Website Aim: Why This Website Exists
Welcome to the dedicated online archive and tribute for the RAF Downham Market Airfield Cairn Memorial. We created this space for everyone—families, historians, educators, and visitors alike—to ensure the courage, history, and enduring sacrifice of the brave bomber boys stationed here are never forgotten.
Honouring the bomber boys of Downham Market
Between 1944 and 1945, brave aircrews flew perilous missions from RAF Downham Market into occupied Europe. This website serves as a permanent digital record of their bravery, preserving the memory of the Pathfinder Force squadrons, the 3 Group Main Force, and historic units like 218 Gold Coast and 623 Squadron for generations.
The Airfield Cairn Memorial and its legacy
The Airfield Cairn memorial is a striking tribute created by Christopher Coverdale, made possible through material sponsorship and generous donations from friends of the memorial. It bears the names of every aircrew member missing in action, engraved in aircrew order across eight stainless-steel plaques, commemorating 142 crews. The memorial also features the dedicated poem Bomber Boys, written by Chris Coverdale.
A central cairn plaque honours everyone who served at RAF Downham Market. Additional plaques commemorate the Station Commanders and Squadron Commanders of every squadron stationed there, and pay tribute to all who served at the former RAF Downham Market between 1942 and 1945.
The Cairn memorial stands at the beginning of the main east-west runway, near the Crimplesham end of the airfield, off New Road. With an RAF Ensign flag Pole and separate windsock pole, this memorial was created with passion, and it is a fantastic tribute to honour so many who gave this country so much in a time of war. We will Remember Them.
Support and visit the Memorial
We encourage you to visit the cairn memorial in person, reflect on the incredible sacrifices made, and share these stories with younger generations. You can also actively support our mission by donating towards the cairn's long-term upkeep and maintenance, ensuring our heroes are remembered with dignity forever. Even £10 helps if you can donate. God Bless You.