Lancaster R5672
0.6 miles away
Lincolnshire
North Kelsey Moor R.5672 Memorial
North Kelsey Moor, Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by North Kelsey Parish Council.
Type
Garden wall plaque
Inscription
In Memory of the Crew of Lancaster R5672 Which Crashed Close to This Point 8th April 1944 [9 Names] This Plaque Has Been Donated by Caistor and District Lions
LocationApproximate Location
North Kelsey Moor, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///overheard.examiner.cycled
What Happened
Lancaster R5672 lifted off from RAF Hemswell on a routine air test, carrying Wing Commander Eric Frank Knowles Campling, DSO, DFC, and eight others. At approximately 1700 hours, the aircraft was observed to dive steeply from an estimated height of 1,000 feet before striking the ground near Caistor, Lincolnshire. The Lancaster was so completely destroyed that accident investigators were unable to determine the cause. All nine aboard were killed — three aircrew, including pilot Lancelot Thomas Daniel Regan and Ronald Percy Freer, and six ground crew. Campling, just 23 years old and the son of Frank and Emily Campling of Clapham, London, had accumulated 1,672 solo flying hours and completed numerous operations, including four attacks on Berlin. His DSO citation had praised him as "a first class pilot" who pressed home his attacks "with a determination which is deserving of high praise.
Community Connection
This Plaque Has Been Donated by Caistor And District Lions
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
Aircraft Type
Lancaster R.5672
Serial Number
R5672
Squadron
1 LFS
Station
Hemswell
Date of Loss
1944-04-08
Crew (9 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
North Kelsey Parish Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Kirton-In-Lindsey Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
North Kelsey Parish Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
Lincolnshire WorldRetrieved 2026-03-23(link may be broken)
Detailed account of the Lancaster R5672 crash on 8 April 1944. The aircraft from No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Hemswell was seen performing a low turn over RAF Caistor before a massive explosion caused total disintegration near the Caistor-to-Kelsey Road at 1640 hours. Wing Commander Eric Campling DSO DFC and all eight others aboard were killed.
What you'll find: The tragic story of Lancaster R5672 crash near North Kelsey Moor in April 1944.
Crashed at 1640 hrs on SE corner of RAF CaistorLow turn over RAF Caistor before explosionAircraft disintegrated above tree topsW/C Campling had twin sister Marjorie Stonehouse who attended memorial
Imperial War MuseumsRetrieved 2026-03-23
IWM War Memorials Register entry for the Lancaster R5672 memorial plaque at North Kelsey Moor, Lincolnshire.
What you'll find: Explore the detailed history of Lancaster R5672 memorial plaque at North Kelsey Moor, Lincolnshire.
IWM memorial reference 68189
International Bomber Command CentreRetrieved 2026-03-23
IBCC digital archive loss record for W/C Eric Frank Knowles Campling DSO DFC in Lancaster R5672 from No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School, RAF Hemswell.
What you'll find: Explore detailed records of lost bomber crews at IBCC digital archive.
IBCC loss reference 103618No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School confirmedDuty was air test
North Lincs WebRetrieved 2026-03-23
Detailed record of the 8 April 1944 accident involving Lancaster I R5672 from No. 1 LFS at RAF Hemswell. Lists all nine casualties including W/C Campling and documents the air test mission that ended in catastrophe.
What you'll find: Explore detailed account of 1944 Lancaster I R5672 accident, its nine victims, and subsequent air test mission at RAF Hemswell.
Nine casualties listed: Campling, Freer, Killick, King, Quinton, Regan, Spiller, Steverton, WhittalMission was a duty air test
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Lincolnshire World (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Imperial War Museums (retrieved 2026-03-23)
International Bomber Command Centre (retrieved 2026-03-23)
North Lincs Web (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-04-09
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
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