Blenheim L6843 at Church Fenton airfield.
At 01.00hrs on 14th July 1941 this 54 O.T.U. aircraft made a heavy landing at Church Fenton airfield causing the undercarriage to collapse.
Pilot - Sgt Arthur Ben Alfred Smith RAF (742079).
Arthur Smith received a commission in May 1942 (126104).
Blenheim L6843 was built to contract 588372/36 by A.V.Roe and Co.Ltd. in Manchester and was awaiting collection in March 1940. It was taken on charge by 219 Squadron at Church Fenton shortly after completion and moved to Redhill with them on 12th October 1940. By the end of 1940 219 Squadron had began conversion to Beaufighters so the aircraft was transferred to 55 O.T.U. at Aston Down, this must have been before 10th December 1940 as by that date all of 55 O.T.U. Blenheim's had been transferred to 54 O.T.U. at Church Fenton. As a result of the damage sustained there on 14th July 1941 minor Cat.A/FA damage resulted, it was repaired on site and returned to the unit. It passed to 12 (P)AFU soon after the unit formed at Grantham on 1st April 1942. By mid-1944 it was in MU store pending disposal before being struck off charge on 2nd August 1944.