Tiger Moth T7777 at Bellasize airfield.
On 18th May 1943 this No.4 Elementary Flying Training School aircraft was struck by Tiger Moth N9189 at Bellasize airfield and was badly damaged, T7777 was stationary. The wreckage of both aircraft caught fire and as a result three aimen died.
Flying Instructor - F/Lt Kenneth Reavley Mason RAFVR (66563), aged 29. Buried Elloughton Churchyard, Yorkshire.
Flying Instructor - F/O Harold Rathbone RAFVR (112726), aged 31. Buried Hull Western Synagogue Cemetery, Yorkshire.
Kenneth Mason received a commission on 11th May 1941 to the rank of P/O on probation, rising to F/O (war subs) on 11th May 1942 and F/Lt (war subs) on 11th May 1943. The London Gazette printed his first name as being "Kennedy" where as CWGC and the death's index list him as "Kenneth". He is commemorated on a memorial plaque at Southport Rugby Club.
Harold Rathbone received a commission on 12th July 1941 to the rank of P/O on probation, rising to F/O (war subs) on 12th July 1942.
He had possibly worked for the Radio Times in 1930s.
Tiger Moth T7777 was built to contract 20916/39 by Morris Motors Ltd. at Cowley. On 8th January 1941 it was allocated to 15 M.U. at Wroughton but remained in a dismantled condition and was stored at Eyles and Eyles Ltd. On 11th July 1941 it was transported by road to Morris Motors Ltd. at Cowley for erection and with this complete it was taken on charge by 4 E.F.T.S. at Brough on 22nd July 1941 where it was coded "-84". As a result of the accident on 18th May 1943 Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge on 24th May 1943.