R101 Monument In Cardington Cemetery

The R101 Monument in Cardington Cemetery is a Grade II listed structure commemorating the victims of the R101 airship disaster, whose remains are buried in a mass grave beneath it. Designed by Sir Albert Richardson and constructed between 1930 and 1931, the monument resembles a large stone tomb chest with a simple design, set on a three-tiered base. Fluted piers are positioned at each corner, and the side and end panels are framed by straightforward mouldings. The northwest end panel features the inscription: "Here lie the bodies of 48 officers and men who perished in the airship R101 at Beauvais, France, Oct. 5 1930." The side panels list the names of those who died, including Lord Thomson, the Air Minister, and Sir Sefton Brancker, the Air Vice Marshal. The southeast end panel is adorned with a carved Royal Air Force crest.