Hampden P4409 at Lindholme airfield.
On 1st April 1941 the pilot of this 50 Squadron aircraft was taking off for a solo training flight and was attempting to take off from Lindholme down-wind when it swung off the runway and the undercarriage collapsed. Although the aircraft was wrecked the pilot escaped serious injury.
Pilot - Sgt John Ratcliffe RAF (748372).
Sgt Ratcliffe was killed on 10th April 1941 when Hampden AN789 failed to return from Ops to Dusseldorf. He is buried at Jonkerbos War
Cemetery, Holland. CWGC list no personal details for on their online database. The photograph of his grave was found on the internet posted by Michel Beckers.
Hampden P4409 was built to contract 778453/39 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett and was allotted to 24 Mu on 1st June 1940. On 6th July 1940 it was received by 24 MU at Ternhill for preparation for operational service and on 9th August 1940 it was taken on charge by 49 Squadron at Scampton. It was transferred to 50 Squadron at Lindholme on 12th Decemnber 1940. As a result of the accident at Lindholme on 1st April 1941 Cat.E/FA damage was the damage assessment. The aircraft was struck off charge on 9th April 1941.