Avro Lancaster LM311
0.6 miles away
Lincolnshire
Long Bennington III Memorial
Long Bennington, Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
Photographs
The Memorial
It is maintained by Long Bennington Parish Council.
Type
Stone memorial
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationVerified Location
Long Bennington, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///securing.diet.washroom
What Happened
On a bombing operation with 467 (Australian) Squadron, Lancaster LM311 departed RAF Bottesford on 13 July 1943. The aircraft sustained severe flak damage during the mission and suffered structural failure upon returning to base, coming down near Long Bennington, Lincolnshire. Pilot Officer Chapman, who piloted the Lancaster, was among the seven crew members killed in the crash. Also lost were Flight Sergeant William Bruce, Sergeant Jack Greenwood, Sergeant Albert Edward Michaels, and Sergeant Norman Campbell Smith. Sergeant Greenwood was 25 years old at the time of his death.
Community Connection
The Avro Lancaster LM311 memorial was created and shared by Colin Murray. This account is presented in an anonymous account and photograph permanently on view in Bottesford Parish Council Rooms, donated by former members of 467 Squadron to mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of WW2 in 1995.
Remembrance
50th Anniversary Commemoration(1995)
An account and photograph presented by former members of 467 Squadron to mark the end of WW2.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
Lancaster III
Serial Number
LM311
Squadron
467 (Australian) Sqdn.
Station
Bottesford
Date of Loss
1943-07-13
Crew (12 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Long Bennington Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Grantham Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Long Bennington Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Aircrewremembered.comRetrieved 2026-03-24
Detailed account of the loss of Lancaster LM311 on 12/13 July 1943. The aircraft was severely damaged by flak over Turin and on return to base suffered structural failure when flaps were lowered, breaking in two. Chapman reported having no elevator control and was flying on trimmer only.
What you'll find: Explore detailed account of Lancaster LM311's loss in 1943 due to severe damage from flak and structural failure upon landing.
Returning from bombing raid on TurinFlak damage forward of tail sectionStructural failure when flaps lowered for landingPilot reported no elevator control, flying on trimmerThree of 18 squadron aircraft lost that night
Bottesford Living HistoryRetrieved 2026-03-23
Comprehensive local history account of Lancaster LM311's last flight from RAF Bottesford with 467 (RAAF) Squadron. Documents the seven crew members and the circumstances of the crash near Long Bennington village.
What you'll find: Comprehensive local history on Lancaster LM311's final RAF Bottesford flight and tragic crash involving 467 RAAF Squadron.
Full crew roster documentedTook off at 2248 hrs on 12 July 1943467 RAAF Squadron based at BottesfordTarget was Turin, Italy
Imperial War MuseumsRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM War Memorials Register entry for the memorial to the crew of Lancaster LM311 at Long Bennington.
What you'll find: Explore the detailed history and significance of Long Bennington III Memorial on the IWM website.
IWM memorial reference 99212
CWGC / Newbattle at WarRetrieved 2026-03-23
Research article on the last flight of LM311, known as 'L-Liz'beth'. Details the crew composition: P/O Chapman (RAAF pilot), Sgt Michaels (navigator), Sgt Smith (bomb aimer), Sgt Donlevy (W/Op AG), Sgt Greenwood (flight engineer), F/Sgt Bruce (mid-upper gunner), Sgt Buchanan (rear gunner).
What you'll find: Detailed research on LM311's final flight and crew members' roles in CWGC/Newbattle at War article.
Aircraft nicknamed 'L-Liz'beth'Chapman was RAAFSgt Norman Campbell Smith was bomb aimer, age 21
CWGCRetrieved 2026-03-23
CWGC story page for Sgt Norman Campbell Smith, navigator/bomber with 467 RAAF Squadron, who died aged 21 on 13 July 1943 aboard Lancaster LM311.
What you'll find: Explore CWGC's memorial page honoring Sergeant Norman Campbell Smith.
Sgt Norman Campbell Smith age 21 at deathCWGC verified casualty
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Aircrewremembered.com (retrieved 2026-03-24)
Bottesford Living History (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Imperial War Museums (retrieved 2026-03-23)
CWGC / Newbattle at War (retrieved 2026-03-23)
CWGC (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Geoffrey Fearn (Long Bennington Parish Council) (Community contributor)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
With thanks to
Geoffrey Fearn — Local contributor — parish council liaison, memorial maintenance advocate
Last updated 2026-04-09
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