DOWNHAM MARKET AIRFIELD CAIRN MEMORIAL

REMEMBER THEM

This page honours the brave aircrews who served at RAF Downham Market between   1942 and 1945. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the courage that shaped history. We aim to pay our respects and honour their bravery, ensuring it is never forgotten. All aircrew losses are commemorated at the Downham Market Airfield Cairn Memorial. 

We honour the memory of each aircrew lost between 1942 and 1945 on the anniversary of their sacrifice. This remembrance includes those who were taken as Prisoners of War (P.o.W.), Killed in Action, or who successfully evaded capture. Together, we strengthen our shared history and show our respect for their courage and sacrifice.   

Aircrews from 635 Squadron, No.8 Path Finder Force, gather near the aircrew locker rooms at RAF Downham Market after preparing for an operation. They are getting ready for collection by the MT transport lorry, which will take them to their dispersal points around the airfield. Sadly, 21 of the young airmen captured in this photo would not return from an operation over Kiel, Germany, on the night of August 26-27, 1944. This photo was taken by Flight Sergeant Jack Walmsley of RAF Downham Market Station Photographic Section.

Eighty-one years ago, on 5/6 January 1945, we remember aircrew No. 133 on Plaque seven of the Downham Market Airfield Cairn Memorial.  Lancaster PB564 was shot down over Northern Holland (Netherlands) by Leutnant (Pilot Officer)  Otto-Heinrich Fries of II Nachtjagdgeschwader 1.

All the crew of PB564, along with the 2nd Pilot, survived. Six of the crew were captured as P.o.W. (Prisoners of War), two Evaded capture (EVD).  See Aircrew Details below.

Photo by Flight Engineer Bill Herrick, with his skipper, Pilot Officer Bobby Vines, RAFVR, Front, behind is Bill Douglas and his skipper, Flight Lieutenant Ivor (Misty) Hayes, Front left  Artie Clayton,  Jim Steel and lying on the Engine F/Sgt. Johnny Emms. Quote: from  Bill Douglas in an interview with him in 1998. Oh my, this photo brings back how we all were back then. When we were not on operations, we would mix with various crews to pass the time. One crew we got along with very well was Bobby Vines and his crew. Misty was a keen Squash player, and so was Bobby Vines, and on stand-downs they would usually be working up a sweat in the squash courts." 

Eighty-one years ago, on 6/7 January 1945, we remember aircrew No. 134 on plaque seven of the Downham Market Airfield Cairn Memorial.  Lancaster PB228 (F2-N- Nuts) 

Above Flight Lieutenant James Anthony Rowland DFC & AFC, RAAF at RAF Downham Market 1944. Photo via fellow 635 Squadron Captain David Ware DFC, RAFVR.

Eighty-one years ago, on 7/8 January 1945, we remember aircrew No. 135 on plaque seven of the Downham Market Airfield Cairn Memorial.  Lancaster PB173 (F2-C- Charlie)