During the Second World War, thousands of aircraft crashed throughout the UK—including many across Wales. While not all incidents were due to combat, with factors such as adverse weather, pilot error, and mechanical failure contributing to losses, these sites remain a significant yet vulnerable part of Wales’s twentieth-century heritage.
Recognising a lack of comprehensive information on military aircraft crash sites and the various threats facing these locations, the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts, alongside RCAHMW, undertook a collaborative effort to identify and record these sites across Wales. The initial work included the compilation of a national database of downed aircraft, followed by detailed studies in each region to verify, consolidate, and supplement records.
Today, hundreds of aircraft crash sites—ranging from terrestrial to intertidal and maritime locations—are documented within the Welsh Historic Environment Records (HERs). While many sites have been enhanced using both primary and secondary sources, gaps remain, particularly regarding precise locations due to the limitations of surviving evidence. Nevertheless, this pan-Wales initiative represents a significant step forward in preserving the memory of these sites and increasing public understanding of their historical importance.
