Sopwith 1F1 Camel E1447 (probably NOT) near Redcar.

Prior to this date this aeroplane had been borrowed by No.256 Squadron from the flying training school at Redcar. No.256 Squadron formed in early June 1918 and had their main aerodrome site at RAF Elford (Seahouses) in Northumberland though used other nearby landing grounds of Ashington, New Hagerston, Rennington and Cairncross. Their main role was providing anti-submarine coastal patrols of the North-East coast. On 19th June 1918 the aeroplane was being flown back to join the flying training school at Redcar, which at that time was named No.2 School of Special Flying. The pilot's Casualty Card states "returning the aircraft to Redcar". On the flight south the aeroplane ran out of fuel so a forced landing was made at 17.30hrs in a field containing long grass. The aeroplane's wheels became caught in the grass and it flipped over causing injury to the pilot. Exactly where this forced landing was made is unclear. It had previously been suggested that the accident occurred close to Redcar aerodrome but I will cast doubt on this for two reasons. Firstly, the pilot's Casualty Card stated that he was treated for his injuries at "1st Northern General Hospital" which was in Newcastle; Redcar sent their injured to the North Ormesby Cottage Hospital and his injuries do not appear to have been too severe. Had he been injured near Redcar then he would probably not have been sent all the way to Newcastle for treatment. Secondly, if the aeroplane was running out of fuel would anyone attempt to cross the River Tees / Tees Estuary and risk having to ditch rather than land; probably not. They would surely put it down on the Durham side of the River Tees and if so then still be sent to hospital locally.

I will stick my neck out and state that the aeroplane crash landed in the Newcastle area.

Pilot - Flt Cdr George Le Boutillier Diamond RAF. Injured.

George Le Boutillier Diamond was born on 3rd July 1891 and was a medical student when he initially enlisted and received a commission in the Essex Regiment of the Army. He was seconded to the RFC as a pilot in late-1916 before the formation of the RAF. He appears to have been posted to 256 Squadron just days before being injured (probably) in the Newcastle area. He recovered and returned to what appears to be flying duties. He was later transferred to the Unemployed List on 3rd December 1919. After the First World War he was manager at York Gas Works in 1928, was awarded the CBE in 1949 Birthday Honours as Regional Controller, South Eastern Region, Ministry of Fuel and Power. He served as Chairman of the West Midlands gas Board from 1949 to 1961 and died in 1964.
Camel E1447 was built by Ruston, Proctor & Co Ltd at Lincoln, it was ordered for the Royal Flying Corps but this was then changed for supply to the Royal Air Force following it's formation in April 1918. It was delivered to Redcar as new on an unknown date in 1918, but presumably between 1st April 1918 (when the RAF formed) and June 1918 (when it was at 256 Squadron at RAF Elford). What happened to it after sustaining damage on 19th June 1918 is unknown.

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