Whitley K7214 at Dishforth aerodrome.
During 14th August 1939 this 78 Squadron aeroplane was being taxied around Dishforth aerodrome with insufficient brake pressure. When the brakes were applied they failed to stop the aeroplane from running into a lamp post. Minor damage to the aeroplane resulted.
Pilot - F/O Harold Morrey Selwyn RAF (39575).
On 3rd July 1940 F/O Selwyn was flying as a second pilot but was killed when ordered to abandon Whitley P4972 on Ops over Germany. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The pilot of P4972 was able to regain control and return to base.
Whitley K7214 was built to contract 421118/35 by Armstrong Whitworth Ltd, at Baginton and was taken on charge by 58 Squadron at Boscombe Down on 9th November 1937. 58 Squadron moved to Linton on Ouse on 20th April 1938. On 2nd May 1939 it was transferred to 78 Squadron at Dishforth. As a result of the mishap on 14th August 1939 Cat.M/FA damage was the damage assessment and it was repaired on site. On 10th October 1939 the aircraft was flown to 20 M.U. at Aston Down for storage. It was then allocated as a ground instruction airframe 1781M but this was not taken up. On 9th May 1940 it was taken on charge by 7 B.G.S. at Stormy Down, on 9th June 1941 the unit was redesignated 7 A.G.S.. On 9th May 1942 it was flown to 23 MU at Aldergrove then on 27th September 1942 it went via RAF Madley to No.11 School of Technical Training at Hereford as ground instructional airframe 3295M.