Colchester Lancaster Memorial
4.3 miles away
Essex
Ardleigh II Memorial
Ardleigh, Essex
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Ardleigh Parish Council.
Type
Monument
Inscription
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LocationVerified Location
Ardleigh, Essex, Essex
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What Happened
Halifax II DT800, operating with 102 (Ceylon) Squadron from RAF Pocklington, came down at Ardleigh, Essex on 25 February 1943. Eight of those aboard were killed, among them the pilot, Flight Sergeant Charles Henry Bray. Also lost were Pilot Officer DWF Harper, Navigator; Flight Sergeant WJ McGrath, Flight Engineer; Sergeant FW Dorrington, Wireless Operator; Sergeant J King, Air Gunner; and Sergeant MCC Squiers, Air Gunner.
Community Connection
In May 2015, a Memorial to the crew of DY- G 'George' JB848 was dedicated. The memorial serves as a tribute to the fallen crew members and a testament to the enduring community connection to their story.
Remembrance
Operations(11th February 1943)
Operations conducted at RAF Pocklington.
Aircraft Lost(8th December 1942)
Two Halifax aircraft were lost at RAF Pocklington.
Move(15th Sep 1941)
102 Squadron moved to RAF Pocklington from RAF Topcliffe.
Moved(9th Sep 1942)
102 Squadron was moved from RAF Pocklington.
Aircraft Exploded(12th May 1943)
A Halifax exploded at RAF Pocklington.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
Halifax II
Serial Number
DT800
Squadron
102 (Ceylon) Squadron
Station
Pocklington
Date of Loss
1943-02-25
Crew (6 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Ardleigh Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Wickford & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Ardleigh Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
102 (Ceylon) Squadron AssociationRetrieved 2026-03-23
On the evening of 25 February 1943, eleven Halifax II bombers of 102 (Ceylon) Squadron took off from RAF Pocklington for a raid on Nuremberg. DT800 (coded DY-P) crashed at Ardleigh at 20:24, about an hour after takeoff, likely due to icing causing loss of control.
What you'll find: Detailed account of the tragic crash, including aircraft specifications, timeline, probable cause, and tribute to the fallen crew members.
Part of 11-aircraft raid on NurembergAircraft coded DY-PCrashed at 20:24, one hour after takeoffCarrying 1000lb bomb, incendiaries and propaganda leafletsExplosion created crater 30 yards diameter, 8ft deep1000lb bomb exploded 90 minutes later (possibly delayed-action)
Wartime Memories ProjectRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Wartime Memories Project documents RAF Pocklington as the base of 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, from which Halifax DT800 departed on its final flight.
What you'll find: Detailed accounts of 102 (Ceylon) Squadron's operations from RAF Pocklington, including Halifax DT800's final flight.
102 Squadron operated from PocklingtonSquadron flew Halifax II bombers
Coventry TelegraphRetrieved 2026-03-23
Local press coverage of the memorial unveiling for the crew of Halifax DT800, honouring the eight crew members killed when the bomber crashed at Ardleigh during a Nuremberg raid.
What you'll find: Unveiling ceremony and tributes to the eight crew members of Halifax DT800, commemorated at Ardleigh II Memorial.
Memorial unveiled 75 years after crashAll eight crew killed
Nearby Memorials
Sources
102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Wartime Memories Project (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Coventry Telegraph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Essex (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
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