Short Stirling N3703
0.7 miles away
Cambridgeshire
Godmanchester Stirling Memorial
Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Godmanchester Town Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire
what3words: ///grow.townhouse.complains
OS Grid Ref: TL2570
What Happened
Stirling N3703, captained by Squadron Leader Drummond Wilson of XV Squadron, was part of an 18-aircraft raid on Essen on the night of 10/11 April 1942. Coned by searchlights and badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire over the city, Wilson and his 19-year-old co-pilot Sergeant David Southey nursed the stricken bomber back to RAF Alconbury. On final approach with wheels down, the crew were ordered to go around due to an unauthorised aircraft on the runway. Flying over Godmanchester, a damaged oil pipe failed, both starboard engines cut out, and the aircraft came down near Cow Lane. Squadron Leader Wilson and mid-upper gunner Sergeant Edgar Gould were killed; six crew survived, though three would not live to see the end of the war. Navigator Flying Officer Clifford Reeve, despite being severely injured, re-entered the burning aircraft to rescue two crew members and was awarded an MBE, presented by the King at Buckingham Palace in December 1942.
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
Godmanchester Bomber Command Veterans Day(2017)
The book 'Stirling to Essen' was launched at this event. The book tells the story of the crew of Stirling N3703 and their fellow XV Squadron colleagues.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Aim sureAircraft Type
Stirling
Serial Number
N3703
Squadron
XV (15) Squadron
Station
Alconbury
Date of Loss
1942-04-11
Crew (6 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Godmanchester Town Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Huntingdon & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Godmanchester Town Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew RememberedRetrieved 2026-03-24
Page for Sqn Ldr Drummond Wilson and the crew of Stirling N3703 LS:Q, XV Squadron. On 10/11 April 1942, the aircraft was badly damaged by flak over Essen and crash-landed at Godmanchester after both starboard engines failed on approach to RAF Alconbury.
What you'll find: The memorial page for Sqn Ldr Drummond Wilson's Stirling aircraft crew from WWII.
The crew were 'coned' by searchlights over Essen. On final approach to Alconbury, ordered to go around due to an aircraft blocking the runway. A damaged oil pipe broke, both starboard engines cut out. Navigator F/O Clifford Reeve was awarded the MBE for rescuing crew from the burning wreckage.
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
Imperial War Museum register entry for the Short Stirling N3703 memorial at Godmanchester. Records the memorial stone commemorating the two crew members killed and the aircraft's operational loss.
What you'll find: The poignant memorial honoring fallen crew of Short Stirling N3703 at Godmanchester.
Memorial reference 97973. Two killed: Sqn Ldr Wilson (pilot) and Sgt Edgar Gould (mid-upper gunner). Five survived but three died later in the war.
The Godmanchester StirlingRetrieved 2026-03-23
Dedicated website for the Stirling N3703 crash at Godmanchester, including research by Roger Leivers who authored a book about the incident. Documents the crew's story, the crash, and the memorial dedication ceremony.
What you'll find: Explore comprehensive documentation of the Godmanchester Stirling N3703 crash, featuring in-depth analysis from author Roger Leivers' book and honoring the brave crew involved.
Roger Leivers researched and published a book about the crash. Dedication ceremony held with surviving relatives and military representatives.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered (retrieved 2026-03-24)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
The Godmanchester Stirling (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Cambridgeshire (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or addition