Memorial Dakota TS436

In the latter part of WW2, RAF Zeals was used a base for Glider Pick-Up Training using the "snatch take-off method for retrieving gliders" in preparation for operations against Japan. On the 19th February 1945, Dakota 111 TS436 from 107 OTU was returning to its home base of Leicester East with 21 personnel onboard. The aircraft took off in poor visibility and crashed into 60ft trees on a local feature known as Beech Clump. The aircraft impaled itself on the beech trees and burst into flames. 20 of those onboard died with only the pilot surviving.
The memorial was commissioned by a Wiltshire History Society and unveiled in 1999.

"This memorial is dedicated to
the airmen who lost their lives in
Dakota TS436
of No 107 OTU Leicester East
which crashed here after taking off from
RAF Zeals on 19th February 1945

F/Sgt J.O. Allen RAAF Sgt R.E. Jelfs RAF
Cpl K.S. Anderson RAF F/O F.J. Plant RAF
A.C.2 W.J.E Colby RAF F/Sgt A.J. Roberts RAF
F/Lt T.A. Evans RAF F/Sgt J. Ross RAF
Sgt M.V. Gilder RAF F/O M.E.L Scovell RCAF
Sgt D. Grant RAF F/Sgt A.G. Shaddick RAAF
F/O G.J. Guay RCAF F/Sgt L.D. Slipper RAF
F/Lt J.C. Howden RAF A.C.2 R.E Suggars RAF
F/Lt J. Heywood RAF F/Lt D.E Turnbull RAF
F/Lt R.T. Hyde RCAF F/O S.G. Williams RAF
and the pilot F/Lt M.R.S. Mackay DFC RAF
who sustained severe injuries and subsequently died"