Blenheim L1149 at Catfoss airfield.
On 7th November 1941 the crew in this No.2 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit Blenheim had just taken off from Catfoss airfield when it suffered starboard engine failure. The aircraft crashed, possibly within the airfield boundary, sadly one man was killed in the accident and another died later of his injuries.
Blenheim L1149 was built to contract 527114/36 by The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd. at Filton as a bomber version and was awaiting collection in March 1938. It was taken on charge soon after delivery by 57 Squadron at Upper Heyford and on 24th September 1939 it moved with this unit to Roye/Amy, France, on 18th October 1939 it moved with this unit to Rosieres-en-Santerre, also in France. In February 1940 57 Squadron began converting to Blenheim MkIV's and by March 1940 all Blenheim MkI's had been withdrawn to the U.K. It was then placed into MU storage until being taken on charge by 1 (C) OTU at Silloth later in the year. Due to increased activity at Silloth the Blenheim element of the OTU were detached to Prestwick where they remained until all 1 (C)OTU's Blenheim's were transferred en bloc to 2 (C)OTU at Catfoss on 1st November 1940. The aircraft may have been converted to dual control aircraft prior to its crash on 7th November 1941 at Catfoss. Following this accident Cat.E2/FA damage was recorded after assessment.
Pilot Instructor - WO Charles Douglas Mace RAF (525691), aged 24, of Pontywall, Wales. Buried Bronllys Churchyard, Brecknockshire, Wales.
Trainee Pilot - Sgt Thomas Woodward RAFVR (1067224), aged 20. Buried St.Helens Cemetery, Lancashire. Died of injuries.
CWGC list no personal information for Sgt Woodward, but upon visiting his grave he was the son of Nathaniel and Mary Woodward and was probably from the St.Helens area given that was where he and his mother were buried. His gravestone states that he was twenty years old. His grave was very reflective and difficult to photograph.
Charles Mace's brother LAC Ernest Mace (542549) died on RAF service on 7th May 1941 in Iraq and is buried in Habbaniya War Cemetery, Iraq. He probably died as a result of the Battle of Habbaniya.
