Aircrew of Lancaster PB512
0.0 miles away
Essex
Greensted Juxta Ongar Lancaster Memorial
Greensted Juxta Ongar, Essex
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Greensted Parish Council.
Type
Monument
Inscription
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LocationApproximate Location
Greensted Juxta Ongar, Essex, Essex
what3words: ///charmingly.dusty.weedy
What Happened
Lancaster PB512, operating with 582 Path Finder Force Squadron from Little Staughton, came down on 23 September 1944 near Greensted Juxta Ongar, Essex. The aircraft carried a crew of nine, eight of whom were killed, including the pilot, Flying Officer William Shirley. Those who lost their lives were William Alston, George Burch, Desmond Evans, Frank Hill, Colin Mitchell, Duncan Smith, and Flight Sergeant Frank Norman Holmes, who flew as air gunner. The fate of the ninth crew member, Edgar Walter Roslyn Pratt, is not recorded.
Community Connection
The image shows a memorial dedicated to the Aircrew of Lancaster PB512.
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
PraecedimusAircraft Type
Lancaster
Serial Number
PB512
Squadron
582 PFF
Station
Little Staughton
Date of Loss
1944-09-23
Crew (9 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Greensted Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Ongar Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Greensted Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museum register entry for the Lancaster PB512 memorial at St Andrew's Church, Greensted Juxta Ongar. Records the monument commemorating the eight crew of 582 (Pathfinder) Squadron who died on 23 September 1944.
What you'll find: The poignant Lancaster war memorial honoring its brave crew members in this IWM register entry.
Memorial reference 56210. Located at St Andrew's Church, Greensted Juxta Ongar. Eight crew killed including pilot Flg Off William Lawrence Shirley. 582 Squadron was part of No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group.
IBCC Digital ArchiveRetrieved 2026-03-23
International Bomber Command Centre digital archive entries for 582 Squadron. The squadron was formed on 1 April 1944 at Little Staughton from detachments of 7 and 156 Squadrons, operating as part of No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group on target-marking missions.
What you'll find: Explore Lancaster Memorial's detailed history in IBCC Digital Archive entries for 582 Squadron.
582 Squadron formed 1 April 1944. Operated from Little Staughton. PB512 coded 'J' flew missions to Osnabruck, Kiel, and Boulogne before its loss.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IBCC Digital Archive (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Essex / IWM (memorial/56210) (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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