Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 2,406, Group 0)
Avro Lancaster
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Avro Lancaster is a British Second World War heavy bomber. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three aircraft being four-engined heavy bombers adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.
The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use". Originally developed as an evolution of the Manchester (which had proved troublesome in service and was retired in 1942), the Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins and in one version, Bristol Hercules engines. It first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the main aircraft for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. As increasing numbers of the type were produced, it became the principal heavy bomber used by the RAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing the Halifax and Stirling. Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7527
s/n L7527
m/d 683
Avro
L 7527
Merlin
Known Units: AAEE;1654HCU;15
Missing (Essen) 1944-01-27last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7530
s/n L7530
m/d 683
Avro
L 7530
Merlin
Known Units: 44;20;467;1661HCU
Flew into ground on overshoot. Winthorpe, 1 Feb 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7537
s/n L7537
m/d 683
Avro
L 7537
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Missing (Dusseldorf) 31 July 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7546
s/n L7546
m/d 683
Avro
L 7546
Merlin
Known Units: 44;207
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-J) 1942-01-17.The first Lancaster operation was flown by Squadron Leader Nettleton on 1942-03-03.
Later the aircraft was transferred to No. 207 Sqn (EM-G).
Missing on operation to Genoa 1942-11-08
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7565
s/n L7565
m/d 683
Avro
L 7565
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-V). Was part of the daylight raid to the MAN diesel factory at Augsburg, Germany 17 Apr 1942. Piloted by Flight Lieutenant R.R. Sandford, it was shot down by fighters on the way to the target. The leader of the 44 Sqn's 6 aircraft, Squadron Leader J. D Nettleton, in R 5508 KM-B was awarded a VC.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7567
s/n L7567
m/d 683
Avro
L 7567
Merlin
Known Units: 44;49
One of the first Lancasters produced. Delivered to No. 44 Sqn(KM-C) Jan 1942. Transferred to No. 49 Sqn. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 28/29 Aug 1942. 76 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7572
s/n L7572
m/d 683
Avro
L 7572
Merlin
Known Units: 97 Sqn
Missing (Trondheim) 28-4-42last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7573
s/n L7573
m/d 683
Avro
L 7573
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Missing (Augsburg) 17-4-42 (D)last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7576
s/n L7576
m/d 683
Avro
L 7576
Merlin
Known Units: 97;44;1660 HCU;622
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (conversion training only), then transferred to No. 44 Sqn (KM-Ebar).Took part in the 1000-bomber raids on Cologne 30-31 May and Essen 1/2 Jun 1942.
Was then part of No. 44 Sqn conversion flight before going to No 1660 HCU. Finally with No. 622 Sqn (GI-L, later GI-K) in Jan 1944.
It was part of No. 622's first Lancaster operation, to Brunswick 15/16 Jan 1944.
Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 538 operational hours.
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial L7578
s/n L7578
m/d 683
Avro
L 7578
Merlin
Known Units: 97;83;1654/HCU;5/LFS
One of the first production batch, started as Manchesters but converted to Lancasters.Delivered to No. 97 Sqn 8 Mar 1942, then to No. 83 Sqn, then transferred to 1654/68 Conversion units. Finally at No. 5 Lancaster Finishing School, where it crashed at Gonalston, Notts. and burned on 26 May 1944.
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5483
s/n R5483
m/d 683
Avro
R 5483
Merlin
Known Units: 97;1654HCU;622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5484
s/n R5484
m/d 683
Avro
R 5484
Merlin
Known Units: 44;83
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-K) Mar 1942. Transferred to No, 83 Sqn (OL-V) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Pilzen 16/17 Apr 1943. 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1943-04-16 to 1943-04-17
83 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wyton
83 Squadron (Strike To Defend), Pathfinder Force, RAF Wyton. Lancaster BI aircraft R 5484 OL-V was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Kurt Karsten of the 7/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 from Juvincourt airfield during an operation against the Skoda Works in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The Lancaster crashed onto the house of Madame Chedeville, in the centre of Pontavert, Aisne, France
Flying Officer GA McNichol (RCAF) was killed in action
Flight Lieutenant HH Beaupre DFC (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class CE Hobbs (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant TW Lewis DFC & Bar (RCAF)(USA), Flight Sergeant GS MacFarlane (RAF), Warrant Officer GC Mott (RAF) and Sergeant HR Willis (RAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
[Royal Air Force serial and Image Database]...
1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Harold Beaupre DFC 2023-11-16
1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Charles Erskine Hobbs 2025-01-05
1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas William Lewis DFC & Bar 2023-05-15
1943-April-17 PoW RAF Flight Sergeant George Stanley MacFarlane 2023-05-15
1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Glen Alexander McNichol 2023-11-28
1943-April-17 PoW RAF Warrant Officer George Christopher Mott 2023-05-15
1943-April-17 PoW RAF Sergeant Henry Richard Willis 2023-05-15 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5485
s/n R5485
m/d 683
Avro
R 5485
Merlin
Known Units: 109;TCFU;1654HCU;467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Revigny-Sur-Ornain France 1944-07-19 to 1944-07-19
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster R5485 was on a mission to bomb the railway yards at Revigny, France. Homeward-bound, the aircraft was intercepted by a German night fighter. Taken Prisoner of War was RCAF Fg/O E.F.G. Haddlesey. Casualties included RAAF members Flying Officer T.E.W. Davis and Flt. Sgt. C.F. Allen. The remainder of the crew evaded capture: Flying Officer M.W. Edgerley, F/S's D.V. Kelly and L.W. McGowan, and Sgt. W.F. Marshall.Lancaster Mk.I serial R5487
s/n R5487
m/d 683
Avro
R 5487
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-V) 28 Feb 1942. Took part in the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Hamburg 26/27 Jul 1942. 174 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5488
s/n R5488
m/d 683
Avro
R 5488
Merlin
Known Units: 97;61
First with No. 97 Sqn (OF-F). This aircraft was part of the daylight Augsburg Raid of 17 Apr 1942, captained by Flying Officer Rodley. It returned safely from that operation. The aircraft was transferred to No. 61 Sqn (QR-F) May 1942, and participated in the 1000-bomber raid on Cologne 30/31 May 1942 and the subsequent 1000-bomber operations to Essen andBremen. Missing on Gardening operation 3/4 Jul 1942. 123 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5495
s/n R5495
m/d 683
Avro
R 5495
Merlin
Known Units: 97 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5497
s/n R5497
m/d 683
Avro
R 5497
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5499
s/n R5499
m/d 683
Avro
R 5499
Merlin
Known Units: 207
With No. 207 Sqn (EM-O) Conversion Flight, then on Gardening operations. Lost on Gardening operation 10/11 Aug 1942. 176 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5510
s/n R5510
m/d 683
Avro
R 5510
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-A). Shot down in the daylight mission over Augsburg 17 Apr 1942. The aircraft was piloted by Flying Officer A.J. Garwell DFMlast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5512
s/n R5512
m/d 683
Avro
R 5512
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-C) Mar 1942. Missing (crashed near Amsterdam) on operation to Duisburg 20/21 Dec 1942. 359 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5513
s/n R5513
m/d 683
Avro
R 5513
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Augsburg Germany 1942-04-17 to 1942-04-17
97 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Woodhall Spa
97 Straits Settlements Squadron (Achieve Your Aim), RAF Woodhill Spa
Lancaster I aircraft R5513 OF-P was engaged in a daylight, low level attack (44 & 97 Squadrons, 6 aircraft from each) against the MAN diesel engine factory in Augsburg, Germany. The Lancaster entered target area but was then hit by flak and caught fire in the air. Despite this, the bomber continued on its bomb run and was seen to drop its bombs before exploding and crashing near the target with the loss of the entire crew
Flight Sergeant John Granville Donoghue (RCAF)(USA), Flight Sergeant Stanley Edward Eades MiD (RAFVR), Warrant Officer Leonard Harrison MiD (RAF), Flight Sergeant Norman Craig Hayes MiD (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant David MacDonald MiD (RAFVR), Warrant Officer Thomas James Mycock DFC MiD (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant Walter Shelley MiD (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Attack on U-Boat Engine Factory
Lancaster I R5513 Royal Air Force Serials and Image Database
1942-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Granville Donoghue 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Stanley Edward Eades MiD 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAF Warrant Officer Leonard Harrison MiD 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Norman Craig Hayes MiD 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant David MacDonald MiD 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Thomas James Mycock DFC, MiD 2025-07-27
1942-April-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Walter Shelley MiD 2025-07-27 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5517
s/n R5517
m/d 683
Avro
R 5517
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 2 May 1942. Missing on operation toEmden 22/23 Jun 1942 . 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5537
s/n R5537
m/d 683
Avro
R 5537
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5543
s/n R5543
m/d 683
Avro
R 5543
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn, Luffenham Apr 1942. Missing on Atlantic patrol, 20 Aug 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5551
s/n R5551
m/d 683
Avro
R 5551
Merlin
Known Units: 97;106
Delivered to No. 97, no operations. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-V) May1942. Took part in numerous operations, including the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1943. It dropped the first 8,000 lb bomb on Turin (operation flown by W/C G.P. Gibson). Missing on operation to Oberhausen 14/15 Jun 1943. 365 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5552
s/n R5552
m/d 683
Avro
R 5552
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5556
s/n R5556
m/d 683
Avro
R 5556
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5557
s/n R5557
m/d 683
Avro
R 5557
Merlin
Known Units: ;44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5558
s/n R5558
m/d 683
Avro
R 5558
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-J) Apr 1942. Crashed in the North Sea near Wells, Norfolk after operation to Duisburg on 14-Jul 1942. 61 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5561
s/n R5561
m/d 683
Avro
R 5561
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Apr 1942. Missing on the 1000-bomber raid on Cologne 30/31 May 1942. 37 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5562
s/n R5562
m/d 683
Avro
R 5562
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 26 Apr 1942. Participated in the 1000-bomber raids on Cologne and Essen. Missing on operation to Essen 3/4 Jun 1942. 64 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5563
s/n R5563
m/d 683
Avro
R 5563
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 26 Apr 1942. Missing on search from German blockade runner off the Spanish coast 19/20 Aug 1942. 45 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5569
s/n R5569
m/d 683
Avro
R 5569
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-D) 1 May 1942. Passed to No. 83 Sqn (OL-E) and then back to No. 97 Sqn (OF-X). Crashed on return from operation to Berlin 14 Nov 1942. 134 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5570
s/n R5570
m/d 683
Avro
R 5570
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5571
s/n R5571
m/d 683
Avro
R 5571
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5572
s/n R5572
m/d 683
Avro
R 5572
Merlin
Known Units: 97;106
Lancaster R5572 delivered to 97 Squadron (OF-F)15th May 1942, Transferred to 106 Squadron (ZN-M) April 1943. Took of from RAF Syerston 22.50. Crashed Baak Netherlands on operation to Gelsenkirchen 25/26 June 1943. 424 Operational Hours. The enemy claim was by Nightfighter, Oblt. Â Werner Husemann, Stab NJG1 Â 5km SSE Zutphen
last update: 2025-November-19Bombing Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-06-25 to 1943-06-26
106 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Syerston
473 aircraft - 214 Lancasters, 134 Halifaxes, 73 Stirlings, 40 Wellingtons, 12 Mosquitoes. This was the first raid to Gelsenkirchen since 1941, when it had been one of Bomber Command's regular 'oil targets', although, being in the middle of the Ruhr, this town had often been hit when other targets were attacked. 30 aircraft - 13 Lancasters, 7 Halifaxes, 6 Stirlings, 4 Wellingtons - were lost, 6.3 per cent of the force.
The target was obscured by cloud and the Oboe Mosquitoes, for once, failed to produce regular and accurate marking since 5 of the 12 Oboe aircraft found that their equipment was unserviceable. The raid was not a success. Diisseldorf reports 24 buildings destroyed and 3,285 damaged but 2,937 of these suffered only superficial blast damage. 20 industrial premises were hit and 4 of them suffered total production loss but no large fires were involved and the loss in production lasted for no longer than 2 weeks. 16 people were killed.
Bombs probably fell on many other Ruhr towns. Solingen, nearly 30 miles from Gelsenkirchen, recorded 21 people killed and 58 injured on this night. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster R5572 delivered to 97 Squadron (OF-F)15th May 1942, Transferred to 106 Squadron (ZN-M) April 1943. Took of from RAF Syerston 22.50. Crashed Baak Netherlands on operation to Gelsenkirchen 25/26 June 1943. 424 Operational Hours. The enemy claim was by Nightfighter, Oblt. Â Werner Husemann, Stab NJG1 Â 5km SSE Zutphen
1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Edward Whitby Henry Browne 2025-03-03
1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Stanley Cowgill 2025-03-03
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Eric Winks Davidson 2025-11-13
1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant John Albert Francis 2025-03-03
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Horace Sinclair 2024-09-06
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lawson Frederick Sparling 2024-09-06
1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant John Gareth Vaughan Williams 2025-03-03 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5573
s/n R5573
m/d 683
Avro
R 5573
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn May 1942. Took part in the 1000- bomber raids on Cologne and Essen, and was the first squadron to drop 8000-pound bombs. Missing on operation to Cologne 8/9 Jul 1943. 477 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5575
s/n R5575
m/d 683
Avro
R 5575
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant George Arthur Axup 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Craighton Beebe 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant John Bell 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant John Charles Brittain 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant Peter Lane 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant Geoffrey Harold Rowson 2025-10-18
1943-January-18 KIA RAF Sergeant John Edgar West 2025-10-18 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5576
s/n R5576
m/d 683
Avro
R 5576
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn May 1942. In the No. 106 Sqn Conversion Flight. Crashed on take-off 21 Jul 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5603
s/n R5603
m/d 683
Avro
R 5603
Merlin
Known Units: 44 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5605
s/n R5605
m/d 683
Avro
R 5605
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Jun 1942. Missing on search of the Bay of Biscay for a German blockade runner, 19 Aug 1942. 105 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5607
s/n R5607
m/d 683
Avro
R 5607
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-X). To Royal Aircraft Establishment Jun-Jul 1942 for trials of anti-shipping weapon. Then returned to No 97 Sqn with same squadron code. Was used to carry 8,000 lb bombs on operations. Failed to return from mission to Essen 12/13 Mar 1943. 251 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5611
s/n R5611
m/d 683
Avro
R 5611
Merlin
Known Units: RAE;106
Originally with Royal Aircraft Establishment, Fernborough from May-Sept 1942. Then to No. 106 Sqn. Missing on operation to Pilzen 13/14 May 1943. 239 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5615
s/n R5615
m/d 683
Avro
R 5615
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5616
s/n R5616
m/d 683
Avro
R 5616
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-J, later EM-D) 19 May 1942. Missing on gardening operation 16/17 Aug 1942. 147 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5617
s/n R5617
m/d 683
Avro
R 5617
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 19 May 1942. Crashed on hillside near Tavistock, Devon 25 May 1942. The aircraft had flown no operations.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5619
s/n R5619
m/d 683
Avro
R 5619
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5622
s/n R5622
m/d 683
Avro
R 5622
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-A) 23 May 1942. Later re-coded OL-U, and then OL-C. Took part in the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1942. Squadron moved to PFF Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Plzen 16/17 Apr 1943. 247 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5623
s/n R5623
m/d 683
Avro
R 5623
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5625
s/n R5625
m/d 683
Avro
R 5625
Merlin
Known Units: 83;622
Originally with No. 83 Sqn (OL-O). Started with the 1000- bomber raid on Cologne. Was given new code letters (OL-D) in Dec 1942, then was transferred to No. 50 Sqn, but no operations were flown before returning to No. 83 Sqn. Transferred to No. 622 Sqn (GI-B). Lost on daylight mission to Lisieux 9 Jul 1944. 535 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5626
s/n R5626
m/d 683
Avro
R 5626
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Started with No. 83 Sqn (Ol-O, later OL-M). On loan to No. 50 Sqn Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 3/4 Apr 1943. 273 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5627
s/n R5627
m/d 683
Avro
R 5627
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5628
s/n R5628
m/d 683
Avro
R 5628
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-Q) May 1942. Took part in the 1000-bomber raids on Cologne (30/31 May 1942) and Essen (1/2 Jun 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie 10 Sep 1942. 105 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5629
s/n R5629
m/d 683
Avro
R 5629
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5632
s/n R5632
m/d 683
Avro
R 5632
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5633
s/n R5633
m/d 683
Avro
R 5633
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5636
s/n R5636
m/d 683
Avro
R 5636
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5638
s/n R5638
m/d 683
Avro
R 5638
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 7 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 11 Sep 1942. 118 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5659
s/n R5659
m/d 683
Avro
R 5659
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5662
s/n R5662
m/d 683
Avro
R 5662
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5663
s/n R5663
m/d 683
Avro
R 5663
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 7 Jun 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie in the Denmark Strait 3/4 July 1942. 41 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5665
s/n R5665
m/d 683
Avro
R 5665
Merlin
Known Units: 44;106
Flew with No. 44 Sqn (KM-A) Jun-Oct 1942. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-D). Missing on operation to Remschied, Germany 30/31 Jul 1943. 487 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5666
s/n R5666
m/d 683
Avro
R 5666
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5670
s/n R5670
m/d 683
Avro
R 5670
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-R) 11 Jun 1942. Aircraft crashed and burnt at Waterbeach on return from Genoa 7 Nov 1942. 168 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5673
s/n R5673
m/d 683
Avro
R 5673
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-L) 15 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Genoa 6/7 Nov 1942. Said to have collided with another Lancaster, possibly R 5566 over the target. 135 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5675
s/n R5675
m/d 683
Avro
R 5675
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-H) 16 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Bremen, 27/28 Jun 1942. 10 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5676
s/n R5676
m/d 683
Avro
R 5676
Merlin
Known Units: ;1660
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5677
s/n R5677
m/d 683
Avro
R 5677
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5678
s/n R5678
m/d 683
Avro
R 5678
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5679
s/n R5679
m/d 683
Avro
R 5679
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5680
s/n R5680
m/d 683
Avro
R 5680
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5682
s/n R5682
m/d 683
Avro
R 5682
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-R) 20 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Bremen 4/5 Sep 1942. 131 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5683
s/n R5683
m/d 683
Avro
R 5683
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Aircraft exploded over the Wash while outward journey to Duisburg 25/26 July 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1942-07-26 to 1942-07-26
106 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Coningsby
106 Squadron (Pro Libertate) RAF Coningsby. Lancaster I aircraft R 5683 ZN-? had just taken off outbound for Duisburg, Germany when it exploded in mid-air and crashed on the mud flats near Butterwick, 4 miles ENE of Boston, Lincolnshire, England
Pilot Officer RB Smith (RCAF), FS G Appleyard DFM (RAFVR), FS M Darvill DFM (RAFVR), Sergeant RL Beaddie (RAF), Sergeant LW Young (RAF), Sergeant JD Davie (RAFVR), and Sergeant JW Grimwade (RAAF) were all killed in action
Allied Losses and Incidents: All Commands
Lancaster I R5683 [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Geoffrey Appleyard DFM 2022-10-17
1942-July-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Robert Lovie Beaddie 2022-10-17
1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Montague Darvill DFM 2022-10-17
1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Douglas Davie 2025-06-11
1942-July-26 KIA RAAF Sergeant James William Grimwade 2022-10-17
1942-July-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ray Branton Smith 2022-10-17
1942-July-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Leonard Walter Young 2025-06-11 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5685
s/n R5685
m/d 683
Avro
R 5685
Merlin
Known Units: 50;460;1667HCU
Aircraft crash-landed at Faldingworth 30 Sept 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5686
s/n R5686
m/d 683
Avro
R 5686
Merlin
Known Units: 207;83
Originally with No. 207 Sqn (EM-T), then to No. 32 MU Dec 1942, then to No. 83 Sqn (OL-G) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Munster 11/12 Jun 1943. 176 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5687
s/n R5687
m/d 683
Avro
R 5687
Merlin
Known Units: 44;50
To No. 44 Sqn then to No. 50 Sqn (VN-D) Mar 1942. Missing on operation to Hamburg 27/28 Jul 1943. 518 operational hours. This was the second raid of the Battle of Hamburg, Jul-Aug 1943. The aircraft was shot down by flak over Bremerhaven on the return from Hamburg and was the 13th down of 21 aircraft lost that night. The crew were on their 2nd operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5689
s/n R5689
m/d 683
Avro
R 5689
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5695
s/n R5695
m/d 683
Avro
R 5695
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 39 MU Jun 1942. To No. 207 Sqn (EM-C) Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Haselunne AIrfield 25/26 Nov 1942. 128 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James McGregor Allan 2024-11-02
1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Eugene Edward Chouiniere 2024-02-15
1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Louis Guichard 2021-08-09
1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph Parkyn 2021-08-18
1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William John Vandervoort 2021-07-13 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5696
s/n R5696
m/d 683
Avro
R 5696
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-H) 29 Jun 1942. Missing on dusk operation to Danzig 11 Jul-1942. 7 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5697
s/n R5697
m/d 683
Avro
R 5697
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn. Coded KM-H from Aug 1942 to Sep 1942. Was twice damaged and Re- coded KM-R. Missing from operation to Duisburg 20/21 Dec 1942. 248 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5700
s/n R5700
m/d 683
Avro
R 5700
Merlin
Known Units: 106;9
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-G),Jun/Jul 1942. Stored at No. 5 MU Jan 1943 to Jun 1943. Then with No. 9 Sqn (WS-N). Missing on operation to Hanover 22/23 Sep 1943. 397 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-September-22 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Edward Jeptha Crabtree 2024-05-10
1943-September-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Dennis Everest 2022-05-16
1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Vincent Hirst-Gee 2022-05-16
1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Breeds Hood 2022-05-16
1943-September-22 KIA RAF Sergeant Victor James Lander 2022-05-16
1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Malcolm John MacRitchie 2022-05-16
1943-September-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Nelson Albert Noble 2021-08-17
1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Alastair Sales 2022-05-16 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5702
s/n R5702
m/d 683
Avro
R 5702
Merlin
Known Units: 50;625
Originally with No. 50 Sqn (VN-S). On operations from July 1942 to Nov 1942. On an operation to Hamburg, 9/10 Nov 1942 was hit by flak that killed the Warrant Officer and wounded the pilot and navigator. The aircraft crashed near Harwich but was later repaired. It then passed through the hands of Nos. 106, 460 (Australian),and 100 Sqn before ending up with No. 625 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 147 operational hours; this low number for the age of the aircraft presumably means that it was out of action for a long time.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5703
s/n R5703
m/d 683
Avro
R 5703
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5728
s/n R5728
m/d 683
Avro
R 5728
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5729
s/n R5729
m/d 683
Avro
R 5729
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-W). Was badly damaged by night fighter attack on operation to Duisburg 23/24 July 1942: it was claimed that the fighter was shot down. After repair, now coded KM-A, it continued on operations until being lost on a mission to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5731
s/n R5731
m/d 683
Avro
R 5731
Merlin
Known Units: 106
With No. 106 Sqn. Took part in the daylight raid to Le Creusot (Pilot was Flight Lieutenant J.V. Hopgood, aircraft was damaged from bombing the Montchanin power station at too low altitude). Crashed 8 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Mar 1943. 183 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5735
s/n R5735
m/d 683
Avro
R 5735
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5737
s/n R5737
m/d 683
Avro
R 5737
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 15 Jul 1942. After several anti-U-boat patrols, it operated against Hamburg before being lost on an operation to Saarbrucken 29/30 Jul 1942. Robertson gives only 12 operational hours, which seems rather short for the number of lengthy operations undertaken.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5738
s/n R5738
m/d 683
Avro
R 5738
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5739
s/n R5739
m/d 683
Avro
R 5739
Merlin
Known Units: 1654HCU;622;15
Missing on mission to Leipzig 19/20 Feb. 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5741
s/n R5741
m/d 683
Avro
R 5741
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5742
s/n R5742
m/d 683
Avro
R 5742
Merlin
Known Units: 106;61
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 19 July 1942. Moved to No. 61 Sqn. Missing from operation to Nuremburg 28/29 Aug 1942. 32 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5744
s/n R5744
m/d 683
Avro
R 5744
Merlin
Known Units: 44;9
Originally with No. 44 Sqn [Robertson gives No. 49 Sqn] Jul 1942, then to No. 9 Sqn (WS-E) Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Mannheim 5/6 Sep 1943. 526 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas William Bradford 2024-11-16
1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Gordon Connor 2024-05-17
1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Chester Andith Davis 2025-02-18
1943-September-06 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Reginald Arthur Knight 2025-02-18
1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Alexander Munro 2025-02-18
1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Gilchrist Nelson 2025-02-18
1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Noble 2025-02-18 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5746
s/n R5746
m/d 683
Avro
R 5746
Merlin
Known Units: 50 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing 1942-08-12 to 1942-08-12
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Swinderby
50 Squadron (From Defense To Attack), RAF Swinderby. Lancaster I aircraft R 5746 VN-Q was lost during operations against targets in Le Havre, France. The cause of loss was not determined but the entire crew was lost when the bomber crashed near the target area
Flight Sergeant John Manley Lowe (RCAF), Sergeant Joel Bogard (RAFVR), Sergeant Alexander Ashcroft Waldie (RAF), Pilot Officer David Gray (RAF), Sergeant Geoffrey Browning McCloy (RAAF), Sergeant William Paul Taylor (RAAF) and Flight Sergeant Thomas william Sheridan Addison (RAAF) were all killed in action
Lancaster I R5746 Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
1942-August-12 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Thomas William Sheridan Addison 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Joel Bogard 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer David Gray 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Manley Lowe 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RAAF Sergeant Geoffrey Browning McCloy 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Paul Taylor 2025-07-30
1942-August-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alexander Ashcroft Waldie 2025-07-30 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5748
s/n R5748
m/d 683
Avro
R 5748
Merlin
Known Units: ;106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5749
s/n R5749
m/d 683
Avro
R 5749
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5750
s/n R5750
m/d 683
Avro
R 5750
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5754
s/n R5754
m/d 683
Avro
R 5754
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-K) 25 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Mar 1943. 258 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5759
s/n R5759
m/d 683
Avro
R 5759
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 1 Sep 1942. Missing from raid to Wismar 1/2 Oct 1942. 51 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5761
s/n R5761
m/d 683
Avro
R 5761
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-T) 26 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Duisburg 5/6 Aug 1942. 27 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5762
s/n R5762
m/d 683
Avro
R 5762
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5850
s/n R5850
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5850
Merlin
Known Units: ;1661
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5857
s/n R5857
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5857
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5861
s/n R5861
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5861
Merlin
Known Units: 106
To No. 106 Sqn, Jun 1, 1942. Missing on operation to Wilhelmshaven 8/9 Jul 1942. 41 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5862
s/n R5862
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5862
Merlin
Known Units: 44;1660HCU;166
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-V), then transferred to No. 1660 HCU, then to No. 166 Sqn (AS-N2). Missing on operation to Berlin 20/21 Jan 1944. 328 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5867
s/n R5867
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5867
Merlin
Known Units: ;207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5888
s/n R5888
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5888
Merlin
Known Units: 61
One of the first production batch from Metropolitan Vickers originally ordered as a Manchester Mk.1 but completed as a Lancaster. Delivered to No. 61 Sqn, June 1942. Seconded to Coastal Command on anti-U-boat activities July-August 1942. Missing from operation to Dusseldorf 10/11 Sept 1942. 127 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5890
s/n R5890
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5890
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to no. 49 Sqn 7 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 16/17 Sep 1942. 137 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5894
s/n R5894
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5894
Merlin
Known Units: 49;9
Aircraft was delivered to No. 49 Sqn Jul or Aug 1942. Transferred to No. 9 Sqn (WS-U) Jan 1943, then to No. 57 Sqn Feb 1943. Hit an overhead HT cable on return from Berlin 1/2 Mar 1943 and crashed at Riseholm, near Scampton.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-01 to 1943-03-02
157 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Scampton
57 Squadron RAF (Corpus Non Animum Muto) RAF Scampton. Lancaster BI aircraft R 5894 DX-T, back over England returning from an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany, flew into electrical power lines and crashed near Riseholme, Lincolnshire, 3 miles South-South-East of RAF Scampton. The aircraft and entire crew were lost in the crash
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Fergus Greenan 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Burns Mallett 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Cyril Edward Miller 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Warren Music 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold William Ricketts 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald Harold Percival Roberts 2023-11-28
1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Henry Turkentine 2023-11-28 Lancaster Mk.I serial R5895
s/n R5895
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5895
Merlin
Known Units: 97;1660HCU;207
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to No. 1660 Conversion Unit, then to No. 207 Sqn via No. 32 MU. Missing on mission to Magdeburg 21/22 Jan 1944. 381 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5897
s/n R5897
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5897
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1942-08-28 to 1942-08-29
49 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Scrampton
Aircraft R5897 lost during bombing mission to Nuremberg. Flight Sergeant Capton (RCAF), and Sergeant Breivis (American in RCAF) three RAF, and two RAAF crew members were also killed.
Flight Sergeant EG Burton (RAF), Sergeants GA Swan (RAAF), JD Osbaldeston (RAF), K Newbury (RAAF), and EC Ibbotson (RAF) were also killed.
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5898
s/n R5898
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5898
Merlin
Known Units: 49;44
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Jul 1942. Transferred to No. 44 Sqn (KM-G) Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Duisburg 9/10 April 1943. 308 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5899
s/n R5899
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5899
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5904
s/n R5904
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5904
Merlin
Known Units: 95;1661HCU;15
First to No. 95 Sq, then to No. 1661CU Nov 1942, then to No. 15 Sq (LS-G). Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 504 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5911
s/n R5911
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5911
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5913
s/n R5913
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5913
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial R5916
s/n R5916
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
R 5916
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4103
s/n W4103
m/d 683
Avro
W 4103
Merlin
Known Units: 83;1668HCU;5LFS
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn Jul 1942. After a taxiing accident, it was repaired and transferred to No. 1668 CU, and from there to No. 5 Lancaster Finishing School. There it collided with Oxford LB 414 and crashed near Syerston 14 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4104
s/n W4104
m/d 683
Avro
W 4104
Merlin
Known Units: 49;83
First delivered to No. 49 Sqn. Transferred to No. 83 Sqn (OL-A). Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 10/11 Sep 1942. 68 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4105
s/n W4105
m/d 683
Avro
W 4105
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-Y) Jul-Aug 1942. Missing on Operation to Frankfurt 24/25 Aug 1942. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4108
s/n W4108
m/d 683
Avro
W 4108
Merlin
Known Units: 49;1654HCU
Missing on mission to Bremen 13/14 Sept 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4111
s/n W4111
m/d 683
Avro
W 4111
Merlin
Known Units: 61
To No. 61 Sqn. Spent some time in 1942 on maritime reconnaissance. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 10/11 Sep 1942. 65 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Lawrence Blair 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RAF Sergeant Malcolm Charles Davies 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Wilfred Kidson 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RAF Sergeant Peter Alec Lashly 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Benjamin McLellan 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Louis Poch 2025-11-19
1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Harold Boston Woolgar 2025-11-19 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4118
s/n W4118
m/d 683
Avro
W 4118
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-Z) 6 Aug 1942. This aircraft, named "Admiral Prune" was used by the then squadron commander W/C Guy Gibson on a number of operations, including the daylight raid on Le Creusot on 17 Oct 1942. It was lost on operations to Turin, 4/5 Feb 1943. 340 operational hours. It was replaced by Lancaster ED 593 "Admiral Prune II", which ended the war as an instructional airframe.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4120
s/n W4120
m/d 683
Avro
W 4120
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 39 MU then to No. 207 Sqn (EM-L) Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Munchen-Gladbach 30/31 Aug 1943. 343 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4121
s/n W4121
m/d 683
Avro
W 4121
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No.207 Sqn from No. 39 MU Oct 1942. Missing on daylight operation to Milan 24 Oct 1942. 8 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4123
s/n W4123
m/d 683
Avro
W 4123
Merlin
Known Units: 83;NTU;576
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-P, changed to OL-N) Aug 1942, then to Navigation Training Unit (NTU) then to No. 576 Sqn (UL-R2). Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. 318 operational hours. This was No. 576 Sqn's first Lancaster operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4124
s/n W4124
m/d 683
Avro
W 4124
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4125
s/n W4125
m/d 683
Avro
W 4125
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-J, later KM-W) Aug 1942. Missing on operation to Munich, 21/22 Dec 1942. 140 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4126
s/n W4126
m/d 683
Avro
W 4126
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to the Sqn as KM-G Aug 1942, later KM-B. Missing on operation to Nienburg 17/18 Dec 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4127
s/n W4127
m/d 683
Avro
W 4127
Merlin
Known Units: 97;619
Originally with No. 97 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to No. 1660 Conversion Unit, then to No. 619 Sqn (PG-D). Missing on operation to La Chapelle, 20/21 April 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4129
s/n W4129
m/d 683
Avro
W 4129
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4130
s/n W4130
m/d 683
Avro
W 4130
Merlin
Known Units: 207;57
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn. Sep 1942. Transferred to No. 57 Sqn. Missing on operation to Cologne 15/16 Oct 1942. This was No. 57 Sqn's first Lancaster loss. 54 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4134
s/n W4134
m/d 683
Avro
W 4134
Merlin
Known Units: 207
With No. 207 Sqn. Missing on operation to Essen 3/4 Jan 1942. Claim by Oblt Manfred Meurer 3/NJG1 - 3 km. South East Roermond: 4.000m at 20.23. Crashed between Asselt (Limburg) and Roermond Holland.
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial W4135
s/n W4135
m/d 683
Avro
W 4135
Merlin
Known Units: 50;44;97
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-Q) Aug 1942, then to No. 44 Sqn Dec 1942 (no raids flown), then to No. 97 Sqn (OF-A) Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 27/28 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4138
s/n W4138
m/d 683
Avro
W 4138
Merlin
Known Units: 1654 CU
First with No. 83 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to No. 1654 CU. Missing on operation to Essen 16/17 Sep 1942. 42 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4139
s/n W4139
m/d 683
Avro
W 4139
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn 18 Aug 1942. Missing on operation to Kassel 27/28 Aug 1942. 9 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Kassel Germany 1942-08-28 to 1942-08-28
97 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
27 /28 August 1942 KASSEL
306 aircraft of 5 types. 31 aircraft - 21 Wellingtons, 5 Stirlings, 3 Lancasters, 1 Halifax, I Hampden - lost, 10?1 per cent of the force. 142 Squadron, based at Grimsby, lost 5 of its l 5 Wellingtons taking part in the raid. Many of the casualties were attributed to night-fighter action.
There was only a little cloud over Kassel and the Pathfinders were able to illuminate the area well. Widespread damage was caused, particularly in the south?western parts of the city. Kassel reports that 144 buildings were destroyed and 317 seriously damaged. Several military establishments were hit and the number of dead soldiers, 28, exceeded the number of civilians killed, I 5. 187 civilians and 64 soldiers were injured. Among the buildings severely damaged were all three of the factories of the Henschel aircraft company and the private wing of the city hospital. There were 73 large fires. The report also states that many bombs fell outside the town in fields and woods.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
97 Squadron (Achieve Your Aim). Lancaster W 4139 was shot down at Dusseldorf, Germany. Flight Sergeant C.H. Hincks; Warrant officer 2nd C G.L.McKenna; Sergeant Lloyd; D.W Wallis and Flight Sergeant Wilkinson; were killed. Sergeants, Ambrose and Garland were taken P.O.W
1942-August-28 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Frederick William Ambrose 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 PoW RAAF Sergeant Jack Douglas Garland 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Claude Harvey Hincks 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney Lloyd 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gerald Lewis McKenna 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Donald Walter Wallis 2025-09-10
1942-August-28 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Joseph Cuthbert Wilkinson 2025-09-10 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4140
s/n W4140
m/d 683
Avro
W 4140
Merlin
Known Units: 49;156
With No. 49 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to No. 156 Sqn. Lost on mission to Duisburg 26/27 Apr 1943. 64 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4157
s/n W4157
m/d 683
Avro
W 4157
Merlin
Known Units: 9
With No. 9 Sqn (WS-V, later WS-U). Missing on operation to Berlin 17/18 Jan 1943. Flew 30 operations, 258 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4159
s/n W4159
m/d 683
Avro
W 4159
Merlin
Known Units: 9
With No. 9 Sqn. Missing on operation to Duisberg 8/9 Jan 1943. Claim by Oblt Ludwig Becker 12/NJG1 - Hackfort 7 km. South East of Zutphen: 800-1,000m at 19:23. Crashed at Hackfort West of Vorden. Pilot: R/102678 WOII Alan Dick Foote RCAF - Vorden General Cemetery Collective Grave 5-6.
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial W4166
s/n W4166
m/d 683
Avro
W 4166
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 31 Aug 1942. Missing on operation to Munich 19/20 Sep 1942. 23 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4169
s/n W4169
m/d 683
Avro
W 4169
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-S) Sept 1942. Missing on operation to Bremen 13/14 Sep 1942. 19 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4170
s/n W4170
m/d 683
Avro
W 4170
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4171
s/n W4171
m/d 683
Avro
W 4171
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4172
s/n W4172
m/d 683
Avro
W 4172
Merlin
Known Units: ;207
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Munich Germany 1943-03-10 to 1943-03-10
207 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Langar
Battle of the Ruhr
264 aircraft - 142 Lancasters, 81 Halifaxes, 41 Stirlings. 8 aircraft - 5 Lancasters, 2 Halifaxes, I Stirling - lost, 3.0 per cent of the force.
The wind caused this raid to be concentrated on the western half of Munich rather than on the centre of the city, but much damage was caused. 291 buildings were destroyed, 660 severely damaged and 2,134 less seriously damaged; these included many public buildings - I I hospitals, the cathedral, 4 churches and 14 'cultural' buildings for example - but also 3 wholesale and 22 retail business premises were completely destroyed and no less than 294 military buildings were hit, including the headquarters of the local Flak brigade, which was burnt out. The most serious industrial damage was at the B.M.W. factory where the aero-engine assembly shop was put out of action for 6 weeks. Many other industrial concerns were hit, including 141 small, back-street-type workshops which were destroyed.
The detailed Munich reports show that 208 people were killed and 425 injured. The dead included: 2 party officials on duty, IO soldiers, I Hitler Youth boy serving at a Flak site, 2 policemen and 4 foreigners. The local Flak fired 14,234 rounds of ammunition - 2,314 of 105 mm, 8,328 of 88 mm, 3,592 of 20 mm - and 7 night fighters were reported as being on duty in the Munich area but only 1 bomber, unidentified because of its explosion in the air, was shot down over the city. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster W4172 was attacked by a Fw190 night-fighter and a JU 88. Shot down by Ofw. Reinhard Kollak of the 7./NJG 4, flying Bf 110 F-4 3C+LR from Juvincourt airfield.and crashed 01:59 10 Mar 1943 near Lavannes (Marne) 12 km NE of Reims France.Having taken off from Langar 2041, 9 Mar 1943 .Both Brown and Brownhill say they were shot down after leaving the target: Brown says "while we were over Saarbrucken one of the engines caught fire and almost immediately afterwards we were attacked by a fighter.". Brownhill says "we were attacked by night fighters and the aircraft was set on fire."
