Blenheim L6790 at Crockey Hill.
On 12th April 1941 the crew of this 54 Operational Training Unit aircraft were carrying out a local flying exercise when the aircraft flew into high tension cables near
Crockey Hill, between York and Selby. The aircraft was flying below the authorised height at the time. Sadly the crew of three were killed in the resulting crash near Providence House. Very little else is known about this incident.
Pilot - P/O David Coard RAFVR (60826), aged 20, of Felsted. Buried Great Leighs Churchyard, Essex.
Pilot - Sgt Stanley John Slade RAFVR (903464), aged 26, of Greenford. Buried Greenford Churchyard, Middlesex.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Herbert Doughty RAF (989007), aged 23, of Chadderton, Oldham. Buried Moston Churchyard, Lancashire.
Small fragments of the aircraft were found by aviation historians Albert Pritchard, Eric Barton and Ken Reast in October 2007 near to Providence House,
Crockey Hill confirming the crash location as stated in the police report. The photograph above was taken by Eric Barton and shows the area of their field walking finds. An example of the fragments is shown below, enough to make a conclusion that this was the right area.
David Coard received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 3rd February 1941 with seniority of 26th January 1941.
Blenheim L6790 was built to contract 588371/36 by A.V. Roe and Co. Ltd. at Chadderton and was awaiting collection in November 1939. On 30th December
1939 it was taken on charge by the newly reformed 242 Squadron at Church Fenton but the following month it was placed into MU storage as a result of 242
Squadron converting to Hurricanes. The nearly new aircraft was then taken on charge by 235 Squadron at North Coates on 27th February 1940 when the unit
converted from Fairey Battles to Blenheims. In May 1940 235 Squadron ceased operating Blenheim MkIf's and the aircraft was placed into long term MU storage.
Towards the end of November 1940 it was taken on charge by the newly formed 54 O.T.U. at Church Fenton and as a result of the damage at Crockey Hill the aircraft
was assessed and Cat.E2/FA(Burnt) damage was recorded.