Carreg Goch (Wellington R1465) Bomber Memorial
0.0 miles away
Powys
Carreg Goch (Wellington MF509) Memorial
Carreg Goch, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
Type
Memorial cairn with two plaques; wreckage on mountainside
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Carreg Goch, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Powys
what3words: ///prepped.nuns.bundles
What Happened
The wireless operator requested permission to descend below the cloud base. But the aircraft had entered shower clouds that deposited heavy layers of ice on the wings, and with insufficient power from the port engine alone, the Wellington lost height and crashed into the south-west slopes of Carreg Goch. All six crew — known as 'the Alouettes' — were killed. All six were buried at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery. In 2013, Phyllis Allison, sister of bomb aimer William, visited the site — an extraordinary journey nearly 70 years after her brother's death.
Community Connection
Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.
Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
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
Wellington
Serial Number
MF509
Squadron
22 OTUStation
Wellesbourne Mountford
Date of Loss
1944-11-20
Operation Type
Training
Cause of Loss
Starboard Hercules XVI engine failure; heavy icing in shower clouds; insufficient power from port engine
Crew (10 members)
About the Crew
Sgt Charles Hamel(age 21)Pilot
Killed when Wellington MF509 crashed on Carreg Goch. Buried at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery.
Sgt Jules Robert Rene Villeneuve(age 22)Navigator
Buried at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery.
F/O William Joseph Allison(age 28)Bomb Aimer
At 28, the oldest crew member. In 2013 his sister Phyllis visited the crash site, nearly 70 years later.
Sgt Joseph Paul Ernest Burke(age 20)Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
One of the youngest crew at 20. Buried at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery.
Sgt Gerard Dusablon(age 20)Air Gunner
One of the youngest crew at 20. Buried at Chester (Blacon) Cemetery.
Further Reading
Aircrash Sites UKRetrieved 2026-03-23
All-Canadian crew of 22 OTU known as 'the Alouettes'. Starboard Hercules XVI engine failure.
What you'll find: Explore the Carreg Goch memorial site dedicated to the all-Canadian crew from Wellington's Air Training Unit "the Alouettes," who experienced starboard Hercules XVI engine failure.
All-Canadian crewStarboard Hercules XVI engine failure
Ystradgynlais HistoryRetrieved 2026-03-23
McGill University connection. Phyllis Allison visited crash site 2013.
What you'll find: Explore McGill University's historical link to Carreg Goch Memorial at Wellington MF509.
McGill University connection from 2005Phyllis Allison visited 2013
Wandering Welsh GirlRetrieved 2026-03-23
Walking guide. 8km loop walk. Considerable wreckage visible.
What you'll find: Explore an 8km loop memorial walk revealing significant wreckage at Carreg Goch (Wellington MF509).
8km loop walk from Blaen-y-GlynConsiderable wreckage still visible
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrash Sites UK (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Ystradgynlais History (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Wandering Welsh Girl (retrieved 2026-03-23)
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.
Suggest a correction or addition