Tiger Moth R4943 near Bellasize airfield.
On 16th April 1941 this aircraft was damaged following a collision with Tiger Moth N6654 in the area of Bellasize airfield and a resulting crash. The starboard wings of N6654 struck and cut through the rear fuselage of R4943 and removed it's tail. The two trainee pilots lost their lives as a result of the collision.
Pilot - LAC Thomas Christopher Sharkey RAFVR (1286069), aged 28. Buried Northwood Cemetery, Middlesex.
Tiger Moth R4943 was built to contract 20916/39 by The de Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd at Hatfield and was awaiting collection in
February 1940. On an unknown date in 1940 it was taken on charge by 4 EFTS at Brough. Later in the year it was transferred to 7 EFTS at
Desfield then in early 1941 it was transferred back to 4 EFTS at Brough. On 16th April 1941 it was reported as deemed beyond repair.