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Norfolk
Stoke Holy Cross Z.7304 Memorial
Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk
Partial Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Stoke Holy Cross Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk, Norfolk
what3words: ///downward.soups.rots
What Happened
During an air test and flying in poor visibility the Blenheim IV crashed into a radar pylon at Stoke Holy Cross (Poringland, Norwich) at 15.00 hrs.
Also it is thought that the pilot had an earlier narrow escape flying a 1444 FTF Hudson during a spectacular crash landing at Arminghall, Norfolk. Amazing in that Sgt. Crawford survived a crash of another Blenheim IV Z7283 earlier that year on 9th June at 00.15 hrs. during a night training exercise. (1)
Mr Kenneth T. Tagg a Civilian Meteorologist acc
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
With courage and faithAircraft Type
Blenheim Z.7304
Squadron
18 (Burma) Squadron
Station
Wattisham
Date of Loss
1942-07-18
Crew (4 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Stoke Holy Cross Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Norwich Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Stoke Holy Cross Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Detailed account of the crash of Blenheim Z7304 from 18 Squadron. The aircraft was on an air test from Wattisham when the pilot flew to the coast in poor visibility, hitting a radar pylon at Stoke Holy Cross just 10 feet from its top.
What you'll find: Explore detailed account of Blenheim Z7304 crash from 18 Squadron, including air test and tragic collision at Stoke Holy Cross Memorial.
Crew: P/O Philip Henry Lowther (pilot, age 20, RAFVR 104490), Sgt Kenneth Custance Ellis (navigator, age 32, RAFVR 1259306), Sgt George Bernard Crawford (WOp/AG, age 21, RAFVR 1178840). Also killed was Ken Tagg, an 18-year-old civilian meteorological assistant who was an unofficial passenger.
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
Accident database entry for Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Z7304, recording the crash on 18 July 1942 at Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk, during an air test flight.
What you'll find: Explore Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Z7304's accident history from 18th July 1942 at Stoke Holy Cross, Norfolk.
Aircraft struck a radar pylon in low cloud. The air test should have been conducted near Wattisham but the pilot elected to fly to the coast.
Poringland ArchiveRetrieved 2026-03-23
Local archive page documenting the history of RAF Stoke Holy Cross radar station, including the 1942 Blenheim crash into the radar pylon. A memorial plaque was placed on the old pylon base on 18 July 1992, the 50th anniversary.
What you'll find: Explore RAF Stoke Holy Cross radar station history and its 1942 Blenheim crash via local archive page.
Memorial plaque unveiled on 50th anniversary in 1992. The radar station at Stoke Holy Cross was an important Chain Home installation during the Battle of Britain.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Poringland Archive (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
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 Stoke Holy Cross Z.7304 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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