Vickers Wellington R1646 and all other Aircrew Killed over The Cairngorms
16.9 miles away
Grampian
Ben Tirran / Muckle Cairn Wellington Memorial
Ben Tirran / Muckle Cairn, Angus
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
Type
Crash site with wreckage remains; memorial marker
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Ben Tirran / Muckle Cairn, Angus, Angus
what3words: ///insurance.repeating.tuck
What Happened
On 9 August 1942, Wellington L7845 departed RAF Lossiemouth on an air test. During flight, part of the engine cowling detached and struck one of the propellers, causing severe damage and engine failure. The pilot attempted a forced landing in the remote hills between Ben Tirran and Muckle Cairn in the Angus glens. The landing attempt failed and four of the five crew were killed on impact. The rear gunner, Sgt Thomas Holman, protected in his turret at the tail, survived. Three of the four dead were members of the Royal Canadian Air Force and were buried together in Fettercairn Cemetery; the fourth, a member of the RAF, was returned to his family in Tyne and Wear. In 2012, the nephew and niece of Sgt Observer Joe Wetherson visited the crash site to lay a memorial plaque while bagpipes were played. The propeller of the crashed Wellington is now displayed at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.
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
Vickers Wellington Mk.IC
Serial Number
L7845
Squadron
20 OTU
Station
RAF Lossiemouth
Date of Loss
1942-08-09
Operation Type
Training
Cause of Loss
Engine cowling detached in flight, damaging propeller, causing engine failure; crashed during forced landing attempt
Crew (5 members)
About the Crew
F/Sgt Arthur KeenePilot
Killed on impact while attempting a forced landing in the hills between Ben Tirran and Muckle Cairn. Buried at Fettercairn Cemetery.
Sgt Joseph Wetherson(age 23)Observer
Killed on impact. In 2012, his nephew and niece visited the crash site and laid a memorial plaque with bagpipes playing.
Sgt Wetherson was 23 years old at the time of the crash. His family in Canada maintained contact with the crash site and in 2012, relatives made a pilgrimage to lay a memorial plaque.
Sgt Oscar JensenWireless Operator/Air Gunner
Killed on impact. Buried at Fettercairn Cemetery alongside fellow Canadian crew members.
Sgt Alfred KirbyObserver
Killed on impact. His body was returned to his family for burial in Tyne and Wear.
Sgt Thomas HolmanRear Gunner
Sole survivor of the crash. Protected by his rear turret position at the tail of the aircraft, which broke away on impact.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Arbroath Branch, Legion Scotlandlegion scotland
Local remembrance and memorial support
Further Reading
Press and JournalRetrieved 2026-03-23
Press and Journal feature on wreck hunters visiting Scottish crash sites, including the Wellington L7845 wreckage on the hills between Ben Tirran and Muckle Cairn. Substantial wreckage remains visible including engines, wheels, undercarriage, wing sections, and a largely intact geodetic lattice tail section.
What you'll find: Exploration of Wellington L7845 wreckage, showcasing remaining components and site visit insights.
Substantial wreckage still visible on hillsideEngines, wheels, undercarriage components remainTail section geodetic lattice largely intactAccess requires hill walk from Glen Clova
Deeside Hillwalking ClubRetrieved 2026-03-23
Hillwalking club account of visiting the Wellington crash site, documenting the extent of remaining wreckage and the remote hill location between Ben Tirran and Muckle Cairn / Tom Titlach in the Angus glens.
What you'll find: Visit account detailing Wellington bomber crash site exploration, including wreckage remnants and scenic hill location in Angus glens.
Located near Muckle Cairn / Tom TitlachAbove Glen Esk in AngusAccessible via hill walk
The CourierRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Courier's wreck hunters feature documents how the propeller from Wellington L7845 was recovered and is now displayed at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, and how a memorial plaque was laid at the site in 2012 by relatives of Sgt Observer Joe Wetherson.
What you'll find: Wellington Bomber Propeller Recovery and Memorial Plaque Unveiling at Montrose Air Station.
Propeller displayed at Montrose Air Station Heritage CentreMemorial plaque laid 2012 by Wetherson familyBagpipes played at plaque dedication ceremony
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Press and Journal (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Deeside Hillwalking Club (retrieved 2026-03-23)
The Courier (retrieved 2026-03-23)
pressandjournal.co.uk (website)
Aviation Safety Network (database)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-23
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