Browse crosses

 
Location:  On the top of Manaton Hill, just to the South of the track that leads from Natsworthy Gate to Grimspound.

O/S Grid Ref:  SX/71283/80700       Longitude/Latitude (Degrees+/-):  -3.82060/50.61177

Map location:  Click here to view map.

Purpose:  Memorial to the four British Airmen who lost their lives when their plane crashed into the side of Manaton Hill.

Size:  6 feet high. 4 feet 6 inches wide.

Information:  The accident happened during World War II, when the pilot of the plane became disorientated in fog and crashed into the side of Manaton Hill. This hill is on the Eastern side of Hameldon and it is ironic to note that a number of wooden poles were erected on the top of Hameldon in 1940, in order to prevent enemy aircraft from landing on it. Some of these poles can be seen still standing today.

There is an incised cross on the Northern face of the stone, below which the following has been engraved:

R A F
S. 49
R D W
C J L
R B
R L A E
21.3.41

This shows the initials of the four crew members and the date of the crash. The ‘S.49’, represents their squadron i.e. Squadron 49 – Scampton.

In 1991, the memorial was rededicated and a plaque was added to the Southern face of the stone. This plaque reads as follows

ON 22ND MARCH 1941
A ROYAL AIRFORCE BOMBER
49 SQDN SCAMPTON
CRASHED RETURNING FROM
OPERATIONS OVER FRANCE
THE 4 CREW WERE LOST

THIS MEMORIAL BEARS
THEIR INITIALS AND SQUADRON
NUMBER – COMMEMORATING
THEIR SELFLESS COURAGE
AND THAT OF FELLOW AIRMEN
WHO PERISHED ON DARTMOOR
1939 – 1945
THEIR SACRIFICE HELPED US
TO MAINTAIN FREEDOM

THE AIRCREW ASSOCIATION 1991