Martinet PX125 at Catfoss airfield.
At 14.45hrs on 27th February 1945 this Central Gunnery School aircraft was being used for some form of experimental flying and was being taxied around Catfoss airfield on the perimeter track when it collided with a fuel bowser being towed and heading in the same direction. Witnesses stated that the aircraft was being taxied too fast and the pilot had failed to see what was in front of him until it was too late to avoid a collision. No further action was taken given the pilot's fine service prior to this mishap.
Pilot - Acting S/Ldr John Maurice Bentley Beard DFM AFC RAF (89588).
John Beard was awarded the DFM for service with 249 Squadron, Gazetted in October 1940, the citation stated "Sergeant Beard has displayed great courage and coolness in his engagements against the enemy. This was particularly shown on one occasion in September 1940, when, by cool tactics, he destroyed two Messerschmitt 109's which attacked him from the rear, whilst he was pursuing an enemy bomber. He has destroyed a total of five enemy aircraft." He was granted a commission on 21st December 1940 and was later awarded the Air Force Cross on 1st January 1945. His service has been well documented with him being a Battle of Britain pilot.