Crew Of Lancaster PB476, 12 Squadron RAF
0.4 miles away
Lincolnshire
Ulceby Cross Lancaster Memorial
Ulceby Cross, Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Ulceby Parish Council.
Type
Stone of remembrance
Inscription
In the early hours of March 4th, 1945 Lancaster PB 476 (PH "Y") of No. 12 Squadron R.A.F. Wickenby, crashed near this spot, the victim of a Luftwaffe intruder. This memorial is placed here, on the 50th anniversary of the crash, to commemorate the crew members who died. [crew names inscribed on memorial] IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE
LocationApproximate Location
Ulceby Cross, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
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What Happened
Do you have information about this crew or memorial? We'd love to hear from you — your knowledge helps keep these stories alive for future generations.
Contribute to this memorialCommunity Connection
commemoration of crew members who died
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 (8 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Ulceby Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Great Grimsby Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Ulceby Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
CWGCRetrieved 2026-03-23
Commonwealth War Graves Commission story page for Flying Officer Nicholas Agnew Ansdell (1924-1945), pilot of Lancaster PB476. Details his service with 12 Squadron and the circumstances of the loss during the Luftwaffe's Operation Gisela.
What you'll find: Personal story of Flying Officer Ansdell — family background, service record, and CWGC burial details at Alford Cemetery
Ansdell was RAFVR service number 150291. The Lancaster was shot down at 00:29 hours on 4 March 1945 by a Luftwaffe intruder during Operation Gisela — the last major German air operation of the war.
Traces of WarRetrieved 2026-03-23
International war sites database entry for the Lancaster PB476 memorial at Ulceby Cross. Records the location of the memorial stone and the crew details.
What you'll find: International war sites database entry with location details and memorial photographs
Memorial is catalogued in the international Traces of War database. Crew: Fg Off Ansdell (Pilot), Fg Off Heath (Air Bomber), Fg Off Hunter (Navigator), Sgt Mellor (Air Gunner), Sgt Parry (Wireless Operator), Sgt Shafer (Flight Engineer), Sgt Walker (Air Gunner).
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the memorial to the crew of Lancaster PB476 at Ulceby Cross, Lincolnshire. Catalogued as memorial reference 20271.
What you'll find: Official memorial register entry with physical description, inscription text, and crew names
Formally registered in the IWM national war memorials database.
Lincolnshire Heritage ExplorerRetrieved 2026-03-23
Lincolnshire County Council heritage record for the memorial to Lancaster PB476 at Ulceby Cross. Notes the memorial was unveiled in 1995 on land near the crash site.
What you'll find: County heritage record with grid references, monument classification, and historical context
Monument reference MLI125556. Memorial unveiled 1995. The Lancaster dived almost vertically into the ground with such force that the engines were found buried 10 feet deep.
Related Memorials
Nearby Memorials
Sources
CWGC (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Traces of War (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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