Hampden P1256 near Misson, Finningley.
I have not yet established which side of the Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire border this aircraft crashed and if it was in Nottinghamshire I shall remove this webpage when further information is found.
On 27th September 1940 the two crew of this 106 Squadron aircraft were undertaking a night training flight and had taken off at 19.20hrs. During the flight and while turning to make the final approach to land at Finningley the aircraft crashed near the village of Misson at 21.25hrs on the Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire border, broke up and caught fire. The accident was witnessed by a local gamekeeper and Home
Guardsman Richard Herbert Juby who rescued the trapped pilot. Sadly the pilot was so seriously injured that he died later in Doncaster hospital.
Richard Juby (Home Guard) was awarded the British Empire Medal, Gazetted on 22nd January 1941 "for gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave
manner". I thank Richard Juby's grandson for contacting me in January 2013. The full citation for his award adds a lot more information, it reads "Volunteer R.H.JUBY,
3rd BATTALION DONCASTER GROUP [later 43rd WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE (HATFIELD) BATTALION]. On 27th September 1940 an aircraft from the Royal Air Force Station at
Finningley struck the ground near Misson and immediately burst into flames. The pilot, after being thrown from his seat, was caught by his parachute harness and
remained hanging from the aircraft. Volunteer Juby, who immediately ran to the aircraft when it crashed and burst into flames, cut away the parachute harness and
freed the pilot. He then carried him to the windward side of the aircraft. The pilot was later taken by ambulance to hospital but he died from the injuries he had
sustained in the accident. Volunteer Juby disregarded personal safety and danger when he approached the burning wreckage and entered the flames to cut away the
pilot's harness. Had it not been for the injuries which he had received in the accident, there is little doubt that Volunteer Juby's prompt action would have saved
the pilot's life."
Pilot - P/O John Edgecombe Lowe RAF (42373), aged 20, of Bridgwater, Somerset. Buried Finningley Churchyard Extension, Yorkshire.
? - Sgt Lloyd Haig Beatty McLeod RAFVR (967910), aged 21, of Leith, Edinbrugh. Buried Mount Vernon Roman Catholic Cemetery, Edinburgh.
John Lowe received a commission on 24th July 1939 as Acting P/O on probation. He was graded as P/O on probation on 6th January 1940 and confirmed in the rank of P/O
on 1st May 1940. He was on attachment from 44 Squadron at the time of his death.
Hampden P1256 was built to contract 773239/38 by Handley Page Ltd, at Cricklewood and was awaiting collection in October 1939. It was allotted to 9 MU on 9th October 1940 and was received by them some weeks later. It was taken on charge by 106 Squadron at Finningley on 1st March 1940 and served with them until sustaining Cat.W/FA damage in the incident near Finningley on 27th September 1940.