Beaufighter T5152 at Catfoss airfield.
On 4th April 1943 the crew of this 2 (C)O.T.U. aircraft were undertaking a training flight when an
engine cut out on landing, the trainee pilot lost control in attempting to overshoot on
one engine. It entered a spin but was too low for control to be re-gained and it crashed
into the boundary hedge. One of the crew died and the other member was badly injured.
Pilot - F/O Denis Patrick O'Regan RAF (46537), aged 23. Parents of Clonakilty, Co.Cork. Buried Ardfield Burial Ground, Co.Cork, Ireland.
Navigator (Radar Operator?) - Sgt H M Caffyn RAFVR (1075064). Seriously injured.
Denis O'Regan's parents lived in Clonakilty at the time of his death but he was married
to Margaret Vera O'Regan, of Sandiway, Cheshire. I was kindly contacted by his son Mr Paddy
O'Regan during the early years of this website.
Beaufighter T5152 was built to contract B.41906/39 by Fairey Aviation Ltd. at Heaton Chapel, Stockport and was awaiting collection in June 1942. The aircraft was first taken on charge by 236 Squadron at Oulton possibly a month later. 236 Squadron moved to North Coates on 19th September 1942. On an unknown date it was transferred to 2 (C) O.T.U. at Catfoss. As a result of the damage sustained on 4th April 1943 Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was written off.