Blenheim V5934 at Church Fenton airfield.
At 22.45hrs on 5th June 1941 this 54 OTU aircraft was in the process of taking off from Church Fenton airfield so the crew could undertake a night training flight when it suffered the port engine failing. Because the aircraft was only flying at low speed and height the pilot immediately force landed the aircraft with the wheels down. On crashing the aircraft caught fire and was eventually destroyed by the fire, all those on board sustained injuries.
Blenheim V5934 was built to contract 1485/39 by Rootes Securities Ltd. at Blythe Bridge and was awaiting collection in January 1941. After a period of MU
storage it was taken on charge by 54 OTU at Church Fenton in April 1941. As a result of the accident on 5th June 1941 Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was recorded and
the aircraft written off.
Pilot - P/O Robert Henry Williamson RAFVR (62691). Slightly injured.
Air Gunner - Sgt Arthur Douglas Cross RAFVR (918022). Slightly injured.
Passenger - Sgt K Williamson (527773). Seriously injured and taken to York Military Hospital with a broken leg.
Robert Williamson received a commission on 23rd March 1941 to the rank of P/O on probation and rose to F/O on 23rd March 1942. He recovered from the injuries
sustained in the incident above and as Acting F/Lt was killed on 28th November 1942 flying with 23 Squadron. He is buried in Cognac Communal Cemetery, France. He
was flying as pilot of Mosquito DD712 which was undertaking an intruder sortie in the Cognac region when the aircraft crashed.
Arthur Cross recovered from his injuries and received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency) on 17th October 1942 (137657). He survived the
War and remained in the RAF until 18th August 1954, when as F/Lt he relinquished his commission on appointment to the Army Emergency Reserve of Officers.