Ardleigh II Memorial
4.3 miles away
Essex
Colchester Lancaster Memorial
Colchester, Essex
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Colchester City Council.
Type
Stone memorial
Inscription
Top Tablet: This Memorial Is Dedicated to the Crew of RAF Lancaster UM-K2 Serial No. DV 177 of 626 Squadron Wickenby Which Crashed Close to This Location 25th April 1944 at 0410 Hours with Loss of All Seven Crewmen. P
The names of all 7 crew members are inscribed on the memorial.
LocationApproximate Location
Colchester, Essex, Essex
what3words: ///boots.stones.camp
What Happened
On April 25, 1944, at 04:10 AM, RAF Lancaster DV177 of 626 Squadron, based near Wickenby, crashed close to this location, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. The aircraft, piloted by P/O Murray L McPherson (RCAF), Flight Engineer James D Mayger (RAF), Navigator Francis W Gunn (RCAF), Air Bomber John L Shell (RAF), Wireless Operator Dennis Randle (RAF), Air Gunner Ernest J Fancy (RAF), and another Air Gunner Robert E H Cameron (RCAF), was last seen in the skies above. This memorial stands as a tribute to their sacrifice.
Community Connection
MacFarlane London Ontario Canada, David Mackie Smith (Royal Canadian Air Force Ass. 427 London Wing), members of WW2Talk.com Forum, Anne Law & Tim Brett (Wickenby Memorial Museum), Simon Gallup Langham, and Derek Blowers (1930 - 2011). The memorial came into being due
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
Aircraft Type
Lancaster
Serial Number
DV177
Squadron
626 Squadron
Station
Wickenby
Date of Loss
1944-04-25
Crew (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Colchester City Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Colchester Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Colchester City Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
TracesOfWarRetrieved 2026-03-23
Memorial database entry for Lancaster DV177 at Colchester. The 626 Squadron aircraft from Wickenby crashed on 25 April 1944 at 04:10 after being attacked by a German intruder near Diss, Norfolk, while returning from operations.
What you'll find: Explore detailed records of Lancaster DV177's tragic crash site in Colchester from TracesOfWar.
Attacked by German intruder near DissAttempted emergency landing at Boxted (USAAF station)Crashed in flames, now Severalls Business Park site
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the memorial to the crew of Lancaster UM-K2 (DV177) at Colchester, Essex. Commemorates all eight crew killed.
What you'll find: The Memorial: Colchester Lancaster Memorial, honoring crew's sacrifice in IWM War Memorials Register.
IWM memorial reference 69872Squadron code UM-K2
Gazette News (Colchester)Retrieved 2026-03-23
News report on remembrance service for the crew of Lancaster DV177. Memorial unveiled near the crash location on 25 April 2013. Crew included Canadian and British airmen of 626 Squadron.
What you'll find: Attend remembrance service at Colchester Lancaster Memorial site for crew members.
Memorial unveiled 25 April 2013Crew included RCAF pilot P/O McPherson and RCAF W/O CameronAnnual remembrance services held
Nearby Memorials
Sources
TracesOfWar (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Gazette News (Colchester) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Essex (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or addition