Hampden AE119 near Withernsea.
On 12th July 1941 the crew of this 144 Squadron aircraft were returning from an operational flight to bomb Wilhelmshaven when the aircraft flew into an electrical storm. They were diverted away from their Lincolnshire base towards Yorkshire. While flying over the East Yorkshire coast The pilot desecended through cloud and the aircraft flew into the ground near Tunstall, to the north of Withernsea at 04.55hrs. One of the crew was died soon after the accident and two of the remaining three crew members were also injured.
Pilot - Sgt Ernest William Smith RAFVR (742846). Injured.
Second Pilot - Sgt John Nicholl RAFVR (973877), aged 25, of Belfast. Buried Dundonald Cemetery, Belfeast, Northern Ireland.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt S J Easton RAF (751180). Injured.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Ronald George Saunders RAFVR (1002100).
Hampden AE119 was built to contract B.67577/40 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury and was awaiting collection in April 1941. It was allotted to 12 MU on 4th April 1941 and was received by them on 24th April 1941. After acceptance it was taken on charge by 144 Squadron at Hemswell on 14th June 1941. As a result of the accident on 12th July 1941 Cat.E2/FB was the damage assessment that saw the aircraft struck off charge eleven days later.