Over 900 Military Crash Records Added to N Yorks HER Online

To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, North Yorkshire County Council has added additional records relating to over 900 military aircraft crash sites to its information available via Heritage Gateway.

This is the culmination of a project carried out over the last 18 months, using Bradford University archaeology placement students to research and enter the data into the North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record (HER).

Nick Boldrini, former HER Officer leading on the project said:

These sites are protected by law and some may have ammunition and bombs not cleared still left in place, as the recent events in 2009 at Ebberston, near Pickering showed. There may also be the remains of aircrew killed in the crash still present, so it is very important that we are aware of where the sites are, so we can ensure they are cared for and managed appropriately.

The research, which uncovered crashes dating from 1928 to 2003, revealed some interesting facts. For example, over 700 of the crashes in North Yorkshire took place in Word War II, including the first German aeroplane to crash on English soil, in February 1940. Of these World War II crashes, over 540 were Allied bomber crashes, reflecting the number of airfields in the area which were used as bases for bomber crew training, and for operations over Europe.

Andrew Dearlove, one of the Bradford University placement students who worked on the project said:

Each crash has its own story, but one that stood out for me was Halifax serial number LK907, which crashed at Croft airfield in February 1944. This crashed on landing whilst being flown by the bomb aimer, Flying Officer R James, who took over after the pilot was seriously injured when a bird crashed through the windscreen. All the crew and passengers were unharmed, and Flying Officer R James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Another incident of note is a much more recent crash in 1986 of an F4 Phantom, near West Burton, which at the time was the lowest and fastest ejection by RAF crew. The crew were injured, but both recovered, with the pilot returning to flying nine months later.

For more information on the North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/her

Under the Protection of Military Remains Act, 1986 it is illegal to disturb a crash site without a licence from the Ministry of Defence.