Anson K6269 damaged "near Leeds".
On 2nd November 1940 this No.2 School of Air Navigation aircraft was being flown on a navigation exercise and during the flight the pilot was forced to make a precautionary landing in the Leeds area. At 13.00hrs the aircraft was in the process of taking off from the field when the tail clipped the boundary wall and the aircraft flew through telephone wires. The pilot was able to make a safe landing but minor damage had resulted to the aircraft.
Pilot - F/O Arthur William Mack RAF (40244).
Arthur Mark was born in New Zealand in 1916. He had already served in 102 Squadron Bomber Command. On his first operational flight on 8th September 1939 flying in Whitley K8985 the aircraft strayed into neutral Belgium and was forced to land in Belgium. The crew of the aircraft were interned for a short time, they were able to escape and he returned to the UK to re-join his squadron. He was awarded the DFC for service with 605 Squadron in 1943, the citation states "This officer formerly completed a tour of operational duty in Bomber Command. Latterly in fighter operations at night. Squadron Leader Mack has displayed great keenness and tenacity. During a recent operational flight, and when some 430 miles from base, his aircraft struck an object and four feet of the starboard wing of his aircraft was broken off and all except two feet of the starboard airleon. Despite this, Squadron Leader Mack flew the aircraft to base. This officer has set a very fine example." He died in 1990.
Anson K6269 was built to contract 421119/35 by A.V.Roe and Co. Ltd. at Woodford and was delivered to 144 Squadron at Hemswell on 5th February 1937. It was later transferred to 61 Squadron at Hemswell on 17th September 1937 and then returned to A.V.Roe and Co. Ltd at Woodford on 10th February 1938. On 23rd February 1938 it was taken on charge by the School of Air Navigation at Manston and then moved with this unit to St.Athan on 2nd September 1939. On 21st October 1940 it was transferred to No.2 School of Air Navigation at Cranage when the unit formed. As a result of the minor damage sustained on 2nd November 1940 Cat.R/FA damage was the damage assessment although there is nothing listed about any damage in the published Air Britain history of the aircraft. The aircraft was almost certain repaired in a works factory and once repaired returned to No.2 School of Air Navigation. On 14th August 1942 this unti was re-named the Central Navigation School. On 28th February 1943 it tyre burst on landing at Wrexham and the undercarriage collapsed, Cat.A/FA damage resulted and it was repaired on site. It was returned to the CNS on 31st March 1943. On 4th December 1943 it was converted to Ground Instructional Airframe 4424M. It was struck off charge on 14th December 1944.