A Handley Page Hampden bomber aircraft crashed on land to the south of Hemswell, on the 17th of April 1940. The aircraft was designated L4163 from 144 Squadron, and crashed on take off from its base at Hemswell. The plane was on a mine-laying sortie but was unable to make any height after lifting off. It crossed the western boundary of the airfield and the adjacent B1398 road, before hitting the corner of Mill House. The plane then crashed and slid down the hill, coming to rest at the bottom where it burnt out. All four crew members were killed in the accident. {1}{2}