Crew of Wellington W5444
0.8 miles away
Norfolk
Briston W.5444 Memorial
Briston, Norfolk
Partial Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Briston Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Briston, Norfolk, Norfolk
what3words: ///heavy.comedians.expanded
What Happened
Taking off from RAF Binbrook at 21:35 hrs.
Crashed at 01:30 hrs. while making an emergency landing at Biston, 8 miles ENE of Fakenham, Norfolk, during which the Wellington smashed into a bridge.
Crew of Wellington W5444 L-R: Sgt Jock Purslow, Fl/Sgt. Nancarrow, P/O. Vincent, Fl/Lt. McVeigh, Sgt. Murray, Sgt. Frost. (courtesy Steve Mosele
y)
Cause of the emergency which occurred on the homebound leg, engine damage - ran out of fuel. The injured were admitted to the Norwich and Norfolk General Ho
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
Crew (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Briston Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Holt Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Briston Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Detailed account of Wellington W5444 PH-T piloted by Fl/Lt Charles Norman McVeigh AFC of 12 Squadron. Returning from a mission to Cologne on 16/17 August 1941, the starboard engine was damaged by flak. McVeigh attempted an emergency landing near Briston but crashed into a railway bridge after mistaking railway signal lights for an aerodrome.
What you'll find: Detailed account of Wellington W5444 PH-T's final mission, crash near Briston in 1941, including crew biographies and operational history.
Aircraft code: PH-TStarboard engine damaged by flak over CologneCrashed into railway bridge at BristonPilot Fl/Lt McVeigh AFC survived
IBCC (International Bomber Command Centre)Retrieved 2026-03-23
The IBCC shared information about the Briston memorial, noting it commemorates three of the crew of 12(B) Squadron Wellington W5444 PH-T who were killed in the crash on 17 August 1941.
What you'll find: Detailed account of the Bristol W5444 Memorial, including crew members' names, crash details, and commemorative information.
IBCC recognition of the memorialThree killed: P/O Vincent, F/Sgt Nancarrow, F/Sgt Frost
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
IBCC (International Bomber Command Centre) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
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This record for Briston W.5444 Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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