1943-March-10 Evader RAF Sergeant Richard Brown 2024-05-14
1943-March-10 Evader RAF Warrant Officer 1 Gordon Isaiah Brownhill 2024-11-22
1943-March-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Garvey Lishman 2025-03-16
1943-March-10 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Sydney Margetson 2025-07-24
1943-March-10 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Mortimore 2024-05-14
1943-March-10 KIA RAFAAF Sergeant Richard Hall Warren 2024-05-04
1943-March-10 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Ivor Wood 2024-05-04 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4175
s/n W4175
m/d 683
Avro
W 4175
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4177
s/n W4177
m/d 683
Avro
W 4177
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4178
s/n W4178
m/d 683
Avro
W 4178
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4179
s/n W4179
m/d 683
Avro
W 4179
Merlin
Known Units: 106
With No. 106 Sqn. Missing on operation to Essen 16/17 Sep 1942. 15 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4184
s/n W4184
m/d 683
Avro
W 4184
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-A) Sep 1942. Was missing on first operation, to Munich, 19/20 Sep 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4185
s/n W4185
m/d 683
Avro
W 4185
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
1942-December-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Jack Hilton Baker 2024-11-05
1942-December-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Guy Clarkson 2024-02-29
1942-December-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Frederick Edwards 2025-05-25
1942-December-21 KIA RAF Pilot Officer Edward Fenwicke-Clennell 2022-05-20
1942-December-21 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer John Alexander Wilson Moffat 2022-05-20
1942-December-21 PoW RAF Sergeant Peter Myram Slater 2022-05-20
1942-December-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Jack Passmore Warren 2022-05-20 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4186
s/n W4186
m/d 683
Avro
W 4186
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn 10 Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 16/17 Sep 1942 8 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4187
s/n W4187
m/d 683
Avro
W 4187
Merlin
Known Units: 44 Sqn
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-S) Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Wismar, Germany 1/2 Oct 1942. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4195
s/n W4195
m/d 683
Avro
W 4195
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 13 Sep 1942. Missing on mission to Cologne 15/16 Oct 1942. 61 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4233
s/n W4233
m/d 683
Avro
W 4233
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Kiel Germany 1942-10-13 to 1942-10-14
61 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Syerston
61 Squadron (Per Puram Tunantes) RAF Syerston. Returning over England from an operation against targets in Kiel, Germany, the flak-damaged Lancaster BI aircraft W 4233 became lost in poor weather conditions. While trying to determine it's position, the Lancaster crashed into high ground fifteen miles north-east of Thirsk, at Bilsdale, East Moor, Yorkshire
Navigator, Pilot Officer L C R Leach (RCAF) and Bomb Aimer, Sergeant R Court (RAFVR) were killed in action. The Pilot, Flight Sergeant H E Game (RAF) was severely injured and died of his injuries in hospital 1942-10-15
The rest of the crew, Flight Engineer, Sergeant H Scattergood (RAF), Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, Sergeant L S J Hamblett (RAF), Mid-Upper Air Gunner, Sergeant E C Hawkins (RAF), and Rear Air Gunner, Sergeant E T Lund (RAFVR) all survived the crash with injuries
Sergeant Lund is believed to have walked to a farm house to get help despite having suffered two broken ankles in the crash
1942-October-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald Court 2024-05-04
1942-October-14 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Henry Ernest Game 2023-11-04
1942-October-14 Survived RAF Sergeant Lawrence Sidney James Hamblett 2023-11-04
1942-October-14 Survived RAF Sergeant Ernest Charles Hawkins 2023-11-04
1942-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leonard Charles Robert Leach 2023-11-04
1942-October-14 Survived RAFVR Sergeant Edmund Thornley Lund 2023-11-04
1942-October-14 Survived RAF Sergeant Harry Scattergood 2023-11-04 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4236
s/n W4236
m/d 683
Avro
W 4236
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn. (QR-K) Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Mannheim 9/10 Aug 1943. 640 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4237
s/n W4237
m/d 683
Avro
W 4237
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn;9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4245
s/n W4245
m/d 683
Avro
W 4245
Merlin
Known Units: 576 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4247
s/n W4247
m/d 683
Avro
W 4247
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4250
s/n W4250
m/d 683
Avro
W 4250
Merlin
Known Units: 57
With No.57 Sqn. Aircraft crashed at Woodhall Spa on return from operation to Turin 9/10 Dec 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4251
s/n W4251
m/d 683
Avro
W 4251
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4254
s/n W4254
m/d 683
Avro
W 4254
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4256
s/n W4256
m/d 683
Avro
W 4256
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4257
s/n W4257
m/d 683
Avro
W 4257
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4258
s/n W4258
m/d 683
Avro
W 4258
Merlin
Known Units: 49;1661HCU;5LFS
Struck by Lancaster R4383 while on runway at Syerston 27 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4259
s/n W4259
m/d 683
Avro
W 4259
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With no. 44 Sqn Conversion Unit, then to the squadron (KM-P) Oct 1942. Shortly after take-off on operation to Duisburg 20 Dec 1942 the aircraft collided with Lancaster W 4182 and crashed: all the crew were killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4261
s/n W4261
m/d 683
Avro
W 4261
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Flew with No. 106 Sqn. Included daylight operations to Le Creusot and Italian targets. On a trip to Genoa 13/14 Nov 1942, Flight Sergeant M. A. Phair lost 2 engines over the target but flew back over the Alps on the other two and made an emergency landing at Thorney Island. Missing from a raid on Essen on 13/14 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Aleo 2024-10-17
1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Duncan Hugh Alexander Dewar 2024-10-17
1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Maurice Andrew Phair 2024-10-17
1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 James Edward Quinn 2024-10-17
1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Russell C Zavitz 2024-10-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4265
s/n W4265
m/d 683
Avro
W 4265
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-L) Oct 1942. Crashed as a result of collision with Lancaster R 5916 at Waddington on return from sortie to Genoa 7/8 Nov 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4267
s/n W4267
m/d 683
Avro
W 4267
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Discrepancy at date of crash: CASPIR & RAF Commands list 57 Squadron, Lancaster File reference text lists 44 Squadron. RAF form AIR81 lists 57 Squadron. Aircraft crashed 2 miles NE of Caistor Norfolk 27 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4269
s/n W4269
m/d 683
Avro
W 4269
Merlin
Known Units: 61
To No. 61 Sqn Oct 1942. Missing on Operation to Duisburg 12/13 May 1943. 430 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-05-12 to 1943-05-13
61 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Syerston
From ORB:
Fourteen aircraft were ordered from the Squadron for operations against Duisburg, Thirteen aircraft attacked the target from heights varying from 16,500 to 21,000 feet bombing the TI [Target Indicator] markers. Several large explosions were seen. The defences were rather spasmodic. Photographs were taken which revealed fires and slight ground detail together with gun flashes. One aircraft failed to return [W4269].
Hit by Flak and crashed 0206 into the Zuiderzeepark at Amsterdam where all were originally buried.
Additional Crew not Canadian, all RAF, all Killed in Action:
- Pilot - Flight Sergeant Peter Henry Alderton
- Flight Engineer - Sergeant Sydney Lupton
- Navigator - Sergeant Robert Edward Sloan
- Air Gunner - Sergeant John Thomas
- Air Gunner - Sergeant Charles Douglas Whitehall
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4270
s/n W4270
m/d 683
Avro
W 4270
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn October 1942. Crashed in flames on a training flight 18 Feb 1943. 196 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4272
s/n W4272
m/d 683
Avro
W 4272
Merlin
Known Units: 1654HCU;15;622
Started with No. 61 Sqn Conversion Flight, then No. 1654 Conversion Unit. Transferred to No. 15 Sqn (LS-P), then to No. 622 Sqn (GI-C). Missing from raid to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 280 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-02-15 to 1944-02-15
622 (B) Sqn (RAF) Mildenhall
Battle of Berlin
After a rest of more than 2 weeks for the regular bomber squadrons, 891 aircraft - 561 Lancasters, 314 Halifaxes, 16 Mosquitoes -were dispatched. This was the largest force sent to Berlin and the largest non-1,000 bomber force sent to any target, exceeding the previous record of 826 aircraft (which included Stirlings and Wellings tons) sent to Dortmund on the night of 23/24 May 1943. It was also the first time that more than 500 Lancasters and more than 300 Halifaxes were dispatched. The quantity of bombs dropped, 2,642 tons, was also a record.
The German controllers were able to plot the bomber stream soon after it left the English coast but the swing north over Denmark for the approach flight proved too far distant for many of the German fighters. The German controller ordered the fighters not to fly over Berlin, leaving the target area free for the Flak, but mapy fighters ignored him and attacked bombers over the city. The diversion to Frankfurt¬on-Oder failed to draw any fighters: 43 aircraft - 26 Lancasters, 17 Halifaxes - were lost, 4·8 per cent of the force.
Berlin was covered by cloud for most of the raid. Heavy bombing fell on the centre and south-western districts but many places out in the country again re-corded bombs, with 59 people being killed there. Damage in Berlin was extensive with 599 large and 572 medium fires and nearly 1,000 houses and 526 temporary wooden barracks, of which there were now a large number in Berlin, destroyed. Some of Berlin's most important war industries were hit, including the large Sie-mensstadt area. 320 people were killed - 196 civilians, 34 service personnel, 9 air-raid workers, 80 foreign workers and 1 prisoner of war. The diminishing proportion of civilian casualties reflects the large-scale evacuation which had now taken place but a further 260 civilians were recorded as being 'buried alive' and it is not known how many of these survived,
This was really the end of the true 'Battle of Berlin'; only one more raid tool pince on the city in this period and that was not for more than a month.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Basil John Allen 2024-11-02
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Clifford Althea Brown 2025-03-08
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Edward Walter Chapman 2024-01-30
1944-February-15 KIA RAAF Trevor Llewellyn Griffiths 2025-03-08
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Griffiths 2025-03-08
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Harold Morral 2025-03-08
1944-February-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Clifton Taylor 2025-03-08
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Phillip William Wright 2025-03-08 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4277
s/n W4277
m/d 683
Avro
W 4277
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-S) Oct 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie 8/9 Jan 1943. 145 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Minelaying Oresund Sweden (Daffodil) 1943-01-09 to 1943-01-09
44 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Waddington
44 Rhodesia Squadron (Fulmina Regis lusta). Lancaster aircraft W 4277 lost to enemy action whilst laying mines off the Danish Coast..
Claim by Fw Ernst Baader 4/NJG3 - 8674 B1 in See: 2,700m at 21:10
Crashed Sost Skov (Forest) near Rise-Hjarup 3 km NNW of Aabenraa Denmark
Six RAF members of the crew, Flying Officer A.G. Cameron, Sergeants A.R.A. Colonna, J. Hutchison, J.H. Lightfoot, D.B. Mogg, and S. Wright were also killed.
Source of Personnel and grave marker images via "Airwar over Denmark" (http://www.flensted.eu.com/19430001.shtml)
1943-January-09 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Andrew Greenhill Cameron 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Adriano Alfred Robert Colonna 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RAF Sergeant Jonathan Hutchinson 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RAF Sergeant John Henry Lightfoot 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Mogg,Dennis Bryant Mogg 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Milton James Paige 2025-02-04
1943-January-09 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney Wright 2025-02-04 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4304
s/n W4304
m/d 683
Avro
W 4304
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-C) Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 22/23 Nov 1942. 55 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4305
s/n W4305
m/d 683
Avro
W 4305
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-J, later KM-G) Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Pilzen, Czechoslovakia, 13/14 May 1943. 272 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4307
s/n W4307
m/d 683
Avro
W 4307
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-O) 12 Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Hamburg 9/10 Nov 1942. 44 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4316
s/n W4316
m/d 683
Avro
W 4316
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Bochum Germany 1943-06-13 to 1943-06-13
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). While on a mission to Bochum, Germany, Lancaster W 4316 was shot down by a night fighter. RCAF Sgt. J.C. Cornish (air gunner) was taken Prisoner of War. Casualties included RAAF Flt. Sgt's. A. Gordon (air gunner) and D.C.P. Lundie (navigator); RAF Sgt's. R.O. Vaughan (pilot), L.F.C. Day (flight engineer), and D.A. Thomas (wireless operator / air gunner); and RAF Flying Officer C.W.R. Young (bomb aimer).Lancaster Mk.I serial W4319
s/n W4319
m/d 683
Avro
W 4319
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4322
s/n W4322
m/d 683
Avro
W 4322
Merlin
Known Units: 101;460;101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-O) and flew on the squadron's first Lancaster operation, to Turin 20/21 Nov 1942. It was briefly seconded to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn, but no operations were flown. Returned to No. 101 Sqn (SR-O) and continued operations Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Mar 1943. 142 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4324
s/n W4324
m/d 683
Avro
W 4324
Merlin
Known Units: ;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4326
s/n W4326
m/d 683
Avro
W 4326
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Deliverrd to No. 101 Sqn Oct 1942. Crashed on 16 Nov 1942 28 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4334
s/n W4334
m/d 683
Avro
W 4334
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Duisburg 20/21 Dec 1942. 49 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4338
s/n W4338
m/d 683
Avro
W 4338
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Oct 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 13/14 Jan 1943. 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4340
s/n W4340
m/d 683
Avro
W 4340
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4355
s/n W4355
m/d 683
Avro
W 4355
Merlin
Known Units: 97;1661HCU;15
Originally with No. 97 Sqn (OF-T) in late 1942. Transferred to No. 1661 CU spring 1943. To No. 15 Sqn (LS-A). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 15/16 Mar 1944. 795 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4359
s/n W4359
m/d 683
Avro
W 4359
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 6 Nov 1942. Burnt in a crash near Predennack, Cornwall on a training exercise 18 Dec 1942. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4361
s/n W4361
m/d 683
Avro
W 4361
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Nov 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 1/2 Mar 1943. 194 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4364
s/n W4364
m/d 683
Avro
W 4364
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Oct 1942. Took part in Gardening operation that was No. 103's first Lancaster operation 21/22 Nov 1942. Missing on operation to Nuremburg 26/27 Aug 1943. 457 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4365
s/n W4365
m/d 683
Avro
W 4365
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-B) 8 Nov 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 21/22 Jan 1943. 126 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4366
s/n W4366
m/d 683
Avro
W 4366
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Bochum 13/14 May 1943. 24 ops, 237 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4368
s/n W4368
m/d 683
Avro
W 4368
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-U) Nov 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 17/18 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4371
s/n W4371
m/d 683
Avro
W 4371
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4374
s/n W4374
m/d 683
Avro
W 4374
Merlin
Known Units: 12
With No. 12 Sqn. Aircraft crashed 3 miles south of Wickenby 18 Jun 1943 and was written off.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4379
s/n W4379
m/d 683
Avro
W 4379
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4384
s/n W4384
m/d 683
Avro
W 4384
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4761
s/n W4761
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4761
Merlin
Known Units: 49;9
Originally with No. 49 Sqn around Aug-Sep 1942. Transferred to No. 9 Sqn (WS-P) Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 17/19 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4762
s/n W4762
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4762
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4764
s/n W4764
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4764
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4765
s/n W4765
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4765
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Missing on raid to Duisburg 16/17 Sept 1942.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4766
s/n W4766
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4766
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4767
s/n W4767
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4767
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4769
s/n W4769
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4769
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4770
s/n W4770
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4770
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4774
s/n W4774
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4774
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4778
s/n W4778
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4778
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4782
s/n W4782
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4782
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn 21 Oct 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie 8/9 Dec 1942. 40 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-December-08 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Walter Enoch Currier 2024-06-05
1942-December-08 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Donald Fraser MacDonald 2025-05-23
1942-December-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Caldwell McLean 2023-08-28
1942-December-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Paul Desmond Quinn 2023-08-28 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4786
s/n W4786
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4786
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4788
s/n W4788
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4788
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4789
s/n W4789
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4789
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4791
s/n W4791
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4791
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4792
s/n W4792
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4792
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4795
s/n W4795
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4795
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4796
s/n W4796
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4796
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4799
s/n W4799
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4799
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4800
s/n W4800
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4800
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4819
s/n W4819
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4819
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4822
s/n W4822
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4822
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4824
s/n W4824
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4824
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4827
s/n W4827
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4827
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-06-26 to 1943-06-26
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) Elsham Wolds
GELSENKIRCHEN
473 aircraft - 214 Lancasters, 134 Halifaxes, 73 Stirlings, 40 Wellingtons, 12 Mos?quitoes. This was the first raid to Gelsenkirchen since 1941, when it had been one of Bomber Command's regular 'oil targets', although, being in the middle of the Ruhr, this town had often been hit when other targets were attacked. 30 aircraft - 13 Lancasters, 7 Halifaxes, 6 Stirlings, 4 Wellingtons - were lost, 6?3 per cent of the force.
The target was obscured by cloud and the Oboe Mosquitoes, for once, failed to produce regular and accurate marking since 5 of the 12 Oboe aircraft found that their equipment was unserviceable. The raid was not a success. Diisseldorf reports 24 buildings destroyed and 3,285 damaged but 2,937 of these suffered only superficial blast damage. 20 industrial premises were hit and 4 of them suffered total production loss but no large fires were involved and the loss in production lasted for no longer than 2 weeks. 16 people were killed.
Bombs probably fell on many other Ruhr towns. Solingen, nearly 30 miles from Gelsenkirchen, recorded 21 people killed and 58 injured on this night.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster W4827 was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Karl-Heinz Scherfling of the 10./NJG 1, flying a Bf 110 G-4 from Bergen airfield.source: Aviation Safety Network
1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Horace Addison 2025-06-19
1943-June-26 PoW RAFVR Pilot Officer C.E,L. Grant 2025-06-19
1943-June-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant R. L. Hollywood 2025-06-19
1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alton Harding Langille 2025-06-21
1943-June-26 PoW RAFVR Pilot Officer C.B. Reynolds 2025-06-19
1943-June-26 PoW RAFVR Pilot Officer D. Towers 2025-06-19
1943-June-26 PoW RAFVR Sergeant G.J. Wallis 2025-06-19 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4828
s/n W4828
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4828
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4829
s/n W4829
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4829
Merlin
Known Units: 9;44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4831
s/n W4831
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4831
Merlin
Known Units: 9;44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4839
s/n W4839
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4839
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4840
s/n W4840
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4840
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Essen Germany 1943-01-03 to 1943-01-03
9 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Waddington
Claim by Uffz. Christian K_ltringer 7./NJG1 5223b9: 1 km. South of Velp: 5,600m at 20:15. Crashed near steam pumping station in Overhagense Weide at Velp. The RCAF members of the crew were initially buried at Velp. Reinterred 12 October 1945. Source John Jones
1943-January-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Lloyd Dickie 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Douglas Herbert Scott Lonsdale DFC 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Robert Richmond Moore 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Ivor Morris 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Thomas Riley 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Read Smith 2025-01-30
1943-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur Douglas Smitherman 2025-01-30 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4841
s/n W4841
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4841
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4843
s/n W4843
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4843
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4846
s/n W4846
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4846
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4847
s/n W4847
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4847
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4848
s/n W4848
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4848
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4849
s/n W4849
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4849
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4862
s/n W4862
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4862
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4863
s/n W4863
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4863
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4880
s/n W4880
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4880
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4881
s/n W4881
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4881
Merlin
Known Units: 12;460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-02 to 1943-12-02
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft W 4881 was attacked by a night fighter during a raid on Berlin, Germany, and exploded. Killed were RCAF W/O II I. Rodin (air gunner); RAAF Pilot Officer J.H.J. English (DFC) (pilot), RAAF Sgt's. R.O. Cole (wireless operator / air gunner) and A.E. Kan (air gunner). Taken Prisoners of War were RAAF Pilot Officer N.J. Anderson (navigator); RAF Flt. Sgt. A.W. Catty (bomb aimer), and RAF Sgt. W.L. Miller (flight engineer).Four of the aircraft taking part in the raid that night carried a War Correspondent, including Australian Norman Stockton, age 40, a journalist for Australian Associated News (specifically the Sydney Sun). Stockton was also killed on Lancaster W4881.
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4886
s/n W4886
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4886
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4888
s/n W4888
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4888
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4892
s/n W4892
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4892
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4894
s/n W4894
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4894
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4895
s/n W4895
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4895
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4896
s/n W4896
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4896
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
1943-March-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Raymond Affleck 2024-11-01
1943-March-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Douglas Strong 2024-07-09
1943-March-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Harvey Ward 2024-07-10
1943-March-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Murray Edward White DFM 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial W4897
s/n W4897
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4897
Merlin
Known Units: 463
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4898
s/n W4898
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4898
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4904
s/n W4904
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4904
Merlin
Known Units: 84;1667HCU
Aircraft crashed at Cockhill Yorkshire 28 Sept 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4918
s/n W4918
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4918
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4919
s/n W4919
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4919
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4920
s/n W4920
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4920
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4928
s/n W4928
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4928
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4929
s/n W4929
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4929
Merlin
Known Units: 1661HCU
Aircraft crashed at Brecon Firth, Glamorgan 5 Sept 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4930
s/n W4930
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4930
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4931
s/n W4931
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4931
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4932
s/n W4932
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4932
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4934
s/n W4934
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4934
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4938
s/n W4938
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4938
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4944
s/n W4944
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4944
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4945
s/n W4945
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4945
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-Z) 29 Mar 1943. Missing on Gardening sortie 28/29 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4958
s/n W4958
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4958
Merlin
Known Units: 100;12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4962
s/n W4962
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4962
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial W4967
s/n W4967
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4967
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial W4984
s/n W4984
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4984
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1943-05-24 to 1943-05-24
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft W 4984 went down near Schoonebeek, Holland, 14 km SSE of Emmen, during a night operation over enemy territory. No take-off time was recorded. Casualties included RCAF Flt. Sgt. F.W. Ralph (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. J.S. Biffen (wireless operator / air gunner), B.M.T. Davis (pilot), K.D. Dyce (navigator), and F.S. Wright (air gunner); and RAF Sgt. E. Rowlands (flight engineer). RAAF Flt. Sgt. C. Goldthorpe (bomb aimer) was taken Prisoner of War.Lancaster Mk.III serial W4987
s/n W4987
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4987
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-07-25 to 1943-07-25
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster W4987 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2308 hours on the night of 24/25th July 1943 to attack Hamburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it did not return to base. Twenty six aircraft from the squadron took part in the attack. Casualties included RCAF Flt. Sgt. A.J.E. Perron (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. A.G. Ashley (pilot), F.S. Forsyth (air gunner), and F.C. Taylor (navigator); RAF Sgt's. J.M. Acheson (bomb aimer), J.V. Joyce (wireless operator), and D.W. Metcalfe (flight engineer).Lancaster Mk.III serial W4988
s/n W4988
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 4988
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-09-04 to 1943-09-04
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Strike Again). Lancaster W4988 was on a bombing mission to Berlin, Germany, when it was hit by both flak and night fighters. RAAF Flt. Sgt. N.J. Conway (navigator) was killed. Taken Prisoners of War were RAAF Pilot Officer L.G. Greenaway (bomb aimer), RCAF Flt. Sgt. H.K. Ward (rear gunner), and RAAF Sgt. A.J. O'Brien (wireless operator / air gunner). Aviation Safety Network provided a detailed description of the events: "While over Berlin the aircraft was caught by several searchlights and attacked by German night fighters and the port outer engine caught fire but Pilot Flying Officer Francis Archibald Randall RAAF managed to get away and by stopping the engine minimising the fire. Shortly after W4988 was caught in the light of flares dropped by the fighters and once again attacked. This time the starboard outer engine caught fire and a fire started in the fuselage just aft of the mid-upper turret. The burning engine was stopped and the fire died. During the combat the Bomb aimer Pilot Officer Lindsay Grafton Greenaway RAAF had left the Lancaster in parachute over Berlin. With only two good engines Randall asked navigator Flight Sergeant Norman James Conway RAAF for a course to take them across Denmark on the return flight. He then changed his mind and asked for a course for Sweden. When they sighted the east coast of Sjælland and could see the lights in Sweden the fire in the starboard engine started again and Randall ordered the crew to bale [sic] out. The first to leave the Lancaster was Flt. Engr. Sergeant Arthur Hilton Johns, Wop Sergeant Allen John O`Brian RAAF and Rear Gunner Flight Sergeant Harry Knight Ward RCAF. Then navigator Flight Sergeant Conway left. Mid-upper gunner Sergeant Herbert Bell parachute had been laying [sic] in the fuselage and had been damaged by bullets from the nightfighter. Randall told Bell to unpack it to see that it was not too badly damaged. Bell then jumped with the unpacked parachute folded in front of his chest. When the parachute unfolded the lines tangled round his neck and injured him. Randall left the plane as the last person. Conway jumped 5th and is believed to have landed in the sea off Sjælland and to have drowned. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial."Lancaster Mk.III serial W5001
s/n W5001
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5001
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial W5006
s/n W5006
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5006
Merlin
Known Units: 207;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial W5007
s/n W5007
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5007
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-06-17 to 1943-06-17
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster W5007 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2302 hours on the night of 16 June 1943 detailed to attack Cologne, Germany. The aircraft called up Binbrook to say that the hydraulic system had been shot away and they were very badly damaged. Shortly after at 0445 hours on 17 June, W 5007 crashed at Elsham Wolds. Casualties included RCAF Sgt. W. Brodie (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. N.O.B. Flitcroft (air gunner), L.M. McDonnell (air bomber), and J.C. Plummer (navigator); and RAF Sgt's. D.J.D. Strath (pilot), D.S. Gent (wireless operator / air gunner) and R.T. Harman (flight engineer).
1943-June-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Brodie 2024-11-19
1943-June-17 KIFA RAAF Flight Sergeant Noel Oliver Boyd Flitcroft 2025-03-04
1943-June-17 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Maxwell McDonnell 2025-11-16
1943-June-17 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant John Clement Plummer 2025-11-16
1943-June-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David John Duthie Strath 2025-03-04 Lancaster Mk.III serial W5008
s/n W5008
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5008
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial W5009
s/n W5009
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5009
Merlin
Known Units: 101;625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial W5010
s/n W5010
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
W 5010
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS601
s/n DS601
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 601
Hercules
Known Units: AAEE;1657HCU;1659HCU;408;1668HCU
This was the first of the Mk. II aircraft produced. It went to AAEE for evaluation Sep 1942., then to 1657 and 1659 CUs. Used by 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF. No record of operational use. Later it went to 1668 CU and was SOC Oct 1944. 439 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS604
s/n DS604
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 604
Hercules
Known Units: 61;115
Started with 61 Sqn (QR-W), then transferred to 115 Sqn (KO-B). Missing on operation to Frankfurt 10/11 Apr 1943. 49 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
1943-April-11 KIA RAFVR Seymour Douglas Andrew 2024-11-02
1943-April-11 KIA Leonard Charles Fitt 2022-05-30
1943-April-11 KIA RAFVR Edward Victor Hudson 2022-05-30
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Sergeant Milford Alexander Lambert 2023-12-15
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Campbell Murray Smith 2023-12-15
1943-April-11 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur Brinley Thomas 2023-09-12
1943-April-11 KIA RAFVR Robert Valentine Wilson 2022-05-30 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS605
s/n DS605
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 605
Hercules
Known Units: 61;415;1678HCU
Delivered to 61 Sqn (QR-X). Then used by No. 415 Squadron, RCAF, but no operations. Later to various Conversion units and RAE Farnborough. Scrapped 20 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS607
s/n DS607
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 607
Hercules
Known Units: 61;115;1679HCU
On 1944-04-07, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:
Lancaster DS607 crashed at Topcliffe last night. The pilot overshot and about 150 yds off the end of the runway his port wheel hit part of an old, disused gun post, tore the u/c off & it went into a violent ground loop damaging the port wing, centre section & tailplane considerably. I categorized it today when I went down to investigate, as a B hoping the MU will make it an E so I can use the spares.
Diary of A Ross Dawson}, courtesy CWM
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS609
s/n DS609
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 609
Hercules
Known Units: 61;115
Originally with 61 Sqn (QR-R) Dec/Jan 1942/43. Then with 115 Sqn (KO-M). Missing on operation to Duisburg 26/27 Apr 1943. 54 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-April-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Austin Nixon Foster DFC 2021-11-06
1943-April-27 KIA RAFVR Norman Law DFC 2022-05-30
1943-April-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harvey B Minnis DFC 2021-08-16
1943-April-27 KIA RAF William Charles Snook 2022-05-30
1943-April-27 KIA RAFVR Charles Edward Thorpe 2022-05-30
1943-April-27 KIA RAFVR William Arthur Timms DFC 2022-05-30
1943-April-27 KIA RAF Leigh Gordon Webster 2022-05-30 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS612
s/n DS612
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 612
Hercules
Known Units: 61;115;426;1678HCU;1668HCU
Originally with 61 Sqn, then 115 Sqn (KO-H, later KO-L). Used by 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*L". No record of operational use by this Squadron. Later to Nos. 1678 and 1668 CUs. Ended as ground instructional machine 4865M Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS614
s/n DS614
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 614
Hercules
Known Units: 115;1668HCU;408
Originally with 115 Sqn (KO-A), then to 1668 CU. Used by 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U". No record of operational use by this Squadron. Later to 1668 CU again. Crashed wheels-up at Carnaby 9 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS615
s/n DS615
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 615
Hercules
Known Units: 115;1679HCU
Originally with 115 Sqn (KO-N). Later with No. 1679 Heavy Conversion Unit, 6 Group, when it collided with Halifax DT 548 while landing at Topcliffe on 21 December 1943. 3 Canadians were killed in the crash.last update: 2025-November-19
Conversion 1943-12-21 to 1943-12-21
1679 (B) HCU (RCAF) Wombleton
On 1943-12-21, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, Chief Technical Officer at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:
"One of 1679's Lancasters, DS521 [sic] got closed off our circuit last night due to bad weather & was diverted to Topcliffe. Here he overshot & hit the tail end of a Halifax parked on a dispersal. It tore the tail right off & the Lanc turned end-over-end & stopping flat on its back with its wheels in the air & caught fire burning up completely. Three of the boys got out alive miraculously but the other three were lost."
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS621
s/n DS621
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 621
Hercules
Known Units: 61;115;426;1666HCU;408
Originally with 61 and 115 Sqns (KO-U). With 426(B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*N", when it bombed Berlin on 29/30 December 1943. Later used by No. 1666CU, then used by 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*O". With this Squadron when it crashed on a training flight on 2 July 1944. Practicing three engine go-arounds, two further engines failed, came down 1600 feet west of Pilmoor Junction. Category B damage, no injuries. Pilot was Flight Lieutenant R. Clothier, on his second tour. He would later play the character Relic on the CBC series The Beachcombers. Had 411:00 logged time when written off.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS624
s/n DS624
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 624
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;1679HCU
Originally with 115 Sqn. Used by 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U". No record of operational use by this Squadron. Ended up with No. 1679CU. The aircraft caught fire at Wombleton and was destroyed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS625
s/n DS625
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 625
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to 115 Sqn (KO-W) Mar 1943. It flew on the squadron's first Lancaster operation, Gardening, on 16 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Mar 1943. 26 operational hours. It was also the first Mk. II Lancaster lost on operations.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Mckinnon Bradford 2024-11-16
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Dennis Bernard Dray 2024-10-28
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Leslie Godden 2025-02-18
1943-March-30 KIA RNZAF Sergeant Frank Wilfred Marshall 2025-02-18
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John McKenny 2025-02-18
1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Herbert John Ross 2025-02-18
1943-March-30 KIA RAFVR Stuart Patrick Shaw 2025-02-18 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS626
s/n DS626
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 626
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;408;1668HCU
Originally with 115 Sqn. Later used by 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Later with 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U". No record of operational use by this Squadron. Passed to No. 1668 CU. SOC 20 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS627
s/n DS627
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 627
Hercules
Known Units: 1657HCU;115
Originally with No. 1657 CU, then to 115 Sqn (A4-R) Apr 1943. Missing from operation to Wuppertal 29/30 May 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS630
s/n DS630
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 630
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-H) Apr 1943. Missing on raid to Peenemunde 17/18 Aug 1943. 137 operational hours. This famous raid was on the rocket research and production centre at Peenemunde. 41 bombers were lost, of which DS 630 was the 13th. The crew were on their 3rd operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS631
s/n DS631
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 631
Hercules
Known Units: 408;1678 HCU
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*I". Failed to return from raid on Berlin, 24 November 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS632
s/n DS632
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 632
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Reported with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*I", also reported as "EQ*O". Failed to return from mission over Berlin on 24 November 1943. NOTE: this is not confirmed by other records, may be a typo, aircraft also reported lost on 20 February 1944, also reported with Torpedo Development Unit for most of its career. Aircraft lost by 408 Squadron on this date may have been LL632, "EQ*G".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS633
s/n DS633
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 633
Hercules
Known Units: 424;432;514;1678 HCU;115;514
Used by No. 424 and 432 (B) Squadrons, RCAF. No record of operations.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS634
s/n DS634
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 634
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;408
With No. 115 Squadron, RAF. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*A". Bombed Kiel on 23/24 July 1944. Lost on raid on Hamburg on 28/29 July 1944. Crashed at 01:30 west of Spieka, Germany. 2 crew killed, 6 PoW. Had 424 hours airframe time when lost.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Flying Officer George Arthur Boehmer 2024-11-14
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Stephen David Coffey 2024-03-12
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Sergeant A J Ducharme 2024-10-29
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Albert Goodwin 2021-05-22
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Bernard Mathew Hofforth 2021-08-10
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Lionel H T 'Duke' Phipps 2023-08-01
1944-July-29 PoW RAF Sergeant L Rourke 2021-06-09
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Ralph Wulff 2023-09-07 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS647
s/n DS647
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 647
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Used by No. 115 (B) Squadron. This is not confirmed, aircraft was with 115 Squadron RAF when lost on 11/12 June 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS649
s/n DS649
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 649
Hercules
Known Units: 426;1679HCU
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*R"". No record of operations. Also used by No. 1679 HCU.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS650
s/n DS650
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 650
Hercules
Known Units: 426;1679HCU;1666HCU
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF. No record of operations.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS651
s/n DS651
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 651
Hercules
Known Units: 426;1679HCU;408
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*A", flew 3 operations with this unit. Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from April 1944, first coded "EQ*Q". Later coded "EQ*I" and "EQ*U". Flew 18 operations with No. 408 Sdn. Bombed Caen at dusk on 7 July 1944, as "EQ*I". Bombed Kiel on 23/24 July 1944. Wrecked on 16 August 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS653
s/n DS653
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 653
Hercules
Known Units: 115;1679HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS656
s/n DS656
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 656
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;408
With No. 115 Squadron, RAF and then No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from spring 1943, named "My Hope is Constant in Thee". Coded "OW*X", flew 4 operations with No. 410 (B) Squadron, including this Squadrons first Lancaster operation: the raid on Peenemunde on 17/18 May 1943. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, flew 19 operations with this squadron. With this unit when it crashed on takeoff for a training mission at 22:30 from Linton-on-Ouse, on 10 June 1944. Burst tire caused undercarriage to collapse.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS657
s/n DS657
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 657
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;408
With 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Flew 6 operations with them: Hannover 18/19 October 1943, Berlin 15/16 February 1944, Leipzig 19/20 February 1944, Schweinfurt 24/25 February 1944, Berlin again on 23/24 March 1944, and Nuremberg on 30/31 March 1944. Used by 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from March 1944, coded "EQ*L". Flew 34 operations with this unit, including bombing Caen at dusk on 7 July 1944, Kiel on 23/24 July 1944, and Stuttgart on 24/25 July 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS659
s/n DS659
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 659
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-T) May 1943. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 27/28 Aug 1943. 86 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1943-08-28 to 1943-08-28
115 (B) Sqn (RAF) Little Snoring
674 aircraft - 349 Lancasters, 221 Halifaxes, 104 Stirlings. 33 aircraft - I I of each type on the raid - lost, 4.9 per cent of the force.
The marking for this raid was based mainly on H2S. 47 of the Pathfinder H2S aircraft were ordered to check their equipment by dropping a 1,000-lb bomb on Heilbronn while flying to Nuremberg. 28 Pathfinder aircraft were able to carry out this order. Heilbronn reports that several bombs did drop in the north of the town soon after midnight. The local officials assumed that the bombs were aimed at the industrial zone; several bombs did fall around the factory area and other bombs fell further away. No industrial buildings were hit; one house was destroyed but there were no casualties.
Nuremberg was found to be free of cloud but it was very dark. The initial Pathfinder markers were accurate but a creepback quickly developed which could not be stopped because so many Pathfinder aircraft had difficulties with their H2S sets. The Master Bomber (whose name is not recorded) could do little to persuade the Main Force to move their bombing forward; only a quarter of the crews could hear his broadcasts. Bomber Command estimated that most of the bombing fell in open country south-south-west of the city but the local reports say that bombs were scattered across the south-eastern and eastern suburbs. The only location mentioned by name is the Zoo, which was hit by several bombs. 65 people were killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Took off from Little Snoring at 21:43 in Lancaster Mk II (Sqn code: KO-T Bomber Command) on an operation to Nuremberg Germany.
Shot down by a night fighter and crashed near the target area
KIlled: Sergeant Jack Kemm RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 11. J. 27.; F/Lt Guy Leslie Mott RAF pilot KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 11. J. 28.
POWs: Flying Officer William Blades RAF POW Stalag Luft L3 Sagan and Belaria.; F/Lt Carl Clifford Boggild RCAF J/22440 POW Stalag Luft L3 Sagan and Belaria.; Sergeant Theodore Buchak RCAF R/178563 POW Stalag 4B Muhlberg (Elbe).; Sergeant Lewis Richard Alberte George Carpenter RAF POW Stalag Luft L3 Sagan and Belaria.
1943-August-28 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer William Blades 2025-01-26
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Carl Clifford Boggild 2024-11-14
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Theodore Buchak 2024-11-23
1943-August-28 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Lewis Richard Alberte George Carpenter 2025-01-23
1943-August-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Jack Kemm 2025-09-12
1943-August-28 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Guy Leslie Mott 2025-01-26
1943-August-28 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Peter J O'Neill DFC 2025-01-23 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS660
s/n DS660
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 660
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS665
s/n DS665
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 665
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS666
s/n DS666
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 666
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS667
s/n DS667
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 667
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS668
s/n DS668
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 668
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS669
s/n DS669
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 669
Hercules
Known Units: 514;115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS673
s/n DS673
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 673
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 2/3 Aug 1943. This was the 4th and last raid of the Battle of Hamburg, Jul-Aug 1943. The aircraft was the 5th aircraft lost on the raid, probably shot down by the Ju 88 of Ofw. Heitmann, I/NJG3 (Middlebrook). 58 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-08-02 to 1943-08-03
115 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF East Wretham
115 Squadron (Despite The Elements) RAF East Wretham, Kent, England. Lancaster II aircraft DS 673 KO-V was lost on a night operation to bomb targets in Hamburg, Germany, shot down by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Erich Heitmann of 2/NJG3. The Lancaster crashed in the Waddensea, 5 km South of Spiekeroog, Niedersachsen, Germany
Flight Sergeant Kenneth Eckert Schlegel (RCAF), Sergeant Dudley Herbert Read (RAFVR), Sergeant Herbert Alfred Sparrow (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant Dudley William Bellamy (RAFVR), Sergeant Robert William Bennett (RAFVR), Sergeant William Henry Hodges (RAFVR) and Sergeant Leslie Ernest Fuller (RAFVR) were all killed in action.
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part 2, 23 June - 22 September by Theo Boiten, page 51
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Dudley William Bellamy 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert William Bennett 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Ernest Fuller 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Henry Hodges 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Dudley Herbert Read 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Eckert Schlegel 2025-04-13
1943-August-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Alfred Sparrow 2025-04-13 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS674
s/n DS674
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 674
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from January 1943, coded "OW*M" when lost. Failed to return from operation to Peenemunde on 18 August 1943, no survivors. This raid was 426 (B) Squadron's first Lancaster operation.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney Barnes 2024-11-09
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George William Bentley 2024-11-11
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Maurice Leopold Bouvier DFM 2024-11-16
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Gordon Douglas Gawthrop 2025-01-15
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Creighton Robinson 2025-01-15
1943-August-18 KIA RAF Flying Officer Geoffrey Wynne Scammell DFC 2025-01-15
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Douglas Dalton Shuttleworth DFC 2025-01-15 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS676
s/n DS676
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 676
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*O". Bombed Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, this Squadrons first Lancaster operation. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 23/24 August 1943. Shot down by night fighter, came down at Gusen, 13 kilometres west-south-west of Genthin, Germany. All 8 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Gordon Emanuel Burnett 2024-11-25
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Denis Claude Desmond Du Boulay 2024-10-29
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Abraham Joseph Gibson 2025-03-26
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Edward Hinchcliffe 2025-03-26
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Wilfred Lawrence Shaw 2025-03-26
1943-August-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Williams 2025-03-26 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS677
s/n DS677
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 677
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from June 1943, coded "OW*W" when lost. Bombed Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, this Squadrons first Lancaster operation. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 31 August / 1 September 1943. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanley De Gruchy Harris 2024-04-21
1943-September-01 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Norman William Jewell 2024-04-21
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arne Gabriel Knuuttila 2024-04-22
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Marcel Lavoie 2022-03-10
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Thomas Edwin Martin 2024-04-22
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Brooks McBride 2024-04-22
1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Hugh McKay 2022-03-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS678
s/n DS678
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 678
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-J) Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-03-24 to 1944-03-25
115 (B) Sqn (RAF)
115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Witchford, England. Lancaster aircraft DS678 failed to return from operations over Berlin Germany.
RAF Sergeants W Bowey, JW Burke, D Keeley and VJ Watson were also killed. Canadian Gray was taken Prisoner of War.
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS679
s/n DS679
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 679
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*R". Bombed Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943, this Squadrons first Lancaster operation. Bombed Berlin 3/4 September 1943; Hannover on 18/19 October 1943; then Berlin again on 18/19 November 1943, 22/23 November 1943 and 23/24 November 1943. Lost without a trace on mission to Berlin on 26/27 November 1943. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS680
s/n DS680
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 680
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-L) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26 Nov 1943. 146 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS681
s/n DS681
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 681
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*V". Failed to return from operation to Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943. This raid was 426 (B) Squadrons first Lancaster operation. May have crashed at 00:50 local near Greifswald, Germany. One crew PoW, other 6 killed, including the Squadron commander W/C L. Crooks, DSO, DFC, RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-August-18 KIA RAF Wing Commander Leslie Crooks DSO, DFC 2024-05-19
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Theophilus Dos Santos 2024-10-27
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Carmichael Hislop 2024-04-21
1943-August-18 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Alfred John Howes 2024-04-21
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Francis Peter Marsh DFC 2024-04-22
1943-August-18 PoW RAF Sergeant Kenneth William Reading 2021-06-06
1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Henry Maxwell Smith 2024-05-03 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS683
s/n DS683
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 683
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS686
s/n DS686
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 686
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF at Linton-on-Ouse, first coded "OW*F". Bombed Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943; and Hannover on 18/19 October 1943. Received severe damage during raid on Leipzig, 20/21 October 1943, but completed mission. Coded "OW*D" on this date. Pilot Flight Sergeant F.J. Stuart, RAF received CGM for this mission. Attacked Brunswick 14/15 January 1944. Crew claimed a single engine fighter shot down on this mission. Failed to return from operations over Berlin on 27/28 January 1944, one of 4 squadron losses on this mission. May have been coded "OW*S" when lost. 6 crew killed, 1 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Harper Dodge 2024-10-23
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Ellis 2024-10-23
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Leslie Huband 2024-10-23
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Barry Everitt Lynn 2024-10-23
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Thomas Robert Shaw 2024-10-23 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS687
s/n DS687
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 687
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Reported with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*L", but not confirmed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS688
s/n DS688
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 688
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Served with No. 426(B) Squadron, RCAF, coded OW-C, flew 8 operations, including Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943 and Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943.
Then used at No. 1679 Conversion unit
On 1944-02-15, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer at Wombleton with HU1679, wrote in his diary:
"One of our Lancs DS688 has been on the ground for weeks waiting for AOG parts so I got mad and raised a big stink with Group equipment office & jumped in a van with Howie Walker and drove down to East Moor and Linton myself to see what I could do. Everyone else had tried & hadn't got anywhere. I called on various friends at East Moor & found they had given up their Lancs & were converting to Hal III's. This was my chance so I whipped into their stores, backed up the van & filled it full of all the Lanc spares we could find. It was a real haul for a scrounge trip . . . I'm afraid Linton are going to be awfully mad . . . Finally caught up with Wilf Klassen, another 13th Entry boy . . . & traced down the missing AOG parts. Took them off one of their [cat] AC kites of all things & went up for dinner with him."
Then passed to No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded EQ-R. Flew 23 missions with this unit; including Nuremburg on 30/31 March 1944.
