Blenheim V5892 near Brandesburton.

On 14th August 1941 this 2 (C)O.T.U. aircraft was being flown on a night circuits and landings training flight. After around an hour of undertaking the exercise, which involved taking off, flying a circuit of the airfield and landing before taking off again and carrying out the same procedure. During one landing the aircraft began to drift to starboard during the approach to land, the pilot overcorrected this drift but as the aircraft was down to around 100 feet off the ground he decided to overshoot and rejoin the airfield circuit. As the undercarriage was down he raised that, climbed to 500 feet but then paid to close attention to other levers and instruments instead of watching the altimeter. The pilot was inexperienced in night flying, he did not realise that the aircraft was loosing height until it was too late and it flew into trees near Moortown Farm, Brandesburton. The aircraft was badly damaged and the pilot was injured.

Blenheim V5892 was built to contract 1485/39 by Rootes Securities Ltd. at Blythe Bridge and was awaiting collection in January 1941. It was taken on charge by 2 (C)OTU in May 1941. As a result of the accident on 14th August 1941 Cat.E/FA damage was recorded on the paperwork.

Pilot - Sgt Frederick Richard Wallis RNZAF (NZ.403769). Injured.


Although not confirmed I would suggest that the pilot was one Frederick Richard Wallis RNZAF (403769) and after completing his training was posted to the newly re-formed 89 Squadron which initially flew Beaufighters. The Unit was posted out to the Middle-East before the end of the year and F/Sgt Wallis was killed on 9th December 1941, he was aged 28 and is buried in Tripoli War Cemetery.

Back to monthly table.