Memorial Vickers Wellington 1c T-2888 LN-R

The story of Vickers Wellington Mark 1c, R-LN, ‘R’ Robert, serial number T2888 begins with its delivery to 99 Squadron in November 1940 as a replacement for an aircraft lost on 6th November 1940. The aircraft was regularly crewed by Sgt Pilot J.R. GOODMAN and flew a number of missions in his capable hands. On 11th February 1941 fates conspired against ‘R’ Robert. In the absences of Sgt GOODMAN and his crew, on well deserved leave and the mechanical failure of another aircraft for a sortie over the German city of Bremen the aircraft was ‘loaned’ to Sgt Pilot ROBINSON and his crew.

The sortie was a success but on their return to England the crew were unable to locate the airfield at Newmarket in the murk and, running low on fuel and still carrying weapons they found that had no choice but to abandon the aircraft. They turned to the less populated area of the fens to the North of Newmarket, climbed to a safe altitude, pointed the aircraft out towards the wash and the 6 crew abandoned ‘R’ Robert. Tragically 2 of the crew were killed but the other four survived,

Pilot ROBINSON, after landing in a water filled ditch, nearly drowning, loosing half his flying gear, wet through and freezing found himself confronted by an over zealous farm worker with a very sharp pitchfork who was convinced he had caught a Nazi paratrooper!! ROBINSON was ‘arrested’ by the local Police and subjected to lengthy interrogation by the local Constable before being re united with his Squadron after he managed to convince all concerned that he was genuine RAF and not a spy.

As for ‘R’ Robert. She came down in a sparsely populated area near ‘Stags Holt’ just south west of Wisbeach where her wreckage remained until it was rediscovered by members of the Fenland Aviation Preservation Society and excavated.

Amongst the wreckage recovered, a single propeller blade was recovered, refurbished, and placed close to the ‘Members’ entrance at the Rowley Mile Race Course by local builder David JARVIS as a memorial to all the members of 99 Squadron who served there. This memorial was dedicated on 29th September 1985.

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Source

• Text: Kevin Green
• Photos: Kevin Green