Three Barrows Mk.X Memorial
11.2 miles away
Devon
Hameldown Hampden Memorial
Hameldown, Dartmoor, Devon (Dartmoor)
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
This granite boulder incised with initials and squadron number; plaque added 1991 was dedicated on Original wartime; plaque 1991. Granite boulder incised with initials and squadron number; plaque added 1991.
Type
Granite boulder incised with initials and squadron number; plaque added 1991
Dedication Date
Original wartime; plaque 1991
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationVerified Location
Hameldown, Dartmoor, Devon (Dartmoor), Devon
what3words: ///originate.decency.backup
What Happened
Hampden X3054 of 49 Squadron departed RAF Scampton on a bombing raid against the German naval base at Lorient in occupied France. Returning in total cloud cover at 2,000 feet, the aircraft's radio was unable to receive, leaving Pilot Officer Wilson uncertain of his position relative to the coast. Intending to break cloud over the sea before crossing inland, he was further north than he believed and struck Hamel Down on Dartmoor at approximately 1,400 feet; the aircraft caught fire. Sergeants Ellis, Brames, and Lyon appear to have died on impact; Wilson, strapped into the pilot's seat, survived until the following day. All four crew members were killed — Wilson aged 25, Ellis aged 23, Lyon aged 23, and Brames aged 22. Wilson and Ellis are buried side by side at Exeter Higher Cemetery.
Community Connection
The 49 Squadron RAF memorial was created and shared by Judith Hewlett.
Remembrance
An annual commemorative service is held on 21st March.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Cave canemAircraft Type
Hampden
Serial Number
X3054
Squadron
49 Squadron RAFStation
RAF Scampton
Date of Loss
1941-03-22
Operation Type
Operational
Target
Operational -- returning from bombing raid on Lorient, France
Cause of Loss
Radio unable to receive; pilot disoriented regarding coastal position; flew into high ground in poor visibility
Crew (4 members)
About the Crew
P/O Robert David Wilson(age 25)Pilot
Survived the initial impact but died the following day from his injuries. Buried side by side with Sgt Ellis at Exeter Higher Cemetery.
A 25-year-old pilot with 49 Squadron at RAF Scampton. Wilson survived the crash initially but succumbed to his injuries the next day.
Sgt Richard Leonard Ashburton Ellis(age 23)2nd Pilot/Navigator
Killed on impact when the Hampden struck Hameldown Tor. Buried beside his pilot P/O Wilson at Exeter Higher Cemetery.
Sgt Ronald Brames(age 22)Rear Gunner
From Eltham, London
Killed on impact at Hameldown Tor. Buried in his home town at Eltham churchyard in London.
Sgt Charles John Lyon(age 23)Wireless Operator
From Prescot, Lancashire
Killed on impact at Hameldown Tor. Buried in his home area at Prescot Cemetery in Lancashire.
Memorial Care
military
Organisation
Dartmoor National Park Authority
Website
Granite boulder incised with initials and squadron number; plaque added 1991.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Exeter Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Further Reading
49 Squadron AssociationRetrieved 2026-03-23
The 49 Squadron Association maintains a dedicated page for the Hameldown Tor memorial. It records that six Hampdens departed Scampton at 18:20 on 21 March 1941 to bomb the submarine base at Lorient, and that X3054's crew lost their radio fix on return, striking the hillside at about 1,400 feet.
What you'll find: History of 49 Squadron's Hampdens in Hameldown Tor memorial page.
Squadron Association maintains active memorial pageDeparture time recorded as 18:20
Dartmoor ExplorationsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed walking guide to the crash site with historical context. Describes the granite boulder memorial commissioned by Lady Wilson and its 1991 restoration by the Torbay and District Aircrew Association.
Walking route information providedMemorial restoration history documented
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
Listed as '49 Sqn RAF Crash Site' in the War Memorials Online register, confirming the memorial's status and location on Hameldown Tor, Dartmoor.
What you'll find: The 'Hameldown Hampden Memorial', listed for '49 Sqn RAF Crash Site'.
Registered memorial reference number 98287
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Imperial War Museum records 49 Squadron RAF in its memorials register, linking to the Hameldown site among the squadron's commemorative locations.
What you'll find: Explore 49 Squadron RAF Memorial at Hameldown Hampden, as documented by IWM War Memorials Register.
IWM memorial reference 25874
CWGCRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirms that Pilot Officer Wilson and Sergeant Ellis are buried at Exeter Higher Cemetery. The CWGC maintains their graves as part of the 73 Commonwealth war burials at the site.
What you'll find: The confirmed burial sites of Pilot Officer Wilson and Sergeant Ellis at Exeter Higher Cemetery through the CWGC's comprehensive records.
Wilson and Ellis confirmed buried at Exeter Higher Cemetery73 Commonwealth war burials at this cemetery
Nearby Memorials
Sources
49 Squadron Association (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Dartmoor Explorations (retrieved 2026-03-23)
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
CWGC (retrieved 2026-03-23)
warmemorialsonline.org.uk (memorial/98287); Legendary Dartmoor (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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