Avro Lancaster DV361
1.2 miles away
Northamptonshire
Brigstock Lancaster Memorial
Brigstock, Northamptonshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
Memorial at entrance to Welland Gliding Club on Harley Way.
Type
Memorial marker
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Brigstock, Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire
what3words: ///plunge.swarm.crashing
What Happened
On a cross-country test flight from RAF Spilsby, Lancaster DV361 of 207 Squadron developed an engine fire that the crew could not extinguish, forcing them to bail out over Northamptonshire. The aircraft came down near Brigstock, on the Duke of Gloucester's estate. Three crew members did not survive: F/Sgt Cecil Ryall, an Australian Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; Sgt Thomas Higgins, Rear Gunner; and Sgt George O'Neill, Mid Upper Gunner. Those who successfully bailed out did not long outlive their crewmates — they were subsequently killed in action. The three men are commemorated by a memorial close to the crash site, unveiled in September 1998.
Community Connection
The memorial likely commemorates a specific Lancaster bomber or its crew members, contributing to the broader community connection with WW2 history. The memorial commemorating them was erected close to the crash site on the Duke of Gloucester's estate with permission from the Duke and through community effort. It was unveiled on September 16th, 1998 by Sqn Ldr John Mitchell DFC, who was Signals Leader on 207 Sqn at RAF Spilsby during the crash.
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 (6 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Brigstock Parish Council
Memorial at entrance to Welland Gliding Club on Harley Way.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Daventry & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Brigstock Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
207 Squadron RAF HistoryRetrieved 2026-03-23
The 207 Squadron Association website documents the memorial to the crew of Lancaster DV361 EM-V at Brigstock. Three crew members were killed: F/Sgt C.E. Ryall, Sgt T.G. Higgins, and Sgt G.C. O'Neill. The memorial cairn was dedicated on 16 September 1998.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Brigstock Lancaster Memorial, honoring F/Sgt C.E. Ryall, Sgt T.G. Higgins, and Sgt G.C. O'Neill.
Aircraft code: EM-VThree killed: F/Sgt Ryall, Sgt Higgins, Sgt O'NeillMemorial cairn dedicated 16 September 1998
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM records the memorial to Avro Lancaster DV361 at Brigstock, Northamptonshire, commemorating the three 207 Squadron crew members killed when the aircraft crashed on 22 December 1943.
What you'll find: Detailed record of Brigstock's Lancaster Memorial, honoring three 207 Squadron crew members lost in a 1943 crash. Includes operational history and memorial photographs.
IWM reference: memorial/37442
Nearby Memorials
Sources
207 Squadron RAF History (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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