Page 2 - Memorial Page

The 49 & 576 Squadron Memorial is located on the edge of the airfield at the side of the Reepham
to Fiskerton road and is adjacent to one of the old runways.

The land, on which this Memorial stands, was donated by the landowner Mr Stuffins. He sadly
passed away in 2009.

One hundred and seventeen Lancasters and their crews were lost flying from Fiskerton, either
through enemy action or due to accidents.

The vital contribution made by Bomber Command to our eventual victory during the Second World
War, cannot be understated. Facing appalling dangers and hardships, over 55,000 British and
Commonwealth aircrew did not survive the bombing campaign. This is almost 60% of the aircrew
who took part. Of those who were flying at the start of hostilities, only one in ten survived the war
and only one in four could expect to survive operations intact. New crews were expected to
survive for five operations only which were about three short weeks. Some new crews never even
had time to unpack before failing to return from their first operation. The chances of completing the
"Tour" of 30 operations were slim.

Many more must have suffered both physically and mentally, not least the ground crews who
cared for their Lancaster and crew only to suffer the distress when they failed to return.

Their sacrifice and the efforts of all those who were a part of Bomber Command was crucial to our
success in winning the war. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. We hope this website in some
small way helps to keep alive the memory of that wartime sacrifice.