Vickers Wellington W5667
0.1 miles away
Lincolnshire
Old Leake W.5667 Memorial
Old Leake, Lincolnshire
Partial Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Old Leake Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Old Leake, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///finishing.tungsten.buzzer
What Happened
Wellington W5667, operating from Saltby with 14 OTU, was on a training flight on the morning of Sunday 6 February 1943 when the aircraft failed to recover from a stall, struck the ground at Grant's Farm, Old Leake Commonside, Lincolnshire, and burst into flames. Five of the crew were killed; Sgt Thomas Joseph Pugh survived. Among those who died was bomb-aimer Sgt John Sykes, who had trained in Canada and had become RCAF Table Tennis Champion there in late 1942. Also killed were Sgt Arthur Percy Gainsford of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Sgt Patrick Clement Geary.
Community Connection
Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.
Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
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 (1 member)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Old Leake Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Boston & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Old Leake Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Bombercrew.com ForumRetrieved 2026-03-23
Forum discussion documenting the Wellington crash at Old Leake on 6-7 February 1943, with contributions from researchers and local historians providing details about the crew and circumstances.
What you'll find: Explore forum discussion on Wellington crash at Old Leake in Feb 1943, featuring expert insights and historical context.
Crash date confirmed as February 194314 OTU unit confirmedFive crew killed
yorkshire-aircraft.co.ukRetrieved 2026-03-23
Yorkshire Aircraft database entry for Wellington W5667, recording the aircraft's history including construction by Vickers Armstrongs at Weybridge, reception by 22 MU on 13 March 1941, and transfer to 14 OTU at Cottesmore on 6 November 1942 before its loss.
What you'll find: Explore the historical journey of the Wellington W5667 aircraft in this detailed Yorkshire Aircraft database entry.
Built by Vickers Armstrongs, WeybridgeReceived by 22 MU on 13 March 1941Transferred to 14 OTU Cottesmore 6 November 1942Cat.E2/FA Burnt damage classification
GeographRetrieved 2026-03-23
Geograph article on East Anglia WW2 aircrew crash memorials including the Old Leake Wellington memorial, as part of a comprehensive survey of Lincolnshire bomber crash sites.
What you'll find: Historical details about the Old Leake Wellington Memorial in this Geograph article on East Anglia WW2 aircrew crash memorials.
Listed among Lincolnshire crash memorials survey
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Bombercrew.com Forum (retrieved 2026-03-23)
yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-13
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for Old Leake W.5667 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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