Remembering the Irthlingborough B-17 Collision: A Memorial Exhibition at Stanwick Lakes

A moving tribute to the airmen lost in the tragic 1944 B-17 collision over Irthlingborough is set to be unveiled at Stanwick Lakes, as a deeply researched exhibition brings their personal stories to life.

On 22 February, it will be 81 years since two B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft—“Hells Angel II” from the 303rd Bomb Group at RAF Molesworth and “June Bug” from the 384th Bomb Group at Grafton Underwood—collided mid-air while preparing for a bombing raid in Germany as part of “Operation Argument.” Of the 20 crew members, only three survived.

Now, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and historians, their names, faces, and stories will be honoured in an exhibition at the Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre. Running from 15–23 February (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily), the display will feature photographs, artefacts, and personal accounts—some shared directly by the families of those who served. Entry is free, though usual car parking charges apply.

A Lasting Memorial
The exhibition builds on last year’s 80th anniversary tribute, which saw the unveiling of a new memorial at Stanwick Lakes, overlooking Brightwater Lake—one of the sites of the crash. The monument stands as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these airmen, made possible through a community-led fundraising effort.

Nadia Norman, Heritage Coordinator at Stanwick Lakes, shared:

“This event, supported by the 384th Museum Grafton Underwood, will display artefacts and the historic stories of the time, including personal photos and memories of the airmen themselves, kindly shared by their families.”

She added: “The memorial project is the result of countless hours of research and dedication by an incredible team of volunteers. It was important to us that these airmen were remembered—not just as part of history, but as individuals with stories worth telling.”

The exhibition has been made possible with the support of Tim Mason, Brunel Engraving Co, Irthlingborough Historical Society, Irthlingborough Town Council, Shaw’s Carpentry and Construction Ltd, John Abbott, and UPA Colworth.

Stanwick Lakes, an environmental charity managed by Rockingham Forest Trust, is located near Rushden and can be accessed off the A45.

For further details, visit the Stanwick Lakes website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.