In memory of RAF Flying Officer Roland Gomm Marshall
Whose aircraft exploded in mid-air and fell into fields just east of the village on 27 November 1945.
The Story
While conducting research for a book about the village’s history, I came across a little known and tragic aviation incident that occurred at noon on the 27th November 1945.
A Hawker Tempest Mk V aircraft, being flown at a high altitude by Flying Officer Roland Gomm Marshall inexplicably exploded in mid-air over the River Tweed, near Carham, while performing aerobatics.
Such was the ferocity of the explosion that the aircraft completely disintegrated, with the press reporting that debris fell in three different counties, Berwickshire, Roxburghshire and Northumberland. Debris was recovered from as far east as the current Coldstream Medical Centre, on both banks of the river and on the islands.
The main fuselage and the pilot’s body fell into the fields next to the new housing development at East Haugh - and just west of Homebank Farm on the outskirts of the village.
The Pilot
The young pilot tragically killed in this mid-air explosion was 21 year old Roland Gomm Marshall, originally from Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire.
He had trained in Canada and was a Flying Officer in the 56 Operational Training Unit stationed at nearby RAF Milfield.
He is interred at Hepstonhall Church, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
After several years of trying to trace family members, I was delighted to finally be contacted in late 2025 by the pilot’s nephew [also named Roland in his honour]. Amazingly, the family were largely unaware of the circumstances and location of the crash. Nevertheless, Roland has kindly provided additional information about his uncle and some of the photos that can be seen on this page and in the booklet.
It is hoped that Roland and other family members will travel to Birgham to unveil the proposed memorials in the village.
The Memorials
Even now, some 80 years later, I believe it would be fitting for the village to memorialise and honour this brave young pilot. Accordingly, as a personal endeavour, I would very much like to erect two memorials to Flying Officer Marshall in the village.
It is hoped that with the collaboration of the BCDT that one memorial could be sited adjacent to the village’s existing war memorial at the park. And thanks to the SBC - who have provided permission for a commemorative plaque to be located at the cemetery wall on the lane down to the river - a point close to the field where the main fuselage fell.
The project requires about £1,000 to be able to acquire and erect both memorials [one design concept is depicted here]. Unfortunately, so far, all efforts to raise funds through grant funding have failed, but efforts are continuing on various fronts.
If you want to make a contribution to the cost of these memorials, or would like further information, please use the website’s contact page.
The Birgham Tempest Booklet
A 36 page A5 illustrated booklet has recently been published to tell the story of “The Birgham Tempest” and this liitle known event. It also offers an insight about the young pilot and includes local and national press coverage, the full 9 page RAF Air Accident Investigation Report along with the local police report.
The booklet is available free-of-charge, but a donation towards the memorial project would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact me via the website contact page.
Birgham Tempest Illustration
To further commemorate this tragedy, renowned French aviation artist Gaëtan Marie produced this stunning illustration of the Birgham Tempest in memory of Flying Officer Marshall. A framed copy of this superb artwork was recently presented to Roland Marshall for the Marshall family.