Failed to return from operation over Cambrai on 12/13 June 1944. Shot down by night fighter, near Tilloy-les-Cambrai (Nord), 3 kilometres north-north-west of Cambri. All 8 crew killed.
last update: 2025-November-19Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster BII aircraft DS688 EQ-R was shot down while on a operation against targets in Cambrai, France by German ace night fighter pilot Hptm Heinz Wolfgang Schnaufer of 4/NJG1. The Lancaster crashed in a meadow at Tilloy-les-Cambrai, France
There were three 408 Squadron Lancaster aircraft shot down by Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer on this operation: DS688 EQ-R, DS726 EQ-Y and DS772 EQ-T
408 Squadron Lancaster II DS688 EQ-R Fl/Lt. Brice RAF Linton-on-Ouse
Search for France-Crashes 39-45
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Albert Bergeron 2024-11-11
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Francis Thomas Sargent Brice 2024-11-18
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Albert Glendenning 2025-01-16
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Jack Gillard Gray 2025-01-16
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Adam Mabon 2025-01-16
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Martin John McDonald 2025-01-16
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Elvin George Todd 2025-01-16
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harry William Wilson 2024-11-01 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS689
s/n DS689
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 689
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*S". Also with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*S" by 30 September 1943. With this unit when lost, failed to return from operation over Stuttgart. Crashed at Rachecourt-sur-Blaise (Haute-Marne), 42 kilometres north-north-west of Chaumont,France. 6 crew killed, 2 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS691
s/n DS691
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 691
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-F, later KO-B) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 9/10 Oct 1943. 109 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS692
s/n DS692
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 692
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Briefly with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no record of operations. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*S". Flew 49 operations. Bombed Berlin on 10 separate occasions, from 18/19 November 1943 to 24/25 March 1944. Claimed an ME 110 shot down over Berlin on 27/28 January 1944. Crashed while attempting to land at Marston Moor following wing leading edge failure shortly after takeoff for raid on Kiel, from Linton-on-Ouse, on 23 July 1944. Undercarriage collapsed, aircraft skidded off runway and caught fire. No serious injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS704
s/n DS704
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 704
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*W". Flew 8 operations, including three missions to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Frankfurt on 20/21 December 1943. Crew bailed out near Limburg, 2 killed, 4 evaded, 1 POW. Crashed near Mechelen, Holland, other sources report it crashing in Belgium. May have been shot down by rear turret of another Lancaster.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS705
s/n DS705
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 705
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K". Flew 32 operations, including 8 to Berlin. Had 316 hours airframe time when crashed while overshooting runway at Dalton on 23 July 1944 at end of training flight. Only 2 injured, aircraft destroyed by post crash fire.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS707
s/n DS707
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 707
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*E", named Our Mary II. Completed 21 operations with No. 426 (B) Squadron, including 6 missions to Berlin; a raid on Frankfurt on 18/19 March 1944, when it was attacked by a Ju 88; and a raid on St. Ghislain on 1/2 May 1944 (this Squadrons Last Lancaster operation). Operated by crew from 426 Squadron during raid on Berlin on 2/3 December 1943. Used later by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C", "EQ*M", and "EQ*D", retained name "Our Mary". Flew 25 operations with No. 408 Squadron, including raid on rail yards at Villeneuve St. George on 4/5 July 1944 as "EQ*D". To No. 1668 Conversion Unit in August 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS708
s/n DS708
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 708
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
First served with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*Q", named "Queen of Spades". Completed 20 operations, including the Squadrons first Lancaster operation against Peenemunde on 17/18 August 1943; 5 raids on Berlin; and a raid on St. Ghislain on 1/2 May 1944 (this Squadrons Last Lancaster operation). Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*A", and "EQ*Q", completed 15 missions. To Short Brother, Rochester in February 1945, later used at Royal Aeronautical Establishment for tests, including servo spring tab development for the Brabazon project. Reported derelict at Foulness Island post war.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS709
s/n DS709
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 709
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Briefly with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no major operations. Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K" and "EQ*P". Flew 14 operations, including Hanover on 18/19 October 1943, and two raids on Berlin in November 1943 (as "EQ*K"); then three more raids on Berlin as "EQ*P". Lost on last raid on Berlin on 27/28 January 1944. 7 crew killed and one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-27 KIA RAFVR George Adamson 2024-11-01
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Eldon Eastham Kearl DFC 2024-04-21
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Angus Maclean 2021-08-17
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Francis McManus 2022-01-20
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Paul David Parise 2024-04-24
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elmer Reginald Proud 2021-08-11
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Smith 2024-05-03 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS710
s/n DS710
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 710
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;514
Briefly with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no major operations. Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*H" and then "EQ*A". Launched for 11 operations; including 5 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 27/28 January 1944. No survivors in the crew of 8, who were on their 20th mission.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Gordon Bennett 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Kenneth Canning 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clarence William Frauts 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Dennis Macdonald Sim 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Charles Woodward Smith DFC 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Dargavel Teskey 2025-01-14
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Ross Wilson 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS711
s/n DS711
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 711
Hercules
Known Units: 426
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*B". Key raids included Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943; 5 raids over Berlin; and Stuttgart on 15/16 March 1944. Transferred out of this unit in December 1944. Survived the war, sold as scrap in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS712
s/n DS712
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 712
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*G". Completed 7 operations. During attack on Berlin starboard outer engine went u/s en route to target, struck by flak over target, and attacked and damaged by Ju 88 during return. Starboard inner engine failed over the UK, resulting in gear up landing near a sewage disposal plant 2 miles south-east of Lincoln. 2 crew injured.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS713
s/n DS713
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 713
Hercules
Known Units: 426
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*J" or possibly "OW*G". Failed to return from operation over Dusseldorf on 3/4 November 1943, no survivors. Came down in Munchen-Gladbach.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Willoughby Ditzler 2024-10-21
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Charles Edward Flewin 2024-10-21
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Galloway 2024-10-21
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Melvin Ellis Gee 2024-10-21
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Norman Stanley McLeod 2024-10-21
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Gerald Thompson Mutton 2024-10-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS714
s/n DS714
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 714
Hercules
Known Units: 426
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*L". During attack on Mannheim on 23/24 September 1943 attacked twice by Ju 88s, 2 gunners injured, and severe damage to port rudder, turrets, hydraulics, port wing and fuel tanks, and port elevator. Cockpit damage as well. No injuries during crash landing at Thorney Island in UK. Apparently not repaired. Survived the war, sold as scrap in 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS716
s/n DS716
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 716
Hercules
Known Units: 426;514
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*U". Several raids, including 7 on Berlin. To No. 514 Squadron, RAF, lost with this unit on 20/21 March 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS717
s/n DS717
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 717
Hercules
Known Units: 426
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*T". Ditched 3 miles east of Aldeburgh, Suffolk after running low on fuel returning from raid on Hanover on 18/19 October 1943, crew all saved and back on shore within 2 hours. Being flown by No. 408 (B) Squadron crew when it ditched.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS718
s/n DS718
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 718
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Briefly with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no major operations. Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*R". Flew 10 operations, including 6 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 29/30 December 1943. Shot down by night fighter on return, came down at Wietmarschen, 15 kilometres west of Lingen, near the Dutch border. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Dennis Albert McCabe 2021-09-23
1943-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Alexander Pildrem 2021-08-14
1943-December-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William Edward Raban 2021-08-11
1943-December-29 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Walter Torrance Wilton 2021-07-07 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS719
s/n DS719
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 719
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Briefly with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no major operations. Later used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U". Flew 10 operations. Failed to return from operation over Essen on 26/27 April 1944. No survivors in the 7 man crew, including Lt. F.S. Shove, USAAF. Came down in the Oosterschelde, near Wissenkirke, Holland.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-April-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Graham Frederick Butson 2024-11-27
1944-April-27 KIA RAFVR James Harry Gilbert 2025-04-01
1944-April-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Thomas Greatrex 2025-04-01
1944-April-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Elliot Hendry 2025-04-01
1944-April-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 John Milton Potter 2025-04-01
1944-April-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Everett Raymond Rognan 2025-04-01
1944-April-27 KIA USAAF Lieutenant F S Shove 2025-04-01 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS720
s/n DS720
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 720
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS723
s/n DS723
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 723
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*B". Flew 7 operations. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 26/27 November 1943. Lost without a trace, 8 crew still missing, including W/C Alexander Campbell Mair, DFC, the Squadron navigation leader Flying Officer R.E. North, DFC, and squadron signals leader Flight Lieutenant A.H. Glasspool.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-November-27 KIA RAFVR Angus Ward Douglas 2024-10-27
1943-November-27 KIA RAFVR Geoffrey Fielding 2022-04-18
1943-November-27 KIA RAFVR Sidney Arthur Henry Glasspool 2022-04-18
1943-November-27 KIA RAF Charles Frederick Kirsch 2022-04-18
1943-November-27 KIA RCAF Wing Commander Alexander Campbell Mair DFC 2021-08-14
1943-November-27 KIA RAF Leonard Henry Mathews 2022-04-18
1943-November-27 KIA RAFVR Wilfred Ronal Eli North DFC, MiD 2022-04-18 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS724
s/n DS724
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 724
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C" and "EQ*X". Completed 1 operation. As "EQ*X", took off on 7 October 1943 for mission to Stuttgart. Controls jammed shortly after takeoff, crew bailed out at 21:08 UK time over Hutton-le-Hole, Yorkshire without serious injury. 1 person on ground killed when aircraft crashed and bombs exploded at Manor Farm, Spaunton, north of Thirsk, Yorkshire. Control problems believed to be result of airframe icing.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS725
s/n DS725
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 725
Hercules
Known Units: 408;115
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*B". Had left this Squadron when lost on 20/21 October 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS726
s/n DS726
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 726
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no record of significant operations. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*E", "EQ*T", and "EQ*Y". Flew 34 operations. Bombed Hannover on 19 October 1943, as "EQ*T". Attacked Berlin on 20/21 January and 27/28 January 1944, as "EQ*Y". On second mission, attacked by Me 110, port outer engine rendered u/s. Landed at base on 3 engines. Failed to return from operation over Cambrai on 12/13 June 1944. Shot down by night fighter, 6 killed, 1 POW, 1 evaded. Crashed at Seranvillers-Forenville, south-south-east of Cambrai.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 726 EQ-Y did not return from night operations to bomb railyards at Cambrai, France, shot down by night fighter ace Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer of Stab IV/NJG 1, who had been scrambled from Chievres (Belgium) in a Bf 110 G-4. The Lancaster crashed at Seranvillers-Forneville, SSE of Cambrai, France
Squadron Leader WB Stewarts (RCAF), Pilot Officer RD Ochsner (RCAF), Flying Officer GE Mallory (RCAF),Warrant Officer HF Murphy (RCAF), Pilot Officer J Bray (RAF), and Pilot Officer N Varley (RAF) were all killed in action
Flying Officer WC Burns (RCAF) survived and was taken as Prisoner of War
Pilot Officer GJBJ Lapierre DFC (RCAF) survived and avoided capture as an Evader
There were three #408 Squadron Lancaster aircraft and crews lost on this operation, all shot down by Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer. Please see aircraft serials DS 688 EQ-R and DS 772 EQ-T for additional information
Research of France-Crashes 39-45
Aces of the Luftwaffe - Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer
Lancaster II DS726 [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Jack Bray 2025-03-02
1944-June-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Wendell Chesley Burns 2024-11-25
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer Gaston Jean Baptiste Joseph La Pierre DFC 2025-03-02
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Ewart Mallory 2025-03-02
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Harry Frederick Murphy 2025-05-25
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Duncan Ochsner 2025-03-02
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader William Benjamin Stewart 2025-03-02
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Norman Varley 2025-03-02 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS727
s/n DS727
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 727
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no record of significant operations. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*A", "EQ*X", and "EQ*O". Flew 53 operations from October 1943, including at least 9 over Berlin. Attacked rail yards at Haine St. Pierre 8/9 May 1944 as "EQ*O", hit by flak, minor damage. Left this Squadron by December 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS728
s/n DS728
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 728
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS731
s/n DS731
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 731
Hercules
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*O" and "EQ*U". Flew a total of 20 missions, including at least 11 to Berlin. "EQ*O" when lost. Failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt on 24/25 February 1944. Shot down by night fighter, 1 killed and 6 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Schweinfurt Germany 1944-02-24 to 1944-02-25
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton on Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 731 EQ-O was shot down by a night fighter near Erkshausen, Germany during operations against targets in Schweinfurt, Germany
Air Gunner Pilot Officer ME Hodgins (RCAF) was the only crew member lost, killed in action
Flying Officer G McKiel (RCAF), FS AC Keiller (RCAF), Pilot Officer A Walker (RCAF), Sergeant RE Loomer (RCAF) and Sergeant GN Parsons (RAFVR) all survived were taken as Prisoners of War
1944-February-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Cleeman Merritt Hawkins 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Mervyn Eugene Hodgins 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Albert Clarence Keiller 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Edwin Loomer 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 PoW RCAF Flying Officer George McKiel 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Gordon Noel Parsons 2022-12-15
1944-February-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Angus Walker 2022-12-15 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS732
s/n DS732
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 732
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*F". No record of use on key raids. Crashed following engine failure during a fighter affiliation exercise on 7 September 1943. Came down near Newton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire. Rear gunner Sgt. R.W. Ogston was thrown from his turret and sustained fatal injuries, no other injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS733
s/n DS733
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 733
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*L". Operations included raids on Berlin on 18/19 November 1943, 22/23 November 1943 and 26/27 November 1943. Failed to return from raid on Leipzig on 3/4 December 1943. Crashed at Espel, 11 kilometres east of Lingen. 4 crew killed, 3 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-04 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Witham Booth 2024-11-14
1943-December-04 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Donald Albert Clark 2025-01-29
1943-December-04 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer David Thomas Cooper 2025-01-29
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Jean Breboeuf Laurent Legault 2025-01-29
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Percival Neale 2025-01-29
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ross Griffin Sturley 2025-01-29
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Anthony Wolkowski 2025-01-29 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS734
s/n DS734
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 734
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS735
s/n DS735
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 735
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS737
s/n DS737
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 737
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C". Named "Countess". Completed 10 missions, including 5 to Berlin in November 1943. Crashed at 23:30 local time, into high ground on Murton Common in bad weather, 2 miles south-west of Hawnby, Yorkshire after raid on Berlin on 16/17 December 1943. 2 survivors, 5 crew killed or died later due to injuries. Was diverting to more northern base due to poor weather, had been airborne over 7 hours at time of crash and was letting down through overcast.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Omer Emile Jules Boily 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russell Stanley Clark 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Timothy I'Anson Dee 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Michael Edmund Marynowski 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 Survived RAF Sergeant Leslie Arthur Moran 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Roy Wood 2024-10-10
1943-December-16 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Lloyd John Yeo 2024-10-10 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS739
s/n DS739
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 739
Hercules
Known Units: 408;432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-02 to 1944-01-03
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
383 aircraft - 362 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes, 9 Halifaxes. The German control rooms followed the bombers all the way to Berlin, which was assessed as the target 40 minutes before Zero Hour. Night fighters were sent to a radio beacon between Hannover and Bremen but these fighters missed the bomber stream and did not come into action until they were directed to Berlin. Most of the bomber casualties were in the Berlin area. 27 Lancasters were lost, 7·0 per cent of the force. The casualties included 10 Pathfinder aircraft; 156 Squadron, from Warboys, lost 5 of its 14 aircraft taking part in the raid.
This was another ineffective raid. Bombs were scattered over all parts of Berlin, with the local reports stressing that there were no large fires; the fire services were able to contain all fires soon after they started. 82 houses were destroyed and 36 people were killed. Industrial damage was insignificant.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
432 Leaside Squadron (Saevitir Ad Lucem) RAF East Moor. Lancaster BII aircraft DS 739 QO-Y was shot down during night operations against targets in Berlin, Germany by night fighter pilot Leutnant Wendelin Breukel of the 5/NJG 2 (based at Deelen airfield in the Netherlands), who was flying a Ju 88 C-6. The Lancaster crashed eighty miles southwest of Berlin at southern edge of Gross Rosenburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, near Kothen, Germany. The entire crew were lost
Warrant Officer Class 2 JE Scott (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant JA Allen (RCAF), Flying Officer HF Doull (RCAF), Flying Officer K Crawford (RCAF), Sergeant JA Cobbett (RCAF), Sergeant IAJ Dupuis (RCAF), and W.R. Collier (RAFVR) were all killed in action
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Allardyce Allen 2024-11-02
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Arthur Cobbett 2024-03-07
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Roy Collier 2024-04-04
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Crawford 2024-05-13
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hedley Forbes Doull 2024-10-28
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Irenee Adelard Joseph Dupuis 2024-10-30
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class John Ernest Scott 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS740
s/n DS740
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 740
Hercules
Known Units: 426;430;432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-01-14 to 1944-01-14
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
496 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes on the first major raid to Brunswick of the war. 38 Lancasters Jost, 7·6 per cent of the force. The German running commentary was heard following the progress of the bomber force from a position only 40 miles from the English coast and many German fighters entered the bomber stream soon after the German frontier was crossed near Bremen. The German fighters scored steadily until the Dutch coast was crossed on the return flight. Ir of the lost aircraft were Pathfinders.
Brunswick was smaller than Bomber Command's usual targets and this raid was not a success. The city report describes this only as a 'light' raid, with bombs in the south of the city which had only ro houses destroyed and 14 people killed. Most of the attack fell either in the countryside or in Wolfenbiittel and other small towns and villages well to the south of Brunswick.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft DS 740 QO-Z missing while engaged in an operation against targets in Brunswick, Germany. It is believed that the Lancaster was shot down by a night fighter and crashed at Lagershausen, NE of Northeim, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Pilot Officer DT Lyng (RCAF), Pilot Officer DA Rae (RCAF),Warrant Officer WH Hoppus (RCAF), Sergeant KE Evans (RAFVR), Sergeant CF Tarr (RAFVR), FS EF Howe (RAFVR), and Flying Officer BV Holmes (RAFVR) were all killed in action
There were two 432 Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Rainville, GH for information on Lancaster DS 850 QO-M
1944-January-15 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Brunswick, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Edgar Evans 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Geoffrey Vernon Holmes 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Willard Henry Hoppus 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Edward Frederick Howe 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David Thomas Lyng 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Arthur Rae 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Charles Francis Tarr 2023-01-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS741
s/n DS741
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 741
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*T". Completed at least 8 missions, including 7 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Frankfurt on 22/23 March 1944, no survivors. Had 181 hours airframe time when lost.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Matthew James Bell 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Herbert Bow 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Daniel Brown 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RAF Flt Sergeant Arthur Frith 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RAF Sergeant David Gilmore 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clinton George Hetherington 2025-11-07
1944-March-23 KIA RNZAF Flt Sergeant James Aloysious Mullally 2025-11-07 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS757
s/n DS757
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 757
Hercules
Known Units: 426;432
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "D", no record of key operations. Also with No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "QO*D" when it bombed Berlin on 2/3 December 1943. Coded "QO*L" for 3 more raids to Berlin. Lost during an air test and sea search on 5 March 1944. Port engine failed while low flying over water, aircraft stalled in attempting to climb away. Came down 2 miles of Bridlington. One crew killed, 2 injured, 3 survived without injury.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS758
s/n DS758
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 758
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*H". Named "Countess", completed 8 missions, including 2 to Berlin. Lost on mission to Frankfurt on 20/21 December 1943. 7 fatalities, including USAAF observer Lt. N. Stiller.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Lloyd Brager 2024-11-17
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Donald Cochrane 2025-02-20
1943-December-20 KIA RAFVR Edwin Kent 2025-02-20
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Max Albert McCurdy 2025-02-20
1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Arthur McQuestion 2025-02-20
1943-December-20 KIA RAFVR Bernard Smith 2025-02-20 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS759
s/n DS759
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 759
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Also with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*K", flew 17 missions September 1943 to February 1944. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*A" . Coded "EQ*A" when lost during raid on Dortmund on 22/23 May 1944. Shot down by night fighter, crashed at Hartefeld, 3 kilometres west of Sevelen. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Davis Brown 2024-11-21
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Archibald Sinclair Campbell 2025-03-08
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harry Joseph Cunningham 2024-05-29
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Kalyta 2025-03-08
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Arthur Nightingale 2025-03-08
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter William Rehkopf 2025-03-08
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Russell Sherrill 2025-03-08 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS760
s/n DS760
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 760
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron. Failed to return from its 9th operation over Berlin on 2/3 January 1944, 6 crew killed and 2 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Peter Allwell 2024-11-02
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Sergeant Richard Gordon Cridland 2024-05-15
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Ronald Harry Filbey 2022-05-03
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Anthony Griffiths 2022-05-03
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Jowett 2022-05-03
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lloyd Offer 2022-05-03
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Flying Officer George Sparks 2022-05-03
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Robert Symons 2022-05-03 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS761
s/n DS761
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 761
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*J", "EQ*S", and "EQ*V". Flew 15 operations with this unit. Attacked Berlin on 20/21 January 1944 as "EQ*V", when it was attacked by an Fw190. Reported as surviving the war, scrapped in November 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS762
s/n DS762
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 762
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*V". Bombed Berlin on 18/19 November 1943. Dispatched to Berlin on 16/17 December 1943. Abandoned over Sweden after sustaining battle damage on approach to Berlin . Had been attacked by night fighter, and was low on fuel. All crew survived and were interned.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-16 to 1943-12-17
426 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings of Fire) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster BII aircraft DS 762 OW-V, during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany was hit by flak over Osnabruck, Netherlands, losing the aircraft hydraulics. Further flak hits and possible night fighter attack caused damage to multiple fuel tanks resulting in fuel leaks and a fire. The fire was extinguished, allowing the bomber to continue to Berlin and drop it's bombload. Unfortunately, the fuel loss meant a return flight to England was not possible so the the badly shot up Lancaster was turned north for neutral Sweden, where the pilot ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft. The bomber then crashed onto the ice covered Asnen Lake, Sweden
Pilot Officer A C Davies DFC (RCAF), Pilot Officer H L Garriock (RCAF), Sergeant E O George DFM (RCAF), Pilot Officer R H Ginson (RCAF), Flight Sergeant F T Mudry (RCAF), Pilot Officer R F Richards (RAF) and Sergeant R Engle (RAF) all survived
The crew, all safe, were arrested by police and as Sweden was a neutral country during the war, they all became interned prisoners rather than Prisoners of War. They were not held in POW camps, but were placed in hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the Falun area, enjoying relative freedom of movement, unlike a Prisoner of War in a camp. They received their regular military pay from their home countries, which allowed them to actually be much better off than the local Swedish residents
The crew of Lancaster DS 762 were repatriated to the UK between September and October 1944
There were four 426 Squadron Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Lancaster aircraft serials DS 779 OW-C, DS 837 OW-Q and DS 846 OW-X for further information and detail
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Craig Davies DFC 2023-11-20
1943-December-17 Interned RAFVR Sergeant Ryan Engle 2023-11-20
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Henry Lloyd Garriock 2023-11-06
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Pilot Officer Henry Lloyd Garriock 2022-04-25
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Sergeant Edwin Omer George DFM 2023-11-20
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Henry Ginson 2023-11-06
1943-December-17 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Thomas Mudry 2023-11-06
1943-December-17 Interned RAFVR Pilot Officer R F Richards 2023-11-20 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS763
s/n DS763
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 763
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*O", flew 35 missions, including 7 to Berlin. Attacked Brunswick on 14/15 January 1943, attacked by Me210 over target, no damage. Later with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*E", from July 1944, named "Old Faithful". Transferred to No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit, August 1944. Struck off in October 1944, with 551 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS764
s/n DS764
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 764
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-S) Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 22/23 Nov 1943. 89 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS767
s/n DS767
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 767
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*P", dates not known. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Q". Flew a total of 11 operations, including 5 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 14/15 January 1944 , no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Burton Cameron 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Brinley George Capel 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Stanley Dawson 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Allan Earle 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Leonard Hans Hansen 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Hugh MacLennan 2024-10-05
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Corey Van Dusen Spencer 2024-10-05 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS768
s/n DS768
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 768
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*J". Flew 33 operations from October 1943, including 9 to Berlin. Crashed landed and ran off end of runway at Honeybourne at 01:56 on 31 March 1944, after raid on Nuremburg. All crew OK, aircraft written off.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant Gordon Croucher DFC, MiD 2021-06-06
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Howard Durnin 2022-05-16
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer John Alexander Kay Imrie 2021-06-06
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Donal Thomas Ryan 2021-06-06
1944-June-07 Survived RAFVR David Scott 2022-03-31
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Edmund Truscott 2021-06-06
1944-June-07 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Daniel Whitson 2021-05-31 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS769
s/n DS769
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 769
Hercules
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Squadron, RAF when lost on 18/19 October 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS770
s/n DS770
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 770
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*F", no record of key operations. Also with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*P" from October 1943. Coded "OW*J" when lost on raid on Berlin on 2/3 December 1943. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jerome Thomas Ellis Cumming-Bart 2024-05-29
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant Harry Arnold Keast 2024-04-21
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Thomas Andrew McKernan 2024-04-22
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Malcolm Crimmins Shaw 2024-05-01
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Frederick Waddington 2024-05-03 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS771
s/n DS771
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 771
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no record of key operations. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*P". Failed to return from operation over Stuttgart on 15/16 March 1944, no survivors. Had 114 hours airframe time when lost.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Bursleigh Black 2025-01-22
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Phillip Brooks 2024-11-20
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ivan William Martin 2024-06-17
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Gerald Sylvain Simard 2024-06-28
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lorne Edgar Yeo 2024-07-12
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Kenneth Young 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS772
s/n DS772
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 772
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no details. With No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, flew 11 missions in October 1943 to March 1944, including 9 to Berlin. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*T", flew 20 missions. Failed to return from operation over Cambrai on 12/13 June 1944 while with 408 Squadron. Shot down by night fighter, crashed at Avesnes-les-Aubert (Nord), 11 kilometres East-North-East of Cambrai. All 7 crew killed, including Squadron signals leader and two Belgians serving in the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 772 EQ-T was shot down by night fighter ace Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer of Stab IV/NJG 1, who had been scrambled from Chievres (Belgium) in a Bf 110 G-4. The Lancaster crashed five and one half miles east of Cambrai, at Avernes Les Aubert, France during night operations against rail facilities in Cambrai, France
Flight Lieutenant TO Pledger DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant HC McIver (RCAF), Pilot Officer WH Goodwin, (RCAF) Sergeant DM Russell (RAF), Flying Officer JH Wyatt (RAFVR), Flying Officer AJJC Dulait (RAFVR) and Flying Officer CAG Hanchar (RAFVR) were all killed in action
There were three #408 Squadron Lancaster aircraft and crews lost on this operation, all shot down by Hauptmann Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer. Please see serial DS 688 EQ-R and DS 726 EQ-Y for additional information
Research of France-Crashes 39-45
Aces of the Luftwaffe - Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer
Lancaster II DS772 [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Andre Joseph Julien Christain Dulait 2024-10-29
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Harvey Goodwin 2023-09-21
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Charles Armand Georges Hanchar 2023-08-08
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Carbee McIver 2023-09-21
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas Oswald Pledger DFC 2023-09-21
1944-June-13 KIA RAF Sergeant Donald Mac Russell 2023-09-21
1944-June-13 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer John Harker Wyatt 2023-09-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS774
s/n DS774
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 774
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*F" from September 1943, flew 4 missions. Failed to return from operation over Dusseldorf on 3/4 November 1943. Crashed into sea off Holland, probably shot down by night fighter. 3 crew washed ashore dead in dinghy near Rockanje on 12 November 1943, other 4 crew never found.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Tom William Hilliard 2021-08-10
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Colin Murray MacDonald 2021-08-16
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Percy Miller 2021-08-16
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Earl Sauve 2021-08-04
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Robert Clifford Smith 2021-07-26
1943-November-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Allen Young 2023-03-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS775
s/n DS775
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 775
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no key raids. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from September 1943, reported coded "OW*A" and "OW*G". Was coded "OW*W" when lost. Failed to return from its fifth operation over Berlin on 27/28 January 1944. Shot down by night fighter, 5 killed and 2 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS776
s/n DS776
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 776
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, no key raids. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*G". Completed at least 8 missions, including 7 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 19/20 February 1944, no survivors. Came down near Valkenswaard, Holland.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Foster Richard Alleyn 2024-11-02
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Paul Conroy Cox 2024-05-09
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Albert Dowe 2024-10-28
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Alton Hancock 2021-09-21
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Morris Allan McKenzie 2021-08-17
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vernon George Whalen 2021-07-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS777
s/n DS777
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 777
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS778
s/n DS778
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 778
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
With No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, flew 6 missions. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*U", completed 1 operation. With No. 408 Squadron when it failed to return from operation over Kassel on 22/23 October 1943, came down at 21:30 local time at Lavelsloh, 15 kilometres north-north-east of Lubbecke. All 7 crew killed.
Kassel. 569 aircraft, 43 losses (7.6%), due to the German controller correctly assessing that the raid was on Kassel. Blind H2S marking overshot the target but 8 out of 9 visual markers were accurate. German decoy markers drew off some of the main force but otherwise the raid was exceptionally accurate and concentrated leading to a firestorm. Over 26000 homes were destroyed and a further 26000 damaged. Some 63% of housing in the city became unusable, resulting in 100-120,000 people being displaced. The number of industrial, public and military buildings destroyed are too numerous to list. Of particular note, however, was that the railway system was badly damaged and the three Henschel factories which produced the V1 bomb were all seriously damaged. This certainly pegged back the V1 deployment capability significantly. The number of dead was around 5600. International Bomber Command Centre
last update: 2025-November-19
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ross Banting Jackson 2021-05-15
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Kerslake 2021-05-15
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Thomas Dunwoody Mayne 2021-06-06
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Ernest McComb 2021-05-15
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Franklin Scanes 2021-06-02
1943-October-22 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Richard Andrew Thornton 2021-06-10
1943-October-22 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arthur James Whiston 2021-05-15 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS779
s/n DS779
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 779
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*Q". Reported by Wilson as coded "OW*C" when lost. Crashed in bad weather near Hunsingore, Yorkshire, UK while returning from raid on Berlin on 2/3 December 1943. 2 survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Greenwell 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer William Hamilton 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 Survived RCAF Sergeant Donald Sinclair Jamieson 2022-05-16
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Howard Paul Morris 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Sale 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Duncan Ernest Stewart 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Reginald Donald Stewart 2022-04-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS781
s/n DS781
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 781
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS782
s/n DS782
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 782
Hercules
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Sqn (KO-K). Missing from operation to Berlin 23 Nov 1943. 194 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS783
s/n DS783
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 783
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-B) Sep 1943. Damaged on mission to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. Returned to No. 5 MU. SOC 11 Sep-1946last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS785
s/n DS785
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 785
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS787
s/n DS787
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 787
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-F) Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Kamen 11 Sep 1944. 451 operational hours. Squadron code is uncertain: different sources give JI-G2 or A2-D.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS788
s/n DS788
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 788
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Was with No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*E". Took part in this Squadrons first Lancaster operation on 18/19 November 1943, a sea search. Made second raid on Berlin on 2/3 January 1944. Attacked by FW 200 en route to target, damaged, returned safely to Colby Grange. Back on operations by 30 January 1943. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C" from February 1944. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 19/20 February 1944. Shot down by night fighter, 5 killed, 1 evaded and 1 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John James Astles 2024-11-03
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Hugh Bennett 2024-11-11
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Albert Frampton 2025-01-14
1944-February-20 PoW RCAF Flying Officer George Walker Reynolds 2025-01-14
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Smith 2025-01-14
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Witty Tindall 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS789
s/n DS789
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 789
Hercules
Known Units: 432;426
Served with No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*V". Flew at least 6 missions with this Squadron, including 5 to Berlin. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*A" from early 1944. Failed to return from operation over Essen on 26/27 March 1944. Blew up after being hit by flak, debris scattered over large area of Bottrop. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS790
s/n DS790
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 790
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*B", from November 1943. Flew 10 operations, including 4 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Magdeburg on 21/22 January 1944. Shot down by night fighter, 5 killed and 3 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Currie 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Bentley Dinning 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Edward Elliott 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 PoW RAFVR Pilot Officer William Johnston 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Howard Dennis Jones 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Bleeker Mill 2025-05-10
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Charles Rankin 2024-10-21
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Gilmour Murray Reid 2024-10-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS791
s/n DS791
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 791
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from November 1943, coded "EQ*F". Flew 19 operations, including 10 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Augsburg on 25/26 February 1944, 6 killed and 1 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Stuart Beer 2025-01-07
1944-February-26 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Ronald Edgar Bowler 2025-01-07
1944-February-26 KIA RAFVR Fred Crofts 2024-05-25
1944-February-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clarence Oscar Draper MiD 2024-10-28
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Douglas George Mullock 2025-01-07
1944-February-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Cyril Frederick Ridgers DFC 2025-01-07
1944-February-26 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Robert Smith DFC 2025-01-07 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS793
s/n DS793
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 793
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 5 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 6 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS794
s/n DS794
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 794
Hercules
Known Units: 432;426
With No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from November 1943 coded "QO*W". Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from February 1944, coded "OW*W". Lost on first major mission with this Squadron. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 15/16 February 1944. All 7 crew killed. Wreckage located in Holland, September 1960.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lyle Wilmot Hicks 2021-08-10
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Orville Wesley Hicks 2021-08-10
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Labach 2021-08-13
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Kilworthy Murray Love 2021-08-13
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Basil William Pattle 2021-08-18
1944-February-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Thomas Prosser 2021-08-11 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS797
s/n DS797
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 797
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Coded "EQ*H" for 2 raids to Berlin in December 1943 and January 1944. Coded "EQ*M" from late January 1944. Flew 13 operations in total. Lost on operation to Frankfurt on 22/23 March 1944. Came down in Gruneburg Parken in Frankfurt. All 8 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Lennox Barr 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Warren Thompson Fulton 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Alphonse Paul Henri Gaboury 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Francis Joseph King 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Alfred Parsons Ledrew 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RAFVR James Murdoch Smith 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gilbert Frank Allerton Thompson 2024-12-23
1944-March-22 KIA RAFVR Richard Walmsley 2024-12-23 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS813
s/n DS813
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 813
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-H) Sep 1943. On 15 Mar 1944 on an operation to Stuttgart, gunner Pilot Officer John J. McNeil was killed in a fighter attack, but the aircraft returned to base. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1943. 372 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Joseph McNeill 2025-01-14
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Jack Bennett 2024-11-11
1944-July-29 KIA RAF Sergeant Harold Gordon Carter 2024-01-11
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Henry Charles Alfred Chapman 2024-01-31
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Terence Daly 2024-08-08
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alba Fletcher Fowke 2025-01-14
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Reginald Murphy 2025-05-25
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney Arthur Picton 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS814
s/n DS814
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 814
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-M) Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 57 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS815
s/n DS815
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 815
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS823
s/n DS823
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 823
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS824
s/n DS824
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 824
Hercules
Known Units: 514 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS828
s/n DS828
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 828
Hercules
Known Units: 514;1678 HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS829
s/n DS829
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 829
Hercules
Known Units: 432;426
With No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*A" and "QO*L". At least 6 missions with this Squadron, including 5 to Berlin. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from February 1944, coded "OW*J", and "OW*U" when lost. Failed to return from operation over Stuttgart on15/16 March 1944. Abandoned over Europe after all 4 engines failed. All 7 crew POW, Sgt. W.F Nicholls was promoted to Flying Officer in captivity, died of tuberculosis in captivity, January 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Roman Joseph Renneberg 2023-08-05
1944-March-16 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Candlish Brewer 2024-11-18
1944-March-16 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Arnold Hillman 2021-03-01
1944-March-16 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Howard Junior McIlwain 2023-07-19
1944-March-16 PoW Died RCAF Flying Officer William Frederick Nicholls 2022-06-11
1944-March-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Edward William Strauss 2023-08-10 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS830
s/n DS830
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 830
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426;408;1668HCU
With No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF from late 1943, coded "QO*S", named "Bobby Boy". Flew 12 operations with this Squadron, including at least 5 to Berlin. With No. 426(B) Squadron, RCAF from February 1944, coded "OW*R" and "OW*S", flew 16 operations. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from July 1944, coded "EQ*H" and "EQ*W". Flew 31 operations with this unit, including attack on Villeneuve St. George on 4/5 July 1944. To No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit in March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS831
s/n DS831
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 831
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-16 to 1943-12-16
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
483 Lancasters and I0 Mosquitoes on the main raid and 5 further Mosquitoes dropped decoy fighter flares south of Berlin.
The bomber route again led directly to Berlin across Holland and Northern Germany and there wore no major diversions, The German controllers plotted the the course of the bombers with great accuracy; many German fighters were met T the coast of Holland and further fighters were guided on to the bomber stream throughout the approach to the target. More fighters were waiting at the target and there were many combats. The bombers shook off the opposition on the return flight by taking a northerly route over Denmark. 25 Lancasters, 5.2 per cent of the Lancaster force, were lost. Many further aircraft were lost on returning to England (see later paragraph).
Berlin was cloud-covered but the Pathfinder sky-marking was reasonably accurate and much of the bombing fell in the city. The local report says that the raid hit no identifiable aiming point but the central and eastern districts were hit more than other areas. Little industrial damage was caused; most of the bombing hit housing and railways. Conflicting figures on the number of dead are given; the overall tot may be 720, of which 279 were foreign workers - 186 women, 65 men and 28 youths 70 of these foreigners - all from the East - were killed when the train in which they were travelling was bombed at the Halensee Station. In the city centre, the National Theatre and the building housing Germany's military and political archives were both destroyed. The damage to the Berlin railway system and to rolling stock, and the large numbers of people still leaving the city, were having a cumulative effect upon the transportation of supplies to the Russian Front; 1000 wagon-loads of war material were held up for 6 days. The sustained bombing had now made more than a quarter of Berlin's total living accommodation unusable.
On their return to England, many of the bombers encountered very low cloud at their bases. The squadrons of 1, 6 and 8 Groups were particularly badly affected. Lancasters (and a Stirling from the minelaying operation) either crashed or were abandoned when their crews parachuted. The group with heaviest losses was 1 Group with 13 aircraft lost; the squadron with heaviest losses was 97 Squadron, 8 Group with 7 aircraft lost. There is a little confusion in Bomber Command records over aircrew casualties but it is probable that 148 men were killed in the crashes, 39 were injured and 6 presumed lost in the sea.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft DS 831 QO-N was shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer of 12/NJG1 over Holland during operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The Lancaster crashed at Weidum - Wijtgaard, Friesland, Netherlands
Warrant Officer Class 2 HA Turner (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 JS Briegel (RCAF), Sergeant R Hughes (RAFVR), FS TW Pragnell (RAFVR),Warrant Officer RK Saunders (RAAF) and Flying Officer WC Fisher (USAAF) were all killed in action
FS Lewis was either an Evader or was taken Prisoner of War and one of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. Sergeant OD Lewis (RCAF) and FS MAT Brudell (RAAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners Of War
Detail provided by F McAfee, Regina, Saskatchewan
There were two 432 Squadron Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Hatfield, HB for information on Lancaster DS 832 QO-K
432 Squadron Lancaster DS831 QO-N F/O. Fisher, RAF East Moor,...
1943-December-17 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Berlin. Shot down by night fighter, 6 crew killed and 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 James Stewart Briegel 2024-11-18
1943-December-16 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant Montagu Anthony Thomas Brudell 2024-11-23
1943-December-16 KIA USAAF Flying Officer William Charles Fisher 2025-03-17
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Raymond Hughes 2025-03-17
1943-December-16 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Owen Donald Lewis 2025-03-17
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Thomas Walter Pragnell 2025-03-17
1943-December-16 KIA RAAF Warrant Officer Raymond Kenneth Saunders 2025-03-17
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Herbert Albert Turner 2025-05-22 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS832
s/n DS832
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 832
Hercules
Known Units:
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-16 to 1943-12-17
(B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
483 Lancasters and I0 Mosquitoes on the main raid and 5 further Mosquitoes dropped decoy fighter flares south of Berlin.
The bomber route again led directly to Berlin across Holland and Northern Germany and there wore no major diversions, The German controllers plotted the the course of the bombers with great accuracy; many German fighters were met T the coast of Holland and further fighters were guided on to the bomber stream throughout the approach to the target. More fighters were waiting at the target and there were many combats. The bombers shook off the opposition on the return flight by taking a northerly route over Denmark. 25 Lancasters, 5.2 per cent of the Lancaster force, were lost. Many further aircraft were lost on returning to England (see later paragraph).
Berlin was cloud-covered but the Pathfinder sky-marking was reasonably accurate and much of the bombing fell in the city. The local report says that the raid hit no identifiable aiming point but the central and eastern districts were hit more than other areas. Little industrial damage was caused; most of the bombing hit housing and railways. Conflicting figures on the number of dead are given; the overall tot may be 720, of which 279 were foreign workers - 186 women, 65 men and 28 youths 70 of these foreigners - all from the East - were killed when the train in which they were travelling was bombed at the Halensee Station. In the city centre, the National Theatre and the building housing Germany's military and political archives were both destroyed. The damage to the Berlin railway system and to rolling stock, and the large numbers of people still leaving the city, were having a cumulative effect upon the transportation of supplies to the Russian Front; 1000 wagon-loads of war material were held up for 6 days. The sustained bombing had now made more than a quarter of Berlin's total living accommodation unusable.
On their return to England, many of the bombers encountered very low cloud at their bases. The squadrons of 1, 6 and 8 Groups were particularly badly affected. Lancasters (and a Stirling from the minelaying operation) either crashed or were abandoned when their crews parachuted. The group with heaviest losses was 1 Group with 13 aircraft lost; the squadron with heaviest losses was 97 Squadron, 8 Group with 7 aircraft lost. There is a little confusion in Bomber Command records over aircrew casualties but it is probable that 148 men were killed in the crashes, 39 were injured and 6 presumed lost in the sea.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft DS 832 QO-K returning from an operation to Berlin, Germany encountered poor weather conditions and heavy fog over England. The aircraft was directed north to RAF Leeming but, unable to locate Leeming and out of fuel, the aircraft was abandoned by the crew over Castleton, England. The Lancaster crashed in a peat bog north of Danby, YorkshireFlying Officer HB Hatfield (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant JA Allen (RCAF), Flying Officer JL Higgs (RCAF), Flying Officer GJ Smith (RCAF), Pilot Officer GM McGregor (RCAF), Sergeant AC Phillips (RAF), Sergeant WH Poole (RAF) and Sergeant RA Hutchinson (RAFVR) all survived the crash with various injuries. Flying Officer Hatfield with a broken leg and Sergeant Poole with serious injuries suffered exiting the bomber. The other crew members with minor or no injuries
There were two 432 Squadron Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Turner, HA for information on Lancaster DS 831 QO-N
Black Night for Bomber Command, The Tragedy of 16 December 1943 by Richard Knott
1943-December-17 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Allardyce Allen 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Hubert Baker Hatfield 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RCAF Joseph Layton Higgs 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RAFVR Sergeant Robert Anthony Hutchinson 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Morvan McGregor 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RAF Alfred Clarence Phillips 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RAF William Henry Poole 2023-01-27
1943-December-17 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant George John Smith DFC, CDGBP 2023-01-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS833
s/n DS833
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 833
Hercules
Known Units: ;115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS834
s/n DS834
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 834
Hercules
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Squadron, RAF when lost over Berlin on 29/30 December 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS837
s/n DS837
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 837
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*Q" when lost. Crashed near Yearsley, Yorkshire due to bad weather, on 16 December 1943, returning from a raid on Berlin. This was first operation by this aircraft with this Squadron. 6 crew killed, rear gunner injured.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-16 Survived RCAF Sergeant Gordon Charles Fortier 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Angus Augustus Johnston 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George MacDonald Jones 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Thomas Matthew Kneale 2022-05-24
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James MacKay 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Robert Philip Marks 2022-04-21
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Maurice Milton Prill MM 2022-04-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS838
s/n DS838
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 838
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from January 1944, coded "OW*J", flew 20 operations including 5 to Berlin. Bombed St. Ghislan on 1/2 May 1944, this Squadrons last Lancaster mission. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF by July 1944, coded "EQ*I" and "EQ*A", flew 30 operations with this unit. Bombed German troops near Caen on 7/8 August 1944, while coded "EQ*A". Transferred to No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit, serving there when it bogged down in soft ground on landing on 26 February 1945. Not repaired.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS839
s/n DS839
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 839
Hercules
Known Units: 432;1679HCU
Used briefly by No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF.On 1944-01-23, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer at Wombleton, wrote in his diary:
"Later tonight one of our kites DS839 " Lancaster was reported crashed down art Cranfield with all the crew killed including the pilot, 1st Lt Grove (American Air Force) and a good friend of mine. That's the second fatal accident we've had so far & I hope it is the last."
Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM
last update: 2025-November-19
Conversion 1944-01-23 to 1944-01-23
1679 (OT) HCU (RAF) RAF Wombleton
1679 Heavy Conversion Unit, RAF Wombleton. The crew of Lancaster aircraft DS 839 were engaged in a daylight cross-country training exercise when they crashed at Ridgemont, Bedfordshire, England. Accident investigators couldn't establish the cause of the crash, mainly due to the level of destruction of the aircraft, but icing conditions were believed to have been a factor in the crash
Flight Sergeant F W MacDonald (RCAF), Flight Sergeant J J Farrell (RCAF), Flight Sergeant L I Hogan (RCAF), Flying Officer R W Grosser (RCAF), Sergeant S A Carr (RCAF), Sergeant L Thompson (RAFVR) and 1st Lieutenant R M Grove (USAAF) were all killed in this flying accident
1944-January-23 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Stuart Allan Carr 2024-01-10
1944-January-23 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Joseph Farrell 2024-01-09
1944-January-23 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Roy William Grosser 2024-01-10
1944-January-23 KIFA USAAF 1st Lieutenant Robert Monroe Grove 2024-01-09
1944-January-23 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leonard Ignatius Hogan 2024-01-10
1944-January-23 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Fred Whitten MacDonald 2024-01-10
1944-January-23 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Thompson 2024-01-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS840
s/n DS840
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 840
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from December 1943, coded "OW*D" in December 1943, and "OW*C" unknown dates. Failed to return from operation over Nuremburg on 30/31 March 1944, shot down by night fighter near the target, came down at Ermreuth, near Grfenberg. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Walter Charles Cracknell 2024-05-25
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Gordon Devoy 2024-10-17
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Clifford Haycock 2024-10-17
1944-March-31 KIA RNZAF Warrant Officer Milton Cecil Moosman 2024-10-17
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hubert Francis Orr 2024-10-17
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leroy Edward Robinson 2024-10-17
1944-March-31 KIA RAF Sergeant Harold Wride 2024-10-17 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS841
s/n DS841
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 841
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
With No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF from January 1944, coded "OW*Q", flew 21 operations, including 5 to Berlin. Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Q", "EQ*L", and "EQ*X", flew 25 operations with this unit. Attacked by Bf 109 while attacking tactical targets near Caen at dusk on 7 July 1944, no damage. Transferred to No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit, October 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS843
s/n DS843
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 843
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Magdeburg Germany 1944-01-22 to 1944-01-22
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
648 aircraft- 42 I Lancasters, 224 Halifaxes, 3 Mosquitoes - on the first major raid to this target. The German controller again followed the progress of the bomber stream across the North Sea and many night fighters were in the stream before it crossed the German coast. The controller was very slow to identify Magdeburg as the target but this did not matter too much because most of the night fighters were able to stay in the bomber stream, a good example of the way the Tame Boar tactics were developing. 57 aircraft - 35 Halifaxes, 22 Lancasters - were lost, 8·8 per cent of the force; it is probable that three quarters of the losses were caused by German night fighters. The Halifax loss rate was 15·6 per cent!
The heavy bomber casualties were not rewarded with a successful attack. Some of the Main Force aircraft now had H2S and winds which were stronger than forecast brought some of these into the target area before the Pathfinders' Zero Hour. The crews of 27 Main Force aircraft were anxious to bomb and did so before Zero Hour. The Pathfinders blamed the fires started by this early bombing, together with some very effective German decoy markers, for their failure to concentrate the marking. No details are available from Magdeburg but it is believed that most of the bombing fell outside the city. An R.A.F. man who was in hospital at Magdeburg at the time reports only, 'bangs far away'.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft DS 843 QO-O did not return from a raid on the synthetic oil plants at Magdeburg, Germany, shot down by a night fighter and crashing into the River Elbe at Breitenhagen, Germany
Sergeant DL Pocock (RCAF), FS EM Myer (RAFVR), Pilot Officer DJ O'Donnell (RAAF) and FS JS Poole (RAFVR) were killed in action
FS JH Williams (RAFVR), FS WM Thomson (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer MP Bailhache (RAFVR) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
There were two 432 Squadron Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Legace, LF for information on Lancaster LL 724 QO-N
Daily Operations 6bombergroup.ca
432 Squadron Lancaster II DS843 QO-O Fl/Sergeant Poole, RAF East Moor,...
1944-January-22 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer Mark Proctor Bailhache 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Edward Michael Myer 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer William John O'Donnell 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Layne Pocock 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Jack Sealy Poole 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 PoW RAFVR Pilot Officer William Mills Thomson 2024-11-27
1944-January-22 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant Jack Herbert Williams 2024-11-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS844
s/n DS844
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 844
Hercules
Known Units: 424;432;408
Used briefly by No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Used by No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF from November 1943 to January 1944, coded "QO*H", flew 3 operations. With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from February 1944, coded "EQ*X", flew 3 operations with this unit. Lost while with this unit. Failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt on 24/25 February 1945, no survivors. Reported to have come down in the Rhine River, 12 miles south of target. All 7 crew killed, only 4 bodies found.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-25 KIA RAFVR Henry George Basten 2024-12-30
1944-February-25 KIA RAFVR Henry Norman Cunliffe 2024-05-29
1944-February-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Armour John Emerson 2024-12-30
1944-February-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Gordon Hillman 2024-12-30
1944-February-25 KIA RAFVR Reginald Sydney Nurse 2024-12-30
1944-February-25 KIA RAFVR Harry Sherlock DFC 2024-12-30
1944-February-25 KIA RAFVR Walter Walker 2024-12-30 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS845
s/n DS845
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 845
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*T" and "EQ*V". Flew 19 operations with this unit, including 12 to Berlin. Failed to return from operation over Augsburg on 25/26 February 1944, following multiple engine failures while waiting to turn in on the target. Bombs were jettisoned and aircraft headed west. All bailed out south-west of Abbeville, France, 6 POW and 2 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Augsburg Germany 1944-02-25 to 1944-02-26
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 845 EQ-T was orbiting at the final turning point leading to an operation against targets in Augsburg Germany when the engines began to lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, the Lancaster was abandoned near Abbeville, France, where it crashed. The entire crew survived
Flying Officer A W Bockus (RCAF), Flight Sergeant E A S Hetherington (RCAF), Sergeant S Thorvardson (RCAF) and Pilot Officer P E Fillion (RCAF) survived and were captured to become Prisoners of War
Sergeant R P Gigg (RAFVR) evaded until captured near Arras, France and became a Prisoner of War
Flying Officer R E Barnlund MiD (RCAF) and Sergeant K E Lussier DFC (RCAF) survived and both became Evaders
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
1944-February-26 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Russell Edwart Barnlund MiD 2024-01-18
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Alva Williams Bockus 2025-01-26
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Paul Eugene Fillion 2024-01-20
1944-February-26 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Robert Phillip Gigg 2024-01-20
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Ewart Albert Sim Hetherington 2024-01-20
1944-February-26 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Edward Lussier DFC 2024-01-20
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Stefan Hjalmar Thorvardson 2024-12-21 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS846
s/n DS846
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 846
Hercules
Known Units: 408;426
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF briefly. Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*X". Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 16/17 December 1943. This was this aircraft's 6th mission to Berlin since mid November 1943. Shot down by night fighter, came down at Hoya, Germany, 14 kilometres south-south-west of Verden, south of Bremen. 6 killed, one POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lewis Percival Archibald 2024-11-02
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Raymond Atkin 2024-11-03
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold James Hurley 2022-04-26
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Leonidas Roger Rolland Lachance 2022-05-24
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Byng Morrison 2022-04-26
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Jack Dunbar Newcombe 2022-04-26
1943-December-16 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Lorne Wilson 2022-04-26 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS847
s/n DS847
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 847
Hercules
Known Units: 434;432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing 1943-11-16 to 1943-11-16
434 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Eastmoor
Lancaster aircraft DS 847 had engine failure and crashed at night one mile west of Ingham Village, Lincolnshire, England. ExWarrant Officer Andy Hoggins of Port Elgin, Ontario had this to say about this, his second crash, We converted to Lancs and were on a cross-country flight when all four of our Lanc engines broke out in flames one after the other. The Lanc went into a stall spin and FS J.B. Peel (Nav.), FS P.J. Powers (AG), Sergeant Calderwood (RAF - WOAG), and myself bailed out. FS W.J. Mayo (BA), Pilot Officer R.C. Burgess (P), and Sergeant K.C. Simmons (RAF - FE) were killed as the Lanc blew up on impact. I returned to Canada as they thought I'd been thru enough."
Please seeWarrant Officer R.M. Barlow for details of Noggins' and Mayo's previous crash.
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS848
s/n DS848
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 848
Hercules
Known Units: 432;424;408;1668HCU
First served with No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the fall of 1943, coded "QO*R", flew 11 operations. Then to No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*M", by February 1944. Flew 18 operations including 5 to Berlin. Finally with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*D" and "EQ*X", flew 6 operations with this unit in mid 1944. Attacked Hamburg on 28/29 July 1944, as "EQ*D", attacked twice by Ju 88s, returned to base with damage to starboard inner engine, flaps and fuel tanks. Reported lost while with this Squadron in February 1944, but this appears to be in error. Crashed in March 1945 while with No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial DS849
s/n DS849
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 849
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*X", flew 2 operations with this unit. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 27/28 January 1944. Shot down by night fighter, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Jule Baker 2024-11-05
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Joseph Bradley 2024-11-16
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Graham Broadfoot 2024-11-18
1944-January-27 KIA RAF Alfred Ernest Jones 2024-12-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Sven Roy Walfrid Laine DFC 2024-12-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Roy Alderson Mackay 2024-12-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Henry Scott 2024-12-04
1944-January-27 KIA RAFVR David Leonard Wright 2024-12-04 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS850
s/n DS850
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 850
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-01-14 to 1944-01-14
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
496 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes on the first major raid to Brunswick of the war. 38 Lancasters Jost, 7·6 per cent of the force. The German running commentary was heard following the progress of the bomber force from a position only 40 miles from the English coast and many German fighters entered the bomber stream soon after the German frontier was crossed near Bremen. The German fighters scored steadily until the Dutch coast was crossed on the return flight. Ir of the lost aircraft were Pathfinders.
Brunswick was smaller than Bomber Command's usual targets and this raid was not a success. The city report describes this only as a 'light' raid, with bombs in the south of the city which had only ro houses destroyed and 14 people killed. Most of the attack fell either in the countryside or in Wolfenbiittel and other small towns and villages well to the south of Brunswick.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft DS 850 QO-M, was hit by flak, while engaged in an operation against targets in Brunswick, Germany. The flak caused much structural damage to the aircraft and ruptured fuel tanks in the wings. The order to abandon the aircraft was given in the vicinity of Rheine and the Lancaster crashed on the Engdener Wuste, Moor east of Nordhorn, Lower Saxony, Germany
Sergeant JH Aplin (RAFVR)(AUS) and Sergeant RA Hutchinson (RAFVR) were killed in action
Flight Lieutenant GH Rainville DFM (RCAF), FS GC Pike (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant CV Wales (RCAF), FS JS Evans (RAFVR), FS WJT Garvey (RAFVR) and Sergeant ALJ Thomas (RAFVR) all survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
POW information regarding Sergeant Garvey and Sergeant Thomas is not known to date
Footprints on the Sands of Time, RAF Bomber Command Prisoners of War in Germany 1939-45 by Oliver Clutton-Brock1944-January-15 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Magdeburg (or Brunswick?), see comments 2019-08-20
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Howard Aplin 2024-11-02
1944-January-14 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Sidney Evans 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant William John Thomas Garvey 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Anthony Hutchinson 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Chesley Pike 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Guy Henri H Rainville DFM 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Alfred Leonard Joseph Thomas 2023-01-27
1944-January-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Crawford Vincent Wales 2023-01-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial DS852
s/n DS852
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
DS 852
Hercules
Known Units: 432;426
With No. 432 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*C" by December 1943. Then to No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*P". Failed to return from operation over Nuremburg on 30/31 March 1944. Shot down by night fighter well north of planned track, crashed near Brotterode, Germany. 3 crew killed, 5 POW. One of the POW crew died in captivity of illness on 3 March 1945. Had 114 hours airframe time when lost. Based at Linton on Ouse for this mission. Had 114:00 logged time when struck off. This was one of the last Lancaster II losses for No. 426 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Alexander Clark 2024-04-04
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Sidney Herman Cullen 2024-10-28
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Robert Gordon Stewart Douglass 2024-10-28
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Hubert Eric Sjoquist 2024-10-28
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Duncan Thomas Stewart 2024-10-28
1944-March-31 PoW RAF Sergeant Henry John Vernon Vincent 2024-10-28
1944-March-31 PoW Died RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Edward George Wey 2024-10-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV158
s/n DV158
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 158
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV162
s/n DV162
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 162
Merlin
Known Units: 1667HCU;100
Delivered to No. 1667 CU then to No. 100 Sqn Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Kassel 22/23 Oct 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV164
s/n DV164
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 164
Merlin
Known Units: 1667HCU;12
Delivered to No. 1667 HCU May 1943. Transferred to No. 12 Sqn (PH-W) Jun1943. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 9/10 Jul 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV177
s/n DV177
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 177
Merlin
Known Units: 12;626
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-K2) Jun/Jul 1943. Transferred to No. 626 Sqn (UM-K2). Shot down by German intruder near Boxted when returning from operation to Karlsruhe 25 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV180
s/n DV180
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 180
Merlin
Known Units: 103;166
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Jun/Jul 1943. Transferred to No. 166 Sqn (AS*W) Sep 1943. Missing after collision with another aircraft on operation to Berlin 28/29 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV181
s/n DV181
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 181
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV182
s/n DV182
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 182
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV183
s/n DV183
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 183
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Cislago, Italy 16/17 Jul 1943. 30 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV186
s/n DV186
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 186
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 20 Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Milan 16 Aug 1943. 132 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Milan Italy 1943-08-15 to 1943-08-16
61 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Syerston
61 Squadron RAF (Per Puram Tunantes) RAF Syerston. Lancaster BIII aircraft DV 186 QR-R was shot down by a Focke-Wulf FW190 night fighter piloted by Leutnant Detlef Grossfuss of 2/NJG2, returning from an operation against targets in Milan, Italy. The Lancaster crashed at a farm near Le Bosc Robert, La Vespiere, Calvados, France with the loss of the entire crew and three French civilians on the ground
Flight Sergeant R A L Scott (RCAF), Flight Sergeant J D Pigeau (RCAF), Flying Officer F Clough (RAFVR), Sergeant A Hulmes (RAFVR), Sergeant P M H Salmond (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant R Steer (RAFVR) and Sergeant H F Webster (RAFVR) were all killed in action
The civilians killed were: Mr. Almyre Girard, deputy mayor of La Vespiere (aged 78) Mr. Jean Houguet (aged 23) and the young Pierre Dupendant (aged 10)
Royal Air force Serial and Image Database
Lancaster DV186 (Bosc-Robert) - La Vespiere-Friardel on 16 August 194...
1943-August-16 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Fred Clough 2024-03-05
1943-August-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur Hulmes 2023-11-29
1943-August-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph David Pigeau 2023-11-29
1943-August-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Peter Miller Hamilton Salmond 2023-11-29
1943-August-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Alexander Leslie Scott 2024-06-27
1943-August-16 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Ronald Steer 2023-11-29
1943-August-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Francis Webster 2023-11-29 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV187
s/n DV187
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 187
Merlin
Known Units: 12 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV189
s/n DV189
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 189
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV191
s/n DV191
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 191
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV194
s/n DV194
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 194
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV196
s/n DV196
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 196
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Milan 7/8 Aug 1943. 59 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV201
s/n DV201
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 201
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX*M)17 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 23/24 Sep 1943. 242 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV202
s/n DV202
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 202
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-Z) 17 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Peenemunde 17/18 Aug 1943. 78 operational hours. This was the major raid on the experimental rocket establishment which was developing the V-2. 41 aircraft were lost (this was the first night that the Schrage Musik upward-firing cannon were used by the night fighters). DV 202 was the 15th aircraft to be shot down. The crew were on their 8th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV218
s/n DV218
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 218
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-S) 22 Jul 1943. Damaged Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 3/4 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV220
s/n DV220
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 220
Merlin
Known Units: 103;166
With 103 Sqn Jul-Sep-1943 (PM-L), then to No. 166 Sqn (AS-J). Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 318 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV221
s/n DV221
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 221
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV222
s/n DV222
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 222
Merlin
Known Units: 12 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV224
s/n DV224
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 224
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 25 (PH-G) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 2/3 Aug 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV227
s/n DV227
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 227
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Aug 1943. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent, France, 7/8 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV228
s/n DV228
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 228
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV230
s/n DV230
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 230
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to Signals Intelligence Unit Sep 1943 for installation of electronic equipment. Transferred to No. 101 Sqn (SR-T) 4 Sep 1943. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Hanover 18/19 Oct 1943. 39 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV235
s/n DV235
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 235
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV237
s/n DV237
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 237
Merlin
Known Units: ;467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-09-03 to 1943-09-04
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft DV 237 went missing from a night trip to Berlin, Germany. RCAF Flt Sergeant I.D. Jennings and six RAF members of the crew, Sgt.s W.C. McCartney, L.A. Price, E.R.B. Richardson, E. Robson, P/O. R.V. Turner, and FS. J.A. Stewart were killed.
1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ivor Derrick Jennings 2024-04-21
1943-September-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Crawford McCartney 2022-07-14
1943-September-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leonard Austin Price 2024-05-01
1943-September-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Bracken Richardson 2024-05-01
1943-September-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Eric Robson 2022-07-14
1943-September-04 KIA RAF Sergeant James Alexander Stewart 2022-07-14
1943-September-04 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Ronald Vincent Turner 2024-05-03 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV239
s/n DV239
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 239
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-V) Aug 1943. Missing from mission to Hanover 8/9 Oct 1943. 118 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV240
s/n DV240
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 240
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 Sqn 22 Aug 1943. Missing on raid to Nuremburg 30/31 Mar 1944. Shot down by night fighter. 388 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1944-03-30 to 1944-03-31
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, England
Delivered to No. 467 Squadron on 22 Aug 1943. Lancaster DV240 took off from RAF Waddington at 2203 hours on 30/31 March 1944 to bomb Nuremberg, Germany. Was shot down outbound by a night fighter, blew up, & crashed at Westum in the southern outskirts of Sinzig. DV240 had 388 flying hours.
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leonard Henry Joseph Dixon 2024-10-21
1944-March-31 PoW RAF Sergeant Frederick Walter Hammond 2022-07-14
1944-March-31 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Ronald Ernest Llewelyn 2022-07-14
1944-March-31 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant Keith Overy 2023-09-22
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Prest 2022-07-14
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gordon William Horace Venables 2022-07-14
1944-March-31 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth William Ward 2022-07-14 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV244
s/n DV244
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 244
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV245
s/n DV245
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 245
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-S) in Sep-Oct 1943. This aircraft is one of the 35 known "Ton-Up" Lancasters (100 sorties). It flew 118 operations with No. 101 Squadron and was missing on its 119th, to Bremen on 22/23 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV264
s/n DV264
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 264
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV269
s/n DV269
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 269
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR*-M) 22 Sep 1943. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 134 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-02 to 1944-01-03
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Ludford Magna
383 aircraft - 362 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes, 9 Halifaxes. The German control rooms followed the bombers all the way to Berlin, which was assessed as the target 40 minutes before Zero Hour. Night fighters were sent to a radio beacon between Hannover and Bremen but these fighters missed the bomber stream and did not come into action until they were directed to Berlin. Most of the bomber casualties were in the Berlin area. 27 Lancasters were lost, 7·0 per cent of the force. The casualties included IO Pathfinder aircraft; 156 Squadron, from Warboys, lost 5 of its 14 aircraft taking part in the raid.
This was another ineffective raid. Bombs were scattered over all parts of Berlin, with the local reports stressing that there were no large fires; the fire services were able to contain all fires soon after they started. 82 houses were destroyed and 36 people were killed. Industrial damage was insignificant..source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster III DV269/G SR-M [ABC-equipped]
Took off from Ludford Magna on ABC duties. Homebound, shot down and crashed near Michendorf, 9 km NNE of Beelitz. Three were buried at Michendorf, but it is thought Sgt. Brown, the specialist operator was laid to rest elsewhere. All four now lie in the 1939-1945 War cemetery at Berlin. Albert William Francis Stephens, brother of Sergeant Stephens, died while on war service. Note: this Lancaster, one of two lost from the Squadron the previous night, carried a G suffix after the serial, an oblique stroke separating the digits from the suffix letter. This was standard on aircraft carrying secret equipment that warranted guarded access and requiring a 24-hour guard when not in the air.. Source W.R. Chorley's Bomber Command Losses 1944, page 23
There is a pdf file on the Leamington History Group website which has the following:
After bombing the target, the aircraft was attacked and hit twice by a German night-fighter or by flak and came down at Michendorff with four of the crew still on board. Derek and the other four crew men were reported to have bailed out of the aircraft and to have been taken prisoner but news soon came that Derek had not survived and had been buried in a local cemetery. Enquiries through the Red Cross never established the circumstances of Derek's death. The Air Bomber on board the Lancaster that fateful night was a Canadian, Flying Officer McClure who was sent to the POW camp at Stalag Luft III along with the other three crew and he later recalled that" Lazenby the pilot gave the order to abandon the damaged aircraft. It was then flying straight and level but was filled with smoke." The Flight Engineer, Sergeant Craig who was the third man to bail out of the stricken Lanc later recalled "Lazenby was alive and he stated over the intercom that he was wounded in the leg. Nothing was heard from Sergeants Brown, Beckett or Stephens"
Sergeant Gerald Alfred Beckett RCAF R/139887 KIA Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Ref : 4. B. 26. Sergeant Charles Derek Brown RAF KIA Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Ref: 5. J. 37. F/Lt Alan Lansdale Lazenby RAF KIA Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Ref: Joint grave 4. B. 27. Sergeant Donald Henry Stephens RAF KIA Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Ref: Joint grave 4. B. 27.
POWs: Flying Officer Weston Craig RAF POW Stalag Luft L3, Sagan and Belaria. Sergeant Charles Lindsay RAF POW Stalag 4b, Mühlberg Flying Officer James McClure RCAF J/22190 POW Stalag Luft L3, Sagan and Belaria. Sergeant Albert Avery Walton RAF POW Stalag 4b, Mühlberg
(Special thanks for their contribution to CASPIR to Ingrid Shepherd and Dawn Woodward, daughters of Sergeant Albert Walton, and Co-Authors of "From Bomber County to Berlin", detailing the last flight of Lancaster Mk.I/III DV269)
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gerald Alfred Beckett 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Charles Derek Brown 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer Weston Craig 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Alan Lansdale Lazenby DFC 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Charles Lindsay 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James McClure 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Donald Henry Stephens 2025-10-05
1944-January-03 PoW RAF Sergeant Albert A Walton 2025-10-05 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV271
s/n DV271
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 271
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 23/24 Sep 1943. 26 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV272
s/n DV272
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 272
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV279
s/n DV279
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 279
Merlin
Known Units: 550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV281
s/n DV281
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 281
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM*D2) Feb 1944. Missing on raid to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Mailly-le-Camp France 1944-05-04 to 1944-05-04
626 (B) Sqn (RAF) Wickenby
On the night of Wednesday 3rd May 1944 Bomber Command operated a total of 600 sorties: 362 aircraft assigned to attack the Military Camp at Mailly-Le-Camp and 92 aircraft to attack the Luftwaffe Base at Montdidier, 146 aircraft were assigned to carry out Minor Operations: 34 O.T.U. sorties, 32 aircraft assigned to lay sea mines off the French coast and Frisian Islands 27 Aircraft to attack Ludwigshafen, 23 aircraft on Resistance operations, 14 aircraft to attack the ammunition dump at Châteaudun, seven aircraft on Intruder patrols, six aircraft on Serrate sorties, three aircraft on Radio Counter Measures. From these operations there were a total of 47 aircraft (7.83%): 44 Lancaster's a single Halifax, Lysander and Mosquito became non effective and struck off charge"¦ from these 47 aircraft there were a total of 322 casualties: 266 airmen died, 22 became Prisoners of War and 34 airmen evaded capture"¦ These airmen were from 24 Squadrons flying from 19 airfields from five Bomber Groups. The Committee of Adjustment would be clearing out many lockers, billets of personal material and the many telegrams would be being composed and sent to the many families around the world with family life being changed for some, for ever with many empty chairs"¦
Events to this raid on Mailly-le-Camp started in February 1944 when a French resistance man named Raymond Bassett whose code name was "˜Nazi' risked his life gathering information about the German occupied military camp at Mailly. Using a false police warrant card supplied by London he entered at great personal risk the main entrance of the Panzer Training and Maintenance camp. From his conversations with an attentive German Officer about the camp security, Raymond Bassett used his brilliant memory to recall information displayed on charts and plans scattered around the office. With his natural skill Raymond Bassett drew from memory plans and details about the camp and passed the information to another agent near Chalons-sur-Marne. A few weeks later at Bomber Command Headquarters at High Wycombe the Royal Air Force started preparing for an attack on this occupied military camp 128 kilometres east of Paris. By the spring of 1944 Bomber Command was getting more skilful in the art of directing the bomber stream towards obscure targets in enemy occupied territory with pinpoint accuracy. Also becoming more skilful in the accuracy of bombing with the emphasis drawn to the fact of nearby villages and towns such as Mailly. The operational order was issued to Numbers 1 & 5 Bomber Groups who were operating Lancaster bombers with 4 Mosquito's from No.617 Squadron and 10 Mosquito's from No.627 Squadron Light Night Striking Force who would all have the responsibility of marking this important target. The executive order for bomb loads was prefixed "˜Plumduff' calling for all mainstream Lancaster's to carry an instantaneously fused 4000lb "˜cookie' and sixteen 500lb GP (General purpose) fused from eleven seconds to six hours. This was intended to destroy completely the large Wehrmacht depot engaged in maintaining of armoured vehicles and tanks including the Panzer Training establishment. The Military camp also contained extensive workshops and over sixty large barrack blocks. The raid was carried out during a full moon period and the forecast for the night of Wednesday 3/4 May1944 was for fine weather with no cloud in the target area. No.617 Squadron lead by Wing Commander G.L. Cheshire DSO DFC was briefed to mark the target at midnight precisely. The main Lancaster force of 346 bombers lead by Wing Commander L.C. Deane DFC of No.83 Squadron would bomb the target in two waves, with No.5 Group Lancaster's leading the way. Only No.83 & No.97 Squadron's would carry H2S and only a few Squadrons would employ "˜window' whilst No.101 Squadron carrying Air Bourne Cigar (A.B.C.) jamming equipment. A new system of Pathfinding' was to be employed on this raid with four Mosquito's from No.617 Squadron marking the target with the backer up markers from No.627 Squadron Mosquito's. Wing Commander G.L. Cheshire would be the Master Bomber and would transmit using VHF. to Wing Commander L.C. Deane, leader of the main force who in turn would transmit to the main force. Backing up and moving the aiming point would be carried out by the Mosquito's who would remain in the target area so long as they had markers left. Take off for the attack commenced at 21.30 hours and continued for nearly 50 minutes from the Lincolnshire bases. The route to the target was uncomplicated, assemble west of Reading then south to Beachy Head, across the channel to make land fall a point 5 kilometres just NE of Dieppe. Then flying a straight course of 220 km to the target. Yellow route markers would be dropped 20 to 30 km N of the camp near the village of Germinon. These markers would act as a datum point for the final run up to the target, which would be attacked on a N to S heading. After the bombing run the attacking force would continue to the next turning point; over the town of Troyes, before heading west on a course south of Paris and eventually to the Normandy coast near Bayeux. Following a northerly track across the Channel to Selsey Bill and finally home to their respective basis. The leading illuminators from No's 83 & 97 Squadrons were dropped accurately at 5 minutes to midnight and the Yellow Datum Markers dropped by No.627 Squadron shortly after marking the way for the main force. Wing Commander Cheshire in his Mosquito dived from 3000 feet to just under 1500 feet before dropping his two Red target indicators. Not satisfied he called Wing Commander Deane and told him not to commence the attack. Cheshire summoned Squadron Leader D.J. Shannon to remark the target. Satisfied that the target was marked accurately Cheshire then instructed Deane to commence the attack, it was now six minutes past midnight. No.627 Squadron successfully backed up the datum point markers and then the leading main force Lancaster's were circling the target waiting for the instruction to bomb from the Master of Ceremonies'. As Deane attempted to order the main attack the radio frequency was almost totally jammed by an American ground station carrying out a training transmission on an unauthorised frequency. By this time more than sixty bombers had reached the yellow datum markers and were having to circle the target area awaiting instructions. As the wireless operator of Dearne's aircraft tried in vain to search for a common channel only fifteen bombers responded to the near indecipherable message. Despite the fact that No.100 Squadron was dropping "˜window' the German night fighters had penetrated the bomber stream, and in less than six minutes nine Lancaster's were tumbling out of the night sky in flames. During a short interval No.617 & No.627 aircraft remarked the target and a Lancaster of No.97 Squadron captained by Flying Officer H.J.W. Edwards laid ten red spot markers across the western edge of the target. The Deputy Bombing Leader Squadron Leader R.M. Sparks finally gave the order to commence bombing and in just over ten minutes over 250 Lancaster's dropped more than 1500 tons of explosives with great accuracy. There were six German night fighter bases within sixty kilometres of the main bomber force and that night two of the top German aces were operating Hauptman Drewes and Hauptman Bergmann. Between them they accounted for eleven of the 45 aircraft that was struck off charge that night. For the crews that operated and survived that night, the myth that targets in Occupied Countries were "˜a piece of cake' was completely destroyed. Although the raid was reviewed as a success it did not reflect the loss of 258 airmen killed on that clear moonlit night of Wednesday 3/4 May 1944.source: Buzz Hope "And in the Morning"
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV284
s/n DV284
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 284
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV288
s/n DV288
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 288
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV289
s/n DV289
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 289
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-T) missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 41 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV290
s/n DV290
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 290
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to the Signals Intelligence Unit Oct 1943, then with No. 101 Sqn. The aircraft crashed at USAF station at Welford, Berks, probably as a result of battle damage, on return from the disastrous raid to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. The crew were on their 5th operation (Middlebrook)last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV293
s/n DV293
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 293
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV297
s/n DV297
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 297
Merlin
Known Units: 106;61
With No. 106 and later No. 61 Sqn. Lost on raid to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 86 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV298
s/n DV298
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 298
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV299
s/n DV299
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 299
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV300
s/n DV300
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 300
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 32 MU Sep 1943, transferred to No. 101 Sqn (SR-W) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 16/17 Dec 1943. 68 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV301
s/n DV301
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 301
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 32 MU Sep 1943, then to No. 101 Sqn (SR-F, later SR-Y) Nov 1943. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Vierzon 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV303
s/n DV303
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 303
Merlin
Known Units: ;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV304
s/n DV304
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 304
Merlin
Known Units: 101;61
Originally with No. 101 Sqn (SR-X), equipped with ABC jamming equipment. It was converted to a B. Mk. III at No. 24 MU (ABC being removed) and then passed to No. 61 Sqn. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 18/19 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV306
s/n DV306
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 306
Merlin
Known Units: 100;550
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-N) Oct 1943. Transferred to No. 550 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 141 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV308
s/n DV308
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 308
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to 32 MU Sept 1943. then with No.101 Sqn. (SR*V), equipped with ABC equipment. Missing over Berlin 1/2 Jan 1944. 52 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV310
s/n DV310
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 310
Merlin
Known Units: 166;189;1659HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV312
s/n DV312
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 312
Merlin
Known Units: 61 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV324
s/n DV324
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 324
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV325
s/n DV325
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 325
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN*B) 5 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1944. 80 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV330
s/n DV330
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 330
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG*O) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 159 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV333
s/n DV333
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 333
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV339
s/n DV339
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 339
Merlin
Known Units: 105;61
Originally with No. 106 Sqn, transferred to No. 61 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin, 26/27 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV341
s/n DV341
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 341
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 (RAAF) Sqn Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 18/19 Nov 1943. 26 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-11-18 to 1943-11-18
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
Delivered to 460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return) in October 1943. Lancaster aircraft DV 341 went missing from a trip to Berlin, Germany, 18/19 November 1943. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it did not return to base. Following post-war enquiries, it was established that the aircraft was attacked by enemy aircraft and heavy flak, exploded in mid-air and crashed at Zornigall. All crew members were killed: RCAF Sgt. R.K. Megit (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. J.G. Gibson (pilot), J.D. Malcolm (navigator), and W.F.J. Manning (bomb aimer); RAAF Flying Officer C.G. Slennett (wireless operator / air gunner); RAF Sgt. D.O. Jones (flight engineer); and RAF Pilot Officer H.S. Spain (air gunner).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV343
s/n DV343
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 343
Merlin
Known Units: 460;100;550
First with No. 460 (Australian) Sqn, then No. 100 Sqn, then to No. 550 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 23/24 Dec 1943. 78 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV345
s/n DV345
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 345
Merlin
Known Units: 100;550
Started with No. 100 Sqn. Transferred to No. 550 Sqn, wher it participated in that squadron's first Lancaster operation, to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. The aircraft caught fire and crashed near Spalding, Lincs. on return from raid to Berlin 1/2 Jan 1944. 103 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV363
s/n DV363
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 363
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to St Leu d'Esserent, France 7/8 Jul 1944. 415 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV364
s/n DV364
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 364
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV365
s/n DV365
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 365
Merlin
Known Units: 166;576
With No. 166 Sqn (AS-Z2). On operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943 the aircraft was attacked and damaged. The rear gunner, Sgt. G. W Meadows, though severely wounded, fought off the fighters and was given the immediate award of CGM. The aircraft landed damaged at Ford, with 150 operational hours. It was repaired and sent to No. 576 Sqn as UL-N2 and later UL-Z2. Missing from an operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV366
s/n DV366
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 366
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn. in November 1943. Missing 22/23 Nov 1943 on raid to Berlin. 26 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV367
s/n DV367
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 367
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Oct/Nov 1943. Missing on operation to marshalling yards at Versailles 7/8 Jun 1944. 362 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV369
s/n DV369
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 369
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM*-D) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 140 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV371
s/n DV371
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 371
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM*M) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 149 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV378
s/n DV378
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 378
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 Sqn 7 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 115 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Clifford Stanley Baker 2025-08-23
1944-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Fred Barrett 2025-11-17
1944-January-31 KIA RAAF Flying Officer Alexander Douglas Riley 2025-11-17
1944-January-31 KIA RAAF Sergeant Sidney Webb Tupper 2025-11-17
1944-January-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Jan R Valastin 2025-08-23 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV382
s/n DV382
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 382
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to 617 Squadron Nov/Dec 1943. Took part in operations to Flixecourt, France before its final attack on the Antheor Viaduct.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Antheor Viaduct France 1944-02-13 to 1944-02-13
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Ford
Piloted by Squadron Leader WR Suggitt, DFC, RCAF, the aircraft (KC-J) took off from Ford
, after having refuelled there on return from an attack on the Antheor viaduct, France
,12/13 Feb 1944. It flew into a hill at Waltham Down, near Duncton
, 10 miles NE of Chichester . All of the crew were killed in the crash, but the pilot,Squadron Leader Suggitt, died of his injuries 2 days later.
There were 3 Canadians in the crew, Suggitt himself and Flying Officers NJ Davidson and JMcB Dempster DFM. Of the remaining crew, 2 were Australian (Pilot Officers JI Gordon DFC and SG Hall), and 2 (Flight Sergeants J Pulford DFM and JP Riches) were in the RAF.
Flight Sergeant Pulford had been the flight engineer in Gibson's aircraft AJ-G in the Dams Raid of 16/17 May 1943 and had been awarded his DFM as a result.
1944-February-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Norman James Davidson 2024-09-18
1944-February-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John McBride Dempster DFM 2024-09-18
1944-February-13 KIA RAF Flying Officer John Irvine Gordon DFC 2025-11-17
1944-February-13 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader William Reid Suggitt DFC 2024-09-18 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV384
s/n DV384
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 384
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV387
s/n DV387
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 387
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV388
s/n DV388
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 388
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-S2) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV389
s/n DV389
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 389
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn from No. 32 MU Dec 1943. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Aachen 24/25 May 1944. 229 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV394
s/n DV394
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 394
Merlin
Known Units: ;617
The aircraft was delivered to 617 Squadron Nov/Dec 1943. It took part in a number of the squadron's operations to targets in France in Jan-Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1944-04-24 to 1944-04-25
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant JL Cooper DFC, was returning to Woodhall Spa
from an attack by 5 Group Bomber Command on the railway centre at Munich, Germany
, when it was attacked by a night fighter piloted by Hauptmann Gerhard Raht of 4/NJG3, and crashed at 02:43 between Aichstetten and Tigerfeld, 5km NW of Zwiefalten
. 6 of the crew survived and became PoWs. One, Flying Officer GJ Harden DFC, RAF was killed.
There was one Canadian in the crew, Flying Officer JHCA Lepine DFM. The others (Flight Lieutenants JL Cooper DFC and FE Drew DFC, and Flying Officers TW Clarkson, GJ Harden DFC, AE Pelly and FJ Tucker) were all in the RAF.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV398
s/n DV398
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 398
Merlin
Known Units: 617
The aircraft was delivered to 617 Squadron in December 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Liege 1943-12-20 to 1943-12-20
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
The aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant G. Rice DFC, was returning to its base at Coningsby
from an abortive attack (marking failed) on the Cockerill Steelworks in Liege, Belgium
, when it was attacked at a height of about 14,000 feet by a night fighter. Rice gave the order to bale out, but then the aircraft exploded, killing 5 of the crew, the debris falling to earth near to the village of Merbes-Le-Chateau, Belgium
. Rice survived the explosion and his parachute opened without him being aware of it. He was rescued by the Belgian Resistance and was on the run for 4 months before being betrayed in Brussels in April 1944. Apart from Rice, all of the crew were killed.
There were two Canadians in the crew, Warrant Officers Class 2 CB Gowrie and JW Thrasher. All of the other crew members were in the RAF (Flying Officer R MacFarlane and flight Sergeants EC Smith, TW Maynard and S. Burns).
Rice and his crew flew on the Dams Raid of 16/17 May 1943, in Lancaster ED936 (AJ-H) but aborted the sortie when they hit the water of the Ijssel Meer and lost the Upkeep weapon.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV399
s/n DV399
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 399
Merlin
Known Units: 61
With No. 61 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Dec 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV400
s/n DV400
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 400
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV401
s/n DV401
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 401
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV403
s/n DV403
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 403
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn as AJ-L, December 1943. Adapted to carry the 12,000 Lb HC bomb, at operations to Limoges and the Antheor Viaduct. Re-coded AJ-O and then AJ-G. Took part in deception operation TAXABLE 5/6 Jun 1944, then took a Tallboy bomb to the Saumur tunnel 8/9 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Wizernes France 1944-06-24 to 1944-06-24
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft, KC-G, piloted by Flight Lieutenant JA Edwards DFC was carrying a Tallboy 12,000 lb bomb to attack a V1 and V2 storage site at Wizernes, France
. It was on its bombing run when it was hit by flak before it could drop its bomb. It crashed at 16:58 at Leulinghem, France
. The aircraft carried a crew of 8, with a mid-under gunner in addition to the standard crew positions. Three of the crew were taken PoW, the remaining 5 were killed.
