Hampden L4103 near Blaxton, Finningley.
On 7th December 1940 the crew on this 106 Squadron aircraft were undertaking a night circuits and landings flying exercise when the aircraft was struck by lightning whilst in the Finningley circuit. The lightning strike caused a propeller to become detached from the aircraft, this resulted in control being lost and the
aircraft crashed near Blaxton at 19.00hrs killing two airmen on board. The pilot was on attachment to 106 Squadron from 50 Squadron at the time of this incident.
Pilot - Sgt Joseph Donald Shilling RAFVR (741468), of Farnborough. Buried Farnborough Cemetery, Hampshire.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt John Thomson RAF (647064), of Dailly Girvan, Ayrshire. Buried Finningley Churchyard Extension, Yorkshire.
Sgt John Thomson's grave in Finningley Churchyard Extension.
Hampden L4103 was built to contract 549267/36 by Handley Page Ltd at Radlett. It was allotted to 61 Squadron on 16th February 1939 and was taken on charge by them on 17th February 1939 at Hemswell. When newer models arrived on the scene it was transferred to 106 Squadron at Finningley for training duties on 13th June 1940. After the incident near Finningley on 7th December 1940 Cat.W/FA damage was recorded and the aircraft written off. It was struck off charge on 16th December 1940.