Beaufighter MkVIf ND211 at Clifton airfield.
The Clifton airfield Flying Control occurance log (AIR16/929) stated that at 16.45hrs on 12th September 1944 this aircraft landed at Clifton airfield. The pilot began taxying across the grass and the tail wheel assembly then suffered some damage. A short time later a tractor was attached to the aircraft and it was towed for around half a mile across the airfield which further damaged the tail wheel. Why it was landing at Clifton is unclear but it was probably in the care of No.1 Delivery Flight (based at Gatwick), and was heading to join No.54 Operational Training Unit at Charterhall.
Pilot - Name unknown.
Beaufighter ND211 was built to contract B.30264/39 by the Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd. at Filton and was initially flown to 218 MU at Colerne on 19th September 1943. On 25th September 1943 it was taken on charge by 68 Squadron at Coltishall. On 5th February 1944 it moved with this unit to Coleby Grange. 68 Squadron appear to have began conversion to Mosquitos in June 1944 so what happened to it from June to September 1944 is not yet known though it may have been an MU in temporary storage. On 12th September 1944 it was damaged at Clifton whilst in the hands of No.1 Delivery Flight (based at Gatwick). Cat.Ac/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On 29th September 1944 it was servicable and was delivered to 54 O.T.U. at Charterhall. On 28th October 1944 the pilot prematurely retracted the undercarriage on take off at Charterhall which badly damaged the aircraft. Cat.E2/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was struck off charge.