There were three Canadians in the crew:Flying Officer LT Pritchard DFC, Flying Officer JI Johnston DFC and Warrant Officer 2nd Class TWP Price. Price was killed in the crash, Johnston was severely injured and died 2 days later, and Pritchard was taken PoW. The remainder of the crew were in the RAF. Flight Lieutenant Edwards, Flying Officer LWJ King DFC, and Flight Sergeanf S Isherwood were killed. Flight Sergeants JH Brook and GH Hobbs were taken PoW.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV404
s/n DV404
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 404
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-Z) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 64 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV406
s/n DV406
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
DV 406
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED303
s/n ED303
m/d 683
Avro
ED 303
Merlin
Known Units: 467;106
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn Nov 1942. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn. Fitted with new Merlin 22s Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 27/28 Jul 1943. This was the second of the 4 raids that constituted the Battle of Hamburg. It was the 8th aircraft of 21 lost that night, probably to a night fighter. Crew were on their 2nd operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED305
s/n ED305
m/d 683
Avro
ED 305
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED308
s/n ED308
m/d 683
Avro
ED 308
Merlin
Known Units: 57 Sqn;9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED309
s/n ED309
m/d 683
Avro
ED 309
Merlin
Known Units: 467;50;44
First with No. 467 (Australian) Sqn, then to 50 Sqn Dec 1942, then to No. 44 Sqn Jan 1943. Missing on Gardening operation to Lorient 7/8 Feb 1943. 139 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-February-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Harry Gordon Black 2025-07-15
1943-February-08 KIA RAF Alfred Leslie Bond 2025-11-17
1943-February-08 KIA RAF Leslie Harold Curtis 2025-11-17
1943-February-08 KIA RCAF Sergeant Robert William Drury 2025-07-15
1943-February-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Whitla Millar 2025-07-15
1943-February-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Kenneth Mitchell Perkins 2025-07-15
1943-February-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Wilson Scrimgeour 2025-07-15 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED311
s/n ED311
m/d 683
Avro
ED 311
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED312
s/n ED312
m/d 683
Avro
ED 312
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-F) Nov 1942. On operation to Stettin 20/21 Apr 1943, the crew baled out over Sweden after battle damage and were interned before being returned to the UK. The aircraft crashed at Klagshamn, Swedenlast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED317
s/n ED317
m/d 683
Avro
ED 317
Merlin
Known Units: 625 Sqn; PNTU
Started at No. 1656 CU, then to No, 101 Sqn (SR-Q), then to No. 100 Sqn. Finally with No. 625 Sqn (CF-W). Missing from operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED318
s/n ED318
m/d 683
Avro
ED 318
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED319
s/n ED319
m/d 683
Avro
ED 319
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED321
s/n ED321
m/d 683
Avro
ED 321
Merlin
Known Units: 101;625
Started with No. 101 Sqn in Dec 1942 as SR-K, but also carried SR-E and SR-D codes. Transferred to No. 625 Sqn (CF-U) in late 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 3/4 Nov 1944. 371 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED322
s/n ED322
m/d 683
Avro
ED 322
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn Nov 1942. Missing on its first operation to Mannheim 6/7 Dec 1942. The aircraft crashed into the sea off S. Wales.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-December-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leonard Roy Anderson 2024-08-21
1942-December-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Howard Earl Dabbs DFC 2024-08-21
1942-December-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stefan Franchuk 2024-08-21
1942-December-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert John Middleton 2024-08-21
1942-December-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Gordon Smith 2024-08-21 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED323
s/n ED323
m/d 683
Avro
ED 323
Merlin
Known Units: 97;1661HCU;15
Originally with 97 Sqn (OF-O), then to No. 1661 CU (GP-O) May 1943, then to No. 15 Sqn (LS-D) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944. 745 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED329
s/n ED329
m/d 683
Avro
ED 329
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED332
s/n ED332
m/d 683
Avro
ED 332
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 6 Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 16/17 Jan 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED333
s/n ED333
m/d 683
Avro
ED 333
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-B) Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Neustadt 17/18 Dec 1942. 7 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-December-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stanley Finace Mattoon 2021-08-16
1942-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Samuel Lorne McBurney 2021-08-17
1942-December-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Leonard Everett Thorneycroft 2021-10-02
1942-December-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Chester Charles Trudell 2021-07-14 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED334
s/n ED334
m/d 683
Avro
ED 334
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED349
s/n ED349
m/d 683
Avro
ED 349
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-S) Nov 1942. Missing on mission to Cloppenburg 17/18 Dec 1942last update: 2025-November-19
1942-December-17 PoW RAAF Sergeant Elliot Richmond Aldridge 2024-11-01
1942-December-17 PoW RAF Sergeant Leslie Britton Holmes 2022-05-09
1942-December-17 PoW RAF Sergeant John Richard Lord 2022-05-09
1942-December-17 PoW RAF Sergeant Alexander Stoddart MacKinley 2022-05-09
1942-December-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Harvey Penn 2023-10-30
1942-December-17 PoW RAF Sergeant Albert Willis 2022-05-09
1942-December-17 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 John Wilson 2024-11-01 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED351
s/n ED351
m/d 683
Avro
ED 351
Merlin
Known Units: 44 Sqn
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-Y) Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Duisburg 8/9 Apr 1943. 176 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED352
s/n ED352
m/d 683
Avro
ED 352
Merlin
Known Units: 49;57
To No. 49 Sqn Dec 1942 then transferred to No. 57 Sqn Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Turin 4/5 Feb 1943. 54 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED355
s/n ED355
m/d 683
Avro
ED 355
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-D) Dec 1942. Lost on operation to Nienburg 17/18 Dec 1942 on first operation (4 operational hours).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED356
s/n ED356
m/d 683
Avro
ED 356
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-W) Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Nuremburg on 25/26 Feb 1943. 83 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Stanley Fayle 2024-05-26
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Stanley Hannah 2024-05-26
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Murray Kerr Sexton 2024-06-28
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Howard Wheeler 2024-07-12
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Percy Gordon Williams 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED357
s/n ED357
m/d 683
Avro
ED 357
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn Dec 1942. Took part in the squadron's first Lancaster operation (Gardening) 3/4 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 11/12 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED358
s/n ED358
m/d 683
Avro
ED 358
Merlin
Known Units: 106
With No. 106 Sqn from Dec 1942. It had 3 major repairs during its lifetime. Missing from operation to Leipzig 20/21 Oct 1943. 300 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED359
s/n ED359
m/d 683
Avro
ED 359
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED360
s/n ED360
m/d 683
Avro
ED 360
Merlin
Known Units: 467;106
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn Dec 1942. During its time with 467, there was one fatality, RCAF Flight Sergeant Alvin J. Broemeling, rear gunner, who died as a result of faulty oxygen equipment on 16 Jan 1943. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn Feb 1943. Crashed near Wisbech on operation to Cologne 9 Jul 1943. Mason says on return from the sortie, RAF Commands website suggests that the aircraft may have been in trouble after setting out (took off 2225 8 July from Syerston. Crashed 0140 9 July). 354 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-01-15 to 1943-01-16
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, England
Delivered to No. 467 Australian Squadron (Recidite Adversarius Atque Ferociter) in Dec 1942. RAF Bottesford Lancaster I aircraft ED 360 on a raid to Berlin, Germany. Rear gunner FS AJ Broemeling (RCAF) failed to respond on the intercom and was found unconscious, probably due to failure of his oxygen mask. His issued mask was found to be faulty and he was given the spare mask carried aboard instead. The spare mask was an older version prone to freezing and it is believed to have malfunctioned at the 19,000 ft altitude and temperatures about -50C that the aircraft was flying. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Thiele RNZAF, quickly dived to a lower altitude then put the bomber on auto pilot while still in the target area to assist in pulling Flight Sergeant Broemeling out of his turret, but despite continuous artificial respiration being applied by the rest of the crew (Sergeant Bovis RAF, Sergeant Metcalfe RAF, Sergeant Sheekey RAF, Sergeant Gillman RAF and Sergeant Everard RAF). The aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire several times but managed to limp back to Botteford. FS Broemeling was declared dead when the aircraft landed (A. Storr). Lancaster I ED 360 was shot down six months later, flying with 106 Sqn, on July 9, 1943.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED362
s/n ED362
m/d 683
Avro
ED 362
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Dekivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-E, later HW-E2) from No. 32 MU 12 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 28/29 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED363
s/n ED363
m/d 683
Avro
ED 363
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-06-29 to 1943-06-29
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Leicesershire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 363 (PO-E) crashed in Roermond, Holland. Two RAAF, and four RAF members of the crew were also killed. Target - Cologne, Germany. W/O T.W.J. Copeland (RCAF), FS. RI Gates (RAAF), Sgt's G.R.C. Cayless (RAF), J.G. Hole (RAF), and H.H. Mooney (RAF) were also killed. Two RAF members of the crew, Sgt.'s E. Pike and D. Dolby were taken Prisoners Of War.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED364
s/n ED364
m/d 683
Avro
ED 364
Merlin
Known Units: 467;207;1654HCU;622
Originally with No. 467 (Australian) Sqn, then transferred to No. 207 Sqn (EM-H), then to No. 1654 CU and finally to No. 622 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 398 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED365
s/n ED365
m/d 683
Avro
ED 365
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-U) Jan 1943. Missing on mission to Hamburg, 3/4 Mar 1943. 82 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED366
s/n ED366
m/d 683
Avro
ED 366
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED367
s/n ED367
m/d 683
Avro
ED 367
Merlin
Known Units: 467
With No. 467 (Australian) Sqn. First aircraft lost by this squadron. Failed to return from operation to Duisburg 8/9 Jan 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-01-08 to 1943-01-09
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, England
467 (Australian) Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 367, first aircraft lost by 467 Sqn, failed to return from operations over enemy territory. Five RCAF members, P/O's R.T. Hanbidge, A.M. Wark, FS's S.V. Woyce, D.H. Powell, and H.A. Horton were killed. RAF Sgt.'s E Florey and J. Humphries were also killed.
1943-January-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ralph Trever Hanbidge 2024-01-23
1943-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Albert Horton 2021-10-02
1943-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Haynes Barcham Powell 2021-09-30
1943-January-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Mercier Wark 2021-10-02
1943-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stanley Verdun Woyce 2021-10-02 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED370
s/n ED370
m/d 683
Avro
ED 370
Merlin
Known Units: 101;103;460
Originally with No. 101 Sqn, as SR-D, SR-J and SR-B. Passed to No. 103 Sqn and then to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 250 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-11-26 to 1943-11-26
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft ED 370, part of a combined force of 443 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes, went missing during an attack against Berlin, Germany. Returning crews reported heavy flak over Berlin and night fighters while homeward bound. Killed were RCAF Sgt. G.D. Arnott (air gunner) and Flt. Sgt. N.W. McNair (bomb aimer); RAAF Flt. Sgt. E.J. Stones (pilot); and RAF Sgt's. R.G. Jones (flight engineer), K.G. Smith (navigator), W. Belton (wireless operator / air gunner), and J.H. McIvor (air gunner).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED376
s/n ED376
m/d 683
Avro
ED 376
Merlin
Known Units: 100;1662HCU;15
Sterted with No. 100 Sqn, then to No. 1662 CU and then No. 15 Sqn. (LS-F) before going to No. 3 Lancaster Finishing School. Aircraft collided with Lancaster W 4851 and crashed at Southery, Norfolk 17-Jun-1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-17 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas William Bettridge 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Philip Horace Duval 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Ross Gilchrist 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Arthur Kenneth Hrycenko 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Otis Wilfrid Libby 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Cyril Quanborough 2025-01-18
1944-June-17 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Reginald Frederick Whitby 2025-01-18 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED377
s/n ED377
m/d 683
Avro
ED 377
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED378
s/n ED378
m/d 683
Avro
ED 378
Merlin
Known Units: 1662HCU
To No. 1662 Conversion Unit 5 April 1943. Missing from training flight 14 Aug 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED379
s/n ED379
m/d 683
Avro
ED 379
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED385
s/n ED385
m/d 683
Avro
ED 385
Merlin
Known Units: 57;106
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Dec 1942, then to No. 20 MU, then No. 106 Sqn Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Sep 1943. 99 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED386
s/n ED386
m/d 683
Avro
ED 386
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED387
s/n ED387
m/d 683
Avro
ED 387
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED388
s/n ED388
m/d 683
Avro
ED 388
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED389
s/n ED389
m/d 683
Avro
ED 389
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED408
s/n ED408
m/d 683
Avro
ED 408
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-A) 2 Apr 1943. Missing on Gardening sortie 28/29 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED418
s/n ED418
m/d 683
Avro
ED 418
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-G) 29 Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Duisburg 12/13 May 1943. 230 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED421
s/n ED421
m/d 683
Avro
ED 421
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-23
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Strike Again). Lancaster ED 421 took off from RAF Binbrook at 2055 hours on 23 August 1943 to attack Berlin. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. Casualties included RAF Sgt's. W.A. Finlay (flight engineer) and T. Smale (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. J.G. Collins (wireless operator / air gunner) and J. Marsh (air gunner). Taken Prisoners of War were RAAF Flt. Sgt's. K. Gay (navigator), J.C. Munro (bomb aimer), and A.T. Richards (pilot).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED422
s/n ED422
m/d 683
Avro
ED 422
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED426
s/n ED426
m/d 683
Avro
ED 426
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED427
s/n ED427
m/d 683
Avro
ED 427
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Plzen 16/17 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED429
s/n ED429
m/d 683
Avro
ED 429
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED431
s/n ED431
m/d 683
Avro
ED 431
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED434
s/n ED434
m/d 683
Avro
ED 434
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Oberhausen Germany 1943-06-14 to 1943-06-15
49 (B) Sqn (RAF) Fiskerton
Battle of the Ruhr
An all Lancaster force of 197, guided by 6 Oboe Mosquitoes made a successful attack on Oberhausen. Despite the target being cloud-covered, accurate sky-marking enabled the bombers to do considerable damage. Twelve Lancasters lifted from Fiskerton's runway, the last one away by 22.32hrs. The crews found themselves engaged in a savage battle from both flak and fighters which resulted in Bomber Command losing 17 aircraft.
Of those missing: Sergeant Frost (ED434) and crew had been shot down by a German night fighter flown by Hauptmann Hans-Dieter Frank I./NJG1. The aircraft fell to the ground 2 kilometers East of Dodewaard, Holland at 01.13hrs. The pilot and flight engineer survived to become POW's in Stalag 357, Kopernikus; the remainder of the crew are buried in Uden War Cemetery.
1943-June-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Lawrence Chatfield 2024-02-10
1943-June-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Robert Coulsey 2024-05-02
1943-June-15 PoW RAF Sergeant Reginald Frost 2023-06-15
1943-June-15 PoW Sergeant Nathan Charles Hitchcock 2023-08-26
1943-June-15 KIA RAF Sergeant Victor Horsley 2023-06-15
1943-June-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Peter Alfred Toms 2023-06-15
1943-June-15 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Alan Ewart Whittaker 2023-06-15 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED435
s/n ED435
m/d 683
Avro
ED 435
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn (EA-G, later EA-K) Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Mar 1943. 75 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED436
s/n ED436
m/d 683
Avro
ED 436
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED439
s/n ED439
m/d 683
Avro
ED 439
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED440
s/n ED440
m/d 683
Avro
ED 440
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED444
s/n ED444
m/d 683
Avro
ED 444
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 31 Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 17/18 Jan 1943. 11 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED446
s/n ED446
m/d 683
Avro
ED 446
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED447
s/n ED447
m/d 683
Avro
ED 447
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing 1943-01-31 to 1943-01-31
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor
101 Squadron RAF (Mens agitat molem) RAF Holme-on-spalding Moor. Lancaster Mk I aircraft ED 447 SR-Q was shot down by marine flak units on an operation to Hamburg Germany. First hit by 8/M Flak Abt 808 unit near Ijmuiden at 02:09 AM and then shot down by II Zug 2/Res Flak Abt 242 and 5/Res Flak Abt 242 units. The Lancaster crashed at Aalsmeerderweg Rijk, Noord-Holland, Netherlands at 02:17 AM with the loss of the entire crew.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Ralph Patrick Campbell (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 Frank James Belanger (RCAF ), Warrant Officer Class 2 Gordon James Hutchinson (RCAF), Sergeant Samuel David Wall (RAFVR), Sergeant John Charles Jacques (RAFVR), Sergeant Wilfred Eric Debeurier (RAFVR) and Sergeant John Leslie Emery Barden (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part 1 1 January - 22 June, page 21
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Leslie Emory Barden 2025-04-15
1943-January-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Frank James Belanger 2025-10-28
1943-January-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Ralph Patrick Campbell 2025-10-28
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Wilfred Eric Debeurier 2025-04-15
1943-January-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Gordon James Hutchinson 2025-10-28
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Charles Jacques 2025-04-15
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Samuel David Wall 2025-04-15 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED449
s/n ED449
m/d 683
Avro
ED 449
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn. 9 Jan 1943. Missing on mission to Essen 12/12 Mar 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED451
s/n ED451
m/d 683
Avro
ED 451
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED453
s/n ED453
m/d 683
Avro
ED 453
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED467
s/n ED467
m/d 683
Avro
ED 467
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED469
s/n ED469
m/d 683
Avro
ED 469
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED471
s/n ED471
m/d 683
Avro
ED 471
Merlin
Known Units: 50
With No. 50 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 17/18 Jan 1943. 5 operational hours (first op).last update: 2025-November-19
1943-January-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie James Bond 2024-11-14
1943-January-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Jack Eastwood 2025-01-27
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Iain Fraser 2025-01-27
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Harvie 2025-01-27
1943-January-17 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Esmond Peter Heinrich 2025-01-27
1943-January-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Aylwin Moore 2025-01-27
1943-January-17 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Gwilyn Thomas 2025-01-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED472
s/n ED472
m/d 683
Avro
ED 472
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED476
s/n ED476
m/d 683
Avro
ED 476
Merlin
Known Units: 12;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED478
s/n ED478
m/d 683
Avro
ED 478
Merlin
Known Units: 50
With No. 50 Sqn Jan 1943. Aircraft ditched in the North Sea whilst jettisoning its bombs after a return from the target Frankfurt 10/11 Apr 1943. 143 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED480
s/n ED480
m/d 683
Avro
ED 480
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-U) 21 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 9/10 Jul 1943. 250 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED481
s/n ED481
m/d 683
Avro
ED 481
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-N) 15 Jan 1943. Crashed near Topcliffe on return from mission to Hamburg, 30/31 Jan 1943. 19 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1943-01-30 to 1943-01-31
9 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Waddington
9 Squadron RAF (Per noctum volamus) RAF Waddington. After completing a successful bombing operation against targets in Hamburg, Germany, Lancaster III aircraft ED 481 WS-N "Little Fat Kid" returned over Lincolnshire to poor weather conditions. The bomber was diverted to Leeming airfield in Yorkshire but due to worsening weather conditions the crew became lost while continuing to search for a suitable landing site. Eventually, as fuel reserves became critical despite having feathered three of the four engines, the aircraft lost altitude only to discover they were too low to safely bail out. Unable to see the ground but out of time and options, the landing gear was lowered in an attempt to put the bomber down on the North Yorkshire Moors. Sadly, the aircraft instead flew into the high ground at Hawnby Hill resulting in the loss of the entire crew
Warrant Officer Second Class Frank Goheen Nelson (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant McKeen Allan (RCAF), Sergeant George Francis Done (RAFVR), Sergeant Alan Arthur Frederick Williams (RAFVR), Sergeant Henry Summers Jones (RAFVR), Sergeant Arthur William Butcher (RAFVR) and Sergeant Walter George Murton (RAFVR)(South Africa) were all killed in action
The crew were all buried in cemeteries in the United Kingdom
Bombers First and Last by Gordon Thorburn, pages 118, 376-7
Lancaster ED481 Royal Air Force serial and Image database
Lancaster Mk1 ED481 Hawnby Hill Hawnby - Peak District Air Accident...
1943-January-31 KIA RCAF Sergeant McKeen Allan 2025-06-24
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur William Butcher 2025-06-24
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Francis Done 2025-06-24
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Summers Jones 2025-06-24
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Walter George Murton 2025-06-24
1943-January-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Frank Goheen Nelson 2025-07-28
1943-January-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Allan Arthur Frederick Williams 2025-06-24 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED484
s/n ED484
m/d 683
Avro
ED 484
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Lorient 13/14 Feb 1943. 39 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED485
s/n ED485
m/d 683
Avro
ED 485
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Built as Mk. III, converted to Mk. I at No. 156 Sqn. Missing on mission to Wilhelmshaven 19/20 Feb 1943. 53 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Wilhelmshaven Germany 1943-02-19 to 1943-02-19
156 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Warboys
156 Squadron (We Light The Way), Pathfinder Force, RAF Warboys. Lancaster BII aircraft ED 485 was lost without a trace during an operation over the naval yards at Wlihelmshaven, Germany. The Lancaster may have been shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Paul Gildner of the Stab IV/NJG-1, crashing into the North Sea, North of Vlieland, Friesland, Netherlands with the loss of the entire crew
Pilot Officer H W Welch (RCAF), Pilot Officer T E Case (RCAF), Pilot Officer P Y C Tremblay (RCAF), Pilot Officer E Cuthbert (RNZAF), Pilot Officer H A McLennan DFM (RAAF), Sergeant E P G Bayliss (RAFVR) and Sergeant J W Denby (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known graves and all are commemorate d on the Runnymede Memorial
Several of the crew members of Lancaster ED 245 had been involved in the crash of 156 Squadron Wellington III aircraft X3811, which encountered icing conditions and was abandoned over England after a fire started
Flight Sergeant T E Case (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant H W Welch (RCAF) were slightly injured, Flight Sergeant P Y C Tremblay (RCAF), Sergeant H A McLennan (RAAF) and Sergeant E Cuthbert (RNZAF) survived, safe. However, the Wellington crashed into the village of Somersham, Huntingdon, England, where it destroyed several houses on High Street and killed 11 people on the ground: Pauline Margaret Cattanach, Vera Cattanach, Juliana Davies, Annie Maria Holdich, Alice Lamb, William Francis Lamb, Violet Ewing Moule, Eliza Nightingale, Elizabeth Richardson, Ena Joyce Stroud and Elsie May Taylor
Several of the crew members of Lancaster ED 245 had previously been involved in the crash of 156 Squadron Wellington III aircraft X3811, which encountered icing conditions and was abandoned over England
Flight Sergeant T E Case (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant H W Welch (RCAF) were slightly injured, Flight Sergeant P Y C Tremblay (RCAF), Sergeant H A McLennan (RAAF) and Sergeant E Cuthbert (RNZAF) survived, safe. However, the Wellington crashed into the village of Somersham, Huntingdon, England, where it destroyed several houses on High Street and killed 11 people on the ground: Pauline Margaret Cattanach, Vera Cattanach, Juliana Davies, Annie Maria Holdich, Alice Lamb, William Francis Lamb, Violet Ewing Moule, Eliza Nightingale, Elizabeth Richardson, Ena Joyce Stroud and Elsie May Taylor
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
Crash of an Avro 683 Lancaster I off Vlielandin: 7 killed I Bureau of...
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward Percy George Bayliss 2023-11-04
1943-February-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Edward Case 2024-01-16
1943-February-19 KIA RNZAF Pilot Officer Elias Cuthbert 2023-11-27
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Denby 2024-10-12
1943-February-19 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Hugh Alexander McLennan DFM 2023-11-27
1943-February-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Pierre Yves Camille Tremblay 2023-11-04
1943-February-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harry William Welch 2023-11-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED486
s/n ED486
m/d 683
Avro
ED 486
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Jan 1943. Aircraft crashed soon after take-off en route to Dusseldorf 27 Jan 1943. Aircraft had flown 14 hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED487
s/n ED487
m/d 683
Avro
ED 487
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-D) 14 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 16/17 Jun 1943. 261 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-June-17 PoW RAFVR Sergeant John Anthony Aldersley 2024-11-01
1943-June-17 KIA RAF Sergeant Patrick Hall 2023-08-26
1943-June-17 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Harold Popplestone 2025-03-10
1943-June-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Francis Poynter 2023-08-27
1943-June-17 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Charles James Sinclair 2022-03-03
1943-June-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Gerald Tremblay 2023-11-09
1943-June-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Denis Webster 2023-08-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED488
s/n ED488
m/d 683
Avro
ED 488
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-N) 12 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 2/3 Feb 1943. 18 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED492
s/n ED492
m/d 683
Avro
ED 492
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Wilhelmshaven Germany 1943-02-18 to 1943-02-19
9 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Waddington
9 Squadron (Per noctum volamus) RAF Waddington. Lancaster III aircraft ED 492 WS-W was reported as involved in a mid-air collision with another Lancaster near the target area of Wilhelmshaven, Germany by there is also a claim from heavy flak battery Marine Flak Abt 282 at Hooksiel, Germany. The Lancaster crashed at Schreiersort, near Wangerland, Germany with the loss of four aircrew members killed
Flight Sergeant Ernest John Walter Davis (RAFVR), Sergeant James Storey Aird (RAFVR), Sergeant Alfred Thomas Berwick (RAFVR) and Sergeant Ralph William Darlington (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Sergeant Howard Wallace Fullard (RCAF), Warrant Officer James Vaughan (RAFVR) and Warrant Officer John Arthur Jones-Ford (RAFVR) all survived to become Prisoners of War
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part One - 1 January - 22 June by Theo Boiten, page 29
Bombers First and Last by Gordon Thorburn, page 377
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Storey Aird 2024-12-04
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Alfred Berwick 2024-12-04
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ralph William Darlington 2024-12-04
1943-February-19 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Ernest John Walter Davis 2024-12-21
1943-February-19 PoW Early Release RCAF Flight Sergeant Howard Wallace Fullard 2025-01-16
1943-February-19 PoW RAFVR Warrant Officer John Arthur Jones-Ford 2024-12-21
1943-February-19 PoW RAFVR Warrant Officer James Vaughan 2024-12-04 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED494
s/n ED494
m/d 683
Avro
ED 494
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED496
s/n ED496
m/d 683
Avro
ED 496
Merlin
Known Units: ;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED498
s/n ED498
m/d 683
Avro
ED 498
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED499
s/n ED499
m/d 683
Avro
ED 499
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-X) 21 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 18/19 Oct 1943. 442 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-October-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanley George Barlegs 2024-11-09
1943-October-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Norman Beer 2024-11-10
1943-October-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Howard James Gould 2024-12-18
1943-October-18 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John William Grain 2024-12-18
1943-October-18 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Oswald William Douglas Hodges 2024-12-18
1943-October-18 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Stanley David Smith 2024-12-18
1943-October-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leon Abraham Titof 2024-12-18 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED520
s/n ED520
m/d 683
Avro
ED 520
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED524
s/n ED524
m/d 683
Avro
ED 524
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Essen Germany 1943-04-03 to 1943-04-03
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 524 was shot down at Dusseldorf, Germany. Six RAF members of the crew, F/0.s T. Dring, H. North, J. Stewart, Sgt.s W.Johnson, D.J. Robinson, L.T. Fulcher, and S/L. A. Paape were also killed.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED525
s/n ED525
m/d 683
Avro
ED 525
Merlin
Known Units: ;467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Wilhelmshaven Germany 1943-02-19 to 1943-02-19
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesofrd, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 535 failed to return from an attack against Wilhelmshaven, Germany. F/0, W.K. Komaiko, and five RAF members of the crew, Sgt.s R. Bailey, R. King, G. McLoughlin, J. Turner, and F/L. J. Michie were also killed.Bombing Wilhelmshaven Germany 1943-02-19 to 1943-02-20
467 () () RAF Bottesford, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 525 failed to return from an attack against Wilhelmshaven, Germany. RCAF F/0 W.K. Komaiko and Flt Sergeant H.L. Brown, and five RAF members of the crew, Sgt.s R. Bailey, R. King, G. McLoughlin, J. Turner, and F/L. J. Michie were killed.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED526
s/n ED526
m/d 683
Avro
ED 526
Merlin
Known Units: 467
To No. 467 Sqn 23 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Nuremburg 25/25 Feb 1943. 40 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1943-02-25 to 1943-02-25
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, England
467 Squadron RAAF (Recidite adversarius atque ferocitea) RAF Bottesford. Lancaster BIII ED 526 PO-J was shot down by flak during an operation against targets in Nuremburg, Germany. The Lancaster crashed near Weisendorf, Bayern, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Warrant Officer 2nd Class J L B Larin (RCAF), Warrant Officer 2nd Class R S Woolley (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant O G Rowcroft (RAAF), Warrant Officer M P Stewart (RAAF), Sergeant E O'Kane (RAFVR), Sergeant R Wiggins (RAFVR) and Sergeant R M Wylie (RAFVR) were all killed in action
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Louis Bernard Larin 2024-06-05
1943-February-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward O'Kane 2023-11-27
1943-February-25 KIA RAAF Flight Lieutenant Oscar Gladwin Rowcroft 2025-07-24
1943-February-25 KIA RAAF Warrant Officer Maxwell Phillip Stewart 2023-11-27
1943-February-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Richard Wiggins 2023-11-27
1943-February-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert Stanley Woolley 2024-07-12
1943-February-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert McKenzie Wylie 2023-11-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED527
s/n ED527
m/d 683
Avro
ED 527
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 26 Jan 1943. Crashed on first operation in French Morocco following a raid on Turin 4/5 Feb 1943. 5 operational hours. Last heard of at 2305 transmitting 'Making forced landing in position 3610N 0520W.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Turin Italy 1943-02-05 to 1943-02-05
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) Skellingthorpe
188 aircraft - 77 Lancasters - 55 Halifaxes - 50 Stirlings - 6 Wellingtons - 3 Lancasters lost.
156 aircraft reached and bombed Turinn, causing serious and widespread damage. The brief local report states that 29 people were killed and 53 injured. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
50 Squadron (From Defence To Attack). Target - Turin, Italy. Lancaster aircraft ED 527 crashed north-east of Fez, near Ajnoul at Taza, French Morocco.Warrant Officer L.A. Cumming, Sergeant M.S. Napier and four of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed
1943-February-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gerald Macness Bown 2024-11-16
1943-February-05 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Leonard Allan Cumming 2025-02-15
1943-February-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Nelson Earl Holness 2024-02-25
1943-February-05 KIA RNZAF Flying Officer Keith Campbell Johanson 2024-02-25
1943-February-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Livingston 2024-02-25
1943-February-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Matthew Simpson Napier 2025-02-15
1943-February-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Robinson 2024-02-25 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED541
s/n ED541
m/d 683
Avro
ED 541
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 (Audtralian) Sqn 26 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Sep 1943. 383 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-09-04 to 1943-09-04
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 541 was shot down near Doberitz, Germany whilst engaged in night operations over Berlin, Germany. RCAF FS's. C.M. Niven and R. Lesser, and non-Canadians Sgt.s O.H. Hodges (RAF), L.A. Saunders, (RAAF), F/L. R. Carmichael (RAAF), F/0.s P.E. Henley (RAF), and R.T.J. Bilney (RAF), were killed.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED543
s/n ED543
m/d 683
Avro
ED 543
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1943-05-13 to 1943-05-14
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) Bottesford UK
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ED 543 missing, presumed over target, presumed enemy action. Sergeants W.G. Berry (RAF), H.W. Cox (RAF), B.G. Hickling (RAF), M.B. Squires (RAF), and Flying Officer E.F. Heard (RAF) were also killed. One other member of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed.
addendum 2: See page 292. The target was Pilsen, Germany and the other member of the crew to be killed WU P/O. K. Mahoney (RAAF).
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED547
s/n ED547
m/d 683
Avro
ED 547
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 Sqn 28 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Dec 1943. 511 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-30 to 1943-12-30
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF)
Delivered to 467 Australia Squadron 28 Jan 1943. Lancaster aircraft ED 547 crashed five miles south-east of the target Berlin, Germany during night operations. Killed were RCAF Flt. Sgt. F.A. Spencer; five RAF members of the crew, F/0. F. Allen, Sgt. S. Allom, D. Wetherell, R. Yale, R. Evans; and P/O. B. Tait (RAAF).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED549
s/n ED549
m/d 683
Avro
ED 549
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED551
s/n ED551
m/d 683
Avro
ED 551
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED554
s/n ED554
m/d 683
Avro
ED 554
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED555
s/n ED555
m/d 683
Avro
ED 555
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn 29 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Leipzig 20/21 Oct 1943. 367 operational hours. At different times, the aircraft was coded HW-A and HW-E.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED556
s/n ED556
m/d 683
Avro
ED 556
Merlin
Known Units: 100;9
Started with No. 100 Sqn (HW-B), transferred to No. 9 Sqn, then returned to No. 100 Sqn with same code letter. Missing on operation to Krefeld 21/22 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED558
s/n ED558
m/d 683
Avro
ED 558
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-N) 5 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Bochum 12/13 Jun 1943. 272 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED561
s/n ED561
m/d 683
Avro
ED 561
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED563
s/n ED563
m/d 683
Avro
ED 563
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-G) Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Pilzen 16/17 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED564
s/n ED564
m/d 683
Avro
ED 564
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED566
s/n ED566
m/d 683
Avro
ED 566
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-P) 6 Feb 1943. Later re-coded WS-J. Missing on operation to Duisburg 9/10 Apr 1943. 85 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED568
s/n ED568
m/d 683
Avro
ED 568
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-T) 4 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Duisburg 8/9 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED569
s/n ED569
m/d 683
Avro
ED 569
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-B) 20 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 28/29 Jun 1943. 219 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED583
s/n ED583
m/d 683
Avro
ED 583
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED588
s/n ED588
m/d 683
Avro
ED 588
Merlin
Known Units: 97;50;9
The crew of Lancaster aircraft ED 588 were engaged in a night bomb attack against Konigsberg, Germany when they crashed at Vittsjo, Sweden and the bomb load exploded. Sergeants R.W. Bysouth (RAF), W.R. Campbell (RAF), R.H. Clifford (RAF), F.G. Plowman (RAF), Flying Officer A.H. Carver (RAF), and one other member of the crew, not Canadian, were also killed.
There is a Claim by Maj Werner Husemann Stab I/NJG3 -East of Halsingborg (LG - LH): 3,300m at 00:48. in the (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 - Theo Boiten), Not verified. (Source John Jones UK)
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED589
s/n ED589
m/d 683
Avro
ED 589
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn;9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED595
s/n ED595
m/d 683
Avro
ED 595
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED598
s/n ED598
m/d 683
Avro
ED 598
Merlin
Known Units: 156
With A.V. Roe & CO. at Ringway Feb 1943. Then to Signals Intelligence Unit April 1943 for trials with H2S radar equipment. To No. 156 Sqn (PFF) May 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 29/30 Jul 1943. This was on the 3rd night of the "Battle of Hamburg". The aircraft was 8th shot down by fighter attack on that night. Crew were on 14th op, some on second tour.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED601
s/n ED601
m/d 683
Avro
ED 601
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED602
s/n ED602
m/d 683
Avro
ED 602
Merlin
Known Units: 467;83;49;619
At Ringway Feb 1943. Moved to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn, then to No. No. 83 Sqn (OL-F), then to No. 49 Sqn and then No. 619 Sqn. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 26/27 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED603
s/n ED603
m/d 683
Avro
ED 603
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Aircraft crashed in the IJsselmeer on return, after being shot by Bf110. 4 bodies recovered, and buried. A.B. Smart, R.E. Moore and C.F.J. Sprack never found. Aircraft located and excavated in June 2023. The work was sponsored by the Dutch National Recovery Program. Human remains were found, and painstaking work was done to confirm the details and identities of those recovered. DNA testing proved the three airman died in the accident, and were still in the crashed aircraft. Artifacts recovered. In November 2023, the Dutch defence ministry confirmed that they had found two cigarette cases, inscribed with the initials of Pilot Officer Smart and Pilot Officer Moore and that the remains of each of the three missing men had been idenitified, allowing them to have a proper burial, 80 years after they perished. Memorial headstone erected at the Workum (Spoordyk) General Cemetary, Friesland, Netherlands..
last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bochum Germany 1943-06-12 to 1943-06-13
83 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wyton
p>83 Squadron (Strike To Defend), Pathfinder Force, RAF Wyton. Lancaster III aircraft ED 603 OL-L was lost on an operation against targets in Bochum, Germany. Struck initially by flak over the target, the bomber was attacked and shot down by night fighter pilot Hauptmann Rudolph Sigmund of 10/NJG1 while attempting to return to the UK. The Lancaster crashed in flames into Lake IJsselmeer in the Netherlands with the loss of the entire crewPilot Officer Arthur Gordon Fletcher (RCAF), Pilot Officer Harold Elvin Howsam (RAFVR), Pilot Officer Charles Frederick John Sprack DFM (RAF), Flight Lieutenant Eric Arthur Tilbury (RAFVR), Pilot Officer Raymond Edward Moore RFM (RAF), Pilot Officer Arthur Bertram Smart DFM (RAF) and Flying Officer Gordon Robert Sugar (RAF) were all killed. in action
The bodies of Pilot Officer Fletcher, Flight Lieutenant Tilbury, Pilot Officer Howsam and Flying Officer Sugar were recovered over the two weeks following the crash and were buried in cemeteries in the Netherlands but the remaining three crew members were missing with no known grave. The wreckage of Lancaster ED 603 was discovered on the lake bottom in 1996 and excavated by the Dutch government in September 2023. The excavations led to the discovery of personal items and human remains identified as the three missing air crew, Pilot Officer Smart, Flight Sergeant Moore and Pilot Officer Sprack were recovered and buried in the Netherlands
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 Part 1 1 January - 22 June by Theo Boiten, page 120
Lancaster ED603 Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
12/13 06 1943 83 Squadron Lancaster III ED306 Fg Off Eric A Tilbury RAF...
Geborgen Verleden - De laatste vlucht van Lancaster ED603
h2g2 - ED603: Recovered Memory Part III
Guy Martin's Lost WW2 Bomber: The FULL Documentary I Guy Martin...
1943-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Gordon Fletcher 2025-07-27
1943-June-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Harold Elvin Howsam 2025-07-26
1943-June-13 KIA RAF Pilot Officer Raymond Edward Moore DFM 2025-07-26
1943-June-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Arthur Bertram Smart DFM 2025-07-26
1943-June-13 KIA RAF Pilot Officer Charles Frederick John Sprack DFM 2025-07-27
1943-June-13 KIA RAF Flying Officer Gordon Robert Sugar 2025-07-27
1943-June-13 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Eric Arthur Tilbury 2025-07-26 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED612
s/n ED612
m/d 683
Avro
ED 612
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 11 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Oberhausen, Germany, 14/15 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED613
s/n ED613
m/d 683
Avro
ED 613
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn from No. 32 MU Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Essen 25/26 Jul 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED618
s/n ED618
m/d 683
Avro
ED 618
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn from No. 5 MU 23 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Duisburg 9/10 Apr 1943, 19 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1943-04-09 to 1943-04-10
101 (B) Sqn (RAF)
101 Squadron (Mens Agitat Molem). Lancaster aircraft ED 618 missing over enemy-held territory during night operations. FSs S. Grundy D.F.M. (RAF), M.J. Bennett (RAF), Sergeants J. Hence (RAF), D. Gould (RAF), and W.D. O'Brien (RAF), and Flying Officer N.J. Ritchie (RAAF) were also killed.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED619
s/n ED619
m/d 683
Avro
ED 619
Merlin
Known Units: 622 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED622
s/n ED622
m/d 683
Avro
ED 622
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED624
s/n ED624
m/d 683
Avro
ED 624
Merlin
Known Units: 1660HCU;622
Was with No. 1660 Conversion Unit from Apr to Dec 1943, then to No. 622 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944. 623 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED625
s/n ED625
m/d 683
Avro
ED 625
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED645
s/n ED645
m/d 683
Avro
ED 645
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED646
s/n ED646
m/d 683
Avro
ED 646
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED649
s/n ED649
m/d 683
Avro
ED 649
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 22 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Oberhausen 14/15 Jun 1943. 217 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED650
s/n ED650
m/d 683
Avro
ED 650
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-L) 20 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Krefeld 21/22 Jun 1943. 172 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED659
s/n ED659
m/d 683
Avro
ED 659
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED660
s/n ED660
m/d 683
Avro
ED 660
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-V) from 32 MU. Recoded SR-Ubar. Missing 23 May 1943 on mission to Dusseldorf 25/26 May 1943. 85 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED661
s/n ED661
m/d 683
Avro
ED 661
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED663
s/n ED663
m/d 683
Avro
ED 663
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED665
s/n ED665
m/d 683
Avro
ED 665
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-L) from No. 5 MU 20 Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 31 Aug/1 Sep 1943. 172 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED667
s/n ED667
m/d 683
Avro
ED 667
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED668
s/n ED668
m/d 683
Avro
ED 668
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED688
s/n ED688
m/d 683
Avro
ED 688
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED689
s/n ED689
m/d 683
Avro
ED 689
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-K) 12 Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 3/4 Jul 1943. 146 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-07-03 to 1943-07-04
9 (B) Sqn (RAF) Bardney
Battle of the Ruhr
Lancaster aircraft ED 689 lost during night operations against Cologne, Germany. Flying Officer J.B. Reeves (USA) and W/O G.F. Dohaney were killed. The other six crew, not Canadians, are missing and also believed killed.
