Heyford K4871 near Finningley.

On 29th March 1938 this 7 Squadron aeroplane was being flown on a night training flight but it was approaching Finningley to land the pilot undershot the flarepath on the east side of the aerodrome. It flew into a belt of trees on Austerfield Road that bordered the aerodrome site, immediately crashed and quickly caught fire. One member of the crew (AC2 Jack Guest) was thrown out or quickly escaped while two other airmen were unconscious and trapped in the cockpit area. The airman who was clear of the burning aeroplane returned to it and succeeded in dragging the pilot out. He was then joined by a local man, Mr George Linley, and they dragged the remaining airman clear of the flames. Remarkably neither trapped airmen were seriously injured. For his actions Jack Guest was awarded the Military Division, Order of the British Empire (Gazetted on 9th June 1938) for meritorious service (A British Empire Medal) for his actions and was presented on 28th November 1938 by the Air Officer Commanding No.4 Group. I have been unable to locate an award given to the civilian other than he received a letter of appreciation.

Pilot - S/Ldr John Nicolson Jaques RAF (29154).

Pilot - P/O Byron Francis Burbridge RAF (39374).

Wireless Operator - AC2 Jack Guest RAF (525488).

Any other crew - Names unknown.