Lysander R2031 near Cayton, Scarborough.
On 16th July 1940 the crew of this 4 Squadron aircraft were making their return to base at Linton on Ouse following an anti-invasion
coastal patrol when the aircraft suffered engine failure near Scarborough while flying
in bad weather. A force-landing had to be made near Cayton but in doing so the aircraft crashed at 11.55hrs near to the
main Seamer to Filey road at Killerby Hall. The landing was made on soft ground which gave way as the plane touched down and
the aircraft overturned. As a result of damage sustained it was later written off. The crew of two survived, one was injured
slightly, the other escaped unhurt. The pilot had a total of 180 hours flying time
prior to this incident, of which around 60 hours were on the Lysander type. Killerby Hall has had its
fair share of aircraft incidents over the years; in all at least six aircraft have come down on or near their land.
Pilot - P/O Hugh John Alderson RAF (33525). Slightly injured.
Air Gunner - Sgt Radford.
Flight Cadet Hugh Alderson was granted a permanent commission to the rank of P/O on probation in the RAF on 23rd December 1939 on completion of his course at Cranwell.
He arrived at 4 Squadron who were based in France at the time on 23rd March 1940 and was alloted to "A-Flight", he evacuted back to England with them in May 1940. Searching
the marriage index he probably married in Kensington, London in 1942. Nothing more is known of him.
Lysander R2031 was built to contract 994551/39 by Westland Aircraft Co. Ltd. at Yeovil and was awaiting collection on 2nd June 1940. It was delivered to 4 Squadron
based at Linton on Ouse around a week later when 4 Squadron were re-equipped following the Battle of France. It sustained Cat.W/FA in the accident detailed above.