Short Stirling W7473, Handley Page Halifax HR832 and Bristol Blenheim Z7278
0.2 miles away
Norfolk
Clenchwarton (multi-crash memorial) Halifax Memorial
Clenchwarton (multi-crash memorial), Norfolk
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Clenchwarton Parish Council.
Type
Combined memorial stone
Inscription
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LocationApproximate Location
Clenchwarton (multi-crash memorial), Norfolk, Norfolk
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What Happened
Positioned beneath the approach paths to RAF Marham and other Norfolk stations, the parish of Clenchwarton witnessed six separate aircraft crashes during the war, killing nineteen aircrew. Short Stirling W7473 of 218 Squadron came down at Ingrams Field on 23 April 1942. On 16 June 1943, Halifax HR832 of 405 (Vancouver) Squadron RCAF was struck by lightning during a severe storm and crashed at Clifton Farm; Flight Lieutenant Lawson and all five of his crew were killed, among them flight engineer Sergeant Malcolm Keith Holliday, aged twenty, and air gunner Flight Sergeant Clinton Landis Pudney GM, aged twenty-one. A parish memorial dedicated in 2000 honours all nineteen men lost in these crashes.
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
In timeAircraft Type
6 aircraft commemorated including Stirling W.7473, Halifax
Serial Number
HR832, Mosquito DD717, Blenheim Z.7278
Squadron
218 Sqdn Marham
Station
405 Sqdn Gransden Lodge, 141 Sqdn West Raynham, 114 Sqdn West Raynham
Date of Loss
Various 1941-1945
Crew (13 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Clenchwarton Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
King's Lynn & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Clenchwarton Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Account of Halifax II HR832 from 405 (Vancouver) Squadron RCAF crashing at Clifton Farm, Clenchwarton on 16 June 1943. The aircraft was struck by lightning during a severe electrical storm on a cross-country training flight, causing structural breakup before impact at 19:05.
What you'll find: Poignant account of Halifax II HR832 crash in Clenchwarton due to lightning strike amidst severe storm.
405 Squadron RCAF (Canadian Pathfinders)Struck by lightning causing structural breakupCrashed at Clifton Farm at 19:05Based at Gransden Lodge, Cambridgeshire
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museums register entry for the Clenchwarton multi-crash memorial commemorating aircraft crashes in the parish during WW2. IWM reference WMR-64994.
What you'll find: Explore the Clenchwarton Memorial on this link: Discover its significance honoring aircraft crashes during WW2 at the Halifax Memorial.
IWM memorial reference 6499419 names recorded on memorialUnveiled 23 April 2000
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
Accident record for Short Stirling Mk I W7473 of 218 Squadron which crashed at Ingrams Field, Clenchwarton on 24 April 1942. Lost power from one engine shortly after take-off.
What you'll find: Explore aviation accident details: Short Stirling Mk I W7473 crash in Clenchwarton on 24th April 1942.
218 Squadron RAF MarhamEngine power loss after take-offCrashed 2 miles west of King's Lynn
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Norfolk (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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