On 22 March 1943, five British airmen tragically lost their lives when their Whitley bomber crashed near Fotheringhay. These men were:

Lieutenant Frederick James Burgess, 1st The Glider Pilot Regiment, AAC, aged 22

Flying Officer Derek Woodhead Jackson, aged 23

Flight Sergeant Thomas Henry Brown, aged 23

Flight Sergeant Frank Nicholson, aged 24

Sergeant Leslie Lawrance Bull, aged 32

These men gave their lives in service to their country at a time of national peril. For more than 80 years, the site of the crash has remained without a permanent memorial to mark their sacrifice.

We are installing a memorial stone at the site of the crash in Fotheringhay, creating a lasting place of remembrance for the airmen, their families, and future generations. The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to their service, and sacrifice.

The memorial stone will be formally dedicated at a ceremony in Fotheringhay on 22 March 2026, exactly 83 years after the crash. This will commence at approximately 1.45 following a church service at the Church of St Mary and All Saints at 1pm, to which everyone is invited.

The total cost of the memorial stone and works is £1,800. We are hoping to raise sufficient funds to cover this amount. Any funds raised above the target will be set aside to support the long-term upkeep and maintenance of the memorial, ensuring it remains a fitting tribute for years to come.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help us honour these five men properly and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Thank you for your support.

Vic Gysin

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