Bleasby (4) Lancaster Memorial
0.0 miles away
Nottinghamshire
Bleasby (2) W.4232 Memorial
Bleasby (2), Nottinghamshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
Part of the Bleasby Aircrew Memorial site.
Type
Memorial marker
Inscription
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LocationVerified Location
Bleasby (2), Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire
what3words: ///highs.towels.firepower
What Happened
Taking off from RAF Syerston at 16:01 hrs for general flying training - just four minutes later and possibly whilst still climbing - eye witnesses state that they thought the aircraft was at about 1000 ft things started to go wrong - statement from eye witness Terry Harrod, then aged 8/9 and lived with his parents in the Lock Keepers house:
The aircraft climbed in the air over our house, when the tip of the port wing fell off. Terry was standing with his mother watching the aircraft, which went
Community Connection
The project was led by Bleasby Parish Council and involved numerous volunteers from the village. The dedication ceremony was attended by family members of the fallen aircrews, veterans, and community members. The event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and strengthened the bond within the Bleasby community.
Remembrance
Aircrews Memorial 2018(2018)
Commemoration event for Aircrews Memorial in Bleasby
Aircraft & Operation Details
Crew (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Bleasby Parish Council
Website
Part of the Bleasby Aircrew Memorial site.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Southwell Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Bleasby Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrewremembered.comRetrieved 2026-03-24
Lancaster W4232 (coded RC-Y) of 5 Lancaster Finishing School took off from RAF Syerston at 16:01 on 17 April 1944 on a general training flight. The starboard wing tip detached in flight, the aircraft stalled while climbing, rolled, the port wing detached, and W4232 dived into the ground near the Lock Keeper's Cottage at Hazelford Weir on the River Trent.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Lancaster W4232's tragic accident during a training flight near Hazelford Weir, River Trent, on 17 April 1944.
Starboard wing tip detached in flightAircraft stalled while climbing and rolledPort wing then detachedCrashed near Lock Keeper's Cottage, Hazelford WeirPilot P/O Humphreys RAAF aged 20All 7 crew killed, ages 19-29
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
ASN records the accident of Lancaster Mk I W4232 on 17 April 1944 at Hazelford Lock near RAF Syerston.
What you'll find: Detailed accident report and aircraft history; includes memorial information.
ASN accident reference 209208
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrewremembered.com (retrieved 2026-03-24)
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
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