Blenheim L1462 at Church Fenton airfield.

During the morning of 19th January 1940 this 64 Squadron aircraft was one of three that were tasked with flying an operational patrol of the Yorkshire Coast area. At around 10.05hrs they took off from Church Fenton airfield, climbed to 2000 feet and had planned to fly together toward the coast despite snow clouds being in the general area. At around 2000 feet and a few miles north east of the airfield the pilot of Blenheim L1469 made radio contact stating he was suffering trouble with the starboard engine so was returning to base. He left the formation and was not seen by the other pilots in the remaining two aircraft. At around the same time the other pilots received instructions to climb and find out what the state of the clouds were. They climbed into cloud just above them but then became temporarily lost when they descended and also became seperated. Having received homing signals they returned to Church Fenton and landed but Blenheim L1462 landed heavily and was damaged. Blenheim L1469 subsequently crashed near Sherburn in Elmet (detailed on its own webpage).

Pilot - F/O Alexander James Alan Laing RAF (39993).

Air Gunner - Ac Dodemaide.

Blenheim L1462 was built to contract 527114/36 by the Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. at Filton and was awaiting collection in January 1939. After a short period of MU storage it was taken on charge by 64 Squadron at Church Fenton. As a result of the mishap on 19th January 1940 Cat.M/FA damage was probably the result of the assessment but there is no mentions of the damage in the published history of the aircraft. It would have been repaired on site and returned to 64 Squadron use. In May 1940 64 Squadron ceased operating Blenheim MkIf's so the aircraft was transferred to 5 OTU as Aston Down. On 1st November 1940 5 OTU transferred all it's Blenheim operation to 54 OTU at Church Fenton though 54 OTU did not officially commence operation until 25th November 1940. In February 1942 the older Blenheim's were placed in long term MU storage pending disposal and this aircraft was eventually struck off charge on 31st July 1943.

Back to monthly table.