Hudson N7309, damaged by enemy action at Thornaby airfield.

At 00.19hrs on 6th June 1940 Thornaby airfield suffered an enemy air raid, in all six bombs were dropped and exploded and a further two failed to explode. The attack destroyed two 220 Squadron Hudsons, N7309 and P5157, which were being refuelled at the time. It also destroyed two fuel bowsers, seriously injured one airman (who subsequently died) and injured others. The runway was also damaged. The names of those injured are not yet known. The most seriously injured man died in hospital at 11.00hrs later that morning.

Groundcrew - AC2 Frederick William Nutter RAFVR (986799), aged 18. Buried Burnley Cemetery, Lancashire.

Hudson N7309 was built to contract 791587/38 by Lockheed at Burbank. After delivery to the UK it was issued to 8 MU on 18th September 1939 and was then taken on charge by 220 Squadron on 27th March 1940. As a result of the damage sustained on 6th June 1940 the aircraft was struck off charge ten days later.

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