Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Avro Lancaster heavy bomber Mk1 L7575

On the 22nd Oct 1943, Lancaster L7575 (UG-O) from 1654 HCU took off from RAF Wigsley at 1855 hours, tasked for a command Bullseye. It was suspected that the aircraft encountered heavy severe turbulence, and possibly, icing, which led to a structural failure of the outer wings and tail. At 2012 hours, debris dropped from the skies over Warren House Farm at Colney Heath, three miles south east of St Albans, and all the crew were killed. It is possible that it could have been shot down by friendly fire as a air raid was on in that area and witnesses say gunfire was heard.

Crew:

Pilot; Plt Off Ewan Moore Taylor 16482 RAAF
Nav; Fg Off Eric Williams 134704 RAFVR
A/Bmr; Sgt John Fisher Thwaite 1510800 RAFVR
WOp/AG; Sgt Henry Thomas Green 1390947 RAFVR
Mid Upper Gunner; FS George Bruce Davies 417460 RAAF
Rear Gunner; Sgt Edward Percy Stock 1812792 RAFVR
Flt/Engineer; Sgt Albert Rooks 1623561 RAFVR

Both Plt Off Taylor and FS Davies are buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery. Brookwood is 30 miles from London. Sgt Rooks is buried in the Leeds (Hunslet New) Cemetery. Fg Off Williams is buried in the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, Manor Park. Sgt Thwaite is buried in the Newlands Churchyard, above Derwent. Sgt Green is buried in the Godalming New Cemetery. Sgt Stock is buried in the Islington Cemetery and crematorium.