305th Bomb Group - B17 Flying Fortress (42-97578) Crash
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Wollaston Manchester Memorial
Wollaston, Northamptonshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
This 1.5-ton derbyshire gritstone block with plaque was dedicated on 2021 (80th anniversary). 1.5-ton Derbyshire Gritstone block with plaque.
Type
1.5-ton Derbyshire Gritstone block with plaque
Dedication Date
2021 (80th anniversary)
Inscription
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LocationApproximate Location
Wollaston, Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire
what3words: ///wanting.fights.unwound
What Happened
Flying Officer John Withers DFC, aged 21, piloted Avro Manchester L7314 of 207 Squadron on a bombing raid targeting the docks at Boulogne, France, departing from RAF Waddington. Returning from the operation on 22 June 1941, the aircraft was shot down by an RAF Bristol Beaufighter night fighter that mistook it for an enemy raider reported in the area. The Manchester crashed near Poplars Farm, Wollaston, Northamptonshire. Seven crew members were killed, including Withers, Sergeant Alick James, Flight Sergeant William Brown DFM, Flight Sergeant Michael Browne, Flight Sergeant Allan Malone, Sergeant Stanley Veitch, and Sergeant John Maville. A memorial at Wollaston now marks the site, commemorating those lost in this tragic act of friendly fire.
Community Connection
The ceremony was led by the Reverend (Squadron Leader) Mark Perry from RAF Marham, and was attended by family members of the crew, as well as RAF representatives, including personnel from today's 207 Squadron and RAF Association veterans. Lindsay Alvis, chair of the parish council which organised the ceremony, spoke about the importance of remembering those who serve our nation in peace and war.
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
Semper paratusAircraft Type
Avro Manchester
Serial Number
L7314
Squadron
207 SquadronStation
RAF Waddington
Date of Loss
1941-06-22
Operation Type
Operational
Target
Returning from bombing raid on docks at Boulogne, France
Cause of Loss
Friendly fire — shot down by RAF Beaufighter night fighter
Crew (9 members)
About the Crew
F/O John Douglas George Withers DFC(age 21)PilotDFC
Killed when the Manchester was shot down by a RAF Beaufighter night fighter in a tragic friendly fire incident. Part of the bomb load exploded before crew could escape the burning wreck.
Aged 21, holder of the DFC. A contemporary of the legendary Guy Gibson at nearby 83 Squadron, Scampton. Killed by friendly fire.
Sgt Alick Michael James2nd Pilot
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown and subsequent explosion.
Second pilot serving with the RAF.
Fl/Sgt William Brown DFMObserverDFM
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown. A decorated airman killed by his own side.
Flight Sergeant and observer, holder of the DFM. One of two decorated airmen in the crew, both killed by friendly fire.
Fl/Sgt Michael Vincent BrowneW/Op
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown.
Flight Sergeant serving as wireless operator.
Fl/Sgt Allan MaloneW/Op
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown.
Flight Sergeant serving as wireless operator.
Sgt Stanley VeitchW/Op
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown.
Sergeant serving as wireless operator.
Sgt John Allan MavilleAir Gunner
Killed in the friendly fire shootdown. The only Canadian in the crew.
Canadian air gunner serving with the RCAF. The only non-British crew member.
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Wollaston Parish Council
1.5-ton Derbyshire Gritstone block with plaque.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Daventry & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Wollaston Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Forces NewsRetrieved 2026-03-23
Forces News coverage of the memorial unveiling at Wollaston, reporting on the tragic circumstances of the Manchester bomber being shot down by friendly forces and the 80-year campaign to commemorate the crew.
What you'll find: Forces News' comprehensive coverage of the Wollaston Manchester Memorial unveiling, including the tragic bombing incident and the ongoing tribute efforts.
National military news coverage of the memorial dedication
Hatton Rotary ClubRetrieved 2026-03-23
Hatton Rotary Club page documenting their campaign to create the memorial for Manchester L7314 at Wollaston. The Rotary Club led the memorial project and coordinated with crew relatives and the RAF.
What you'll find: The story behind the creation of the Manchester Memorial at Wollaston through Hatton Rotary Club's efforts.
Hatton Rotary Club (Wellingborough) led the memorial campaignCoordinated with crew relatives and RAF Association
Bureau of Aircraft Accidents ArchivesRetrieved 2026-03-23
BAAA formal accident record for the Manchester I crash at Wollaston on 22 June 1941, recording seven fatalities. Catalogued under aircraft type Avro 679 Manchester I.
What you'll find: Detailed records of the 1941 Manchester I crash at Wollaston, including seven tragic fatalities and aircraft specifics.
Formal international accident database recordSeven fatalities confirmed
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Forces News (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Hatton Rotary Club (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (retrieved 2026-03-23)
raf.mod.uk; Northants Telegraph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-23
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
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