Chipping Warden (2) R.1037 Memorial
0.0 miles away
Northamptonshire
Chipping Warden (1) Wellington Memorial
Chipping Warden (1), Northamptonshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Chipping Warden and Edgcote Parish Council.
Type
Memorial plaque
Inscription
" Prepare for Battle " Wellington Bomber LP286 of No 12 O.T.U. R.A.F. Chipping Warden Crashed Here at 1403 Hrs 18 April 1945 (5 Names) Perished (1 Name) Survived
LocationApproximate Location
Chipping Warden (1), Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire
what3words: ///wanderers.expropriate.spiders
What Happened
After suffering starboard engine problems the pilot returned to base. The pilot failed to land on the first attempt and went around. At 14.03 hrs the aircraft clipped trees coming down south east of the airfield and caught fire. The only survivor being the rear gunner. Nigel Harris continues:
I have always been aware that my mother had without fail placed three crosses at the Bishopsteignton vil
Community Connection
The photograph was created and shared by John Gilchrist, who is not explicitly identified as part of any specific community group or organization in the provided text.
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 (11 members)
About the Crew
Unknown (rear gunner)Rear Gunner
The only survivor of the crash
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Chipping Warden and Edgcote Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Daventry & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Chipping Warden and Edgcote Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Detailed account of Wellington LP286 from 12 OTU crashing at Edgcote Park on 18 April 1945. The aircraft suffered starboard engine problems during a cross-country navigation exercise and stalled after an overshoot attempt, crashing at 14:03. Five of six crew killed.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Wellington crash at Edgcote Park in 1945 due to engine issues.
Pilot Fl/Sgt William John HillierStarboard engine failureStalled during go-around at 14:03Only 22 days before VE Day
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
Memorial plaque record for the crew of 12 OTU Wellington LP286 at Chipping Warden. Documents the memorial plaque and its location.
What you'll find: Detailed documentation about the Wellington aircraft crew's memorial plaque at Chipping Warden.
Memorial plaque at Chipping Warden Parish HallCopper etching presented on 63rd anniversary
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the Wellington Bomber LP286 air crew memorial at Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire.
What you'll find: Wellington Bomber LP286 aircrew memorial dedication details from IWM War Memorials Register.
IWM memorial reference 93325
Essentially EnglandRetrieved 2026-03-23
Walking guide to the Wellington LP286 memorial and crash site at Edgcote Park near Chipping Warden. Describes the walking route and provides context about the crash.
What you'll find: Explore Wellington Memorial's detailed walking guide, including crash site context in Edgcote Park near Chipping Warden.
Walking route to memorial describedCrash site at Edgcote Park
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Essentially England (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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