posted to No.49 Training Squadron at Doncaster is not known but would have been prior to the RAF being formed on 1st April 1918. He appears to have recovered to some extent from the injuries sustained on 4th April 1918 and was posted back to Doncaster aerodrome. He was discharged from the RAF on 7th November 1918.