Spitfire BL316 damaged, (possibly at Hutton Cranswick?).
On 26th April 1942 the records say that this aircraft was slightly damaged, possibly the result of damage sustained in the whilst on an operational flight, the aircraft was later assessed on site and then sent away for repair suggesting pretty serious damage. Upon further inspection it was deemed too badly damaged to warrant a repair and was written off. Having searched the 19 Squadron ORBs for information nothing obvious it listed to suggest any damage to BL316 on this date. In the early morning two patrols of two Spitfires undertook patrols off the Flamborough area (but none involved BL316) and then later in the day a group of twelve of their Spitfires flew down to West Malling and then proceeded on sweep of the Channel. During this sweep F/Sgt Royer's aircraft was slightly damaged by flak and he landed at Manston on return to England. Royer was not flying a BL.. serialled aircraft though. As yet I have not found any information to state how BL316 was damaged.
Pilot - Name unknown.
Spitfire BL316 was built to contract B.981687/39 by Vickers Armstrong's Ltd. at Castle Bromwich and was flown to 37 MU at Burtonwood on 7th December 1941 for storage and preparation for operational use. On 4th March 1942 the records state it sustained unspecified minor Cat.A(c)/FA damage, presumably at Burtonwood where it was repaired on site. On 28th March 1942 it was taken on charge by 19 Squadron at Ludham and moved with them to Hutton Cranswick on 4th April 1942. As a result of th damage sustained on 26th April 1942 Cat.B/FB damage was the initial assessment and it was taken away for repair in works but while there it was re-assessed and Re.Cat.E and struck off charge.