Edwin Kirk

IBCC:
Lancaster III seial number ED833
Flight Engineer.
Flew from Swinderby Lincolnshire on an asymetric flying training flight when the plane's wing tip hit a telegraph pole whilst banking. Eye witnesses stated it was already crashing and had banked to avoid other houses. They hit No 22 & 24 Highfield Avenue Lincoln and then hit the houses on the opposite side of Highfield Avenue, No 25 &27.
The rear gunner survived the crash as the rear gun turret had become detached from the aircraft and it was found nearby in Royden Grove.
At No25 Margaret Marriott aged 11 was killed, she was doing her homework whilst her parents were at their allotment. At No 24 Lena Thacker, her 2 sons Laurie aged 4 and Anthony aged 3 were killed. Laurie died of burns that night and Anthony succumbed to his injuries on the 29th June. A friend, Gwendoline Whitby staying with Lena Thacker was also killed. Witnesses said Lena had been at the door but rushed back into the house to save her sons. They were found in the bathroom and Lena was found trapped by the door. The plane had exploded and all 3 had been badly burned. Lena's 2 daughters survived as they were not home at the time of the crash. Several other people were injured and all 4 houses were destroyed and others were damaged.

Another member of the crew who died was William Featherstone of Sutton in Ashfield. William had attended Queen Elizabeth School, Mansfield.