Whitley Z9219 at Topcliffe airfield.
On the night of 7th / 8th November 1941 the crew of this 102 Squadron aircraft were to fly an operational "Rover Patrol" flight to Boulogne. This aircraft was heading off down the the runway on take off at 20.10hrs when the cockpit light went out. In trying to reach the switch to turn it back on the pilot accidentally knocked the throttle lever on the port engine causing the engine to reduce power. The aircraft began to swing off the runway and attempting to correct the swing (presumably fumbling in the dark) he then further reduced power on the port engine instead of the starboard engine, this caused the aircraft to enter a broadside skid which tore off both undercarriage legs. One member of the crew sustained minor injuries. The aircraft received Cat.B damage.
Pilot - P/O Sidney James Brownlee Hamilton RAFVR (62703).
Second Pilot - Sgt Harry Malkin RCAF (R/55485). Injured.
Observer - Sgt C E Soradahl RCAF (R/80517).
Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Dennis Cramp RAFVR (908995).
Air Gunner - Sgt Thomas Oswald McIlquham RCAF (R/67064).
Whitley Z9219 was built to contract B.106962/40 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was awaiting collection on 2nd October 1941. The aircraft was immediately taken on charge by 102 Squadron at Topciffe but the date it arrived is not yet known. As a result of the crash there on 7th November 1941 Cat.B/FB damage was the damage assessment and it was taken away to be repaired in a works factory. At some stage in 1942 it was taken on charge by 10 O.T.U. at Abingdon before finally serving with 81 O.T.U. at Tilstock. By 16th November 1944 it had been placed in long term MU storage pending disposal. It was struck off charge on 31st May 1945.