HP Hampden X3027 - plaque
1.0 miles away
Lincolnshire
Skegness Hampden Memorial
Skegness, Lincolnshire
Comprehensive Record
The Memorial
It is maintained by Skegness Town Council.
Type
Memorial stone
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationApproximate Location
Skegness, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///shoulders.fists.stores
What Happened
Flying Officer John Raymond Bufton and his crew aboard Hampden X3027 were returning from a bombing raid on Hamburg when their aircraft was shot down by Lieutenant Volker of 1/NJG2. Bufton managed to force-land the stricken aircraft in the sea within a mile of the Skegness coast. Though close enough that cries for help were reportedly heard from the seafront, rescue services could not reach the crew in time. All four men perished — including P/O Ballas-Anderson, whose body was never recovered — alongside Sergeant F.J.W. Bichard and Sergeant R.F. Robertson. Bufton was 26 years old.
Community Connection
Organisations: 49 Squadron Association, RAF.
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
Crew (4 members)
Memorial Care
parish council
Organisation
Skegness Town Council
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
Skegness Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Skegness Town Councilparish council
Local authority responsible for memorial upkeep
Further Reading
49 Squadron AssociationRetrieved 2026-03-23
49 Squadron Association memorial page for Hampden X3027. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter (Lt Volker of 1/NJG2) at 00:30 on 28 October 1940 while returning from a Hamburg operation. The pilot managed to force-land in the sea within a mile of Skegness coast, but rescue services could not reach the crew in time.
What you'll find: Explore the Memorial: Skegness Hampden Memorial page for 49 Squadron Association's aircraft tribute.
Shot down by Lt Volker of 1/NJG2 (night fighter)Ditched within one mile of Skegness coastRescue services unable to reach crewP/O Ballas-Anderson's body never recoveredPropeller blade recovered and displayed in Skegness Lifeboat Station
Geograph Britain and IrelandRetrieved 2026-03-23
Photographic record of the memorial to the crew of Hampden X3027 near Skegness. Provides visual documentation of the memorial stone.
What you'll find: Explore photographic record of the Skegness Hampden Memorial honoring crew of aircraft X3027.
Photographic documentation by Adrian S Pye
49 Squadron Association (personnel)Retrieved 2026-03-23
Personnel record for F/O John Raymond Bufton, pilot of Hampden X3027. Provides service details within the 49 Squadron personnel index.
What you'll find: Explore detailed military records of F/O John Raymond Bufton in 49 Squadron Association's Memorial: Skegness Hampden Memorial.
Individual personnel record for pilot F/O Bufton
Nearby Memorials
Sources
49 Squadron Association (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph Britain and Ireland (retrieved 2026-03-23)
49 Squadron Association (personnel) (retrieved 2026-03-23)
Geograph (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
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