Oxford V4036 at Finningley airfield.
At 09.19hrs on 21st September 1941 this aircraft was taking off from Finningley airfield with the experienced blind flying instructor using instruments, on the take off run the aircraft drifted off course and crashed into No.4 hanger. Sadly two of the three on board were killed.
Oxford V4036 was built to contract B.55347/39 by The Standard Motor Car Company Ltd. at Cowley and was awaiting collection in
June 1941. It was taken on charge by No.7 Beam Approach Training Flight (B.A.T. Flight) on 15th August 1941 at Finningley and as
a result of the accident on 21st September 1941 Cat.E2/FA damaged was recorded and the aircraft written off.
Pilot - F/O Richard Francis Keighley RAFVR (86324), aged 23, of Seaton, Hornsea. Buried Hornsea Cemetery, Yorkshire.
? - S/Ldr Arthur John Frank Churchill RAF (37036), aged 27, of Furzeham, Brixham, Devon. Buried Finningley Churchyard Extension, Yorkshire.
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - F/Sgt E Groves RAFVR (614455). Injured, suffered shock.
Richard Keighley's grave in Hornsea Cemetery. He received his commission to the rank of P/O on 10th August 1940 from the rank
of Sgt but with seniority back dated six days. CWGC list him as P/O on his grave but the London Gazette gives him a promotion to
F/O (War Subs) on 10th August 1941 (again with seniority back dated six days). Technically the rank on his gravestone is therefore incorrect.
Arthur Churchill was appointed to a short service commission in the RAF as Acting P/O on probation in October 1935 and posted
to 9 Squadron at Boscombe Down on 14th October 1935. He rose to acting F/O on 19th April 1937 (made permanent in February 1938)
and then to acting F/Lt on 20th May 1938 and made permanent on 19th April 1939. He rose to temporary S/Ldr in September 1940.
