Avro Lancaster PB475
0.1 miles away
Buckinghamshire
Bellingdon Lancaster Memorial
Bellingdon, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Chartridge Parish Council.
Type
Blue circular plaque with central illustration of Lancaster in flight, set into large stone
Inscription
Six young airmen died at this spot on 6 March 1945. Participants in, and victims of the human preoccupation with war. Great lives cut short Royal Air Force (3 Names) Royal Australian Air Force (3 Names) We remember them.
LocationVerified Location
Bellingdon, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire
what3words: ///shredder.rushed.hunt
What Happened
On March 6, 1945, a Lancaster bomber from Bomber Command, registered as PB475, tragically crashed near Bellingdon in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire. This aircraft, part of a larger mission during World War II, was lost along with its six-member crew. The crew consisted of three members from the Royal Air Force and three from the Royal Australian Air Force. Their lives were senselessly cut short in this tragic event, a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
Community Connection
The image of the Avro Lancaster PB475 memorial was created and shared by Matthew Robins. The specific details about the community connection or the purpose of this particular memorial are not explicitly stated in the provided text.
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
Aircraft Type
Lancaster
Serial Number
PB475
Squadron
Bomber Command
Date of Loss
1945-03-06
Crew (7 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Chartridge Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Aylesbury Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Chartridge Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
IWM War Memorials RegisterRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM records the Lancaster PB475 memorial at Bellingdon, Buckinghamshire, noting the stone and plaque memorial dedicated to the crew who died at Bloomfield Farm.
What you'll find: Detailed Register Entry: This includes the Lancaster PB475's memorial at Bellingdon, Buckinghamshire, featuring stone and plaque, honoring the crew who perished at Bloomfield Farm.
IWM memorial reference 63847Located at Bloomfield Farm, Bellingdon
Aviation Safety NetworkRetrieved 2026-03-23
ASN records Lancaster PB475 crashed on 6 March 1945 at 01:00 hours near Bellingdon, Buckinghamshire. The aircraft departed RAF Little Staughton at 17:33 for a bombing raid on Chemnitz. A hung-up target indicator ignited in the bomb bay during the return flight.
What you'll find: Detailed crash report including flight path, time, and cause; crew information and aircraft specifications.
Departed RAF Little Staughton at 17:33Target: ChemnitzHung-up target indicator ignited in bomb bayCrashed 01:00 on 6 March 1945Six of seven crew killedTail gunner Bill Heart survived
Nearby Memorials
Sources
IWM War Memorials Register (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Aviation Safety Network (retrieved 2026-03-23)
IWM (memorial/63847) (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
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