Blenheim V6459 at Church Fenton airfield.
At 03.55hrs on 12th June 1941 this 54 OTU aircraft was in the process of taking off from Church Fenton airfield when the starboard engine failed, the pilot was unable to reduce the power in the good engine quick enough and the aircraft swung, a wing struck the ground and the aircraft crashed. The trainee pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was badly damaged.
Blenheim V6459 was built to contract 1485/39 by Rootes Securities Ltd. at Blyth Bridge and was awaiting collection in May 1941. It was taken on
charge by 54 OTU later the same month. As a result of the mishap on 12th June 1941 Cat.E/FA damage was recorded on the paperwork and it was not repaired.
Pilot - P/O James Howard Menary RAFVR (62689), of Lurgan, Armagh, Northern Ireland. Injured.
James Menary was born in Lurgan on 21st November 1915 and was educated at Lurgan College between 1924 and 1934. After leaving school he began
working for his family buisness, Menary Bros but then joined the RAF in 1939. He received his commission on 23rd March 1941 to the rank of P/O on
probation and was promoted to F/O exactly a year later. F/O Menary was killed flying Spitfire BR322 with OADU, missing off Malta on 3rd June 1942.
He is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.