Vickers Wellington LP841 - Tablet
0.0 miles away
Nottinghamshire
Laxton Wellington Memorial
Laxton, Nottinghamshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Laxton and Moorhouse Parish Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Laxton, Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire
what3words: ///quitter.martini.reprints
What Happened
A winter afternoon training take-off from Ossington ended in tragedy. The Wellington hit an electrical pole near a stream just outside Laxton and burst into flames. The aircraft broke apart; the tail section — carrying rear gunner Sgt Eden — separated from the fuselage, saving his life. All four Canadian crew members were killed. Laxton is famous as England's last surviving open-field farming village, making this crash site uniquely located in a preserved medieval landscape. Two memorial stones were dedicated on 6 January 2013.
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
Peace Through StrengthAircraft Type
Wellington
Serial Number
LP841
Squadron
82 OTUStation
Ossington
Date of Loss
1945-01-05
Operation Type
Training
Cause of Loss
Hit electrical pole near local stream; burst into flames
Crew (5 members)
About the Crew
F/O J.C. McLeodPilot
From Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
Killed instantly when the Wellington struck an electrical pole and burst into flames shortly after take-off at 5pm.
Canadian pilot from Minnedosa, Manitoba, training with 82 OTU at RAF Ossington.
F/O L.J. RobillardBomb Aimer
From Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Killed in the crash and subsequent fire when the Wellington hit an electrical pole on take-off.
Canadian airman from Toronto, Ontario, serving as bomb aimer with 82 OTU.
F/O E.E. FernandezNavigator
From Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Killed in the crash and fire. Unable to escape the burning fuselage.
Canadian navigator from Windsor, Ontario, training at 82 OTU.
Sgt E.A. BishopW/Op Air Gunner
From Carseland, Alberta, Canada
Killed in the crash and fire that consumed the forward fuselage of the Wellington.
Canadian wireless operator/air gunner from Carseland, Alberta.
Sgt R. EdenRear Gunner
Survived when the tail section broke away from the burning fuselage on impact. Local villagers led the injured survivor to safety.
British rear gunner whose life was saved when the tail turret separated from the main fuselage. Villagers from Laxton helped him to safety after the crash.
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Laxton and Moorhouse Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Ollerton & District Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Laxton and Moorhouse Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
War Memorials OnlineRetrieved 2026-03-23
War Memorials Online registers the memorial stone to the crew of 82 OTU Wellington LP841 at Laxton. The memorial was dedicated alongside a second stone in the church of St Michael the Archangel on 6 January 2013.
What you'll find: The poignant Memorial: Laxton Wellington Memorial commemorating crew of 82 OTU Wellington LP841 at Laxton's Church of St Michael the Archangel.
Memorial reference 265202Dedicated 6 January 2013Located at St Michael the Archangel church
Key Aero ForumRetrieved 2026-03-23
Forum discussion documenting the research and dedication of the Laxton memorial stones. Wellington LP841 crashed shortly after take-off at 5pm on 5 January 1945, hitting an electrical pole near a stream in a small valley. The tail section separated, allowing rear gunner Sgt Eden to survive with help from local villagers.
What you'll find: Explore in-depth analysis of Laxton Wellington Memorial's significance and tragic crash details.
Crashed shortly after takeoff at 5pmVillagers led survivor Sgt Eden to safety
FighterControl ForumRetrieved 2026-03-23
Research discussion providing additional detail on the LP841 crash at Laxton, including the unique setting of England's last surviving open-field farming village and the two memorial stones -- one in the church and one by the roadside on Moorhouse Road overlooking the crash site.
What you'll find: Explore detailed research about the LP841 crash site, featuring England's last open-field farming village and its two memorial stones.
Two memorial stones: one in church, one roadsideRoadside memorial on Moorhouse Road overlooks crash site
Nearby Memorials
Sources
War Memorials Online (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Key Aero Forum (retrieved 2026-03-23)
FighterControl Forum (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
War Memorials Online - Memorial 265202 (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-23
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