[Observer1940]

Hampden P1336 of No.106 Squadron RAF Finningley, Nr Doncaster.
Route: Abingdon to Finningley (per information given by S/Ldr Whitehead 106 Squadron).
Date: 24th May 1940
Crashed at: Coventry and North Warwickshire Cricket Ground, Stoke
Time of Collision: 23:08hrs
The aircraft was identified by the Balloon Squadron as friendly at 23.45hrs.
Coventry Balloon Squadron No.917
Balloon Cable: Site No.12
Public House mentioned was the Bulls Head Hotel, Binley
Searchlights were in brief operation and switched off

The newspaper piece attached:-
Reports the RAF aircraft being in trouble and with the engines cutting out, was circling and dropping flares in an attempt to land, followed by the impact with the balloon cable and then the crash.

Additional Research
1. The aircraft was displaying navigation lights from the direction of Bagington and the Starboard light of the ‘plane was seen to dip, followed by a Red flare being thrown from the aircraft and also red lights being seen.
Red and Green lights were also seen floating from the ‘plane.

2. A sharp turn was then observed after striking the balloon cable of Site No.12 followed by a loss of height and crash behind houses.

3. Local people claimed the Pilot of the aircraft was a hero, in a last ditch attempt to avoid houses and crash land onto the cricket ground.

This appears to be another case I am researching where a bomber Pilot and Crew, in cloudy weather, at night and with a failing aircraft is making an attempt to land, only to be greeted by obstacles / obstructions beneath the cloud base in his path, at, or near an aerodrome.

Mark Hood