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Photographs
5d34780d1536d Cotgrave 1 547x410, Credit: Tony Hibberd / War Memorials Online
5d34780e2003b Cotgrave 3 547x410, Credit: Tony Hibberd / War Memorials Online
5d34780eed8a9 Cotgrave 4 547x410, Credit: Tony Hibberd / War Memorials Online
In February 1941, B Flight of 12 (Bomber) Squadron was dispersing from RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire to nearby RAF Tollerton, south of Nottingham. The Wellington was on a local familiarisation flight. During the flight, the aircraft suffered two separate control incidents, nearly diving into the ground on each occasion. The pilot, Squadron Leader Lawrence, managed to recover each time but was unable to avoid striking an oak tree while attempting to land back at Tollerton. The Wellington crashed near Cotgrave Place manor house. Seven men were killed and two survived. One survivor, F/Sgt H.W. Gill, was saved by being in the rear gunner's turret rather than his usual navigator position.
Aircraft & Operation Details
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Aircraft Type
Wellington II
Serial Number
W5365
Squadron
12 Squadron
Station
Tollerton
Date of Loss
1941-02-08
Operation Type
Local familiarisation flight for squadron dispersal
Cause of Loss
Control problems during flight; struck oak tree attempting to return to Tollerton
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