WELCOME TO THE AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL WEBSITE
The Airfield Cairn memorial, a significant landmark, stands as a poignant tribute to those who served at RAF Downham Market and made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, fighting for freedom from a bomber airfield located in rural Norfolk. A total of one hundred and forty-six aircrews are listed as missing in Action. Their courage and their fight for freedom, for the King, and the country will be forever remembered.
The primary objective of this Website is to honour those brave airmen, as well as those who endured years in prisoner-of-war camps. This Website is not just a list of names but a comprehensive documentation of the contributions of these young men from across the United Kingdom, the Dominions, the Commonwealth, the United States, and South Africa. These airmen were sons, brothers, fathers, husbands, and loved ones, and their absence, marked as 'Missing, 'left behind grieving families. This Website aims to provide a detailed and engaging account of their lives and sacrifices.
The Airfield Cairn memorial is further enhanced by eight stainless steel plaques, which commemorate the losses of the aircrews and encircle the inner embankment of the memorial. Where possible, the site offers insights into the lives of the fallen, featuring candid photographs from their time at RAF Downham Market, as well as various Air Force training school photos.
My thanks to Stephen C. Smith, 218 Squadron Association, for his help with the missing information concerning Stirling Squadrons No. 218 and No. 623. Thanks to Steve for all his support with data and photographs on the Stirling squadrons' station at RAF Downham Market. His help has provided me with the missing data on the Stirling squadrons that I was unable to find. The information presented on this Website is the result of a collaborative effort, utilising primary source material from the Steve Smith Collection, Howard William Lees Collection, Families of 635 Squadron Pathfinders, Barry Blunt and the 608 North Riding Squadron families, Ancestry.com, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the National Archives, the Air Historical Branch, and RAF Hendon, as well as records from Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. I extend my sincere gratitude to these organisations for their invaluable contributions, as well as to the numerous individuals and families we honour through this work.
Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, and I am deeply grateful for their support.
The recent release of many RAF-related documents, including the Air 81 Casualty Files and Air 27 files, has significantly impacted this Website. New material has been incorporated, although it may occasionally conflict with existing content. We want to ensure that you are aware of the potential for conflicting information, as this is a common challenge in historical research. We appreciate your understanding and patience as I strive to present the most accurate and comprehensive information.
While I have made every effort to ensure the details were accurately recorded on the website, I acknowledge that errors may occur.
The website content is organised at the top of the page by plaque number, flowing in order with the memorial; each plaque holds twenty aircrews listed in chronological order of when they were reported missing in action.
My thanks also go out to the Friends of the memorial for their support, both personal and through family donations, and to those who contributed their free time to help me construct the memorial.
To all the companies that donated as material sponsors, they are all listed in the acknowledgement section of this site, as mentioned above.
To the Landowners, Albanwise Ltd, a massive thank you from me and the many families connected to the memorial.
Christopher John Coverdale
July 2025
