Avro Lancaster JB477
5.9 miles away
Cambridgeshire
Great Gransden (Hayley Wood) Lancaster Memorial
Great Gransden (Hayley Wood), Cambridgeshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Great Gransden Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Great Gransden (Hayley Wood), Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire
what3words: ///coasting.doubt.smiles
OS Grid Ref: TL2852
What Happened
Lancaster JB219 of 97 Squadron departed Bourn on the night of 16 December 1943, targeting Berlin as part of the Battle of Berlin. On the return flight, the crew encountered the dense fog and low cloud that had settled across southern England — conditions that brought down approximately seventy returning bombers that night in what became known as "Black Thursday." Flying Officer Kirkwood was unable to land safely, and JB219 came down at Hayley Wood, Great Gransden, Cambridgeshire. All seven crew members were killed. The pilot, Flying Officer James Kirkwood DFC, was 28 years old.
Community Connection
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Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
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Share remembrance informationAircraft & Operation Details
Achieve your aimAircraft Type
Lancaster
Serial Number
JB219
Squadron
97 SquadronStation
Bourn
Date of Loss
1943-12-16
Operation Type
Operational
Target
Berlin raid (part of the Battle of Berlin)
Cause of Loss
Weather-related crash on return from operations; part of the "Black Thursday" disaster when 70 returning bombers crashed in bad weather
Crew (7 members)
About the Crew
F/O James Kirkwood(age 28)PilotDFC
From Kilwinning, Scotland
Killed when Lancaster JB219 crashed into Hayley Wood at 00:10 on 17 December 1943, returning from Berlin on 'Black Thursday'. Kirkwood held the DFC.
A 28-year-old pilot and holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Kirkwood was the eldest of the crew. He was flying with 97 Squadron, part of No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group.
F/Sgt Edward George Hubbard(age 21)Flight Engineer
From Croxton, Norfolk
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
Sgt Robert Charles Stewart(age 21)Navigator
From Braemar, Scotland
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
F/O George Alexander Wigley(age 22)Air Bomber
From Carshalton, London
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
Sgt Ronald George Cleeve(age 21)Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
From Wyke Regis, Dorset
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
Sgt Leonard MadeleyAir Gunner
From Manchester
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
F/Sgt John Killen(age 22)Air Gunner
From Hollinfare, Manchester area
Killed in the crash at Hayley Wood on Black Thursday.
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Great Gransden Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Great Gransden & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Great Gransden Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Comprehensive page on F/O James Kirkwood DFC and crew of Lancaster JB219 OF-R, 97 Squadron. The aircraft crashed at Hayley Wood at 00:10 on 17 December 1943 while returning from Berlin, one of 70 bombers lost to fog on 'Black Thursday'.
What you'll find: Explore detailed history and tribute to F/O James Kirkwood DFC and crew of Lancaster JB219 OF-R who tragically lost their lives at Hayley Wood on December 17, 1943.
Kirkwood held the DFC. 97 Squadron lost eight Lancasters that night with 36 aircrew killed. The crew ranged in age from 21 to 28. Memorial plaque dedicated on 15 September 2007.
RAF Pathfinders ArchiveRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed article on 'The Night of the Fog' (Black Thursday), 16/17 December 1943. Nearly 500 aircraft attacked Berlin; casualties over the target were light but 70 bombers crashed on return when fog enveloped eastern England.
What you'll find: Explore detailed article on 'The Night of the Fog' (Black Thursday), 16/17 December 1943, in Lancaster Memorial Archive.
97 Squadron at Bourn suffered the worst losses of the night. Lancaster JB219 completed the Berlin mission successfully but could not find its way through the fog to land.
RAF Pathfinders ArchiveRetrieved 2026-03-23
Crew record for F/O Kirkwood's team from the RAF Pathfinders Archive. Documents the crew's service with 97 Squadron and their loss during the Battle of Berlin campaign.
What you'll find: Detailed records of Lancaster Memorial crew members' service in 97 Squadron during the Battle of Berlin.
97 Squadron was part of No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group. The crew were lost during the sustained Battle of Berlin bombing campaign.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
RAF Pathfinders Archive (retrieved 2026-03-23)
RAF Pathfinders Archive (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Cambridgeshire (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-23
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