Blenheim L1105 at Scorton airfield.
On 4th May 1940 this 219 Squadron aircraft ran onto soft ground on landing at Scorton airfield and tipped up onto its nose as can be seen on the photograph below.
Pilot - P/O Henry Ferdinand Auger RAF (41815).
The photograph above shows L1105 after the mishap at Scorton (photograph via Jim Rutland).
Blenheim L1105 was built to contract 527114/36 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd at Filton and was delivered directly to 62 Squadron based
at Cranfield in February 1938 who, at this time, were re-equipping with Blenheims, having flown Hinds since reforming in May 1937. The
aircraft transferred to 82 Squadron also based at Cranfield on an unknown date in 1938 and was then transferred to 57 Squadron
at Upper Heyford in August 1939 when 82 Squadron ceased operating Blenheim MkI's. It then moved with the unit to Roye/Amy, in
France on 24th September 1939 and moved with the unit to Rosieres-en-Santerre, in France on 18th October 1939. 57 Squadron then
ceased operating Blenheim MkI's in March 1940 and the aircraft transferred to 219 Squadron at Catterick. Following the minor mishap detailed above
Cat.R(b)/FA damage was recorded and it was taken away to be repaired in works with the work almost certainly done
by Airwork General Trading Co. Ltd at Staverton. On completion of the repairs it was issued to 5 OTU at Aston Down but was destroyed (Cat.W/FA damage recorded) on 23rd July 1940
when it stalled on approach to land and crashed at Framton Mansell, Gloucestershire. The pilot on this occasion being sadly killed.
Henry Auger had crash landed Blenheim L8686 at Catterick on 28th November 1939, Blenheim L6709 on landing at Greatham on 24th March 1940 and probably
Blenheim L8729 at Catterick on 20th May 1940. He was later posted to 261 Squadron and flew in the defence of Malta.
He was killed on 23rd April 1941 and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.
