Hampden P2134 near Bretton Hall, Haigh.
On 29th September 1940 this 49 Squadron aircraft flew into the ground at 23.30hrs near Haigh, south-west of Wakefield while the crew were returning to Scampton airfield following
a cross country training flight using turning points of Upper Heyford, Finningley and returning to base of Scampton. While the aircraft was being flown at around 1,000 feet a turn was made, it lost height and struck rising ground and it's crew of three were killed. While the exact location is currently unknown when this webpage was created the location given in the AIR81 casualty file for the crew states it crashed near South Lodge, Bretton Hall. Bretton Hall is now the location of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Hampden P2134 was built to contract 952962/38 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was awaiting collection in June 1940. It was allotted to 20 MU on 30th June 1940 and was received by them on 20th July 1940. The aircraft was taken on charge by 49 Squadron at Scampton on 16th August 1940. Cat.W/FA damage was recorded following the accident at Haigh on 29th September 1940 and the aircraft was struck off charge on 9th October 1940.
Pilot - Sgt Frederick Norman Colin Catley RAFVR (745724), aged 21, of Eynsford, Kent. Buried Scampton Churchyard, Lincolnshire.
Pilot - Sgt William Nicol RAFVR (742765), aged 26, of Ayr. Buried Ayr Cemetery, Ayrshire, Scotland.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Bertram Victor Hastie RAFVR (905660), aged 21, of Canvey Island, Essex. Buried Scampton Churchyard, Lincolnshire.
William Nicol's gravestone in Ayr Cemetery.