1943-July-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alec Frederick Backler 2024-11-06
1943-July-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 George Francis Dohaney 2024-11-06
1943-July-04 KIA RAF Sergeant Harold Joseph Hawkridge 2024-12-03
1943-July-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Elwyn Owen 2024-10-23
1943-July-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Geoffrey Porter 2024-10-23
1943-July-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jonah Bruce Reeves 2024-10-23
1943-July-04 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant John Alfred Wakeford DFC 2024-10-23
1943-July-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harry Leonard Wilson 2024-10-23 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED692
s/n ED692
m/d 683
Avro
ED 692
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED693
s/n ED693
m/d 683
Avro
ED 693
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 28 Feb 1943. Missing on operation to Plzen 13/14 Aug 1943. 149 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED695
s/n ED695
m/d 683
Avro
ED 695
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1943-05-26 to 1943-05-26
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Target - Dusseldorf, Germany. Lancaster aircraft ED 695 lost whilst engaged in operations over enemy-held territory. RCAF member Flt. Sgt. A.F. Birkbeck and RAF member Pilot Officer K.R. Langhorne were killed. Five of the non-Canadian crew were taken Prisoner of War: Sgt's. R.A. Avann, S.G. Keirs, and W.V. Morris, Pilot Officer P.R. Collins, and Flying Officer R.S. Giddey. Giddy of Gordon, Australia, was the pilot of the aircraft and following is his report of the event. "On this night we had made our way to the target corkscrewing all the way over enemy territory, dropped our bombs then set course for base. Our flight plan called for us to corkscrew out from the target and back to the Dutch coast. When Pilot Officer Collins (Nav.) told us we were over the coast I straightened out and put the nose down into a steep dive thinking we were safe and out of range. It was then the night fighter got us. There was a terrific crash and we were on fire. As we were over the North Sea it would be useless to parachute so I gave orders for ditching and the crew members took their positions. The two gunners, Langhorne and Birkbeck were the only ones not to acknowledge my order which leads me to believe that they must have been killed by the first burst from the night fighter. The smoke and flames obscured the instrument panel and owing to the red glow inside the aircraft I could not distinguish the horizon. I was finally able to see a few houses and realized we had turned back to the Dutch coast. I lifted the nose then flattened out, cut the four engines and as we lost air speed I pulled the control column right back thus stalling the plane and causing it to hit tail first. The initial hit wasn't too bad but the second, when it finally came, was horrific. All five of the crew abandoned the aircraft and took refuge in a barn. We eventually left the area, one at a time, but were captured very soon after. I was free the longest as I didn't get captured until August 8, 1943."Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED696
s/n ED696
m/d 683
Avro
ED 696
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-T) 2 Mar 1943. Missing on mission to Kiel 4/5 April 1943. 47 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED697
s/n ED697
m/d 683
Avro
ED 697
Merlin
Known Units: ;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED700
s/n ED700
m/d 683
Avro
ED 700
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED703
s/n ED703
m/d 683
Avro
ED 703
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Aircraft of No. 61 Squadron. Missing on raid to Munich 9/10 Mar 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED705
s/n ED705
m/d 683
Avro
ED 705
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-P, later HW-H and HW-Y) 14 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 2/3 Aug 1943. This was the fourth and final raid of the Battle of Hamburg Jul/Aug 1943. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter and was the 7th aircraft lost on that night. The crew were on their 18th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED708
s/n ED708
m/d 683
Avro
ED 708
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 9 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 27/28 Jul 1943. This was the second raid of the "Battle of Hamburg" Jul/Aug 1943. The aircraft was the 16th or 17th shot down that night , either by Ofw. Kubisch, gunner in Major Lent's Bf 110 of IV/NGJ1 or the Ju 88 of Lt Stock of IV NJG3. The crew were on their 8th operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED712
s/n ED712
m/d 683
Avro
ED 712
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 12 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Wuppertal 24/25 Jun 1943. 117 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED714
s/n ED714
m/d 683
Avro
ED 714
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED718
s/n ED718
m/d 683
Avro
ED 718
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED719
s/n ED719
m/d 683
Avro
ED 719
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn (EA-K) 12 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 9/10 Aug 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED720
s/n ED720
m/d 683
Avro
ED 720
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 12 Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 8/9 Jul 1943. 249 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED721
s/n ED721
m/d 683
Avro
ED 721
Merlin
Known Units: 49;9
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Mar 1943. Transferred to No. 9 Sqn (WS-S) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED723
s/n ED723
m/d 683
Avro
ED 723
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED726
s/n ED726
m/d 683
Avro
ED 726
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED730
s/n ED730
m/d 683
Avro
ED 730
Merlin
Known Units: ;550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED731
s/n ED731
m/d 683
Avro
ED 731
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Mar 1943. Transferred to No. 166 Sqn (AS-T2) in Sept 1943. Lost on mission to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 576 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED735
s/n ED735
m/d 683
Avro
ED 735
Merlin
Known Units: 44;617
Originally to No. 44 Sqn (KM-K), then to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-R). Took part in the raids on the Antheor Viaduct 16/17 Sep 1943 and 11/12 Nov 1943. Lost on returning to England from Rabat, Morocco 17 Nov 1943. 338 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Ferry Flight In transit to Coningsby 1943-11-17 to 1943-11-18
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Rabat, Morocco
The aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant EEG Youseman DFC, had landed at Blida, Algeria
, after the raid on the Antheor Viaduct
, on the rail line between France and Italy, on the night of 11/12 November. It subsequently moved to Rabat, Morocco
before setting off to return to Coningsby, its base in England
. It was routed round the Iberian peninsula and across the Bay of Biscay. However, it ditched in the Atlantic with the loss of all of the crew. It is believed that there were 3 army officers on board as well as the crew.
There were 3 Canadians in the crew: Pilot Officers L Plishka and AM Laughiand DFM and Warrant Officer Class 1 JB O'Grady. With the exception of Flight Sergeant R Florence DFM (RNZAF), the remainder of the crew (Flight Lieutenant EEG Youseman DFC Pilot Officer S Whittingham DFM and Flying Officer W Grimes DFM) were in the RAF.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED737
s/n ED737
m/d 683
Avro
ED 737
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Cologne Germany 1943-06-17 to 1943-06-17
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster ED737 took off 2215 16 June 1943 from Bottesford. Shot down by a night-fighter. Casualties included RAF Sgt's. R.L. Godden, K.M. Taylor, N.M. Turnbull, and Flying Officer A. Smith (pilot), and RAAF Flying Officer G.H. Joseph. Sgt. E.V. Doan (RCAF), Flt. Sgt. J.E. Binnie (RAF), and Sgt. E. Lancake (RAF) were taken Prisoners of War.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED752
s/n ED752
m/d 683
Avro
ED 752
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED754
s/n ED754
m/d 683
Avro
ED 754
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-A) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to St Nazaire, 28/29 Mar 1943. 20 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED755
s/n ED755
m/d 683
Avro
ED 755
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED758
s/n ED758
m/d 683
Avro
ED 758
Merlin
Known Units: 57;630;207
Served with No. 57 Sqn from March 1943 to Sep 1943, then transfer to No. 630 Sqn, finally to No. 207 Sqn (EM-V). Missing from mission to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 452 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED760
s/n ED760
m/d 683
Avro
ED 760
Merlin
Known Units: 100
With No. 100 Sqn. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 10/11 Apr 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED766
s/n ED766
m/d 683
Avro
ED 766
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 25 Mar 1943, Missing on operation to Frankfurt 10/11 Apr 1943. 41 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Robert George Griffin 2024-05-26
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Russel Holm 2024-05-29
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lawrence Joseph Lalonde 2024-11-01
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class John Harold Lemon 2024-06-05
1943-April-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Daryl Owen McMahon 2024-06-20 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED768
s/n ED768
m/d 683
Avro
ED 768
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 25/26 May 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1943-05-26 to 1943-05-26
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Hit by Flak and crashed 0209 26 May 1943 at _s-Gravenwezel (Antwerpen) 11 km ENE from the centre of Antwerpen where those killed are buried in Schoonselhof Cemetery. Casualties included RAF Sgt's. T. Chalmers and B. Spencer, and RAAF Flt. Sgt. J. M. Parsons. Taken Prisoners of War were RAF Sgt's J.P. Egan, R.A. Hunt, and N.J. Vaulkhard, and RCAF Sgt. J.F. Selman.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED769
s/n ED769
m/d 683
Avro
ED 769
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED770
s/n ED770
m/d 683
Avro
ED 770
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Pilzen 16/17 Apr 1943. 60 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED773
s/n ED773
m/d 683
Avro
ED 773
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED774
s/n ED774
m/d 683
Avro
ED 774
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED777
s/n ED777
m/d 683
Avro
ED 777
Merlin
Known Units: 57;630
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-Q) Mar 1943. Transferred to No. 630 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. 396 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED778
s/n ED778
m/d 683
Avro
ED 778
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Mar 1943. Damaged 27 Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Duissburg 12/13 May 1943. 41 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Allan Lockwood Home 2021-08-10
1943-May-13 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant George Brown Leach 2021-04-13
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Milford Glen Thomas Levins 2021-08-13
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hugh Columba MacNeil 2021-08-17
1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Henry Augustine Sheehan 2021-07-30 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED782
s/n ED782
m/d 683
Avro
ED 782
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 29/30 Jul 1943. 250 operational hours. They were shot down on the third night of the Battle of Hamburg, Jul/Aug 1943 and were 5th aircraft lost that night out of a total of 31 shot down or crashed. The crew were on their 23rd operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED783
s/n ED783
m/d 683
Avro
ED 783
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-F) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Essen 30 Apr/1 May 1943. 58 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED785
s/n ED785
m/d 683
Avro
ED 785
Merlin
Known Units: 49
With No. 49 Sqn. Missing on mission to Cologne 16/17 Jun 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED786
s/n ED786
m/d 683
Avro
ED 786
Merlin
Known Units: 100 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED809
s/n ED809
m/d 683
Avro
ED 809
Merlin
Known Units: 101;625
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-W) Mar or Apr 1943. Transferred to No. 625 Sqn (CF-T) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 318 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED811
s/n ED811
m/d 683
Avro
ED 811
Merlin
Known Units: 1660HCU
Delivered to No. 1660 HCU Mar 1943. Wrecked on its 3rd accident, crashed in poor visibility at Blankney Fen, Lincolnshire 9 Dec 1943. 574 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED813
s/n ED813
m/d 683
Avro
ED 813
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Dortmund 23/24 May 1943. 63 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED815
s/n ED815
m/d 683
Avro
ED 815
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-P) Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 24/25 Feb 1944. 388 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED820
s/n ED820
m/d 683
Avro
ED 820
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED821
s/n ED821
m/d 683
Avro
ED 821
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED822
s/n ED822
m/d 683
Avro
ED 822
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED823
s/n ED823
m/d 683
Avro
ED 823
Merlin
Known Units: ;1661
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED825
s/n ED825
m/d 683
Avro
ED 825
Merlin
Known Units: 617
As ED 825/G Special Provisioning Lancaster the aircraft was at A&AEE for testing before being flown to Scampton as the spare aircraft on No. 617 Sqn. As AJ-T it was flown on the Dams raid (Operation Chastise) by Flight Lieutenant J. McCarthy to attack the Sorpe dam. Later, Later, modified back to a standard configuration, as AJ-E it flew operations against the Antheor Viaduct, Italy.11/12 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
SOE SOE operation 1943-12-10 to 1943-12-11
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Tempsford
This was one of four aircraft and crews seconded to the Special Operations Executive to work with 138 and 161 Squadrons flying from Tempsford
on supply drops to the French Resistance. Piloted by Flying Officer GH Weeden, they left Tempsford at 20:35 on December 10 for a rendezvous in northern France, but were shot down en route by flak near to Meharicourt
. All of the crew were killed.
There were 3 members of the RCAF in the crew: Flying Officer GH Weeden, Flight Sergeant EJ Walters and Warrant Officer 2nd Class R Cummings (Wallters was an American serving in the RCAF). The other members of the crew (Sergeant AW Richardson, Pilot Officer RN Jones, Flight Sergeant RG Howell and Sergeant B Robinson) were all in the RAF.
The aircraft crash site was excavated as part of a UK Channel 5 film about "Johnny" Johnson, who had been the bomb aimer in the aircraft when it attacked the Sorpe Dam.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED826
s/n ED826
m/d 683
Avro
ED 826
Merlin
Known Units: 1661HCU;1654HCU;61;15
Crashed in the Wash 13 miles SW of Skegness Lincs following an engine fire.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED828
s/n ED828
m/d 683
Avro
ED 828
Merlin
Known Units: 50 Sqn
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-B) Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Bochum 12/13 Jun 1943. 117 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED832
s/n ED832
m/d 683
Avro
ED 832
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to 207 Sqn (EM-X) Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-09-03 to 1943-09-03
207 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Langar
207 Squadron RAF (Semper Paratus) RAF Langar. Lancaster BIII aircraft ED 832 EM-X failed to return from a raid against targets in Berlin, Germany. Lost without a trace, the cause of loss was not determined
Flight Lieutenant T J D Waterman DFC (RCAF), Flying Officer F G C Spanner DFC (RCAF), Group Captain A F McKenna MiD (RAF), Squadron Leader Ian McArtair Huntly-Wood DFC (RAFVR), Flying Officer K J Knight DFC (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant A J C Whitehead (RAFVR) and Flying Officer J L Young DFM (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
1943-September-03 KIA RAFVR Squadron Leader Ian McArtair Huntly-Wood DFC 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Kenneth Joseph Knight DFC 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RAF Group Captain Austin Flower McKenna MiD 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Gordon Charles Spanner DFC 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas John Davies Waterman DFC 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Arthur John Charles Whitehead 2023-12-09
1943-September-03 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer James Lawson Young DFM 2023-12-09 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED840
s/n ED840
m/d 683
Avro
ED 840
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 16/17 Jun 1943. 61 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED856
s/n ED856
m/d 683
Avro
ED 856
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED859
s/n ED859
m/d 683
Avro
ED 859
Merlin
Known Units: 156;619
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Apr/May 1943. Transferred to No. 619 Sqn (PG-V) Oct/Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. This was the aircraft's 71st operation. 630 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED864
s/n ED864
m/d 683
Avro
ED 864
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED 864/G. Tested on 16 April 1943, and delivered to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-B) April 1943. The aircraft had 23 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Moehne Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
The aircraft (AJ-B) was piloted by Flight Lieutenant "Bill" Astell DFC. It crashed (it hit an electricity pylon) close to Marbeck, Germany
at 00:15 on 17 May 1944 en route to the Moehne Dam as part of the first wave attack of operation CHASTISE, the attack on the German Dams.
Canadians Pilot Officer FA Wile, Flight Sergeant FA Garbas and Warrant Officer Class2 A Garshowitz, and four RAF members of the crew (Flight Lieutenant W Astell DFC, Sergeants I Kinnear, R Bolitho, and Flying Officer D Hopkinson) were all killed.
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
1943-May-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant William Astell DFC 2025-01-27
1943-May-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Richard Bolitho 2024-11-14
1943-May-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis Anthony Garbas 2025-01-27
1943-May-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Abram Albert Garshowitz 2025-05-24
1943-May-17 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Donald Hopkinson 2025-01-27
1943-May-17 KIA RAF Sergeant John Kinnear 2025-01-27
1943-May-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Floyd Alvin Wile 2025-01-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED865
s/n ED865
m/d 683
Avro
ED 865
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED865/G was delivered to 617 Squadron in April 1943 (AJ-S).last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Sorpe Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
Piloted by Pilot Officer LJ Burpee, the aircraft was outbound during Operation CHASTISE, bound for the Sorpe Dam, Germany. It crashed at 01:53 on May 17 near the night fighter base at Gilze-Rijen, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands
. It may have been shot down by light Flak of the 5/gemischte Flak-Abteilung 442 and the 3/leichte Flak-Abteilung 848. Conversely, eye witness accounts suggest that that the pilot was blinded by a searchlight and crashed into trees while trying to avoid it. All the crew were killed
Canadians Pilot Officer LJ Burpee DFM, Warrant Officer JL Arthur and Warrant Officer JG Brady were killed in the crash or the subsequent explosion of their UPKEEP weapon, as were Pilot Officer LG Weller (RAFVR), Sergeants T Jaye (RAFVR), WCA Long (RAFVR) and G Pegler (RAF).
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED868
s/n ED868
m/d 683
Avro
ED 868
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED870
s/n ED870
m/d 683
Avro
ED 870
Merlin
Known Units: 97;50
Originally with No. 97 Sqn (OF-T), transferred to No. 50 Sqn (VN-I) Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944. 538 flying hours, 59 operationslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED875
s/n ED875
m/d 683
Avro
ED 875
Merlin
Known Units: 97;166
Delivered to 97 Sqn (OF-R) in May 1943. Transferred to No. 166 Sqn Sept 1943. Crashed near Caistor, Lincs on return from operation to Hanover 27/28 Sep 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED876
s/n ED876
m/d 683
Avro
ED 876
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED877
s/n ED877
m/d 683
Avro
ED 877
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
1943-May-05 KIA RNZAF Flight Lieutenant Edward McLeod Gray DFC 2022-08-27
1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard John Lee 2022-08-24
1943-May-05 KIA RNZAF Flight Sergeant Desmond George Ridings 2022-08-25
1943-May-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Frederick Martin Venn 2022-08-25
1943-May-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Neville Henry Wood 2022-08-25 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED884
s/n ED884
m/d 683
Avro
ED 884
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED886
s/n ED886
m/d 683
Avro
ED 886
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED 886/G was delivered to No. 617 Sqn 23 Apr 1943. It was part of the Dam-busting raid of 16/17 May 1943, as AJ-O, piloted by Pilot Officer Bill Townsend. It it believed that they attacked the Bever dam, rather than the Ennepe which was their intended target. The aircraft was modified back to the original standard configuration.last update: 2025-November-19
SOE SOE supply drop 1943-12-10 to 1943-12-11
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Tempsford
This was one of four aircraft and crews seconded from 617 Squadron to the Special Operations Executive to work with 138 and 161 Squadrons flying from Tempsford
on supply drops to the French Resistance. Piloted by Warrant Officer GF Bull, they left Tempsford at 21:12 on December 10 for a rendezvous in northern France, but were shot down en route by flak near to at Terramesnil near to Doullens
.
There was one Canadian in the crew, Flight Sergeant DM Thorpe. He was killed, along with Sergeant JMcL Stewart, RAF. Four members of the crew, all RAF (Warrant Officer GF Bull, Flight Sergeant Batey, Sergeants CC Wiltshire and CM Chamberlain), bailed out successfully, although injured. The 7th member of the crew, Flight Sergeant JH McWilliams, RAF, successfully evaded capture.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED887
s/n ED887
m/d 683
Avro
ED 887
Merlin
Known Units: 617 Sqn
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED887/G, Delivered to 617 Squadron (AJ-A) 17 April 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing the Moehne Dam 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
The aircraft (AJ-A) was flown by Squadron Leader H Melvin Young, DFC & Bar in the Dams Raid Operation CHASTISE of 16/17 May 1943. The aircraft was the fourth to attack the Moehne Dam
, and its UPKEEP bomb was successfully dropped, causing the first breach in the structure. The breach was then enlarged by the UPKEEP of ED906 (AJ-J) captained by Flight LIeutenant DJ Maltby DFC. Young then proceeded to the Eder Dam
, where he acted as second in command to Wing Commander Guy Gibson during the attack. After the Eder had been breached by the UPKEEP of Flight Lieutenant LG Knight in ED912 (AJ-N), Young headed for home but the aircraft was shot down into the sea at Castricum-aan Zee, the Netherlands
at 02:58 on May 17th. All of the crew perished.
There was one Canadian in the crew, Flying Officer VS MacCausland, All of the others (Squadron Leader Young, Flight Sergeant CW Roberts, and Sergeants LW Nichols, DT Horsfall, GA Yeo and W Ibbotson) were with the RAF.
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED904
s/n ED904
m/d 683
Avro
ED 904
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED907
s/n ED907
m/d 683
Avro
ED 907
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to Signals Intelligence Unit Apr 1943 for trials with Mk. III H2S equipment. Then to No. 83 Sqn May 1943. Missing on operation to Cologne 16/17 Jun 1943. 59 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED908
s/n ED908
m/d 683
Avro
ED 908
Merlin
Known Units: ;SIU;83;NTU;15;582
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED914
s/n ED914
m/d 683
Avro
ED 914
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED916
s/n ED916
m/d 683
Avro
ED 916
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Bochum 12/13 Jun 1943. 44 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED925
s/n ED925
m/d 683
Avro
ED 925
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED925/G delivered to No. 617 Squadron April 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Moehne Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
The aircraft (AJ-M), piloted by Flight Lieutenant John Hopgood, DFC & Bar, was in the first wave of the attack on the Moehne Dam
on the night of 16/17 May 1943. The aircraft was the second to carry out its attack, but was hit by flak as it made its bombing run to drop its Upkeep bomb on the Dam. Hopgood tried to gain height so that the crew could bale out, but only two were successful before the aircraft exploded, at 00:33 on May 17. The aircraft had only been flown for 16 hours.
Flying Officer K Earnshaw (RCAF), Sergeant JW Minchin (RAF), Pilot Officer G Gregory DFM (RAF), and Flight Lieutenant J Hopgood DFC & Bar (RAF) were also killed. P/O. A, Burcher DFM (RAAF) bailed out at near zero feet altitude and was taken Prisoner of War. One Canadian, Pilot Officer JW Fraser, opened his parachute inside the aircraft, was pulled out and was also taken PoW
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED927
s/n ED927
m/d 683
Avro
ED 927
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Special Provisioning Lancaster ED927/G delivered to 617 Squadron (AJ-E) on 3rd May 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Sorpe Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
The aircraft AJ-E was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Robert Barlow DFC RAAF, it was in the second wave of aircraft in operation CHASTISE. It was on the way to the Sorpe Dam
, flying at low level, when it flew into a complex of high-tension cables and crashed at 23:50 near Haldern, Germany
. All of the crew perished in the crash, but the self-destruct mechanism on their UPKEEP bomb failed to activate, so that the Germans were presented with the weapon undamaged.
There was one Canadian casualty, Flying Officer HS Glinz. Of the other members of the crew, Flight Lieutenant Barlow and Flying Officer CR Williams DFC were RAAF officers. Pilot Officer SL Whillis, Flying Officer PS Burgess, Pilot Officer A. Gillespie DFM and Sergeant JRG Liddell were RAF personnel.
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED928
s/n ED928
m/d 683
Avro
ED 928
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED934
s/n ED934
m/d 683
Avro
ED 934
Merlin
Known Units: 617
ED 934/G Special Provisioning Lancaster modified Mk. III to take the Upkeep bouncing bomb for the attack on the German Dams 16/17 May 1943. The aircraft was tested on 29 April 1943 and delivered to No. 617 Sqn 3 May 1943 (AJ-K).last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Sorpe Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
The aircraft (AJ-K), piloted by Pilot Officer Vernon Byers was assigned to the second wave of Lancasters in operation CHASTISE, to attack the Sorpe Dam
. It was shot down while crossing Texel, in the Friesian Islands
, at 22:57 on May 16 en route to the target, with the loss of all crew.
Canadians in the crew were Pilot Officer VW Byers and Flight Sergeant J McDowell. Five RAF members of the crew, Sergeants A Taylor, J Wilkinson, C Jarvie, Flying Officer J Warner, and Pilot Officer A Whitaker were also killed.
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED937/G
s/n ED937/G
m/d 683
Avro
ED 937/G
Merlin
Known Units: 617
.ED 937/G Special Provisioning Lancaster. Specially modified to carry the Upkeep "bouncing bomb", it was delivered from No. 39 MU to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-Z) on14 May 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Eder Dam Germany 1943-05-16 to 1943-05-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Scampton
Operation Chastise (Dam Buster)
This aircraft (AJ-Z, piloted by Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay DFC) was in the first wave of the squadron on operation Chastise (Dam-busting raid), 16/17 May 1943. It is believed to have suffered damage from the explosion of its UPKEEP weapon during the attack on the Eder Dam
and was later shot down at 02:36 near Emmerich, Germany
on its return journey. All of the crew were killed. The aircraft had flown only 7 hours.
Canadians in the crew were Flying Officer RA Urquhart DFC and Warrant Officer Second Class AP Cottam. Other members of the crew were Squadron Leader H Maudslay, DFC, Sergeants J. Marriott DFM, N Burrows, Pilot Officer MJD Fuller, and Flying Officer W Tytherleigh DFC, all of whom were RAF.
Operation Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid was an attack on German dams carried out on the night of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, later called the Dam Busters, using special "bouncing bombs" developed by Barnes Wallis. The Möhne and Edersee dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr valley and of villages in the Eder valley; the Sorpe Dam sustained only minor damage. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged. Factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. An estimated 1,600 civilians "“ about 600 Germans and 1,000 enslaved labourers, mainly Soviet "“ were killed by the flooding. Despite rapid repairs by the Germans, production did not return to normal until September. The RAF lost 53 aircrew killed and 3 captured, with 8 aircraft destroyed.
The mission grew out of a concept for a bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer at Vickers.Wallis had worked on the Vickers Wellesley and Vickers Wellington bombers and while working on the Vickers Windsor, he had also begun work, with Admiralty support, on an anti-shipping bomb, although dam destruction was soon considered. At first, Wallis wanted to drop a 10 long tons (22,000 lb; 10,000 kg) bomb from an altitude of about 40,000 ft (12,000 m), part of the earthquake bomb concept. No bomber aircraft was capable of flying at such an altitude or of carrying such a heavy bomb and although Wallis proposed the six-engined Victory Bomber for this purpose this was rejected. Wallis realized that a much smaller explosive charge would suffice if it exploded against the dam wall under the water but German reservoir dams were protected by heavy torpedo nets to prevent an explosive device from travelling through the water.
Wallis devised a 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) bomb (more accurately, a mine) in the shape of a cylinder, equivalent to a very large depth charge armed with a hydrostatic fuse, designed to be given a backspin of 500 rpm. Dropped at 60 ft (18 m) and 240 mph (390 km/h) from the release point, the mine would skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam wall as its forward speed ceased. Initially the backspin was intended to increase the range of the mine but it was later realized that it would cause the mine, after submerging, to run down the side of the dam towards its base, thus maximising the explosive effect against the dam.[7] This weapon was code-named Upkeep.
Testing of the concept included blowing up a scale model dam at the Building Research Establishment, Watford, in May 1942 and then the breaching of the disused Nant-y-Gro dam in Wales in July. A subsequent test suggested that a charge of 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) exploded 30 ft (9.1 m) under water would breach a full-size dam; crucially this weight would be within the carrying capacity of an Avro Lancaster. The first air drop trials were at Chesil Beach in December 1942; these used a spinning 4 ft 6 in sphere dropped from a modified Vickers Wellington, serial BJ895/G; the same aircraft was used until April 1943 when the first modified Lancasters became available. The tests continued at Chesil Beach and Reculver, often unsuccessfully, using revised designs of the mine and variations of speed and height.
Avro Chief Designer Roy Chadwick adapted the Lancaster to carry the mine. To reduce weight, much of the internal armour was removed, as was the mid-upper (dorsal) gun turret. The dimensions of the mine and its unusual shape meant that the bomb-bay doors had to be removed and the mine hung partly below the fuselage. It was mounted on two crutches and before dropping it was spun by an auxiliary motor. Chadwick also worked out the design and installation of controls and gear for the carriage and release of the mine in conjunction with Barnes Wallis. The Avro Lancaster B Mk IIIs so modified were known as Lancaster B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning).
In February 1943, Air Vice-Marshal Francis Linnell at the Ministry of Aircraft Production thought the work was diverting Wallis from the development of the Vickers Windsor bomber (which did not become operational). Pressure from Linnell via the chairman of Vickers, Sir Charles Worthington Craven, caused Wallis to offer to resign.[12] Sir Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, after a briefing by Linnell also opposed the allocation of his bombers; Harris was about to start the strategic bombing campaign against Germany and Lancasters were just entering service. Wallis had written to an influential intelligence officer, Group Captain Frederick Winterbotham, who ensured that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Charles Portal, heard of the project. Portal saw the film of the Chesil Beach trials and was convinced.[13] On 26 February 1943, Portal over-ruled Harris and ordered that thirty Lancasters were to be allocated to the mission and the target date was set for May, when water levels would be at their highest and breaches in the dams would cause the most damage.[14] With eight weeks to go, the larger Upkeep mine that was needed for the mission and the modifications to the Lancasters had yet to be designed.
The operation was given to No. 5 Group RAF, which formed a new squadron to undertake the dams mission. It was initially called Squadron X, as the speed of its formation outstripped the RAF process for naming squadrons. Led by 24-year-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a veteran of more than 170 bombing and night-fighter missions, twenty-one bomber crews were selected from 5 Group squadrons. The crews included RAF personnel of several nationalities, members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The squadron was based at RAF Scampton, about 5 mi (8 km) north of Lincoln.
The targets selected were the Möhne Dam and the Sorpe Dam, upstream from the Ruhr industrial area, with the Eder Dam on the Eder River, which feeds into the Weser, as a secondary target. The loss of hydroelectric power was important but the loss of water to industry, cities and canals would have greater effect and there was potential for devastating flooding if the dams broke.
Bombing from an altitude of 60 ft (18 m), at an air speed of 240 mph (390 km/h) and at set distance from the target called for expert crews. Intensive night-time and low-altitude training began. There were also technical problems to solve, the first one being to determine when the aircraft was at optimum distance from its target. The Möhne and Eder Dams had towers at each end. A special targeting device with two prongs, making the same angle as the two towers at the correct distance from the dam, showed when to release the bomb. (The BBC documentary Dambusters Declassified (2010) stated that the pronged device was not used, owing to problems related to vibration and that other methods were employed, including a length of string tied in a loop and pulled back centrally to a fixed point in the manner of a catapult.)
The second problem was determining the aircraft's altitude, as barometric altimeters lacked accuracy. Two spotlights were mounted, one under the aircraft's nose and the other under the fuselage, so that at the correct height their light beams would converge on the surface of the water. The crews practised at the Eyebrook Reservoir, near Uppingham, Rutland; Abberton Reservoir near Colchester; Derwent Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District; and Fleet Lagoon on Chesil Beach. Wallis's bomb was first tested at the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The squadron took delivery of the bombs on 13 May, after the final tests on 29 April. At 18:00 on 15 May, at a meeting in Whitworth's house, Gibson and Wallis briefed the squadron's two flight commanders, Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay and Sqn Ldr H. M. "Dinghy" Young, Gibson's deputy for the Möhne attack, Flt Lt John V. Hopgood and the squadron bombing leader, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hay. The rest of the crews were told at a series of briefings the following day, which began with a briefing of pilots, navigators and bomb-aimers at about midday.
Formation No. 1 was composed of nine aircraft in three groups (listed by pilot): Gibson, Hopgood and Flt Lt H. B. "Micky" Martin (an Australian serving in the RAF); Young, Flt Lt David Maltby and Flt Lt Dave Shannon (RAAF); and Maudslay, Flt Lt Bill Astell and Pilot Officer Les Knight (RAAF). Its mission was to attack the Möhne; any aircraft with bombs remaining would then attack the Eder.
Formation No. 2, numbering five aircraft, piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy (an American serving in the RCAF), Pilot Officer Vernon Byers (RCAF),[15] Flt Lt Norman Barlow (RAAF), Pilot Officer Geoff Rice[16] and Flt Lt Les Munro (RNZAF), was to attack the Sorpe.
Formation No. 3 was a mobile reserve consisting of aircraft piloted by Flight Sergeant Cyril Anderson, Flt Sergeant Bill Townsend, Flt Sergeant Ken Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer Warner Ottley and Pilot Officer Lewis Burpee (RCAF), taking off two hours later on 17 May, either to bomb the main dams or to attack three smaller secondary target dams: the Lister, the Ennepe and the Diemel.
Two crews were unable to make the mission owing to illness.
source: Wikipedia
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED939
s/n ED939
m/d 683
Avro
ED 939
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn 7 May 1943. Missing on operation to Nuremburg 10/11 Aug 1943. 112 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED947
s/n ED947
m/d 683
Avro
ED 947
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED968
s/n ED968
m/d 683
Avro
ED 968
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No, 12 Sqn (GZ-G) May 1943. Recoded PH-Pbar. The aircraft suffered a structural failure and crashed near Stenigot, Lancashire, 25 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED969
s/n ED969
m/d 683
Avro
ED 969
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED973
s/n ED973
m/d 683
Avro
ED 973
Merlin
Known Units: 460;100
Originally with No. 460 (Australian) Sqn, later with No. 100 Sqn (HW-D). Missing on operation to Oberhausen 14/15 June 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED974
s/n ED974
m/d 683
Avro
ED 974
Merlin
Known Units: 83
To Signals Intelligence Unit, then to No. 83 Sqn (OL-Y) May 1943. It had two minor crashes. Missing on operation to Berlin 20/21 Jan 1944. 265 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED976
s/n ED976
m/d 683
Avro
ED 976
Merlin
Known Units: 460;100
Delivered to No. 460 Sqn 15 May 1943. Transferred to No. 100 Sqn (HW-S). Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 11/12 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED978
s/n ED978
m/d 683
Avro
ED 978
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED979
s/n ED979
m/d 683
Avro
ED 979
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn May 1943. Missing on raid to Cologne 28/29 Jun 1943. 71 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED980
s/n ED980
m/d 683
Avro
ED 980
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn May 1943. Missing on operation to Oberhausen 14/15 Jun 1943. 32 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED983
s/n ED983
m/d 683
Avro
ED 983
Merlin
Known Units: 619
To No. 619 Sqn Jun 1943. Took part in 3 of the 4 raids on Hamburg, Jul/Aug 1943. Crashed near Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire in bad weather on returning from operation to Bochum, 30 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED984
s/n ED984
m/d 683
Avro
ED 984
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to Signals Intelligence Unit, then to No. 83 Sqn May 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 23/24 Aug 1944. 195 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED987
s/n ED987
m/d 683
Avro
ED 987
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (AR-Abar) May 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 11/12 Jun 1943. 31 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED989
s/n ED989
m/d 683
Avro
ED 989
Merlin
Known Units: ;57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED991
s/n ED991
m/d 683
Avro
ED 991
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-K, later HW-H) May 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 18/19 Nov 1943. 267 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED995
s/n ED995
m/d 683
Avro
ED 995
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-X) May 1943. Missing on operation to Hannover 8/9 Oct 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ED997
s/n ED997
m/d 683
Avro
ED 997
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to Signals Intelligence Unit May 1943 for trials with H2S MK. III. Transferred to No. 83 Sqn 4 Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Krefeld 21/22 Jun 1943. 20 Flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE106
s/n EE106
m/d 683
Avro
EE 106
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Antheor Viaduct France 1943-09-16 to 1943-09-16
619 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
British National Archives, Kew (AIR 50/281/217) have the following "Report on Loss of Aircraft on Operations" covering incident in which he was in crew:
Aircraft: Lancaster EE106 - "E" of 619 Squadron.
Date of Loss: 16/17 September 1943
Cause of Loss: Lack of fuel followed by ditching; probable navigational error.
Target: Anthor Viaduct
Information from all members of the crew: Pilot: Flight Lieutenant Jones, S.E.J., captain; Navigator: Flying Officer Holding, A.D.; Wireless Operator: Flight Sergeant Faux, R.G.; Flight Engineer: Sergeant Brooks, H.E.; Bomb Aimer: Sergeant Descaine, E.; Air Gunner, Mid-Upper: Sergeant Cook, C.S.; Air Gunner, Rear: Flying Officer Cartwright, A.W.E.P.
Briefed Route: Selsey Bill - Cabourg - 47.35N 00.45E - 45.12N 05.42E - Cap Ferrat - Antheor Viaduct - St. Raphael - 46.30N 01.00E - 46.30N 02.30W - 46.15N 05.50W - Predannack.
Narrative:
GEE was unsatisfactory on the outward journey up to about 4ÌŠ E when it came on and was serviceable as far as approximately 6ÌŠ E when it again became unserviceable. GEE showed the aircraft to be about 30 miles north of the track and the course was corrected. The Met forecast gave winds of 30-40 m.p.h. on the outward journey and light and variable at the target, but it was estimated that the wind was backing from westerly to southerly and increasing to 70-80 m.p.h. The speed was kept at 155 I.A.S. as instructed for the outward journey and the compass was checked.
The aircraft crossed the coast at Cap Ferrat and circled the rendevous island until the squadron had assembled. E/619 was due at the renndevous at 00.30 hours and the E.T.A. was 00.40 hours. The aircraft was the last to bomb the target at 1.20 hours from 300 feet, the target being identified visually. A small amount of light flak was encountered but no damage was noticed at the time. Delayed action bombs were used and no results were observed.
Height was gained over the sea to 6,000 feet and the compass was checked (method not given). Course was set 288ÌŠto allow for an estimated 60 m.p.h. southerly wind. There is some possible confusion here, in the story as told as to whether courses were "True" or "Magnetic". The Navigator sais "True" while the pilot at first said "Magnetic" but they finally agreed that "True" was correct. The aircraft climbed to 12,000 feet for the homeward journey and entered cloud at 8,000-12,000 feet, flying in cloud continually until the descent was made later at the estimated position of the French coast. GEE was unserviceable and the navigation was all by dead reckoning. As the winds to the north has been westerly and lighter on the outward journey, course was altered to 295ÌŠ between Long. 2ÌŠand 3ÌŠE. At the outward position by D.R. of 46.30N 01.08E course was altered to 270ÌŠ at an estimated time of between 03.45 hours and 04.00 hours.
At the E.T.A. French coast (04.15 hours) they descended and broke cloud at 6,000 feet, expecting to cross the French coast. Instead they found themselves over a lighted town which they thought must be in Spain and it was realized for the first time they were off track. Course was altered to 330ÌŠ for about 50 minutes and an M.F. fix was then asked for (approximately 05.05 hours). As Plympton was unable to plot they they were given a Q.T.E. of 200ÌŠ from Plympton (05.30 hours). At this time they were still inland. The coast was crossed at 05.50 hours and an S.O.S. fix was asked for. No reply was received except letter "K" reported. It is noted here that the last was heard of E/619 by the home base was a fix at 05.55 hours, position [mutilated word] 43.N 06.17E which E/619 did not receive.
The upper sky cleared and they were able to get an Astrofix 120 miles W.N.W. of Santander. (Black plotting from this would indicate that the course to the lighted town may have been about 50ÌŠ off the briefed route).
The Flight Engineer checked the petrol and it was found to be only sufficient to reach approximately 48ÌŠ N. Latitude, near the Brest peninsula. The captain decided that, rather than be forced down in enemy waters, it was preferable to proceed in the direction of Gibralter, though he did not hope to reach it. As they had no map of Spain they followed round the coast about five miles off.
About 12 miles north of Operto (time approximately 07.00-07.15 hours), it was decided to land and, as there was a heavy ground haze over the land, it was considered preferable to come down on the sea. The electrical apparatus was destroyed (V.H.F., I.F.F., GEE and MONICA) and the aircraft was put down on the sea about 200 yards off shore. The crew took to the dinghy but were picked up and taken to shore by some Portugese fishermen.
The aircraft was washed ashore and some light flak damage holes were found in the port mainplane, probably from the Viaduct defences as the crew did not think they were fired vat over Spain. The crew were soon taken in charge by the authorities and removed, but as far as they are aware no attempt at salvage was made by the Portugese authorities and they presume that the aircraft was allowed to lie and be broken up by the sea.
The following additional information was obtained from the crew. Prior to the operation the aircraft had been on a three-day inspection and compass check, and had not been flown since. The fuel load was 2,150 gallons. Three runs were made over the Target Area at high boost and high revs. No other use of high boost or hot air was made. There was no excessive climbing apart from that planned and only slight hoar frost on the windows was observed.source: Hugh Halliday
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE107
s/n EE107
m/d 683
Avro
EE 107
Merlin
Known Units: 97;100
Originally with No. 97 Sqn (OF-F, later OF-L) May-Jun 1943. Transferred to No. 100 Sqn (HW-U) Oct 1943. Further transferred to No. 550 Sqn Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Magdeburg 21/22 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE113
s/n EE113
m/d 683
Avro
EE 113
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE114
s/n EE114
m/d 683
Avro
EE 114
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn May 1943 (PG-B). Damaged 16 Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Leipzig 20/21 Oct 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE117
s/n EE117
m/d 683
Avro
EE 117
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-L) May 1943. Missing on the Peenemunde raid 17/18 Aug 1943. 159 operational hours. 38th aircraft shot down of the 40 lost on this operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE118
s/n EE118
m/d 683
Avro
EE 118
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 156 Sqn 22 Jun 1943. Crashed at Wimbotsham, Norfolk, England in bad weather on return from a raid on Bochum 28/29 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE119
s/n EE119
m/d 683
Avro
EE 119
Merlin
Known Units: 83;7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE122
s/n EE122
m/d 683
Avro
EE 122
Merlin
Known Units: 9;156
Delivered to No. 9 Squadron (WS-F) then passed to No. 156 Sqn. Missing from raid on Cologne 16/17 Jun 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE123
s/n EE123
m/d 683
Avro
EE 123
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE125
s/n EE125
m/d 683
Avro
EE 125
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE126
s/n EE126
m/d 683
Avro
EE 126
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE127
s/n EE127
m/d 683
Avro
EE 127
Merlin
Known Units: 156
To No. 156 Sqn via 32 MU, Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Elberfeld, 24/25 Jun 1943. 6 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE129
s/n EE129
m/d 683
Avro
EE 129
Merlin
Known Units: 83;7
Started with No. 83 Sqn. Then with No. 7 Sqn (MG-V). Missing on operation to Berlin 1/2 Feb 1944. 311 operational hours. Mason gives MG-Ylast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE135
s/n EE135
m/d 683
Avro
EE 135
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Essen Germany 1943-09-24 to 1943-09-24
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft EE 135 was shot down near Mannheim, Germany during a night trip to Essen, Germany. RCAF W/O II M.C. Craik and FS H.A. Green was killed. Five of the remaining non-Canadian crew were also killed: RAF Flt. Sgt's. T.T. Francis and J.B. Harrison; and RAAF Pilot Officer A. Long and Flt. Sgt. O.J. Lumsden.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE136
s/n EE136
m/d 683
Avro
EE 136
Merlin
Known Units: 1659HCU;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE137
s/n EE137
m/d 683
Avro
EE 137
Merlin
Known Units: 101;166
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-A) Aug 1943. Re-coded SR-U. Transferred to No. 166 Sqn Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE141
s/n EE141
m/d 683
Avro
EE 141
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-P) 31 May 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 16/17 Dec 1943. 385 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE144
s/n EE144
m/d 683
Avro
EE 144
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn 31 May 1943 (AJ-S). The aircraft was shot down en route to the Dortmund-Ems Canal 15 Sept 1943. The aircraft had also been on operations to Italy on the 24 and 29 July, piloted by Flight Lieutenant H.B. "Micky" Martin, DFC & Bar.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany 1943-09-15 to 1943-09-16
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
Lancaster aircraft EE 144 (AJ-S) was flying over Germany en route to the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Ladbergen, Germany
, at a height 300 feet when it was hit by light flak and and crashed at Nordhorn, Germany
. The 12,000 pound bomb the aircraft was carrying blew up: all of the crew were killed.
