Spitfire AD511 at Thornaby airfield.

During the morning of 14th February 1942 two 122 Squadron Spitfires were flown from Scorton airfield to a forward operating base at Thornaby airfield where they landed at 08.10hrs. A short time later they were being scrambled into the air at Thornaby airfield and while they were taxying around the airfield prior to taking off a Hudson began it's take off run despite the Spitfires being given priority. The pilot of Spitfire AD511 braked hard to avoid the Hudson but the pilot of Spitfire W3261, that was following closely behind, was unable to stop his aircraft and it ran into W3261. AD511 was damaged the worst. W3261 is listed in the squadron records as having taken off at 08.55hrs for the scramble and landing at Thornaby at 09.30 alone. It was then flown back to Scorton at 10.50hrs. AD511 was despatched from Thornaby for repair at Hamble the following day.

(AD511) Pilot - P/O Reginald William Lee Mulliner RAFVR (115654).