Hampden at Thornaby Airfield.

On the 2nd of August 1939 this aircraft overshot its landing at Thornaby whilst landing in heavy rain, Cat M/FA damage being sustained. The aircraft was repaired on site and continued to serve with 185 Sqdn until being transferred to 14 OTU on an, at present, unknown date. It suffered a Cat B/FA mishap on 17th August 1942, it was again repaired and later issued to 5 OTU on an unknown date and served there until being struck off charge on 24th January 1944.

The aircraft was built to contract 549267/36 by Handley Page at Radlett and delivered to 185 Squadron in June 1939.

Pilot - A P/O Keith Brooke-Taylor RAF, ok.


Keith Brooke-Taylor (then RNZAF) was to be killed on 7th April 1940 serving with 835 Sqdn, he was 21 years old. His family had a double tradegy, they lost another son less than a year later, killed 30th December 1940 in New Zealand.