Two Canadians were in the crew, Flight Lieutenant TH Taerum DFC and Flying Officer GA Deering DFC. The remaining members of the crew (Squadron Leader G Holden DSO, DFC , Sergeant D Powell MiD, Flying Officer HJ Pringle DFC, Pilot Officer T Meikle DFM and Flight Lieutenant R Hutchison DFC & Bar) were in the RAF, with the exception of Flying Officer SF Spafford DFC, DFM, who was in the Royal Australian Air Force. Taerum, Deering, Hutchison and Spafford has been in Guy Gibson's crew when he led the Dams raid of 16/17 May 1943.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE147
s/n EE147
m/d 683
Avro
EE 147
Merlin
Known Units: 617;619
Originally with No. 617 Sqn (AJ-L), then transferred to No. 619 Sqn (PG-P) May 1943. Missing on the operation to Peenemunde 17/18 August 1943 to destroy the V2 rocket development centre. It was the 29th aircraft lost on this raid. The crew were on their 9th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE167
s/n EE167
m/d 683
Avro
EE 167
Merlin
Known Units:
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE172
s/n EE172
m/d 683
Avro
EE 172
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-O) Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 29/30 Jul 1943. This was the 3rd night of the Battle of Hamburg. The aircraft was shot down by a fighter, and was the 23rd casualty of the night, when 31 aircraft were lost or crashed in England. The crew were on their 28th operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE174
s/n EE174
m/d 683
Avro
EE 174
Merlin
Known Units: 97;50
Originally with No. 97 Sqn, then to No. 39 MU, then to 50 Sqn in Mar 1944. Lost on the ill-fated operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944, when 108 aircraft were lost or written off. This aircraft was the 70th to be shot down (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE175
s/n EE175
m/d 683
Avro
EE 175
Merlin
Known Units: 7;83;207
Delivered to No. 7 Sqn, then transferred to No. 83 Sqn (OL-C). Then to No. 207 Sqn (EM-S) in October 1943. Missing on operation to Kassel 22/23 Oct 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE179
s/n EE179
m/d 683
Avro
EE 179
Merlin
Known Units: ;44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE180
s/n EE180
m/d 683
Avro
EE 180
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE181
s/n EE181
m/d 683
Avro
EE 181
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE182
s/n EE182
m/d 683
Avro
EE 182
Merlin
Known Units: 101;103;USAF;T&DE
A/C on Loan from Air Ministry (RAF). Used at Wright-Patterson Field, Columbus Ohio for test drops July -Aug 1943. Used for cold weather trials by Test & Development Establishment, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Reported at Kapuskasing, Ontario on 14 April 1944. Transferred to RCAF, scrapped Mar 1948last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-10 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1948-March-04 to RAF Returned to RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE188
s/n EE188
m/d 683
Avro
EE 188
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-B) 14 Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 16/17 Dec 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE191
s/n EE191
m/d 683
Avro
EE 191
Merlin
Known Units: 463
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE193
s/n EE193
m/d 683
Avro
EE 193
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE194
s/n EE194
m/d 683
Avro
EE 194
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1943-08-28 to 1943-08-28
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft EE 194 was shot down near Mausdorf, Germany during night operations, an attack against Nuremberg, Germany. Killed were RCAF Sgt. W.E. Hogarth; RAAF Flt. Sgt's. A.S. Dodson, R.H. Hallam, B. Kerlin, and A.F. Loxton; and RAF Sgt's. J.A. Beck and E.A. Murray.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial EE195
s/n EE195
m/d 683
Avro
EE 195
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 16 Jan 1943. Missing on raid to Cologne 28/29 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM100
s/n FM100
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 100
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM101
s/n FM101
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 101
Merlin
Known Units: 404
Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM101.Converted to Mk. 10MR. Refueled at Mountain View, Ontario on 31 July 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2020-06-11
1946-August-09 Classified Instructional CA A 515 2020-06-11
1948-March-25 Struck off Strength struck off strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM102
s/n FM102
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 102
Merlin
Known Units: 404
Used by No. 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Destroyed in a mid-air collision on 22 Jul 1952 near Bagotville, QC. A 401(F) Sqn flight of six Vampires was authorized to intercept a formation of nine Lancasters from 404 (MP) Sqn during Operation SIGNPOST. The Vampire pilot was thought to have exceeded max speed during the interception and lost control colliding with FM102. The Vampire pilot, Flight Lieutenant C.S. Buchanan, and the six Lancaster crew members were all killed. The Lanc crew consisted of Flying Officer R.A. Gray, Flying Officer R.H.D. Noble, Flying Officer J.E. Macara, Flying Officer E.C.W. Hutt, Flying Officer A. Marier and Cpl R.G. Smith.with notes from Kestrel Publications
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1952 Accident Crash crashed 2019-08-20
1952-July-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Alexander Gray MiD 2023-04-04
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Charles William Hutt 2023-04-25
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Ernest Macara 2023-03-02
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Alfred Marier 2023-06-22
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Heather Duffield Noble 2023-02-27
1952-July-22 KIFA RCAF Corporal Robert Gerald Smith 2022-01-18 Lancaster MK.X serial FM103
s/n FM103
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 103
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM103.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM104
s/n FM104
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 104
Merlin
Known Units: 408;428;103;107
With No. 103 (Rescue ) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS in 1952. Operated by No. 107 (Search and Rescue) Unit, RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland in early 1960s. Visited RAF Cottesmore c.1963. To RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario in April 1964 for type retirement ceremony. Mounted on pylon on Toronto lake front for many years. Moved to Downsview 1999, for restoration. Moved to British Columbia Aviation Museum 2018 for restoration. Photos courtesy of BCAM Aug 2022last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1964-September-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM105
s/n FM105
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 105
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM105.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM106
s/n FM106
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 106
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM106.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM107
s/n FM107
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 107
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM108
s/n FM108
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 108
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM109
s/n FM109
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 109
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM110
s/n FM110
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 110
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM110. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by 405 (MR) Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1955-January-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM111
s/n FM111
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 111
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM111.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM112
s/n FM112
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 112
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM113
s/n FM113
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 113
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM114
s/n FM114
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 114
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM115
s/n FM115
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 115
Merlin
Known Units: 405;404
Served with No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM110. Converted to Mk. 10 MR. With No. 404 (MR) Squadron at Greenwood, NS when it crashed on 9 October 1953. 5 fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1953 Accident Crash Crashed at RCAF Station Greenwood, Nova Scotia. 2019-08-20
1953-November-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1953-October-09 KIFA RCAF Corporal Frederick John Niunez Cardoso 2024-01-04
1953-October-09 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Ronald Floyd Green 2023-05-24
1953-October-09 KIFA RCAF Corporal Joseph Louis Adelard Gaston Guerin 2023-06-19
1953-October-09 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Robert Klang CD 2020-09-27
1953-October-09 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Alexander Pegues MiD 2023-06-09 Lancaster MK.X serial FM116
s/n FM116
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 116
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM117
s/n FM117
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 117
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM118
s/n FM118
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 118
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM118. Used as instructional airframe. Being prepared for ferry flight to Rivers, Manitoba at No. 10 Repair Depot, Calgary, on 30 March 1948, leaving Calgary on 31 March 1948. Later used as target on artillery range at CFB Shilo, Manitoba. "Derelict remains" reported at BCATP Museum, Brandon, Manitoba in 1986. Pieces wound up at Nanton Lancaster Museum, used to restore other projects, and some parts traded to other museums, including the group restoring FM104 in 2005.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM119
s/n FM119
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 119
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM120
s/n FM120
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 120
Merlin
Known Units: 405;408
Flew with No. 405 (B) Squadron and No. 408 (B) Squadron. No Ops. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM120. Converted to Mk. 10P. With No. 408 (P) Squadron in January 1949, at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1962-September-28 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM121
s/n FM121
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 121
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM122
s/n FM122
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 122
Merlin
Known Units: 405;408
Flew with No. 405 (B) Squadron during WWll. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Used post war by 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys, Artic patrols, and tactical photo reconnaissance. Coded "MN*122". Participated in Operation Sundog III (airborne assault on Fort Chimo, Quebec, from Goose Bay), February 1952. To UK for 617 Squadron reunion in May 1959. To RCAF Station Namao, Alberta in February 1960 for Exercise Snow Chinthe.last update: 2025-November-19
1962-September-25 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM123
s/n FM123
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 123
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM124
s/n FM124
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 124
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM124. Converted to Instructional.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2020-06-11
1947-March-24 Classified Instructional CA A 552 2020-06-11
1954-April-27 Struck off Strength struck off strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM125
s/n FM125
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 125
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM126
s/n FM126
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 126
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM126. Converted to instructional as 551 B.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2020-06-11
1947-March-19 Classified Instructional CA A 551 2020-06-11
1954-March-05 Struck off Strength struck off strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM127
s/n FM127
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 127
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM127. Ferried from Scoudouc, NB to Pearce, Alberta 6-13 September 1945, via St. Hubert and Winnipeg.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM128
s/n FM128
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 128
Merlin
Known Units: 404
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF FM128. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by 404 MP Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1956 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1956-May-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM129
s/n FM129
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 129
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM130
s/n FM130
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 130
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron during WWll. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM130.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM131
s/n FM131
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 131
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM132
s/n FM132
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 132
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM133
s/n FM133
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 133
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM134
s/n FM134
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 134
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM135
s/n FM135
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 135
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM136
s/n FM136
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 136
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM136. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by No. 407 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Comox, BC in the 1950s. Stored at Fort McLeod, Alberta, without engines, in fall of 1959. Displayed on pylon at McCall Field (later Calgary International) at Calgary, Alberta from 1961 to 1988. Now in Calgary Aero Space Museum at Calgary airport.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1961-April-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM137
s/n FM137
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 137
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM138
s/n FM138
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 138
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM139
s/n FM139
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 139
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM140
s/n FM140
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 140
Merlin
Known Units: 404
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM140. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1955-September-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM141
s/n FM141
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 141
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM142
s/n FM142
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 142
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM143
s/n FM143
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 143
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM144
s/n FM144
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 144
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM145
s/n FM145
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 145
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM146
s/n FM146
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 146
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM147
s/n FM147
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 147
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X/10SR serial FM148
s/n FM148
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 148
Merlin
Known Units: 103RU
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war RCAF FM148. Underwent winterization trials. Converted to Mk. 10SR. Used at 103 Rescue Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood..last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1956-January-09 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM149
s/n FM149
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 149
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM150
s/n FM150
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 150
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM151
s/n FM151
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 151
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM152
s/n FM152
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 152
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM153
s/n FM153
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 153
Merlin
Known Units: T&DE
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war RCAF FM153. Used by Test and Development Establishment, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, dates unknown.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-19 Struck off Strength struck off strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM154
s/n FM154
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 154
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM155
s/n FM155
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 155
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM155. Struck off 21 Jan 1948 (by Howard).last update: 2025-November-19
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM156
s/n FM156
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 156
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM157
s/n FM157
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 157
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM158
s/n FM158
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 158
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial FM159
s/n FM159
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 159
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM159. Converted to Mk. 10MP. Used by No. 407 (MP) Squadron, RCAF Station Comox. Sold to G.W. White of Nanton, Alberta on 28 September 1960. In storage at RCAF Station Lincoln Park, Alberta at that time. Static display at Nanton, Alberta, for many years. In hanger at Nanton Lancaster Society c.1988, undergoing restoration. Still underway in 2008. All four engines run for the first time after restoration in summer of 2013. Displayed at Bomber Command Museum of Canada, Nanton AB.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-October-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM160
s/n FM160
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 160
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM161
s/n FM161
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 161
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM162
s/n FM162
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 162
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM163
s/n FM163
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 163
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM164
s/n FM164
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 164
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM165
s/n FM165
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 165
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM166
s/n FM166
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 166
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM167
s/n FM167
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 167
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM168
s/n FM168
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 168
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM169
s/n FM169
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 169
Merlin
Known Units: 1668HCU
To 1668 HCU. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM170
s/n FM170
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 170
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM171
s/n FM171
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 171
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM172
s/n FM172
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 172
Merlin
Known Units: 313FTU;404
Served with No. 313 Ferry Training Unit in England. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM172. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With No. 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS in 1954, coded SP*G.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1955-September-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM173
s/n FM173
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 173
Merlin
Known Units: 313FTU;404
Served with No. 313 Ferry Training Unit in England. Returned to Canada post war RCAF FM110. Converted to Mk. 10MR.Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AF*F", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.
last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955-September-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later scrapped. 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X serial FM174
s/n FM174
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 174
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM175
s/n FM175
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 175
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM176
s/n FM176
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 176
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM177
s/n FM177
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 177
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM178
s/n FM178
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 178
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM179
s/n FM179
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 179
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM180
s/n FM180
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 180
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM181
s/n FM181
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 181
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM182
s/n FM182
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 182
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM183
s/n FM183
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 183
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.XPP serial FM184
s/n FM184
as/n TCA 105
m/d 691
c/n 3385
Victory Aircraft
FM 184
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted during production to civil transport. Registered as CF-CMX and delivered to TCA on August 9, 1946 then assigned fin #105. There are no details of the date this aircraft entered service with CGTAS. Sold to Skyways and leased to Onzeair Ltd. of Karachi, India as AP-ACL. It was intended to sell the aircraft to the Pakistan Company, but found it was illegal to sell aircraft without a license. It was decided to lease to the company set up by Skyways purely to smuggle illegal arms into Pakistan together with 3 other Lancaster's. Exact details of its fate is unknown.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.XPP serial FM185
s/n FM185
as/n TCA 106
m/d 691
c/n 3386
Victory Aircraft
FM 185
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted during production to civil transport. Registered as CF-CMY and delivered to TCA on August 9, 1945 being assigned fin #106. The date of service with CGTAS is not recorded. Sold to Flight Refueling Ltd. during 1947 and registered on the U.K. Registry as GAKDP; used on the Berlin Airlift as a fuel transport tanker. The aircraft made a forced landing near Schiveria in Germany on May 10, 1949, 10 days before the Russians ended the Berlin blockade, Captain Tucker and 3 other crew members were unhurt and the RAF were eventually able to take away the wreckage.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.XPP serial FM186
s/n FM186
as/n TCA 107
m/d 691
c/n 3387
Victory Aircraft
FM 186
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted during production to civil transport. Registered as CF-CMZ and delivered to TCA on August 23, 1945 then assigned fin #107. No details are available regarding the date of service for the CGTAS. Sold to Flight Refueling Ltd. in 1945 on the U.K. Registry as G-AKDR, used on the Berlin Airlift as a fuel transport tanker; Flight Refueling Ltd tankers had flown all together 4,438 sorties, considerably more than any other airline. This aircraft had the highest individual score of 526 sorties carrying 3,070 tons. Withdrawn from service during May 1951 and scrapped.at Tarrant Rushton.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.XPP serial FM187
s/n FM187
as/n TCA 108
m/d 691
c/n 3388
Victory Aircraft
FM 187
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted during production to civil transport. Registered as CF-CNA it was delivered to TCA on August 25, 1945 and assigned fin #108. No date of service with CGTAS is available. Sold to Flight Refueling Ltd., on the U.K. Registry as G-AKDS, used on the Berlin Airlift as a fuel transport tanker Withdrawn from the operation August 10, 1949 and subsequently scrapped during May 1951.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster MK.X serial FM188
s/n FM188
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 188
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM189
s/n FM189
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 189
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM190
s/n FM190
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 190
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM191
s/n FM191
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 191
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM192
s/n FM192
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 192
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM193
s/n FM193
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 193
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM194
s/n FM194
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 194
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM195
s/n FM195
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 195
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM196
s/n FM196
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 196
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM197
s/n FM197
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 197
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM198
s/n FM198
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 198
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM199
s/n FM199
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 199
Merlin
Known Units: 313FTU;408
Served with No. 313 Ferry Training Unit in England. Returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM110. Converted to Mk. 10P. Served with No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe. Participated in Operation Sundog III (airborne assault on Fort Chimo, Quebec, from Goose Bay), February 1952.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1960 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X serial FM200
s/n FM200
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 200
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM201
s/n FM201
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 201
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM202
s/n FM202
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 202
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM203
s/n FM203
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 203
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Scrapped in England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X serial FM204
s/n FM204
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 204
Merlin
Known Units:
Unallocated. Operated by Empire Air Navigation School.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10C serial FM205
s/n FM205
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 205
Merlin
Known Units:
Not TOC by RAF, returned to Canada. Nov 1945. Converted by Avro(Canada) to Mk10C, intended as test bed for Orenda Chinook TR.4 Mkll axial flow turbojets, mounted in outboard nacelles. Not completed, scrapped 1956.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10N serial FM206
s/n FM206
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 206
Merlin
Known Units: CNS
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war RCAF FM206. Converted to Mk. 10N. Used at RCAF Station Summerside, PEI by Central Navigation School. Named "Northern Star."last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1957 Sold as Surplus sold 2019-08-20
1957-May-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM207
s/n FM207
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 207
Merlin
Known Units: 408;413
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM207. Converted to Mk. 10P. Used post war by No. 408 (P) RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, for photo surveys. Coded "MN*207". Also used by No. 413 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, late 1940s.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1962-September-28 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Lancaster MK.X/10N serial FM208
s/n FM208
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 208
Merlin
Known Units: CNS;103
Retained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10N. delivered to Central Navigational School (CNS) RCAF Station Summerside, PEI; As code 'VC-CQB' later 'OQ208'; nicknamed 'Polaris'. To No. 103 (S&R) Flight at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS in early 1948. Flew Operation Desolate (medevac of government employee from Resolute Bay, Cornwall Island to Montreal) in October 1949. Based at RCAF Greenwood by then. Pilot Squadron Leader (later W/C) W.A.G. McLeish received Air Force Cross for this mission. Used at RCAF Station Summerside, PEI, dates unknown. Retired by spring 1957; SOC 28.5.57. Sold to Ajax Aircraft of Toronto and registered as CF-KHH as a fuel oil tanker with World Wide Airways Inc.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1957-May-28 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10U;10O serial FM209
s/n FM209
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 209
Merlin
Known Units:
To Avro (Canada) for conversion to Mk10O test bed, for two Orenda Chinook axial flow turbojets mounted in outer nacelles. First flight 13 July 1950. Destroyed by fire 24 July 1956.
Lethbridge Herald March 23 1955.
Via Newspapers.com
Avialogs (By Benoit de Mulder)
last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1949-December-02 Ownership Transferred Avro Malton CA to A V Roe for modifications and test bed for Orenda Chinook Engines. Chinooks to replace two outboard Merlins. 2021-12-13
1950-July-13 First Flight Malton CA Orenda Chinook engines. Piloted by Avro Canada Chief Test Pilot Don Rogers. Using Orenda Chinook engines, reported to have outrun US Air National Guard P-47s when all engines were operated. 2021-12-13
1954-July-30 to Storage Malton CA AV Roe Hanger, Malton Ontario Canada 2021-12-13
1954-July-30 Airframe Time Malton CA 500+ hours 2021-12-13
1955-March-22 Damaged on Ground (Accident) Malton CA destroyed by hanger fire, at Malton, Ontario 2021-12-12
1956-July-24 Struck off Strength Malton CA 2021-12-12
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM210
s/n FM210
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 210
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Unallocated, returned to Canada post war. RCAF FM210. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by No. 407 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Comox, BC in the 1950s.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1955-January-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10N serial FM211
s/n FM211
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 211
Merlin
Known Units: CNS
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10N. Used by the Air Navigation School at RCAF Station Summerside, PEI. Named "Zenith", registered as VC-GSX. First RCAF aircraft to fly over North Pole, on 2 May 1949. Operated from ice airstrip in Beaufort Sea at this time.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1956 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1956-May-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM212
s/n FM212
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 212
Merlin
Known Units: 413;408
Remained in Canada. First RCAF Lancaster converted to photo survey configuration. With No. 413 (P) Squadron, coded "AP*A", January to April 1948. Used later by No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys. Coded "MN*212". Carried VIPs on tour of western photo detachments fall of 1946, visiting Winnipeg in September. Overhauled at Avro Canada in September 1952. Noted with 8069.5 logged time when struck off. Ferried from Dunnville to Windsor for display in 1964, reported as last RCAF Lancaster flight. Displayed at Jackson Park, Windsor, Ontario for many years, after being struck off. Undergoing restoration at Windsor Airport since 2007.last update: 2025-November-19
1964-October-09 Struck off Strength SOS date per Inv card in Griffin 1968; APDAL date 09 Apr/64 2020-09-28
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM213
s/n FM213
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 213
Merlin
Known Units: 405;107
Mk.X Lancaster FM213 was built at Victory Aircraft, Malton in July 1945, and remained in Canada. It was later converted to a RCAF Mk. 10MR configuration. Category B damage at Trenton on 1952-01-24, when starboard main gear collapsed while taxiing. Centre section replaced with one from KB895, then in storage. With No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*J", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Used by No. 107 (Search and Rescue) Unit, RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland. With this unit when it visited Prestwick, UK in June 1959. Mounted on a pole at the Royal Canadian Legion in Goderich, Ontario, for 16 years.
With help from the Sulley Foundation in 1977, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum acquired the aircraft in 1977 and transported it to it's home at Mount Hope, Hamilton. Eleven years passed before it was completely restored and flew again on September 24, 1988.
Now with CWHM painted as KB726, "VR*A", of 419 Squadron during WW2.
Maiden Flight of the restored FM213
1964-June-30 Struck off Strength 2020-10-27
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM214
s/n FM214
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 214
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. Used post war by No. 408 (P) Squadron for photographic surveys, coded "MN*214". Crashed and burned when undercarriage retracted during takeoff at Winnipeg at 10:30 local time on 14 May 1950. Serving with No. 6 Detachment of this squadron at time of crash, was photographing the spring flooding of the Red River. Passenger retracted gear during takeoff run, aircraft destroyed by fire. All occupants escaped without serious injury.last update: 2025-November-19
1950-March-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1950-May-14 Accident Crash Crashed and burned when undercarriage retracted during takeoff at Winnipeg. No injuries 2019-08-20
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM215
s/n FM215
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 215
Merlin
Known Units: 408;111
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. Used post war by No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys. Coded "MN*215". Later with No. 111 KU at RCAF Station Winnipeg, Manitoba.last update: 2025-November-19
1962-September-28 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM216
s/n FM216
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 216
Merlin
Known Units: 413;408
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. With No. 413 (P) Squadron, Rockcliffe, in 1948, coded "AP*O". Also used post war by No. 408 (P) Squadron for photographic surveys. Serving with No. 7 Detachment of this squadron, based at Resolute, NWT, at time of crash.last update: 2025-November-19
1950-August-17 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1950-August-27 Accident Crash Crashed on takeoff from Resolute, NWT, no injuries. 2019-08-20
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM217
s/n FM217
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 217
Merlin
Known Units: 413;408
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. With No. 413 (P) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Operated from Churchill, Manitoba in 1949 with No. 408 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1960 Accident Crash crashed 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10P serial FM218
s/n FM218
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 218
Merlin
Known Units: 413;408
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. With No. 413 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe in 1948, coded "AP*U". In early photo survey configuration at that time - natural metal finish, turrets faired over, red and blue maple leaf roundels. Served with No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, when it participated in Operation Sundog III (airborne assault on Fort Chimo, Quebec, from Goose Bay), February 1952. Still with this Squadron when it crashed on 8 February 1952. Corp. G.W. Healy killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1952 Accident Crash crashed 2019-08-20
1952-March-05 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM219
s/n FM219
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 219
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With 407 (MP) Squadron, coded "AF*M". Last Lancaster serving with RCAF Maritime Command, when it ferried out of RCAF Station Comox on 13 May 1959, for Dunnville.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1965-May-17 Struck off Strength Scrapped at no. 6 Repair Depot, Dunnville, Ontario after being struck off in September 1965. 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM220
s/n FM220
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 220
Merlin
Known Units: 404;405
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by No. 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS, coded "AF*M". Also with No. 405 (MP) Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955 Scrapped scrapped at Greenwood, NS 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10BR serial FM221
s/n FM221
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 221
Merlin
Known Units:
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10BR. Flying out of Resolute Bay when both port engines failed on final just short of the runway; crashed on 19.9.50; only one person injured.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1950 Accident Crash crashed at Resolute, NWT. 2019-08-20
1950-September-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10SR serial FM222
s/n FM222
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 222
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10P. Issued to #103(RU) at Greenwood, N.S.; transferred to Air Armament School (AAS) at Trenton, Ont. (had black & yellow spinners and a Martin Turret). Sold to Spartan Aviation, operated until at least 1959. sold. Registered as CF-IMF.
last update: 2025-November-191946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1956-April-04 Struck off Strength struck off, sold to Spartan Air Services 2020-09-24
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM223
s/n FM223
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 223
Merlin
Known Units: 404;405
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AF*O", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Also with No. 404 (MP) Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2020-10-27
1960-September-06 Struck off Strength Scrapped, after being struck off in November 1955. 2020-10-27
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM224
s/n FM224
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 224
Merlin
Known Units: 405;407
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Issued to No. 405(MR) at Greenwood with code AG224; transferred on the formation of #407(BR) as code RX224 at Comox, B.C.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1965 Scrapped scrapped at No. 6 Repair Depot, Dunnville, Ontario 2019-08-20
1965-May-17 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM225
s/n FM225
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 225
Merlin
Known Units:
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Not allocated. Broken up for spares.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM226
s/n FM226
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 226
Merlin
Known Units:
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Not allocated. Broken up for spares.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955 Scrapped scrapped at Greenwood NS 2019-08-20
1955-September-29 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM227
s/n FM227
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 227
Merlin
Known Units:
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Not allocated. Broken up for spares.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955-September-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM228
s/n FM228
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 228
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With No. 103 (S&R) Flight, coded "CH*G".last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1954-August-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM229
s/n FM229
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 229
Merlin
Known Units: 107;405;2MOTU
Remained in Canada. Converted to Mk. 10MR. Used by 107 RU, No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*G", and 2(M)OTU at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-21 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1955-September-13 Struck off Strength 2020-09-24
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK537
s/n HK537
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 537
Merlin
Known Units: 463
With No. 463 (Australian) Sqn, Missing on operation to Berlin 28/29 Jan 1944. 18 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK539
s/n HK539
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 539
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK540
s/n HK540
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 540
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK542
s/n HK542
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 542
Merlin
Known Units: 156;75;115
Originally with No. 156 Sqn., then with No. 75(NZ) Sqn. Finally with No. 115 Sqn. Missing on raid to Karlsruhe 24/25 April 1944. 21 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK550
s/n HK550
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 550
Merlin
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Squadron. Missing on operation to Valenciennes, France 15/16 Jun 1944. 44 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK555
s/n HK555
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 555
Merlin
Known Units: 115 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK560
s/n HK560
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 560
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 2 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 26/27 Aug 1944. 118 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK570
s/n HK570
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 570
Merlin
Known Units: 514 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK571
s/n HK571
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 571
Merlin
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn 1 Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Homberg 20/21 July 1944. 22 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK579
s/n HK579
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 579
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (A4-B) 22 Jul 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Le Havre 8 Sep 1944. 90 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK595
s/n HK595
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 595
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK598
s/n HK598
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 598
Merlin
Known Units: 115;149;1654CU;1660CU
Originally with No. 115 Sqn, then No. 149 Sqn. With the G-H Flight at Feltwell before moving to No. 1654 CU and then No. 1660 CU. The aircraft crashed on a training flight at Claypole, Notts. 20 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK605
s/n HK605
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 605
Merlin
Known Units: ;90
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-September-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Basil Edgar Columbus 2024-05-17
1944-September-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Nathan Merrill Hurlbut 2024-05-29
1944-September-13 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Abraham Lionel Kirsch 2024-06-04
1944-September-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Edwards Maclaren 2024-06-05 Lancaster Mk.I serial HK610
s/n HK610
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 610
Merlin
Known Units: 90
With 90 Sqn. Collided with Lancaster serial PD 336, also of No. 90 Sqn and crashed at Bury St. Edmunds, shortly after take-off, 2 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK620
s/n HK620
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 620
Merlin
Known Units: 15
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK624
s/n HK624
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 624
Merlin
Known Units: 149;115
Delivered to No. 149 Sqn Sep 1944. Transferred to No. 115 Sqn Nov 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Cologne 27 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK650
s/n HK650
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 650
Merlin
Known Units: 189
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK663
s/n HK663
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 663
Merlin
Known Units: ;195
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK664
s/n HK664
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 664
Merlin
Known Units: 90
A captured document of a German Parachute Ack-Ack Regiment indicated that HK664 had been shot down by the Regiment on 23 December, and the aircraft had crashed at Echternach, 17 miles north east of Luxembourg, Belgium on the River Sure. (90 Squadron RAAF WWII Fatalities - Alan Storr) via John Jones
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial HK756
s/n HK756
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 756
Merlin
Known Units: 1666HCU
Delivered to No. 1666 HCU Jan 1945. Missing from a diversionary operation 14/15 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Victor Robert Adams 2024-11-01
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wyman Alexander Booth 2025-01-30
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Walter Harry George Field 2025-01-30
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Lawrence Frederick Bransby Goodwin 2025-01-30
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Klatman 2025-01-30
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Michael La Verne Long 2025-01-30
1945-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Alexander Wegenast 2025-01-30 Lancaster Mk.I serial HK769
s/n HK769
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 769
Merlin
Known Units: 622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial HK788
s/n HK788
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
HK 788
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA675
s/n JA675
m/d 683
Avro
JA 675
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Milan Italy 1943-08-15 to 1943-08-15
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Target - Milan, Italy. Lancaster aircraft JA 675 was shot down by a night fighter. Killed were RCAF Pilot Officer E.A.M. Grange; RAAF Flt. Lt. J.M. Sullivan; and RAF Sgt's. J.A.E. Newland, A.P. Power, and L. Spurr. Taken Prisoners of War were RAF Fg/O T.H.F. Entract and Sgt. K. Harvey.Lancaster Mk.III serial JA679
s/n JA679
m/d 683
Avro
JA 679
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-P) 20 Jun 1943. Aircraft collided with Lancaster DV 183 from No. 207 Sqn on return from operation to Regio Emilia, Italy 15/16 Jul 1943. 71 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA682
s/n JA682
m/d 683
Avro
JA 682
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA686
s/n JA686
m/d 683
Avro
JA 686
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA690
s/n JA690
m/d 683
Avro
JA 690
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA703
s/n JA703
m/d 683
Avro
JA 703
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-W) 28 Jun 1943. It was briefly loaned to No. 617 Sqn, but retaining the 44 Sqn code letters. It was returned to No. 44 Sqn in late July 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 5/6 Sep 1943. 194 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA706
s/n JA706
m/d 683
Avro
JA 706
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA709
s/n JA709
m/d 683
Avro
JA 709
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA711
s/n JA711
m/d 683
Avro
JA 711
Merlin
Known Units: 97;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA712
s/n JA712
m/d 683
Avro
JA 712
Merlin
Known Units: 7;83;166;550
Delivered to No. 7 Sqn (no raids). Transferred to No. 83 Sqn (OL-B) Jul 1943, then to No. 166 Sqn Nov 1943, then to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-H) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Aachen 27/28 May 1944. 385 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA714
s/n JA714
m/d 683
Avro
JA 714
Merlin
Known Units: 7;156;100;625
Originally delivered to No. 7 Sqn, then to No, 156 Sqn, then to No. 625 Sqn (CF-R). Missing on operation to Leipzig 20 Oct 1943. 189 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA716
s/n JA716
m/d 683
Avro
JA 716
Merlin
Known Units: 97
With No. 97 Sqn (OF-V). Missing on operation to Nuremberg 10/11 Aug 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA718
s/n JA718
m/d 683
Avro
JA 718
Merlin
Known Units: 7 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA847
s/n JA847
m/d 683
Avro
JA 847
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA848
s/n JA848
m/d 683
Avro
JA 848
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn 7 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 31 Aug/1 Sep 1943. 131 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA849
s/n JA849
m/d 683
Avro
JA 849
Merlin
Known Units: ;7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA850
s/n JA850
m/d 683
Avro
JA 850
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA854
s/n JA854
m/d 683
Avro
JA 854
Merlin
Known Units: ;7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA856
s/n JA856
m/d 683
Avro
JA 856
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Munich 2/3 Oct 1943. 160 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1943-10-02 to 1943-10-02
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster JA856 took off form RAF Binbrook at 1852 hours on 2 October 1943 to attack Munich, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it did not return to base. It was later established post-war that the aircraft crashed at Deisenhofen, 13 miles south south east of the centre of Munich. All of the crew members were killed: RCAF Flt. Sgt. F. Sheehan (air gunner); RAAF P/O's F.L.R. Lloyd (DFM) (pilot) and A.S. Mitchell (bomb aimer); RAF Sgt's. G. Douglas (flight engineer), L.A. Sim (air gunner), and R.E. Woodford (wireless operator / air gunner); and RAF Flt. Sgt. R. Hurrell (navigator).Lancaster Mk.III serial JA857
s/n JA857
m/d 683
Avro
JA 857
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA866
s/n JA866
m/d 683
Avro
JA 866
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 7 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 24/25 Jul 1943. 23 operational hours. This was on the first night of the Battle of Hamburg, Jul/Aug 1943. The aircraft was one of 13 bombers lost that night (the first night that Window was used). It was shot down by the Me 110 of Oblt Drunkler of I/NJG5. It was the 2nd aircraft shot down in the night. The crew were on their 17th operation (Middlebrook)last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA867
s/n JA867
m/d 683
Avro
JA 867
Merlin
Known Units: 619 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA871
s/n JA871
m/d 683
Avro
JA 871
Merlin
Known Units: ;106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA874
s/n JA874
m/d 683
Avro
JA 874
Merlin
Known Units: 61;617
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-E) in July 1943. It took part in 3 of the raids of the Battle of Hamburg 24/25 and 27/28 July and 2/3 August 1943. It also participated in the Peenemunde raid 17/18 August 1943. It was transferred to No. 617 Sqn (KC-E) in September 1943. The aircraft had 159 flying hours when it was shot down on 16 September.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany 1943-09-15 to 1943-09-16
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
The aircraft (KC-E) took off 00:04 16 Sept 1944 from Coningsby, piloted by Pilot Officer WG Divall, to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Ladbergen, Germany
using 12,000 lb high-capacity bombs. It is believed shot down by light Flak, crashing near Bramsche
some 7 km SSE of Lingen (Ems), with the loss of all crew.
Pilot Officer DW Warwick was the only Canadian on board. The remaining 7 crew (Pilot Officer WG Divall, Flight Sergeants R McArthur, J Simpson, and Sergeants E Blake, A Williams, A Miles, D Allatson) were all RAF.
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA875
s/n JA875
m/d 683
Avro
JA 875
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA892
s/n JA892
m/d 683
Avro
JA 892
Merlin
Known Units: 69
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 11 Jul 1943. Missing on the raid to Peenemunde 17/18 Aug 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA898
s/n JA898
m/d 683
Avro
JA 898
Merlin
Known Units: 619;617
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn July 1943 (operated on the Hamburg raid of 24/25 July 1943), then transferred to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-X) September 1943. Missing on operation to Dortmund-Ems Canal 15/16 Sep 1943. 26 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany 1943-09-15 to 1943-09-16
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
The aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant HS Wilson, took off from Coningsby at 23:59 on September 15, heading for the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen, Germany
. It was shot down by light flak in the target area, and made a belly landing at the Mittelland Canal between the villages of Recke and Obersteinbeck
, about 9 km NE of Hoerstel, Germany
. After about 15 minutes the 12,000 lb bomb exploded, killing all of the crew.
There were two Canadians in the crew, Flying Officer GH Coles and Warrant Oficer 1st Class L Mieyette. The other 6 crew members (Flight Lieutenant HS Wilson, Flying Officer TW Johnson, Flying Officer JA Rodger, Flight Sergeant TH Payne, Flight Sergeant E Hornby and Sergeant CM Knox) were with the RAF.
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA899
s/n JA899
m/d 683
Avro
JA 899
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-D) Jun/Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Prouville, France 24/25 Jun 1944. 545 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA900
s/n JA900
m/d 683
Avro
JA 900
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn July 1943. Lost on the Peenemunde raid 17/18 Aug 1943. 95 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA909
s/n JA909
m/d 683
Avro
JA 909
Merlin
Known Units: 156;405;467;1661HCU
First delivered to No. 156 Squadron, RAF. Then to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group "Pathfinder Force", from 1944-1945. Later to No. 467 Squadron, RAAF. Crashed on 4 June 1945 while with 1661 HCU.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA910
s/n JA910
m/d 683
Avro
JA 910
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-H) 17 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Bochum 29/30 Sep 1943. 135 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA913
s/n JA913
m/d 683
Avro
JA 913
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-G) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 200 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA914
s/n JA914
m/d 683
Avro
JA 914
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-Obar) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA915
s/n JA915
m/d 683
Avro
JA 915
Merlin
Known Units: 156
With No. 156 Sqn (GT-U). Participated in the raid on Peenemunde 17/18 Aug 1943. Crashed while on an air gunnery exercise near East Wretham, Norfolk 3 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-September-03 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Clifford Foderingham DFC 2025-06-09
1943-September-03 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Campbell Gordon DFC 2025-06-09
1943-September-03 KIFA RAAF Flying Officer Robert Thomas Hood DFM 2025-06-09
1943-September-03 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Horace Robert Ross 2025-06-09
1943-September-03 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Angus William Stewart DFM 2025-06-09
1943-September-03 KIFA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Bernard Watkins 2025-06-09 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA916
s/n JA916
m/d 683
Avro
JA 916
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 97 Sqn (OF-L). Missing on operation to Berlin 31 Aug/1 Sep 1944. 64 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA917
s/n JA917
m/d 683
Avro
JA 917
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA919
s/n JA919
m/d 683
Avro
JA 919
Merlin
Known Units: 156
To No. 32 MU then to No. 156 Sqn. Missing on operation to Hanover 27/28 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA921
s/n JA921
m/d 683
Avro
JA 921
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Leipzig Germany 1944-02-20 to 1944-02-20
156 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Warboys
823 aircraft- 561 Lancasters, 255 Halifaxes, 7 Mosquitoes. 78 aircraft- 44 Lancasters and 34 Halifaxes - lost, 9.5 per cent of the force. The Halifax loss rate was 13.3 per cent of those dispatched and 14.9 per cent of those Halifaxes which reached the enemy coast after 'early returns' had turned back. The Halifax IIs and Vs were permanently withdrawn from operations to Germany after this raid.
This was an unhappy raid for Bomber Command. The German controllers only sent part of their force of fighters to the Kiel minelaying diversion. When the main bomber force crossed the Dutch coast, they were met by a further part of the German Ilghter force and those German fighters which had been sent north to Kiel hurriedly returned. The bomber stream was thus under attack all the way to the target. There were further difficulties at the target because winds were not as forecast and many uircraft reached the Leipzig area too early and had to orbit and await the Pathfinders. ,j aircraft were lost by collision and approximately 20 were shot down by Flak.
Leipzig was cloud-covered and the Pathfinders had to use sky-marking. The raid appeared to be concentrated in its early stages but scattered later. There are few details of the effects of the bombing. No report is available from Germany and there was no immediate post-raid reconnaissance flight. When photographs were eventually taken, they included the results of an American raid which took place on the following day
156 Squadron (We light the way) Pathfinder Force, RAF Warboys. Lancaster III aircraft JA 921 GT-Q was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Heinz Vinke of the 11/NJG 1 during a night operation against targets in Leipzig, Germany. The bomber crashed at Zuid Ervenweg, Eemnes, Utrecht, Netherlands with only one crew member surviving
Pilot Officer Thomas James Brewer (RCAF), Sergeant Ernest Hopcraft (RAFVR), Sergeant Humphrey Watkin Hughes (RAFVR), Sergeant Ainsley Charles George Merses (RAFVR), Sergeant Royce Prankett (RAFVR) and Warrant Officer Ramsay Stanners (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer Edward Joseph Casimir Kryskow (RCAF) was the sole surviver from his crew and avoided capture as an Evader, sheltering with Dutch locals until liberated by advancing Allied Forces 1945-05-10
span class="citation">source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt, page 473
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 1 1 January - 15 March by Theo Boiten, page 89
Lancaster III JA921 Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
19/20 02 1944 156 Squadron Lancaster III JA921 Warrant Officer Stanners RAF Warboys...
Crash location Avro Lancaster JA 921 Eemnes - Eemnes - TracesOfWar.com
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas James Brewer 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ernest Hopcraft 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Watkin Hughes 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Edward Joseph Casimir Kryskow 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ainsley Charles George Merces 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Royce Prankett 2025-07-28
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Ramsay Stanners 2025-07-28 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA924
s/n JA924
m/d 683
Avro
JA 924
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 31 January 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-30 to 1944-01-30
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft JA 924 LQ-R was lost during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The bomber was shot down near Berlin by a night fighter, having exploded at 20,000 feet shortly after the bomb load had been dropped over target
Flying Officer Albert Henry Ashford (RAFVR)(Can), Sergeant Robert Charles Gibson (RAFVR), Sergeant Thomas Newton (RAFVR), Sergeant William Reginald Palmer (RAFVR) and Sergeant John William Walker (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flight Lieutenant Henry Leslie Shackleton (RAFVR) and Sergeant Hughie Williams (RAFVR) were thrown clear of the explosion and survived to become Prisoners of War
Two other 405 Squadron Lancaster aircraft were lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials ND 462 LQ-J and ND 493 LQ-S for additional information on these aircraft and crews
1944-January-31 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Berlin 2019-08-20
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Albert Henry Ashford 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Charles Gibson 2024-07-29
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Newton 2024-07-29
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Reginald Palmer 2024-07-29
1944-January-30 PoW RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Henry Leslie Shackleton 2024-07-29
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Walker 2024-07-29
1944-January-30 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Hughie Williams 2024-07-29 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA925
s/n JA925
m/d 683
Avro
JA 925
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA930
s/n JA930
m/d 683
Avro
JA 930
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA934
s/n JA934
m/d 683
Avro
JA 934
Merlin
Known Units: 100;550
Delivered to No. 100 Sq (HW-F) Jul 1943. Transferred to No. 550 Sqn Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-02-15 to 1944-02-15
550 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF North Killingholme
550 Squadron (Per Ignem Vincimus) RAF North Killingholme. Lancaster III aircraft JA 934 BQ-H was missing from an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany, most likely shot down by flak. The Lancaster crashed near Tribohm, south-east of Ribnitz-Damgarten, Germany
Pilot Officer JD McIntosh (RCAF), Pilot Officer AH Stockton (RCAF), Sergeant VH Mate (RAFVR), Sergeant D Willsdon (RAFVR) and Sergeant RWJ Wivell (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Sergeant DL Jones (RAFVR) and FS RW Woodger (RAF) were missing believed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Lynn Jones 2022-11-09
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Victor Hugo Mate 2024-04-22
1944-February-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John David McIntosh 2024-04-22
1944-February-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Hunter Stockton 2024-05-03
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Donald Willsdon 2024-05-03
1944-February-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Richard Walter John Wivell 2024-05-03
1944-February-15 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Robert Edward Woodger 2022-11-09 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA936
s/n JA936
m/d 683
Avro
JA 936
Merlin
Known Units: 7
Delivered to No. 7 Sqn (MG-J) Jul 18943. Missing on mission to Munchen-Gladbach 30/31 Aug 1943. 64 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA937
s/n JA937
m/d 683
Avro
JA 937
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA939
s/n JA939
m/d 683
Avro
JA 939
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*C". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Shot down by a night fighter on 23 November 1943 at 18:50 German time. Came down near Lorup, Germany.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-November-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Raymond Arthur Gardiner DFC 2022-08-27
1943-November-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Garnet Stewart Kavanaugh 2022-07-27
1943-November-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William John Lawrence 2022-07-27
1943-November-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Keith Lefroy DFC 2022-07-27
1943-November-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Gilmour Odell 2022-07-27 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA957
s/n JA957
m/d 683
Avro
JA 957
Merlin
Known Units: 103;576;9
Originally with No. 103 Sqn then transferred to No. 576 Sqn (UL-X2), then to No. 9 Sqn (WS-D). Missing on operation to St Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-08 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Peter Douglas Blackham 2025-01-22
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Elphick 2025-01-22
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Martin Hickey 2025-01-22
1944-July-08 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Victor Clement Arthur Stokes 2025-01-22
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Wenger 2025-01-22
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Albert White 2025-01-22 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA958
s/n JA958
m/d 683
Avro
JA 958
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn 26 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 27/28 Aug 1943. 24 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1943-08-27 to 1943-08-28
97 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Bourn
97 Squadron RAF (Achieve Your Aim), Pathfinder Force, RAF Bourn. Lancaster BIII aircraft JA 958 OF-K was likely shot down by night fighter pilot Oblt Otto Ertel of 5/JG300, four miles north of Erlangen, Germany during an operation against targets in Nuremberg, Germany. The Lancaster crashed at Bubenreuth near Erlangen
Flight Lieutenant O B Robertson DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant E G Crockett (RCAF), Flying Officer J C Frizzell (RCAF), Warrant Officer 2nd Class W S Hebb (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant W I L Wilkes (RAFVR were all killed in action
Warrant Officer P Scott (RAFVR) and Sergeant W G Peel (RAFVR) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
Addendum: FS. W.I.L. Wilkes (RAF) was also killed and two members of the crew, not Canadians, were taken Prisoners Of War.
