Avro Lancaster LM719
0.0 miles away
Lincolnshire
Stoke Rochford Hall Lancaster Memorial
Stoke Rochford Hall, Lincolnshire
Partial Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Stoke Rochford Parish Meeting.
Type
Plaque and memorial tree
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Stoke Rochford Hall, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///snake.owned.unto
What Happened
Communication with ATC was lost despite rocket flares being fired to attract attention. At 03:14hrs, the Lancaster dived into the ground and crashed into trees in the grounds of Stoke Rochford Hall, Stoke Rochford, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire after loss of control - possibly due to airframe icing. Witness reports suggested flames from engines, indicating blocked air intakes by snow.
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
Aircraft Type
Lancaster
Serial Number
LM719
Squadron
1653 HCUStation
North Luffenham
Date of Loss
1945-04-28
Crew
7 killed including pilot Flt Lt. Norman William Guy
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Stoke Rochford Parish Meeting
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Grantham Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Stoke Rochford Parish Meetingparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
Registry entry for the memorial to the crew of Lancaster LM719, located in the grounds of Stoke Rochford Hall. Includes a memorial plaque and tree planted in their honour.
What you'll find: The poignant memorial honoring Lancaster LM719 crew at Stoke Rochford Hall's grounds.
Memorial registered on the national War Memorials Online database. Located in the grounds of Stoke Rochford Hall, Lincolnshire.
RAF CommandsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Crash site record for Lancaster LM719 (H4-M) of 1653 HCU, which departed RAF North Luffenham for a cross-country navigation exercise on 28 April 1945. The aircraft flew into a heavy snowstorm and the pilot lost control, crashing at 0320 hours.
What you'll find: Crash site record of Lancaster LM719 (H4-M) from RAF North Luffenham's 1653 HCU in this Memorial page.
Aircraft code H4-M. Crashed during a NAVEX training exercise in severe weather. The war in Europe was just days from ending when this training accident occurred.
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
Accident database entry for Avro Lancaster B Mk I LM719, recording the crash on Saturday 28 April 1945 near Stoke Rochford Hall during a training exercise from North Luffenham.
What you'll find: Explore Avro Lancaster B Mk I LM719 accident details: tragic crash near Stoke Rochford Hall in 1945.
Aircraft was from 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit. Loss occurred just 10 days before VE Day.
IBCC Digital ArchiveRetrieved 2026-03-23
International Bomber Command Centre post documenting the memorial at Stoke Rochford Hall, noting the RCAF connection and the poignancy of a training loss so close to the end of the war.
What you'll find: Explore the Stoke Rochford Hall Lancaster Memorial: Discover its RCAF link and poignant wartime significance at the International Bomber Command Centre's documentation.
Canadian (RCAF) crew. Memorial includes both a plaque and a memorial tree in the hall grounds.
Nearby Memorials
Sources
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
RAF Commands (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IBCC Digital Archive (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (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.
Suggest a correction or additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for Stoke Rochford Hall Lancaster Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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