Garvestone 42-95160 Memorial
8.1 miles away
Norfolk
Stow Bedon V.5851 Memorial
Stow Bedon, Norfolk
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Stow Bedon and Breckles Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
In Memory of
The names of all 6 crew members are inscribed on the memorial.
LocationApproximate Location
Stow Bedon, Norfolk, Norfolk
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What Happened
On July 7, 1942, a Bristol Blenheim, V5851, belonging to 21 Squadron RAF, crashed near Stow Bedon. The aircraft was piloted by Sergeant F.G.B. Heron, aged 20, with Flight Sergeant G.D. Maluish as air observer and Sergeant G.E. Step as air gunner, both aged 23. Despite the impending danger, an eyewitness noted that the pilot deliberately lowered the plane's nose, crashing into a field to avoid a nearby house. The courage of these men prevented a potential tragedy for the house's inhabitants.
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
Aircraft Type
Blenheim V.5851
Serial Number
V5851
Squadron
21 Squadron
Station
Watton
Date of Loss
1942-07-07
Crew (6 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Stow Bedon and Breckles Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Watton & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Stow Bedon and Breckles Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the memorial to the crew of Blenheim V5851 at Stow Bedon, Norfolk. Records the crash of the 21 Squadron aircraft three miles south of its base at RAF Watton.
What you'll find: The Imperial War Museums register entry for Stow Bedon's Blenheim V5851 memorial crew crash site.
Crew: Sgt F.G.B. Heron (pilot, RCAF, age 20), F/Sgt G.D. Maluish (observer, RCAF, age 23), Sgt G.E. Step (air gunner, RAF, age 20). An eyewitness reported the pilot deliberately put the nose down to avoid hitting a nearby house.
Norfolk Heritage ExplorerRetrieved 2026-03-23
Norfolk County Council heritage record for the Bristol Blenheim crash site at Stow Bedon. Catalogued as a heritage monument with location details and basic incident information.
What you'll find: Explore Norfolk's historical memorial commemorating Bristol Blenheim crash site at Stow Bedon V.5851.
Crash site formally recorded in the Norfolk Historic Environment Record. Aircraft crashed three miles south of RAF Watton.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Norfolk Heritage Explorer (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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