Wellington LN185 / Mosquito HK374 Mid-Air Collision Memorial, Emsworth

On the evening of 8 February 1944, Wellington LN185 of 18 OTU Finningley was conducting a Bullseye exercise — a simulated bombing run against Portsmouth. Simultaneously, Mosquito HK374 of 85 Squadron from West Malling was using the exercise to test an airborne radar interception device, crewed by the experienced F/Lt Arthur Bickerstaffe Woods AFC, age 39, and Norwegian navigator Lt Jan Otto Richard Bugge, age 22.

At 20:00 the Mosquito successfully located and intercepted the Wellington as it approached Portsmouth — then collided with it. The Wellington was cut in two immediately forward of the rear gunner's turret. The front section, containing five crew, fell in flames into a field at Southbourne. The rear turret, with Sgt William Varley inside, separated and — in the account of two Sea Scouts standing outside their hut near Prinsted Harbour — descended into the mud of the harbour. Varley did not survive. The Mosquito crashed at Lumley Pond, Emsworth; both crew were killed.

Nine men died in total. The memorial plaque at the Emsworth footbridge, placed in 1995, names only the Mosquito crew. The Wellington crew are commemorated on separate memorials and in CWGC records.

Plaque provided by Graham Alderson, February 1995. Brook Meadow nature reserve, Emsworth, maintained by local volunteers.

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