Master T8550 near Ulleskelf.
On 18th May 1941 the pilot of this 54 OTU aircraft was flying at night and had just taken off from Church Fenton when the aircraft's engine cut out,
the aircraft struck a tree at 23.30hrs near Ulleskelf and crashed seriously injuring both the airmen on board.
Master T8550 was built to contract 44440/39 by Phillips & Powys Ltd. at Woodley and was awaiting collection in December 190. After a short
period of storage it was taken on charge by 54 OTU at Church Fenton but was badly damaged in the incident at Ulleskelf on 18th May 1941 and Cat.E/FA damage was recorded.
Pilot - F/Lt William James Alington RAFO (70006). Head injuries.
Passenger - Sgt Douglas Wilson Poole (926724). Concussion.
On 28th April 1936 he was granted a commission as P/O on probation in the Reserve. In the years before the War he rose in rank and on 13th November 1940
in the RAF, Reserve of Air Force Officers, he was made F/Lt. He was awarded the AFC, Gazetted on 30th September 1941, this was gained for service with
2 CFS. Hugh Halliday's research discovered a recommendation for his award which states.."This officer has completed 2,700 hours of instructional flying
of which 595 hours have been flown since December 1939. His great enthusiasm for the work is reflected in the high standard attained by his pupils." Later,
on 16th December 1941, he rose to S/Ldr. On 2nd February 1943 he was awarded the DFC for service and commanding 25 Squadron, the citation reads.."This
officer has completed a large number of sorties and has destroyed two enemy aircraft at night. He is an extremely able flight commander, whose efforts to
achieve success in night fighting have been most praiseworthy." He was also awarded the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted on 23rd July 1943 for service with 264
Squadron. This citation reads.."This officer has displayed exceptional keenness and determination to inflict loss on the enemy. On one sortie, he damaged
seven locomotives. More recently, in June 1943, he led a formation of light bombers on an operation which resulted in the destruction of four enemy
aircraft on the ground, while much damage was caused to a hangar. In addition, a minesweeper was attacked and damaged. By his fearless and skilful
leadership, Wing Commander Alington played a large part in the success of the sortie." Post-War he stayed with the RAF Reserve of Officers and
relinquished his commission of S/Ldr but retaining his rank of W/C with effect from 10th February 1954.
William "Marmaduke" Alington was born on 26th March 1926 in Hythe, Kent and was the son of Lt.Col. A C M Alington. His brothers Paym Lt.Cdr Rupert Hildebrand
Alington and W/Co Patrick Hamilton Alington RAF also served in WW2 with distinction. He was flying as far back as 1932 as a civilian pilot and gained
his aviator's licence (No.10571) in June 1932 at the Hampshire Aeroplane Club. He later joined the staff of Aberdeen Airways and Alan Clark's Peak
District aircraft crash research reveals that he was the pilot of Moth G-EBWA which crashed on Burbage Edge near Buxton on 11th October 1934.
Nothing more is known of Sgt Poole.