Whitley Z6490 near Kirby Underdale.
On 29th March 1943 this aircraft took off from Driffield airfield at 15.50hrs to be used in part of an air gunnery exercise with 1484 Target Towing Flight. This unit trained air gunners generally on attachment from their regular squadrons within No.4 Group. During the exercise the aircraft iced-up and became difficult to control while flying in cloud and in a strong wind. The pilot instructed his crew to abandon the aircraft and all are believed to have landed close to a searchlight battery site near Bishop Wilton. Two were slightly injured on landing. The aircraft continued for a short distance before it crashed at 17.40hrs and was destroyed.
Two locations in the same general area have been recorded in more recent years; near High Callis Wold Farm on Bishop Wilton Wold and near Manor Green, Kirby Underdale. I would welcome information to identify the correct crash location.
Pilot - F/Sgt Richard Lewis Evans RAF (655065).
Crew - Names unknown. 2 sustained minor injuries.
Richard Evans left his position with 1484 Flight on 4th April 1943, possibly as a result of being injured in baling out of Whitley Z6490.
Whitley Z6490 was built to contract 106962/40 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd. at Baginton and was awaiting collection on 21st January 1941. It was initially taken on charge by 78 Squadron at Dishforth where it was coded "EY-J". It moved to Middleton St.George with the squadron on 7th April 1941 and to Croft on 20th October 1941. In March 1942 78 Squadron ceased operating Whitley MkV's so the aircraft was transferred to 1484 Flight at Driffield. As a result of damage sustained on 17th June 1942 at Driffield minor Cat.A/FA damage was the assessment and it was repaired on site. On 29th March 1943 it was abandoned over the Yorkshire Wolds. Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage was recorded on the paperwork and it was written off.