Auster MS949 near Thorne.
The Clifton airfield Flying Control occurance logs (AIR16/928 and 929) stated that 17th August 1944 that an Auster from Selsey landed at Thorne at 12.50hrs. It was carrying a passenger and remained there until taking off the following morning.
Pilot - F/O.. (illegible).
Passenger - Name unknown.
Who was flying this aircraft is unclear. It had been on charge with 33 Squadron and 135 Wing, both at Selsey, but why an Auster would be up in South Yorkshire, probably making for Clifton is not known.
Auster MS949 was built to contract ACFT/1995 by Taylorcraft Aeroplanes Ltd. at Rearsby and was delivered as new to 652 Squadron at Ipswich on 11th February 1944. On 19th February 1944 it passed to 20 MU at Aston Down and on 21st June 1944 it was taken on charge by 84 Group Support Unit at Aston Down. On 17th August 1944 was transferred to 33 Squadron, within 135 Wing, and was based at Fairwood Common. On 17th August 1944 it was slightly damaged at Thorne. Cat.A/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. Once servicable it was presumed taken on charge by 33 Squadron. On 10th December 1944 it was transferred to 84 Group Support Unit at Thruxton. On 11th January 1945 it was transferred to 652 Squadron in Holland. On 1st May 1945 it moved with this unit to Rhede, then to Deilinghofen on 14th June 1945, Hoya on 16th November 1945 and Celle on 29th April 1946. On 26th August 1946 it passed to 20 MU at Aston Down. On 4th November 1947 it was sent to M.P.R.D. at Eaglescliffe where it was struck off charge and scrapped.