Avro Lancaster PB565
2.9 miles away
Lincolnshire
East Stockwith Lancaster Memorial
East Stockwith, Lincolnshire
Partial Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by East Stockwith Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone on corner of Back Street and St Peter's Close
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationVerified Location
East Stockwith, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///influence.aura.rocket
What Happened
Lancaster ME323, coded PH-P and operating from Wickenby with 12 Squadron, was brought down during Operation Gisela on the night of 4 March 1945. Operation Gisela saw German night fighters infiltrate returning RAF bomber streams over England, attacking aircraft as they descended toward their home airfields. The Lancaster came down at East Stockwith, Lincolnshire, the result of enemy action rather than any failure of crew or machine. All seven men aboard were killed, among them the pilot, Pilot Officer Arthur Glyndwyr Thomas. No member of the crew survived. A memorial at East Stockwith today marks the place where they fell.
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
Crew
7 killed including pilot Plt Off. Arthur Glyndwyr Thomas
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
East Stockwith Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Gainsborough & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
East Stockwith Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrew Remembered / Virtual War Memorial AustraliaRetrieved 2026-03-23
Lancaster ME323 PH-P of 12 Squadron was shot down by a Luftwaffe intruder aircraft during Operation Gisela on the night of 3/4 March 1945. Lt Gunther Wolf of IX/NJG5 intercepted the bomber as it returned from operations, recording it as his 4th victory.
What you'll find: Poignant memorial details for Lancaster ME323 PH-P from 12 Squadron's tragic Operation Gisela incident in 1945.
Part of Operation Gisela, the Luftwaffe's last major intruder operation over England. Crew included Flt Sgt George Edward Davis (age 20, RAAF) and Flt Sgt Ronald Leslie Horstmann (navigator, age 22). The memorial incorporates a propeller blade from the actual aircraft.
GeographRetrieved 2026-03-23
Photograph and description of the memorial stone at East Stockwith, located next to the village war memorial at St Peter's Close. The memorial was erected to remember the seven crew of 12 Squadron Lancaster ME323 lost on 3-4 March 1945.
What you'll find: Explore captivating photographs and detailed descriptions of East Stockwith Lancaster Memorial on Geograph.
Memorial stands on the corner of Back Street and St Peter's Close, incorporating a propeller blade from the crashed aircraft.
Related Memorials
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrew Remembered / Virtual War Memorial Australia (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for East Stockwith Lancaster Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
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