Foulsham (mid-air collision) Eagle" Memorial
2.9 miles away
Norfolk
Bawdeswell Mosquito Memorial
Bawdeswell, Norfolk
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Bawdeswell Parish Council.
Type
Memorial plaque
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationVerified Location
Bawdeswell, Norfolk, Norfolk
what3words: ///clarifies.sapping.outlined
What Happened
Flying from Downham Market, Mosquito KB364 of 608 Squadron was on operations when it came down at Bawdeswell, Norfolk, on 6 November 1944. The aircraft is believed to have been brought down by iced controls, though the exact circumstances were never fully established. Pilot Officer James McLean, aged 26, and Sergeant Mervyn Lambert Tansley, aged 21, were both killed in the crash. Neither man survived. The loss of two young airmen left a lasting mark on the village of Bawdeswell, which has since commemorated them with a memorial plaque.
Community Connection
Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.
Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.
Share remembrance informationAircraft & Operation Details
Omnibus ungulisAircraft Type
Mosquito
Serial Number
KB364
Squadron
608 Squadron
Station
Downham Market
Date of Loss
1944-11-06
Crew (2 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Bawdeswell Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Reepham & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Bawdeswell Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Bawdeswell.netRetrieved 2026-03-23
Village website documents how Mosquito KB364 crashed in Bawdeswell on the evening of 6 November 1944 while returning from a diversionary raid on Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft tore down electricity cables on Reepham Road, set All Saints' Church alight, and damaged Barwick House and Chaucer House.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Mosquito KB364 crash, its impact on Bawdeswell village, and subsequent tributes.
Crashed at 20:45 on 6 November 1944Tore down electricity cables on Reepham RoadSet All Saints' Church alightDamaged Barwick House and Chaucer House
Aviation TrailsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed account of the two-man crew: P/O James McLean (26) and Sgt Mervyn Lambert Tansley (21), both RAF(VR). The Mosquito was part of 608 Squadron's Light Night Striking Force flying diversionary raids at 25,000 feet. Icing of controls is believed to have caused the crash on the return journey.
What you'll find: Detailed account of 608 Squadron's Mosquito crash, including crew profiles and iced control theory.
McLean aged 26, Tansley aged 21608 Squadron reformed 1 August 1944 at Downham MarketPart of 8 Group Light Night Striking Force12 aircraft attacked Gelsenkirchen, 11 returnedIcing of controls suspected cause
Aviation Trails (Blog Post)Retrieved 2026-03-23
Blog post marking the anniversary of the KB364 crash, noting that McLean was buried in Tranent New Cemetery, East Lothian, Scotland and Tansley in Fulham Old Cemetery, London. A fragment of the Mosquito has been made into a memorial plaque inside All Saints' Church.
What you'll find: Crash anniversary commemoration with crew burial locations and memorial plaque details.
McLean buried Tranent New Cemetery, East LothianTansley buried Fulham Old Cemetery, LondonAircraft fragment made into memorial plaque in church
GeographRetrieved 2026-03-23
Geograph photo record of the memorial plaque for Mosquito KB364 (coded 6T-P) of 608 Squadron at Bawdeswell.
What you'll find: Detailed geographical images and historical context of Bawdeswell Mosquito Memorial, commemorating a WW2 aircraft.
Aircraft coded 6T-P
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Bawdeswell.net (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Aviation Trails (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Aviation Trails (Blog Post) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
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