Avro Lancaster Mk. III JB125 5 L.F.S. Crashed 12:01:45
The aircraft belonging to 5 Lancaster Finishing School took off from Syerston at 18:45 for a night navigation exercise. On return to base at 2150, encountered failing visibility due to low cloud and drizzle. The aircraft overflew the base, and while banking, descended below the level of the airfield and crashed near the village of Hoveringham.
Sadly, there were no survivors.
The crew were:
425241 Pilot Officer G R DUNLOP RNZAF Pilot Aged 28
1897240 Sergeant P J V BROWNE Flight Engineer Aged 20
425790 Flight Sergeant P J HILL RNZAF Navigator Aged 22
1422223 Sergeant A J EVANS BEM Air Bomber Aged 26
4212868 Flight Sergeant R L STAPLES RNZAF Wireless Op./ Air Gunner Aged 23
1852400 Sergeant R H SEDGLEY Air Gunner Aged 19
1822619 Sergeant W F CAIRNS Air Gunner Aged 19
The three RNZAF airmen, along with Sergeant Evans, were laid to rest in Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, the rest were taken for burial in their home towns.
The actual crash site is now under the waters of the local sailing club; coincidentally the orange marker buoy marks the approximate location.
The photograph is taken looking back along the aircraft's flight path.
Four of the crew were taken for burial at Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, below are photos of their graves.
The grave of Pilot Officer Guy Rerenui Dunlop.
(Image copyright: Alan L Clark)
The grave of Sergeant Albert John Evans BEM.
(Image copyright: Alan L Clark)
The grave of Flight Sergeant Richard Ludgvan Staples.
(Image copyright: Alan L Clark)
Flight Sergeant Peter John Hill's resting place.
(Image copyright: Alan L Clark)
