Beaufighter EL357 near Lissett.
On 23rd December 1942 this 2(C) O.T.U. aircraft was belly landed near Lissett at 11.30hrs, the aircraft sustained damage to both undercarriages, the port mainplane and both engines.
Pilot - Name unknown.
Beaufighter EL357 was built to contract B.65570/40 by the Bristol Aeroplane Co.Ltd. at their Old Mixon factory and was awaiting collection in September 1942. The date it was taken on charge by 2(C)O.T.U. at Catfoss is not yet known. As a result of the damage sustained on 23rd December 1942 Cat.B/FA damage was sustained and it was taken away for a repair in works by the Lancashire Aircraft Corporation Ltd. at Samlesbury with work commencing in January 1943. On completion of repairs it was placed in MU storage until later in 1943 when it was taken on charge by 9 (C)O.T.U. at Aldergrove. This unit disbanded in August 1944 so the aircraft was placed in long term MU storage. It was struck off chage on 22nd September 1945.