Hurricane P3706 at Sherburn in Elmet airfield.
On 5th March 1941 this 46 Squadron aircraft struck an object on take off from Sherburn in Elmet airfield which sheared off the starboard wheel.
Pilot - Sgt Peter Sharrah Simpson RAFVR (912650).
Sgt Simpson was made a POW on 12th November 1941 when Hurricane Z3158 of 126 Squadron, flying from Malta when it failed to return from an operational flight.
Hurricane P3706 was built to contract 962371/38 by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. at either the Kingston or Brooklands factory and was flown to 15 MU at Wroughton on 31st May 1940. On 11th June 1940 it was taken on charge by 257 Squadron at Hendon. This squadron then undertook moves to Northolt on 4th July 1940, Debden on 15th August 1940, Martlesham Heath on 5th September 1940, North Weald on 8th October 1940, back to Martlesham Heath on 7th November 1940 and Coltishall on 17th December 1940. On 29th December 1940 it was transferred to 46 Squadron at Digby, then moved to Church Fenton with them on 28th February 1941 and Sherburn in Elmet on 1st March 1941. It sustained Cat.R/FA damage at Sherburn on 5th March 1941. On 11th March 1941 it was collected by 13 MU at Henlow Camp for a repair in works. Once servicable on 8th October 1941 it was flown to 27 MU at Shawbury. On 26th October 1941 it went to Gloster Aircraft Ltd, at Hucclecote for conversion to a Sea Hurricane 1b variant. With this then complete, on 28th December 1941 it was taken on charge by R.N.D.A. at 27 MU at Shawbury. On 18th May 1943 it was deemed to have Cat.B damage so was returned to works for a repair in works. Once servicable it was then returned to R.N.D.A.. On 19th August 1943 it was taken on charge by 794 Squadron FAA at Angle. In March 1944 it was transferred to 731 Squadron FAA at East Haven. On 2nd March 1944 it taxied into Hurricane Z4778. Cat.X/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On 20th March 1944 it ground looped in cross wind while being flown on what was probably a practice carrier landing. The damage was assessed and it was struck off charge with Cat.Z/FA damage recorded.