Bomber Command Memorial Register

Balkholme (2) Halifax Memorial

Balkholme (2), East Riding of Yorkshire

Partial Record
Approximate location?

Help us verify this location. This memorial's position is not yet precisely confirmed. If you have local knowledge, photographs, or documentary evidence of the exact site, we'd love to hear from you.

Location

Balkholme (2), East Riding of Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire

what3words: ///snowy.trailer.reliving

Aircraft & Operation Details

578 Squadron badgeAccuracy
Aircraft Type
Halifax
Serial Number
MZ696
Squadron
578 Squadron
Station
Burn
Date of Loss
1944-07-21

Crew

7 killed including pilot Flt Lt. Maurice Charles Day

Memorial Details

Type
Physical memorial with plaque

Memorial Care

parish council
Organisation
Balkholme Parish Meeting

Local Contacts

These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.

Goole & Howden Royal British Legionbritish legion

Local remembrance and memorial support

Balkholme Parish Meetingparish council

Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep

Further Reading

Yorkshire AircraftRetrieved 2026-03-23

Halifax MZ696 (coded LK-K) of 578 Squadron collided with Halifax LK834 at 2,000 feet while returning from Bottrop on 21 July 1944. Both crashed at Balkholme with all crew killed. MZ696 was piloted by Flt Lt Maurice Charles Day.

MZ696 coded LK-KPiloted by Flt Lt DayMid-air collision during return from Bottrop raidAll 7 crew killed

IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23

The IWM lists the joint memorial for both Halifax crews lost in the Balkholme collision, with MZ696's crew names inscribed alongside those of LK834.

Joint memorial covers both aircraft crewsIWM memorial reference 99079

578 Squadron AssociationRetrieved 2026-03-23

578 Squadron records document MZ696 as one of six aircraft lost from the squadron during the Bottrop raid of 20/21 July 1944, representing one of the heaviest single-night losses for the unit.

One of six 578 Sqn aircraft lost that nightHeaviest single-night loss for the squadron

Sources

  • Geograph(website)

Credits & Acknowledgements

Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Heritage sources
Yorkshire Aircraft (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
578 Squadron Association (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Last updated 2026-03-21

Nearby Memorials

Balkholme (1) Halifax Memorial
Balkholme (1), East Riding of YorkshireHalifax1944-07-21
0 m
away
Pocklington Lancaster Memorial
Pocklington, East Riding of YorkshireLancaster1943-11-26
20.9 km
away
Garrowby Hill area aircraft Memorial
Garrowby Hill area, Pennines (North)Various Bomber Command aircraftWW2
29.0 km
away
Hull Bridge (1) Halifax Memorial
Hull Bridge (1), East Riding of YorkshireHalifax1943-08-24
30.2 km
away
Hull Bridge (2) Halifax Memorial
Hull Bridge (2), East Riding of YorkshireHalifax1943-08-24
30.2 km
away

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This record for Balkholme (2) Halifax Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.

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