Beaufighter T4781 near Breighton airfield.

On 29th November 1943 this aircraft 2 (C)OTU aircraft was being flown on a training flight when it suffered engine trouble, the pilot was trying to land at Breighton airfield when the aircraft struck trees and it crashed. Sadly the pilot was killed.

Pilot - F/O Ronald Bailes RAFVR (134539), aged 23. Of Basford, Stoke on Trent. Buried Newcastle under Lyme Cemetery, Staffordshire.

Navigator - Sgt Barton.

Ronald Bailes received a commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 20th November 1942 and rose to F/O six months later.

Back to monthly table.