Laughterton (2) Lancaster Memorial
0.0 miles away
Lincolnshire
Laughterton (1) Stirling Memorial
Laughterton (1), Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Laughterton Parish Meeting.
Type
Stone memorial
Inscription
Face 1 Plaque: in Memory of (5 Names) Crew of Short Stirling EH940 Based at RAF Winthorpe Killed in Action at Kettlethorpe 21st June 1944 Face 2 Tablet: in Memory of (2 Names) Crew of Lancaster LM 292 from 103 Squadron RAF Elsham Wold Killed in Action Near Fenton 8th August 1944 on Sun Tipped Wings They Loved to Fly, into the Wide Unmeasured Sky
LocationApproximate Location
Laughterton (1), Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
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What Happened
On June 21, 1944, a Short Stirling EH940 from Laughterton (1) HCU based at RAF Winthorpe was tragically lost in action over Kettlethorpe. The crew of five perished that day. In a separate incident on August 8, 1944, a Lancaster LM292 from 103 Squadron, also based at RAF Elsham Wold, was brought down near Fenton, claiming the lives of two more crew members. Their spirits soared on sun-kissed wings, now forever part of the vast, unmeasured sky.
Community Connection
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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 (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Laughterton Parish Meeting
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Gainsborough & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Laughterton Parish Meetingparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Laughterton Historic SocietyHistory Society
Local research on EH940 and LM292 crashes
Further Reading
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
War Memorials Online registers the Laughterton Trentside Memorial, a stone cairn surmounted by a propeller blade and reduction gear with plaques on opposing sides. One side commemorates Stirling EH940 from 1661 HCU (pilot's first solo flight) which suffered an in-flight engine fire at 1,800 feet and crashed at Park Farm, Kettlethorpe on 21 June 1944. Five crew were killed and three injured.
What you'll find: The Laughterton (1) Stirling Memorial: a stone cairn adorned with a propeller blade and reduction gear, honoring those who served in Stirling EH940.
Memorial reference 264797Stone cairn with propeller bladePilot's first solo flightIn-flight engine fire at 1,800 feetCrashed at Park Farm, Kettlethorpe
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM registers the memorial as commemorating both Shorts Stirling EH940 and Avro Lancaster LM292. The memorial plaques on opposing sides were unveiled on 16 July 1994, erected on the village green beside the A1133.
What you'll find: Historical memorials honoring Shorts Stirling EH940 and Avro Lancaster LM292 at Laughterton Village Green.
IWM memorial reference 20313Dual memorial covering two crashesUnveiled 16 July 1994 on village green
Traces of WarRetrieved 2026-03-23
Traces of War documents the broader memorial context for 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit at RAF Winthorpe, which suffered numerous training losses with the notoriously difficult Short Stirling bomber during the conversion training programme.
What you'll find: Explore Laughterton (1) Stirling Memorial's history in Traces of War archives.
1661 HCU training context documentedStirling bomber conversion training losses
Nearby Memorials
Sources
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Traces of War (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
With thanks to
Paul Lawrence (Laughterton Historic Society) — Local historian — PowerPoint presentation covering Stirling EH940 and Lancaster LM292 (requested April 2026)
Last updated 2026-04-09
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