Melton Mowbray Wellington Bomber Crash site

Non-Combat Deaths, World War II

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  • Listing Status: Not Individually Listed
  • District: Melton
  • Parish: Melton Mowbray
  • Custodian: Melton Aviation Society

Inscribed granite plaque mounted on raised brick panel, flanked by low brick walls. Information panel on rear

Gallery
View Further Details Memorial Type:Other Memorial Ref: WMP2299 Notes: The Melton Mowbray Wellington Bomber Memorial was set up to provide a lasting memory in recognition of the sacrifice the crew of Wellington LN281 gave on that fateful day of 13th August 1944 when 7 out of the 8 crew members lost their lives when the aircraft crashed in Melton Mowbray. LN281 left RAF Market Harborough on 13th Aug 1944 at 15:45Hrs for what was thought to be a routine cross country training flight followed by a bombing detail at Grimsthorpe Bombing Range. At some point during the sortie, the aircraft started to experience trouble with the starboard engine and overflew Melton Mowbray airfield at a height of 1000ft. At this height, the aircraft was too low for the crew to safely bale out so the only option was to try and make a safe landing. Whilst trying to execute a large circuit on one engine and make an emergency landing at Melton airfield, the aircraft lost flying speed, stalled and crashed four miles from the airfield between Saxby Road and Thorpe Road in the Copley South field and burst into flames. ------------------------- Commissioned By: Melton Aviation Society Custodian: Melton Aviation Society Special Categories: Crash Site Website Links: https://www.rafa.org.uk/melton-mowbray/w...

Location

Melton Mowbray Wellington Bomber Crash Site - CE Turners Engineering, Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray
Grid Reference: SK7652219186 Get Directions

Inscription Reads

In memory of the brave airmen
who lost their lives when their aircraft
Wellington Mk X LN281
of No. 14 OTU RAF Market Harborough
crashed near this site on 13th August 1944
[NAMES]

Also
Sgt George Henry Raby
who was the only survivor and suffered serious injuries

In friendship and in service we will remember them

Casualties Listing

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Name Rank Unit Batt Died Guiver - Sydney Jack Pilot Officer Royal Air Force 13/08/1944 McCudden - Robert Wireless Operator Royal Air Force 13/08/1944 Owen - Norman Flying Officer Royal Air Force
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