Gonalston Lancaster L7578 Memorial
2.7 miles away
Nottinghamshire
Calverton Fairey Battle L5499 Memorial
Watchwood Plantation, Calverton, Nottinghamshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
This cross was erected by Coal miners building Calverton Colliery railway. It is maintained by Calverton Parish Council. The memorial is in good condition.
Type
Cross
Erected By
Coal miners building Calverton Colliery railway
Condition
Good
Inscription
Perished for our and your freedom
LocationEstimated Location
Watchwood Plantation, Calverton, Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire
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OS Grid Ref: SK 6044 5175
What Happened
The earliest crash in the Farnsfield area and the only one involving a Fairey Battle — a light bomber already obsolete by 1940. 300 Squadron was Poland's first bomber squadron in exile, formed from Polish airmen who had escaped occupied Poland to continue fighting from Britain. Returning from bombing Calais harbour, fog rolled across Nottinghamshire. A German intruder kept RAF Swinderby blacked out, forcing homing bombers to wait until fuel was nearly exhausted. F/O Gebicki, an experienced 39-year-old pilot, attempted to land in darkness and crashed at Watchwood Plantation. In 2019, Gebicki's son, Professor Janusz Gebicki, flew from Australia to attend a memorial service.
Community Connection
The memorial was likely created and shared by Les Smith, as indicated by the attribution.
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
Aircraft Type
Fairey Battle Mk.I
Serial Number
L5499
Aircraft Code
BH-Y
Squadron
300 (Masovia) Squadron PAFStation
RAF Swinderby
Date of Loss
1940-10-13
Operation Type
Operational
Target
Calais harbour
Cause of Loss
Lost in fog and blackout conditions returning from France; German intruder kept Swinderby blacked out
Crew (3 members)
About the Crew
F/O Jan Gebicki(age 39)Pilot
Killed when aircraft crashed in fog and darkness. His son Professor Janusz Gebicki flew from Australia in 2019 for memorial service.
Experienced 39-year-old Polish pilot who escaped occupied Poland.
Sgt Edward Morawa(age 35)Observer
Killed in the crash. Buried at Wilford Hill Cemetery.
Sgt Tadeusz Egierski(age 22)Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
At 22, the youngest crew member.
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Calverton Parish Council
Further Reading
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
Records crash of Fairey Battle Mk.I L5499/BH-Y of 300 (Mazowiecki) Squadron on 13 October 1940.
What you'll find: Explore detailed records of Fairey Battle Mk.I L5499/BH-Y crash in 1940.
Confirmed serial L5499, code BH-Y300 (Mazowiecki) Squadron
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
White stone pillar with two plaques and tubular steel cross.
What you'll find: The solemn white stone memorial honoring Calverton's Fairey Battle pilot, L5499, etched with poignant tributes in this IWM War Memorials Register entry.
IWM reference: memorial/59015White stone pillar with two plaques and tubular steel cross
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-23
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