Short Stirling LJ450
1.2 miles away
Lincolnshire
Caythorpe Heath Stirling Memorial
Caythorpe Heath, Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Caythorpe and Frieston Parish Council.
Type
Stone memorial
Inscription
This Memorial Is Dedicated to the Crew of the "auben Fox" a Stirling, Mk Heavy Bomber, No LJ450 of 1654 Hbcu Shot Down at 0125 Hrs on 1 April 1944 by a Me BF410 from 11 KG51 "immelman Squadron, During a Routine Training Flight. [crew Names Inscribed on Memorial] All Bailed Out and Were Uninjured This Memorial Was Unveiled on 7 July 2004 by Mr David Theaker and Gp Capt Mp. Colley, Station Commander RAF Cranwell. This Cops Has Been Left as a Memorial Site by the Theaker Family Who Witnessed the Crash and in Respect for Those Who Sacrificed So Much.
LocationApproximate Location
Caythorpe Heath, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///occupy.remix.searcher
What Happened
This memorial honors the crew of "Auben Fox," a Stirling Mk Heavy Bomber, registration LJ450, from 1654 HCU. On April 1, 1944, at 0125 hours, during a routine training flight, it was shot down by a Messerschmitt BF109 from 11/KG51's "Immelmann Squadron." Despite the loss of their aircraft, all crew members safely bailed out and sustained no injuries. David Theaker and Group Captain MP Colley, Station Commander RAF Cranwell. It stands as a tribute, left undisturbed at the crash site, in respect for their sacrifice, witnessed by the Theaker family.
Community Connection
It was erected by the Theaker family who witnessed the crash and in respect for those who sacrificed much.
Remembrance
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 (8 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Caythorpe and Frieston Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Sleaford & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Caythorpe and Frieston Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
Memorial record for the crew of Stirling LJ450 at Caythorpe Heath. The aircraft from 1654 HCU was shot down by a Luftwaffe Me410 intruder during a night navigation and bombing exercise on 12 April 1944.
What you'll find: The poignant memorial record for Stirling LJ450 crew at Caythorpe Heath.
Shot down by Me410 intruder piloted by Hptm Dietrich Puttfarken (II/KG51)Memorial plaque unveiled 7 July 2004Night navigation exercise with bombing practice on Bassingham Fen range
Lincolnshire Heritage ExplorerRetrieved 2026-03-23
Official heritage record for the Short Stirling aircraft crash site and memorial at Caythorpe. Crash site covered by a small copse maintained as a memorial to the crew.
What you'll find: Explore the Short Stirling Aircraft Memorial at Caythorpe Heath in Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer.
Heritage monument reference MLI116375Crash site copse preserved as memorial
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the memorial to the crew of Short Stirling III LJ450 at Caythorpe, Lincolnshire.
What you'll find: Explore the Caythorpe Heath Stirling Memorial honoring aircraft's crew in IWM War Memorials Register.
IWM memorial reference 54193Four killed, four survived by bailing out
Nearby Memorials
Sources
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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