Vickers Wellington W5365
1.7 miles away
Nottinghamshire
Cotgrave Place W.5365 Memorial
Cotgrave Place, Nottinghamshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Cotgrave Town Council.
Type
Memorial plaque with 12 Squadron fox-head badge
Inscription
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LocationApproximate Location
Cotgrave Place, Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire
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What Happened
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.
Community Connection
The memorial consists of two plaques detailing the tragic event. The plaques were photographed by Tony Hibberd on 15 March 2013.
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
Leads the fieldAircraft Type
Wellington II
Serial Number
W5365
Squadron
12 SquadronStation
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
Crew (10 members)
About the Crew
S/Ldr Phillip Cutliffe LawrencePilot
Killed when Wellington W5365 struck an oak tree near Tollerton and crashed at Cotgrave Place.
P/O Robert Atkinson2nd Pilot
Killed in the crash at Cotgrave Place.
Sgt Robert Tod TomlinsonWireless OperatorDFM
Sgt Tomlinson was awarded the DFM for rescuing the pilot from the burning aircraft.
Sgt WatkinsCrew
One of two survivors of the crash.
F/Sgt H. W. GillNavigator/Rear Gunner
Survived because he was positioned in the rear gunner's turret rather than his usual navigator seat. His unusual positioning saved his life.
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Cotgrave Town Council
Further Reading
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
Memorial plaque at first tee of golf club, featuring 12 Squadron fox-head badge.
What you'll find: Discovering a poignant memorial plaque honoring 12 Squadron's history on Cotgrave Place W.5365.
Plaque at first teeFeatures 12 Squadron fox-head badge
Bureau of Aircraft Accidents ArchivesRetrieved 2026-03-23
Records seven killed, two survived. Wellington II variant.
What you'll find: Detailed records of aircraft accident victims at the Memorial for Cotgrave Place W.5365, including fatalities and survivors in the Wellington II variant.
Wellington II variantSeven killed, two survived
Visit NottinghamshireRetrieved 2026-03-23
Part of Nottinghamshire aviation trail.
What you'll find: Explore the historical significance of Cotgrave Place W.5365 on the Nottinghamshire Aviation Trail.
Part of Nottinghamshire aviation trail
Nearby Memorials
Sources
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Visit Nottinghamshire (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
IWM War Memorials Register (database)
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.
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