Gladiator K7969 at Ledsham.
On 10th March 1939 this 72 Squadron aeroplane took off from Church Fenton aerodrome to undertake a fighter affiliation exercise with a Blenheim of No.110 Squadron (based at Waddington). During the flight the Gladiator suffered engine failure and was force landed on sloping ground at Ledsham but ran into a hedge.
Pilot - P/O Edgar John Wilcox RAF (70830).
Edgar Wilcox was killed on 31st August 1940 when 72 Squadron Spitfire P9457 crashed near Staplehurst during the Battle of Britain.
Gladiator K7969 was built to contract 442476/35 by Gloster Aircraft Ltd. at Hucclecote and was initially taken on charge by 87 Squadron at Debden on 22nd June 1937. On 1st June 1938 it transferred to 85 Squadron also at Debden and on 5th October 1938 it transferred to 72 Squadron at Church Fenton. On 10th March 1939 it was force landed at Ledsham and a Cat.M/FA damage assessment was made. It was almost certainly repaired on site and flown back to Church Fenton. On 11th May 1939 it was transferred to HMS Argus when 112 Squadron formed and on 16th May 1939 it embarked HMS Argus with 112 Squadron for the Middle East where it was based at Helwan. On 6th November 1940 it was shot down by Fiat CR.42’s near Metemma. Cat.W/FB damage was recorded and it was struck off charge on 13th December 1940.