Lancaster R5683 Memorial, Benington Sea End

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In the early hours of 26 July 1942, Lancaster R5683 of 106 Squadron took off from RAF Coningsby and came down on the tidal mudflats at Butterwick Low on The Wash coast north of Boston. The aircraft sank into the mud, and its wreck has remained inaccessible to conventional recovery, preserved in the anaerobic conditions of the estuary. F/Sgt Geoffrey Appleyard DFM was the pilot; he and all six of his crew were killed. The circumstances of the crash — whether engine failure, navigational error at low level, or another cause — have not been established from open sources. The search located the niece of Appleyard, the niece of Sgt Beaddie, and relatives of Sgt Davie, all of whom attended the ceremony. The aircraft remains in the mudflats below the memorial. An inaugural ceremony — 'Seven Lights at Sunset' — is planned for Sunday 18 October 2026 at 18:00. Seven lanterns carrying national flags will be lit at the memorial at sunset. Visitors are asked to assemble and park at 17:45 at the bottom of the track from the memorial.

Memorial organised by 106 Squadron Association with support from RAF Coningsby. International search for crew relatives completed before unveiling on 24 June 2025. Saul Farms Ltd co-operated as landowners. 'Seven Lights at Sunset' inaugural ceremony on Sunday 18 October 2026 at 18:00, with seven lanterns carrying national flags of the crew.

Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.