Beetley Wellington Memorial
2.3 miles away
Norfolk
Brisley V.5455 Memorial
Brisley, Norfolk
Partial Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Brisley Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Brisley, Norfolk, Norfolk
what3words: ///riskiest.glove.spun
What Happened
The Bristol Blenheim crashed into a village pond on June 9, 1942 when attempting to return to West Raynham due to engine trouble. The three crew members were killed: Pilot Officer John Graham (aged 21), Sergeant Michael Beaufoy (aged 19), and Sergeant Leslie Harrowell (aged 22).
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
Crew (3 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Brisley Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Litcham Tittishall & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Brisley Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Traces of WarRetrieved 2026-03-23
Traces of War documents the memorial at the crash site of Blenheim V5455 in Brisley, Norfolk. The aircraft of 114 Squadron crashed on 9 June 1942 when attempting to return to West Raynham with engine trouble, crashing into the village pond.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Blenheim V5455 crash site memorial in Brisley, Norfolk.
Crashed into Brisley village pondEngine trouble on return to West Raynham
WaymarkingRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Waymarking entry records that the crew of Blenheim V5455 had previously participated in Operation Millennium, the first RAF thousand-bomber raid on Cologne. The memorial was placed at the crash site in 2000.
What you'll find: Crew's Operation Millennium participation and crash site memorial details, including 2000 installation.
Crew participated in Operation Millennium (thousand-bomber raid on Cologne)Memorial placed in 2000Crew: P/O John Graham (21), Sgt Michael Beaufoy (19), Sgt Leslie Harrowell (22)
Norfolk Heritage ExplorerRetrieved 2026-03-23
Norfolk Heritage Explorer's historic environment record documents the Bristol Blenheim crash site at Brisley as a significant heritage site within Norfolk's archaeological database.
What you'll find: Detailed historical record of Bristol Blenheim crash site at Brisley, including context, discovery, and significance as a World War II heritage site.
Norfolk HER reference: MNF46398
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Traces of War (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Waymarking (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Norfolk Heritage Explorer (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for Brisley V.5455 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
Email admin@bombermemorial.co.uk or contribute directly via our GitHub repository