Hampden L4174 near Rossington.
On 31st May 1940 the crew of this 106 Squadron aircraft were undertaking a night-time circuit flying exercise when it crashed near Rossington, two miles
west of Finningley airfield. No injuries were reported but the aircraft was badly damaged.
Hampden L4174 was built to contract 549267/36 by Handley Page Ltd. at their Radlett factory and was awaiting collection in early 1939. It was allotted to 106 Squadron on 4th March 1939 and was then taken on charge by them on 18th May 1939 at Thornaby when the unit converted from Battle's to Hampden's. On 19th August 1939 it moved with the unit to Evanton, on 1st September 1939 to Cottesmore and then on 6th October 1939 with 106 Squadron to Finningley. Following the accident on 31st May 1940 Cat.W/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck charge on 7th June 1940.
Pilot - Sgt Frederick Michael Wilkes RAF (590761), of Plymouth.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - AC1 William Herbert Arthur Everson RAFVR (1166619). Of Newlyn, Cornwall.
Sgt William Everson was killed on 11th October 1941, he was still serving with 106 Squadron and was flying in Hampden AE144 when it crashed in Germany on Ops to Essen. He was still only twenty years old and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Sgt Wilkes was soon posted to 44 Squadron. He became a PoW on 14th August 1940 when Hampden P2077 was shot down by flak and crashed in Holland with the crew of four being taken captive.
