Harrow K6974 at Doncaster airfield.
On the night of 5th / 6th December 1940 a strong gale effected airfields in the lower southern side of Yorkshire and damaged a number
of aircraft which were parked at Doncaster and Brough airfields. This 271 Squadron aircraft had been correctly tied down at Doncaster to protect it
but it's port tyre had burst allowing the starboard wing to lift and break free and overturn as can be seen in the photograph above.
The time for this is given at 08.30hrs.
Crew - None.
Harrow K6974 was built to contract 435062/35 by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett and was delivered to 37 Squadron at Feltwell on 29th July 1937 where it was coded "-Y". It was
transferred to 215 Squadron at Driffield on 24th November 1937 and continued to carry the code "-Y". On 25th July 1938 it moved with the unit to Honington.
On 3rd September 1939 the unit coding was changed and K6974 became "BH-G". On 10th September 1939 it again moved with the unit to Bramcote and on 24th September 1939
with the unit to Bassingbourn. On 5th October 1939 it transferred to 10 AOS at Warmwell but on 1st January 1940 10 AOS was re-designated 10 B&GS. On 19th April
1940 it was force landed, undamaged, Cat.U recorded, when both engines cut in the air and it's then pilot made a forced landing at Chickwell, Devon. The engines were
repaired on site and it was re-fuelled and flown out of the field site. On 29th November 1940 it transferred to 271 Squadron at Doncaster but after the wind damage
on 6th December 1940 Cat.W damage was recorded after 60 MU inspected it on 15th December 1940 and it was declared beyond economic repair and struck off charge
with a total flying time of 588.15hrs.