On the 28th of December 1940 this aircraft and another of the same squadron were
undertaking a prcatice dog fight, the pilot of this aircraft.
At 11.40hrs the other aircraft struck the underside of the other aircraft
and sliced off the tail of this aircraft.
This aircraft immediately went into a spin but the pilot was able to bale out and he
landed safely although his parachute was damaged. The aircraft crashed at Town End Farm,
Kirklevington. The story goes that his landing was cushioned by landing in a farm cess-pool, he escaped with minor injuries.
A passing motorist stopped and took him back to Catterick where he was admitted to Station Sick Quarters there for xrays.
In September 1987 the Merlin engine, cockpit controls,
control column, compass, instruments, armour plate, radio, propeller boss were all excavated and removed
to Breighton airfield. Being once an aircraft of this pilot they were deemed collectable.
Pilot - F/Lt Alan C Deere DFC and Bar RAF. Aged 23, of New Zealand, ok.
This aircraft was built to contract 19713/39 by Supermarine at Woolston and after acceptance by MU was issued to 54 Sqdn in December 1940.
Following this accident it was written off Cat W/FA.
Much is written about Al Deere on the internet, I feel no need to copy these works.