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Earle Grant Crockett 2024-05-25
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Clifford Frizzell 2024-05-26
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Warren St Clair Hebb 2024-06-22
1943-August-28 PoW RAFVR Sergeant William Gething Peel 2023-11-30
1943-August-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Oliver Brock Robertson DFC 2024-06-28
1943-August-28 PoW RAFVR Warrant Officer Peter Scott 2023-11-30
1943-August-28 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Walter Ian Leslie Wilkes 2023-11-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA963
s/n JA963
m/d 683
Avro
JA 963
Merlin
Known Units: 97 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA968
s/n JA968
m/d 683
Avro
JA 968
Merlin
Known Units: 7;576
With No. 7 Sqn from Aug/Sep 1943. Transferred to No. 576 Sqn (UL-Y2) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Montdidier, France 3/4 May 1944. 392 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA970
s/n JA970
m/d 683
Avro
JA 970
Merlin
Known Units: 97;7
First to No. 97 Sqn, then to No. 7 Sqn (MG-N) Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 18/19 Nov 1943. 96 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA972
s/n JA972
m/d 683
Avro
JA 972
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-D) Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 3/4 October 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA974
s/n JA974
m/d 683
Avro
JA 974
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 15 January 1944, one of 3 squadron losses on this mission. All crew killed, reported as first all Canadian crew lost by Bomber Command. Had 233 hours logged when struck off.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-01-14 to 1944-01-14
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden lodge
Battle of Berlin
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". Lancaster aircraft JA 974 took a direct hit by flak and blew up during a night attack against Brunswick, Germany. One of 3 squadron losses on this mission. All crew killed, reported as first all Canadian crew lost by Bomber Command. Had 233 hours logged when struck off.1944-January-15 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Brunswick 2019-08-20
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lloyd Dyer Annis 2024-11-02
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John William Astbury 2024-11-03
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Arthur Floren 2022-07-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Ellwood Campbell Houlding 2022-07-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Nuncie Leone 2022-07-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Joseph Jules Henri Olivier Souaillard 2022-07-27
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Thatcher 2022-07-27 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA975
s/n JA975
m/d 683
Avro
JA 975
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA976
s/n JA976
m/d 683
Avro
JA 976
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*S". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Montzen on 28 April 1944. Only survivor was pilot Squadron Leader E.W. Blenkinsop, who evaded capture for several days and joined the Belgium resistance. Later captured and spent time in St. Gilles Prison in Brussels and died in Neuengamme concentration camp on 23 January 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Montzen Belgium 1944-04-27 to 1944-04-28
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Aircraft JA976 LQ-S was shot down by a German night fighter while on an operation to the Marshalling Yards at Montzen, Belgium
One Who Almost Made it Back, The Remarkable Story of one of World War Two's Unsung Heroes, Sqn Ldr Edward Teddy Blenkinsop, DFC CdeG (Belge), RCAF by Peter Celis
Lancaster at Webbekom I Aviationhistory.be I History Aircraft...
"Belgians Remember Them": Places of RAF aircraft's crashes: Webbecom
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lawrence Arnold Allen DFC, CDGB 2024-11-02
1944-April-28 PoW Died RCAF Squadron Leader Edward Weyman Blenkinsop DFC, CDGB 2024-11-13
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Alexander Booth CDGB 2025-01-30
1944-April-28 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant James Sydney Bradley 2024-11-16
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Nicholas Hugh Clifford 2024-03-05
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Arthur Foster 2025-01-25
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant David Ramsay DFC, CDGB 2025-01-25
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant George John Smith DFC, CDGB 2022-07-29 Lancaster Mk.III serial JA977
s/n JA977
m/d 683
Avro
JA 977
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JA979
s/n JA979
m/d 683
Avro
JA 979
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*T". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Crashed while attempting three engine approach at Gransden Lodge on training flight, 5 November 1943. Pilot Flying Officer Pringle was only reported fatality..
last update: 2025-November-19
Operational 1943-11-05 to 1943-11-05
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden lodge
Battle of Berlin
05 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. The pilot attempted a three-engine landing with his Lancaster aircraft JA 979 and overshot. He was unable to pull out of a bank to port and crashed 100 yards off the aerodrome at RAF Station, Gransden Lodge, Cambridge. Flying Officer Pringle was the only casualty.Lancaster Mk.III serial JA980
s/n JA980
m/d 683
Avro
JA 980
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*Z". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Hannover on 9 October 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hanover Germany 1943-10-08 to 1943-10-09
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden lodge
Battle of Berlin
#405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft JA 980 LQ-Z was shot down by a night fighter over Steinbergen, Germany during an operation against targets in Hanover, Germany and crashed on the east bank of the River Weser, near Engern, Germany with the loss of five of the seven aircrew
Squadron Leader MSF Schneider (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 JAN Hucker (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant RT Botkin MiD (RCAF)(USA), Flying Officer FW Bilson (RAFVR) and Flying Officer JG Taylor (RNZAF) were killed in action
Pilot Officer CA Farnum (RCAF) and Sergeant J Connolly (RAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
405 Squadron Lancaster III JA980 LQ-Z Sq/Ldr. Schneider, Hanover...
1943-October-09 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Frederick William Bilson 2024-11-12
1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Richard Trent Botkin MiD 2024-11-15
1943-October-09 PoW RAF Sergeant Joseph Connolly 2024-03-26
1943-October-09 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Cecil Ambrose Farnum 2022-10-23
1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Alfred Nelson Hucker 2025-01-19
1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Murray Stanley Fuller Schneider 2022-10-27
1943-October-09 KIA RNZAF Flying Officer Joseph Greig Taylor 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB114
s/n JB114
m/d 683
Avro
JB 114
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-Q) Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 1/2 Jan 1944 (Mason). Robertson has 2/3 Jan. 230 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB116
s/n JB116
m/d 683
Avro
JB 116
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-R) Aug 1943. Transferred to No. 9 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to St Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB117
s/n JB117
m/d 683
Avro
JB 117
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB118
s/n JB118
m/d 683
Avro
JB 118
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB120
s/n JB120
m/d 683
Avro
JB 120
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF from 27 August 1943, coded "LQ*D". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 28 September 1943, believed to have come down in North Sea. All 7 crew still listed as missing in action.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hanover Germany 1943-09-27 to 1943-09-28
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden lodge
Battle of Berlin
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF frm 27 august 1943, coded "LQ*D". Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 28 September 1943, believed to have come down in North Sea. All 7 crew still listed as missing in action.
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Walter Eric Goldspink 2022-04-20
1943-September-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stuart Herman Long 2022-07-27
1943-September-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Clair Lowther 2022-07-27
1943-September-28 KIA RAAF Flt Sergeant Graham Sydney Read 2022-04-20
1943-September-28 KIA RAFVR Stanley John Slade 2022-04-20
1943-September-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bruce Anderson St Louis 2022-07-27
1943-September-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Temple Dawson Trippe 2022-07-27 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB122
s/n JB122
m/d 683
Avro
JB 122
Merlin
Known Units: 100;625
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-T) Aug 1943. Transferred to No. 625 Sqn (CF-H) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB123
s/n JB123
m/d 683
Avro
JB 123
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB129
s/n JB129
m/d 683
Avro
JB 129
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-G) 20 Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 217 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB132
s/n JB132
m/d 683
Avro
JB 132
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB139
s/n JB139
m/d 683
Avro
JB 139
Merlin
Known Units: 49;617
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Aug 1943. Transferred to No. 617 Sqn (KC-X, later KC-V) Sep 1943. Took part in the Tallboy attack on the Saumur Tunnel 8/9 Jun 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Brest 5 Aug 1944. 364 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brest France 1944-08-05 to 1944-08-05
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft (KC-V), piloted by Flying Officer D Cheney RCAF, had left Woodhall Spa
at 9:49 for a daylight raid on the U-boat pens at Brest, France
. It had successfully dropped its Tallboy bomb when it was hit by flak and extensively damaged, and the navigator and wireless operator were severely injured. Cheney ordered the crew to bail out. The aircraft crashed into the sea at Douarnenez Bay
. Three of the crew were killed.
There were two Canadians in the crew, Flying Officer Don Cheney and Warrant Officer 2nd Class KR Porter. Cheney landed in the water, and was picked up by a fishing boat manned by the Maquis who held off the Germans with machine-gun fire. Porter landed safely and was also collected by the Maquis. Both were later put in touch with the US 5th Armoured Division at the end of August and returned to England. Cheney then returned to Canada. The other members of the crew were all in the RAF. Pilot Officer R Welch was shot by the Germans as he descended by parachute, Flying Officer WN Watt and Flight Sergeant EH Pool were killed and Flight Sergeant J Rosher evaded capture and Flight Sergeant A Curtis was taken prisoner. He was released from a camp near Brest by the US 8th Infantry Division in September.
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB143
s/n JB143
m/d 683
Avro
JB 143
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-L) Aug 1943. Aircraft was ditched on a mining sortie 29/30 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB144
s/n JB144
m/d 683
Avro
JB 144
Merlin
Known Units: 49;617
Delivered to No. 49 Squadron August 1943 and did one operation to Berlin, then transferred to No. 617 Sqn (KC-N). Missing on the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal on 15/16 Sept 1943. 37 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund-Ems Canal Germany 1943-09-15 to 1943-09-16
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
The aircraft, KC-N, piloted by Flight Lieutenant LG Knight, DSO MID, RAAF, was attempting to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen, Germany
but hit trees while in the target area and was seriously disabled. They hoped to be able to nurse the aircraft back to Britain, but its condition deteriorated and Knight held the aircraft steady while the crew bailed out but then the aircraft exploded when he attempted to crash land near den Ham, Netherlands
.
Of the two Canadians in the crew, one, Flight Sergeant FE Sutherland evaded capture and the other, Flight Sergeant HE O'Brien was captured and became a PoW. Of the other crew members, Pilot Officer HS Hobday, Flying Officer EC Johnson DFC RAAF, Sergeant LC Woolard and Pilot Officer EG Kellow DFM RAAF evaded capture and Pilot Officer HE Grayston was taken prisoner.
With the exception of Woolard, this was the crew who dropped the UPKEEP bomb that broke the Eder Dam during Operation Chastise, (the Dams Raid of 16/17 May 1943).
1943-September-16 PoW Pilot Officer Raymond Ernest Grayston 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 Evader RAFVR Flying Officer Harold Sidney Hobday DFC 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 Evader RAFVR Flying Officer Edward Cuthbert Johnson DFC 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 Evader RAAF Sergeant Robert George Thomas Kellow DFM 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 KIA RAAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Gordon Knight DSO, MiD 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Henry Earl O'Brien 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Sutherland 2025-05-15
1943-September-16 Evader Leslie Charles Woolard 2025-05-15 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB147
s/n JB147
m/d 683
Avro
JB 147
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB152
s/n JB152
m/d 683
Avro
JB 152
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB174
s/n JB174
m/d 683
Avro
JB 174
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-S) 28 Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 8/9 Oct 1943. 68 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB176
s/n JB176
m/d 683
Avro
JB 176
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB177
s/n JB177
m/d 683
Avro
JB 177
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB179
s/n JB179
m/d 683
Avro
JB 179
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB180
s/n JB180
m/d 683
Avro
JB 180
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB181
s/n JB181
m/d 683
Avro
JB 181
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB182
s/n JB182
m/d 683
Avro
JB 182
Merlin
Known Units: 156;405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 24 November 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-11-24 to 1943-11-24
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft JB 182 failed to return from night operations against Berlin, Germany. Six RAF crew members, F/Os H.T. Clarke, E.J. Moss, Sergeants R.N.P. Critchlow, J.E. Goss, A.P. Hateley, and FS W.C. Higgs were also killed.Lancaster Mk.III serial JB184
s/n JB184
m/d 683
Avro
JB 184
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB186
s/n JB186
m/d 683
Avro
JB 186
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB188
s/n JB188
m/d 683
Avro
JB 188
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*S". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Magdeburg on 22 January 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Magdeburg Germany 1944-01-21 to 1944-01-21
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
648 aircraft - 42 I Lancasters, 224 Halifaxes, 3 Mosquitoes - on the first major raid to this target. The German controller again followed the progress of the bomber stream across the North Sea and many night fighters were in the stream before it crossed the German coast. The controller was very slow to identify Magdeburg as the target but this did not matter too much because most of the night fighters were able to stay in the bomber stream, a good example of the way the Tame Boar tactics were developing, 57 aircraft - 35 Halifaxes, 22 Lancasters - were lost, 8Ã"šÃ‚·8 per cent of the force; it is probable that three quarters of the losses were caused by German night fighters. The Halifax loss rate was I5.6 per cent!
The heavy bomber casualties were not rewarded with a successful attack. Some of the Main Force aircraft now had H2S and winds which were stronger than forecast brought some of these into the target area before the Pathfinders' Zero Hour. The crews of 27 Main Force aircraft were anxious to bomb and did so before Zero Hour. The Pathfinders blamed the fires started by this early bombing, together with some very effective German decoy markers, for their failure to concentrate the marking. No details are available from Magdeburg but it is believed that most of the bombing fell outside the city. An R.A.F. man who was in hospital at Magdeburg at the time reports only, 'bangs far away'.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft JB 188 missing from night operations over Madgeburg, Germany. Pilot Officer K.C. Wilson, Flight Lieutenant L.G. Speyer, Sergeants W. Good (RAF), J.H. Paul (RAF), R.rR,Stevens, B.R.Morrison and N. Pyke (RAF) were killed.
1944-January-22 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Magdeburg 2019-08-20
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Wilfred Good 2024-05-02
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Sergeant Bruce Ralph Morrison 2024-05-02
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Jack Hastings Paul 2024-05-02
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Pyke,Norman Pyke 2024-05-02
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lloyd George Speyer 2024-05-03
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Reginald Ralph Stevens 2024-05-02
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Carl Wilson 2025-11-17 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB191
s/n JB191
m/d 683
Avro
JB 191
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB216
s/n JB216
m/d 683
Avro
JB 216
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Sep 1943. Missing from operation to Berlin 16/17 Dec 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB218
s/n JB218
m/d 683
Avro
JB 218
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB220
s/n JB220
m/d 683
Avro
JB 220
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-O) from No. 32 MU 9 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 18/19 Oct 1943. 55 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB221
s/n JB221
m/d 683
Avro
JB 221
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB222
s/n JB222
m/d 683
Avro
JB 222
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G" and "LQ*M". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 4 December 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 George Warburton Acorn 2024-11-01
1943-December-04 KIA RAFVR James Anderson 2024-11-02
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Flt. Lieutenant George Belcher 2024-11-11
1943-December-04 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Norman Harvey Bowring 2024-11-16
1943-December-04 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant George Albert Davis DFM 2024-09-25
1943-December-04 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Clement Maurice Holder 2025-01-08
1943-December-04 KIA RAF Pilot Officer George Charles Holland 2025-01-08 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB223
s/n JB223
m/d 683
Avro
JB 223
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 23/24 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB226
s/n JB226
m/d 683
Avro
JB 226
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Delivered to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G", 20 Sep 1943. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Mannheim on 17/18 November 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Mannheim Germany 1943-11-17 to 1943-11-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft JB 226 did not return from a night attack against Mannheim, Germany.1943-November-18 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Mannheim 2019-08-20
1943-November-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Paul Henri Dube 2024-10-29
1943-November-17 KIA RAFVR John Blackburn Errington 2022-04-20
1943-November-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Henry Larson 2022-07-28
1943-November-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Douglas Mutch 2022-07-28
1943-November-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon John Partridge 2022-07-28
1943-November-17 KIA USAAF James Morris Kenneth Pedersen 2022-04-20
1943-November-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Edwin Florence Uren 2022-07-28 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB227
s/n JB227
m/d 683
Avro
JB 227
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-J) from No. 32 MU. Missing on operation to Berlin 22/23 Nov 1943. 89 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB230
s/n JB230
m/d 683
Avro
JB 230
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB231
s/n JB231
m/d 683
Avro
JB 231
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn. 6 Sep 1943. Missing over Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB232
s/n JB232
m/d 683
Avro
JB 232
Merlin
Known Units: 97 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB233
s/n JB233
m/d 683
Avro
JB 233
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB235
s/n JB235
m/d 683
Avro
JB 235
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB237
s/n JB237
m/d 683
Avro
JB 237
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 7 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Kassel 22/23 Oct 1943. 57 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB238
s/n JB238
m/d 683
Avro
JB 238
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB241
s/n JB241
m/d 683
Avro
JB 241
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*K". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt on 25 February 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Schweinfurt Germany 1944-02-24 to 1944-02-24
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft JB 241 Outbound and flying at 20000 feet during a night operation against Schweinfurt, Germany. attacked from below by a night-fighter (Schrage- Musick) whose fire set alight to the starboard inner engine and wing.1944-February-25 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt 2019-08-20
1944-February-24 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frederick James Abery 2024-11-01
1944-February-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Joseph Eastham 2023-09-24
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert Henry Freiburger 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Basil George Deleyal Jackson DFC 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Solomon Kay 2023-09-24
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Arthur Radford 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 KIA RAFVR Flt Sergeant Percy George Frank Redstone 2022-04-20 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB277
s/n JB277
m/d 683
Avro
JB 277
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB280
s/n JB280
m/d 683
Avro
JB 280
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF at Gransden Lodge, UK, coded "LQ*K". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 2 January 1944. Shot down en route to target by night-fighter flown by Lt Friedrich Potthast, 1V./NJG1, crashing 02:10 at Nieuw Schoonebeek (Drenthe) in the commune of Schoonebeek, Holland. 7 crew killed, including pilot Flying Officer T.H. Donnelly, all buried in Oud Schoonebeek General Cemetery.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-02 to 1944-01-02
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF at Gransden Lodge, UK, coded "LQ*K". Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 2 January 1944. Shot down en route to target by night-fighter flown by Lt Friedrich Potthast, 1V./NJG1, crashing 02:10 at Nieuw Schoonebeek (Drenthe) in the commune of Schoonebeek, Holland. 7 crew killed, including pilot Flying Officer T.H. Donnelly, all buried in Oud Schoonebeek General Cemetery.
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Leonard John Clark 2024-02-26
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Henry Donnelly DFM, MiD 2024-10-26
1944-January-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie George Robert Miller 2022-04-20
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Jerry Salaba 2021-08-04
1944-January-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald Everest Watts 2022-04-24
1944-January-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Brian Sidney James West 2022-04-20
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant Ronald Zimmer 2020-10-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB286
s/n JB286
m/d 683
Avro
JB 286
Merlin
Known Units: 405;467
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". Used from c. 1943 to c.1944, from Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Passed to No. 467 Squadron, RAAF in 1944. With this unit when it crashed on 7 January 1945..last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB291
s/n JB291
m/d 683
Avro
JB 291
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB293
s/n JB293
m/d 683
Avro
JB 293
Merlin
Known Units: 35
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB294
s/n JB294
m/d 683
Avro
JB 294
Merlin
Known Units: ;630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB299
s/n JB299
m/d 683
Avro
JB 299
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-D) from No. 32 MU 17 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Magdeburg 21/22 Jan 1944. 193 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB305
s/n JB305
m/d 683
Avro
JB 305
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn (EA-E) Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 3/4 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB311
s/n JB311
m/d 683
Avro
JB 311
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB312
s/n JB312
m/d 683
Avro
JB 312
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB314
s/n JB314
m/d 683
Avro
JB 314
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB317
s/n JB317
m/d 683
Avro
JB 317
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB346
s/n JB346
m/d 683
Avro
JB 346
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Sep 1943. Caught fire and crashed on take-off at Elsham Wolds bound for Kassel 3-Oct 1943. 7 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB347
s/n JB347
m/d 683
Avro
JB 347
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB348
s/n JB348
m/d 683
Avro
JB 348
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 20 / 21 October 1943. Only survivor was mid-upper Pilot Officer D.O. Johnson, who reported that flak hit set fire to port inner engine, and started fire in fuselage. Progressive engine fires and spread of fuselage fire led to mid-upper abandoning aircraft.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Leipzig Germany 1943-10-20 to 1943-10-20
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R". Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 20 / 21 October 1943. Only survivor was mid-upper Pilot Officer D.O. Johnson, who reported that flak hit set fire to port inner engine, and started fire in fuselage. Progressive engine fires and spread of fuselage fire led to mid-upper abandoning aircraft.1943-October-21 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Leipzig 2019-08-20
1943-October-20 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Ernest Charles Brunet 2024-11-23
1943-October-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Francis William Bundy 2024-11-23
1943-October-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Henry Hedley 2025-03-17
1943-October-20 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer Class I Ole Orval Johnson 2025-03-17
1943-October-20 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Henry Lovelock 2025-03-17
1943-October-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Norman Ralston Redpath 2025-03-17
1943-October-20 KIA RAAF Flying Officer Kemble Russell Wood 2025-03-17 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB350
s/n JB350
m/d 683
Avro
JB 350
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB355
s/n JB355
m/d 683
Avro
JB 355
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB357
s/n JB357
m/d 683
Avro
JB 357
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 26 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Stettin 5/6 Jan 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB358
s/n JB358
m/d 683
Avro
JB 358
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-J) 26 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB360
s/n JB360
m/d 683
Avro
JB 360
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 27 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB361
s/n JB361
m/d 683
Avro
JB 361
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB364
s/n JB364
m/d 683
Avro
JB 364
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 5 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 126 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB366
s/n JB366
m/d 683
Avro
JB 366
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-N) 27 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944. 143 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-28 to 1944-01-28
57 (B) Sqn (RAF) East Kirkby
Battle of Berlin
They took off from East Kirkby in Lincolnshire on a bombing mission to Berlin. That night they were one of 677 aircraft (432 Lancasters) on the raid. 180,000 people were bombed out, together with many buildings. The damage was substantial.
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB368
s/n JB368
m/d 683
Avro
JB 368
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 27 Sep 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 22/23 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB369
s/n JB369
m/d 683
Avro
JB 369
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*D". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 17 December 1943. Crashed near Gravely, Bedffordshire on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog. Caught fire after crashing. 405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-16 to 1943-12-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*D". Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 12 December 1943. Crashed near Gravely, Bedffordshire on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog. Caught fire after crashing..405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.
1943-December-17 KIA RAFVR Herbert Leonard Cornwell 2024-04-23
1943-December-17 KIA RAFVR Eric Halliwell 2022-07-28
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Burns Alexander McLennan 2022-07-28
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Maurice Francis Victor Roobroeck 2022-07-28
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gordon Raymond Schneider 2022-07-28
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Fitzgerald Sheppard 2022-07-28 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB370
s/n JB370
m/d 683
Avro
JB 370
Merlin
Known Units: 57;617
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Oct 1943. It was for a short time detached to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-Ubar). Missing on 57 Sqn operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 7 Jul 1944. 338 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB372
s/n JB372
m/d 683
Avro
JB 372
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Oct 1943. Missing 2/3 Dec 1943 on mission to Berlin. 75 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB400
s/n JB400
m/d 683
Avro
JB 400
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 2 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. 71 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB401
s/n JB401
m/d 683
Avro
JB 401
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 2 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. 93 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB406
s/n JB406
m/d 683
Avro
JB 406
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-D) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 8/9 Oct 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB407
s/n JB407
m/d 683
Avro
JB 407
Merlin
Known Units: 460;12
Originally with No. 460 (Australian) Sqn. Then with No. 12 Sqn (PH-A). Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Dec 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB409
s/n JB409
m/d 683
Avro
JB 409
Merlin
Known Units: 12;626
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 7 Oct 1943. Transferred to No. 626 Sqn Dec 1943. Missing on opeartion to Hasselt, Belgium 11/12 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB413
s/n JB413
m/d 683
Avro
JB 413
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB416
s/n JB416
m/d 683
Avro
JB 416
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB419
s/n JB419
m/d 683
Avro
JB 419
Merlin
Known Units: ;57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB421
s/n JB421
m/d 683
Avro
JB 421
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 7 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Salbris 7/8 May 1944. 399 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB453
s/n JB453
m/d 683
Avro
JB 453
Merlin
Known Units: 83
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-F2) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 109 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB458
s/n JB458
m/d 683
Avro
JB 458
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB462
s/n JB462
m/d 683
Avro
JB 462
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-S) 21 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Vierzon 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944. 305 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB470
s/n JB470
m/d 683
Avro
JB 470
Merlin
Known Units: ;635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB471
s/n JB471
m/d 683
Avro
JB 471
Merlin
Known Units: 156;PNTU
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Oct 1943. Transferred to Pathfinder Navigational Training Unit Nov 1943. Caught fire and crashed in Wales (Llanrastyd Wells) on training flight 10 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB473
s/n JB473
m/d 683
Avro
JB 473
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn (EA-Q) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Revigny 18/19 July 1944. 473 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Revigny-Sur-Ornain France 1944-07-18 to 1944-07-19
49 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Fiskerton
49 Squadron RAF (Cave canem) RAF Fiskerton. Lancaster III aircraft JB 473 EA-W was hit by flak and then shot down by night fighter pilot Hauptman Fritz Berger of Stab II/NJG2 during a night operation to bomb the rail marshalling yards at Revigny-sur-Ornain, France. The Lancaster crashed at Vassimont-et-Chapelaine (Marne area) roughly 6 km NW of Sommesous, France
Mid-Upper Air Gunner, Pilot Officer Albert John Rammage (RCAF) was killed in action
Pilot, Flying Officer Roy MacLean Deacon (RCAF) survived, wounded and was captured. Taken to a French hospital Deacon was liberated by advancing US troops
Flight Sergeant Allan Russell Harpell (RCAF), Sergeant Donald Wilson (RCAF), Sergeant John Andrew Diley (RAFVR), Sergeant William Fortune (RAFVR) and Sergeant Harold Sharp (RAFVR) all survived and avoided capture as Evaders
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 July by Theo Boiten, page115
1944-July-19 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Roy MacLean Deacon 2025-02-20
1944-July-19 Evader RAFVR Sergeant John Andrew Diley 2025-02-20
1944-July-19 Evader RAFVR Sergeant William Fortune 2025-02-20
1944-July-19 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Allan Russell Harpell 2025-02-20
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert John Rammage 2025-02-20
1944-July-19 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Harold Sharp 2025-02-17
1944-July-19 Evader RCAF Sergeant Donald Wilson 2025-02-20 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB477
s/n JB477
m/d 683
Avro
JB 477
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, based at Gransden Lodge, UK, coded "LQ*O". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin. Crashed near Gravely on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog. 405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-17 to 1943-12-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Squadron, RCAF, based at Gransden Lodge, UK, coded "LQ*O". Failed to return from operation over Berlin. Crashed near Gravely on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog. 405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.Lancaster Mk.III serial JB481
s/n JB481
m/d 683
Avro
JB 481
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF from 27 October 1943, coded "LQ*R". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Lost on operation to Berlin. Crashed near Marham at 00:55 on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog after running out of fuel. All crew killed. Had 53 logged hours when written off. 405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-16 to 1943-12-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
No. 405 Squadron, RCAF from 27 October 1943, coded "LQ*R". Lost on operation to Berlin. Crashed near Marham at 00:55 on 17 December 1943, attempting to land in heavy fog after running out of fuel. All crew killed. Had 53 logged hours when written off. Flying Officer E.B. Drew was seriously injured and Sgt. L.McCrea was uninjured. 405 Squadron lost 3 aircraft to fog that night.
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Henry Roberts Bessent 2024-10-23
1943-December-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Corrigan 2024-10-23
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Warren Lee Dobson 2024-10-23
1943-December-17 KIA RAAF Flt Sergeant Victor Mienert 2024-10-23
1943-December-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Max Saunders 2024-10-23 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB483
s/n JB483
m/d 683
Avro
JB 483
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB484
s/n JB484
m/d 683
Avro
JB 484
Merlin
Known Units: 405;PNTU;1666HCU
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*B" and "LQ*X". Used from c. 1943 to c.1945, from Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire.405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Later to No. 1666 Conversion Unit. damaged by gale while with this unit, on 19 January 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB485
s/n JB485
m/d 683
Avro
JB 485
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 21 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB486
s/n JB486
m/d 683
Avro
JB 486
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-F) 21 Oct 1943. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 4/5 July 1944. 397 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB487
s/n JB487
m/d 683
Avro
JB 487
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-29 to 1943-12-30
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Elsham Wolds
103 Swindon's Own Squadron (Noli me Tangere) RAF Elsham Wolds Lancaster III aircraft JB 487 PM-G was shot down by flak during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany which caused severe structural damage to the tail-plane and damaged both port engines
The Lancaster crashed at Mettingen, Germany with the loss of one crew member
Sergeant TC Henderson (RAF) was killed in action
FS WA Lamb (RCAF), Sergeant HC Cunning (RAF), Sergeant A Fletcher (RAF), LJ Grigg (RAF), Sergeant RW Hatherley (RAF) and Sergeant RAG Warne (RAF) all survived to be taken as Prisoners of War
1943-December-30 PoW RAF Sergeant Charles Hugh Cunning 2024-05-29
1943-December-30 PoW RAF Sergeant Allan Fletcher 2022-11-23
1943-December-30 PoW RAF Sergeant Leslie John Grigg 2022-11-23
1943-December-30 PoW RAF Sergeant Rodney William Hatherley 2022-11-23
1943-December-30 KIA RAF Sergeant Thomas Cook Henderson 2022-11-23
1943-December-30 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Wesley Alfred Lamb 2022-11-23
1943-December-30 PoW RAF Warrant Officer Alfred Robert George Warne MiD 2022-11-23 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB526
s/n JB526
m/d 683
Avro
JB 526
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 59 Sqn (DX-D) 10 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 424 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB528
s/n JB528
m/d 683
Avro
JB 528
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB529
s/n JB529
m/d 683
Avro
JB 529
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 21 Oct 1943. Missing on mission to Berlin 2/3 Dec 1943. 62 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB532
s/n JB532
m/d 683
Avro
JB 532
Merlin
Known Units: 61 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB537
s/n JB537
m/d 683
Avro
JB 537
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 23/24 Nov 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB540
s/n JB540
m/d 683
Avro
JB 540
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB542
s/n JB542
m/d 683
Avro
JB 542
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-M) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB545
s/n JB545
m/d 683
Avro
JB 545
Merlin
Known Units: 49 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB546
s/n JB546
m/d 683
Avro
JB 546
Merlin
Known Units: 61;57;630
Was delivered to No. 61 Sqn. Moved to No. 57 Sqn and then to No. 630 Sqn. Missing on raid to Brunswick 22/23 May 1944. 311 hours of servicelast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-05-22 to 1944-05-23
630 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF East Kirkby
225 Lancasters and IO Mosquitoes of I and 5 Groups. 13 Lancasters lost, 5'5 per cent of the force
.This raid was a failure. The weather forecast had predicted a clear target but the marker aircraft found a complete covering of cloud. There was also interference on the Master Bomber's radio communications. The 5 Group method could not cope with these conditions and most of the bombing fell in the country areas around Brunswick. The city records show only a few bombs and there were no casualties. A reconnaissance aircraft flying through this area an hour later found it completely free of cloud.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
630 Squadron (Nocturna Mors). Lancaster III aircraft JB 546 was shot down at Quakenbruck, Germany during night operations against Brunswick, Germany. Two of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed and four of the crew, not Canadians, were taken Prisoners of War.
1944-May-23 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Edmond Adair 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Edward Frank Champness 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Peacock Craig Johstone 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Leonard Jones 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gerald Melbourne Naugler 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alan Leslie Pickering 2025-08-13
1944-May-23 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant Vernon Stanley John Zucker 2025-08-13 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB549
s/n JB549
m/d 683
Avro
JB 549
Merlin
Known Units: 100
To No. 100 Sqn from No. 32 MU Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 106 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB553
s/n JB553
m/d 683
Avro
JB 553
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 83 Sqn, transferred to No. 156 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB560
s/n JB560
m/d 683
Avro
JB 560
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn 27 Nov 1943. Aircraft crashed at Kelstern on return from mission to Berlin 16/17 Dec 1943. 19 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB562
s/n JB562
m/d 683
Avro
JB 562
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB564
s/n JB564
m/d 683
Avro
JB 564
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB565
s/n JB565
m/d 683
Avro
JB 565
Merlin
Known Units: ;57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB567
s/n JB567
m/d 683
Avro
JB 567
Merlin
Known Units: ;106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB593
s/n JB593
m/d 683
Avro
JB 593
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Lancaster JB593 was one of 550 aircraft built by A.V. Roe & Co. Ltd. Newton Heath Manchester under Contract No.1807 and Requisition No.8545 and delivered to No.106 Squadron at RAF Station Metheringham, Lincolnshire No.5 Bomber Group for operational service on Saturday 6th November 1943.
On Monday 5th June 1944 the aircraft was categorized "AC' and was repaired on site by another Unit or Contractor and returned to No.106 Squadron five days later. Having failed to return from the night's operation to attack Konigsberg on Tuesday 29th August 1944 Lancaster JB593 became the 212th aircraft from the Squadron to become non-effective and struck off charge by the Squadron, the 45th Squadron aircraft flying out of Metheringham, the 11th aircraft assigned to attack Konigsberg and the 2,127th aircraft from No.5 Bomber Group to become non-effective and struck off charge.
Lancaster JB593 was struck off charge by the Squadron on Wednesday 30th August 1944; Recorded on A.M. Form 78 the airframe had a total of 638 hours 5 minutes flying time logged against the airframe
source: Buzz Hope" and in the morning" data base
last update: 2025-November-191944-August-30 Struck off Strength 106 Total on air frame 638 hours, 5 minutes 2022-12-19
Bombing 1944-08-29 to 1944-08-30
106 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Metheringham
I 189 Lancasters of 5 Group carried out one of the most successful 5 Group attacks of !hi.I war on this target at extreme range. Only 480 tons of bombs could be carried hecause- of the range of the target but severe damage was caused around the 4 separate aiming points selected. This success was achieved despite a zo-minute delay Ill Opening the attack because of the presence of low cloud; the bombing force waited patiently using up precious fuel, until the marker aircraft found a break in the clouds and the Master Bomber, Wing Commander J. Woodroffe, probably 5 Group's most skilllcd Master Bomber, allowed the attack to commence. Bomber Command estimated that 41 per cent of all the housing and 20 per cent of all the industry in Konigsberg were destroyed. There was heavy fighter opposition over the target and 15 Lancasters, 7·9 per cent of the force, were lost.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Crew of Lancaster JB593
Pilot G/C (26144) William Neil McKechnie GC RAF aged 37, son of Lt.-Col. William Ernest McKechnie, I.M.S., and Marion A. McKechnie; husband of Mary Roma McKechnie, of Musselburgh, Midlothian has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 200 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 875 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66556 RAF & RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World WarFlight Engineer Sergeant (184151) Robert Barclay Clarke RAF(VR) aged 28, son of Robert Barclay Clarke and Jessie Fargie Clarke, of Ealing, Middlesex has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 210 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 876 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66410 RAF & RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World Wa
Navigator Flight Sergeant (R/181517 "“ later Pilot Officer J/94491) Henry Wilson Tilson Carter RCAF aged 26, son of Henry Joseph and Hannah Carter, of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 249 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 877 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 13689 RCAF personnel that died during the Second World War
Air Bomber Flying Officer (52570) Edward Eric Fletcher RAF aged 29, son of Edward and Deborah Fletcher; husband of Ada Elizabeth Fletcher, of Chippenham, Wiltshire has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 206 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 878 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66551 RAF & RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World Wa
Wireless Operator Sergeant (1582911) Charles Colin Jeffrey RAF(VR) aged 21, son of Charles Bertram Jeffrey and Rosa Mary Jeffrey has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 232 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 879 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66459 RAF & RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World Wa
Air Gunner Sergeant (645750) Douglas Forester RAF aged 26, son of William Reuben and Edith Forster, of Macclesfield, Cheshire; husband of Joan Forster, of Macclesfield has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 217 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 880 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66552 RAF &RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World War<./p>
Air Gunner Flight Sergeant (967795) Ernest Lewis Collins RAF(VR) age? He has no known grave and is remembered on Panel 216 on the Runnymede Memorial Surrey. He is Reference No. 881 in the section "˜Died in aircraft struck off charge, No.106 Squadron and Reference No. 66413 RAF &RAF(VR) personnel that died during the Second World Wa
source: Buzz Hope"and in the morning" data base
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB594
s/n JB594
m/d 683
Avro
JB 594
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB599
s/n JB599
m/d 683
Avro
JB 599
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB609
s/n JB609
m/d 683
Avro
JB 609
Merlin
Known Units: 12
With No. 12 Sqn (PH-F) Nov 1943. With No.626 Sqn briefly, Jan/Feb 1944. Missing on operation with 12 Sqn to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB612
s/n JB612
m/d 683
Avro
JB 612
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-U) 17 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Salbris, France 7/8 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB614
s/n JB614
m/d 683
Avro
JB 614
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB641
s/n JB641
m/d 683
Avro
JB 641
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB644
s/n JB644
m/d 683
Avro
JB 644
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB649
s/n JB649
m/d 683
Avro
JB 649
Merlin
Known Units: 626;166
Originally delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-V2) in Nov 1943 then with 166 Sqn (Code AS-O) in Jan 1944. Missing Stuttgart 25/26 July 1944. Holmes and Robertson give the date as 28 Jul 1944. Aircraft had 393 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB654
s/n JB654
m/d 683
Avro
JB 654
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB659
s/n JB659
m/d 683
Avro
JB 659
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-J) from 32 MU, 23 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 119 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB661
s/n JB661
m/d 683
Avro
JB 661
Merlin
Known Units: 7;300;626
Delivered to No. 7 Sqn (MG-Z) Nov 1943, it also used the squadron codes MG-T and MG-L. It was transferred to No. 300 (Polish) Sqn in August 1944, before being transferred to No. 626 Sqn (UM-C2). Missing from a mission to Munich 7/8 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1945-01-07 to 1945-01-08
626 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby
626 Squadron (To Strive and not to yield) RAF Wickenby. Lancaster III aircraft JB 661 UM-C2 was lost during an operation against targets in Munich, Germany. The cause of loss was not determined but is believed to have crashed near Gmund am Tegernsee, Germany. There are multiple night fighter claims not attributed to an aircraft serial number on this raid. Lancaster JB 661 was possibly one of the four bombers claimed by Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr of 1/NJG6 on this night or one of the single claims by Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Schmidt of 2/NJG6 or Oberleutnant Wilhem Engel of 3/NJG6
The entire crew was lost with this aircraft
Warrant Officer Class 2 Donald Ross Hutchins (RCAF), Flying Officer John Harvey Clark (RCAF), Pilot Officer Kenneth Ross Joslin (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Wayne John Rahkola (RCAF), Flying Officer Kenneth Albert Stroh (RCAF), Flying Officer Jean Paul Herbert Terreau (RCAF) and Sergeant Ernest Leather (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1943 1 January - 3 May by Theo Boiten, page 17
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Harvey Clark 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Class II Donald Ross Hutchins 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Ross Joslin 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ernest Leather 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Wayne John Rahkola 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Albert Stroh 2025-02-11
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jean Paul Herbert Terreau 2025-02-11 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB668
s/n JB668
m/d 683
Avro
JB 668
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R" and "LQ*T". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Damaged over Berlin 29/30 on December 1943. Crash landed Woodbridge.Note: This loss belongs to ND 526. Missing on raid to Schweinfurt.
last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Schweinfurt Germany 1944-02-24 to 1944-02-24
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R" and "LQ*T". Damaged over Berlin 29/30 on December 1943. Failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt on 25 February 1944, its first operation after repairs. Reported to have crashed in flames near Weyer (Bas-Rhin), 20 kilometres north-west of Saverne, France after being attacked by night fighter.1944-February-25 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Schweinfurt 2019-08-20
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Robert Lawson Christison 2024-02-20
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John William Fielding 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Emile Lawrence Poure 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Sergeant George Stuart Hugh Robinson 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Meyer Edsel Schwartz 2024-03-18
1944-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Russell Shaw 2022-07-28
1944-February-24 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Cyril Wallace Langford Tongue 2022-04-25 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB671
s/n JB671
m/d 683
Avro
JB 671
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-03-25 to 1944-03-25
97 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Bourn
811 aircraft - 577 Lancasters, 2 l 6 Halifaxes, l 8 Mosquitoes. 72 aircraft - 44 Lancasters, 28 Halifaxes - lost, 8·9 per cent of the force.
This night became known in Bomber Command as 'the night of the strong winds', A powerful wind from the north carried the bombers south at every stage of the flight. Not only was this wind not forecast accurately but it was so strong that the various methods available to warn crews of wind changes during the flight failed to detect the full strength of it. The bomber stream became very scattered, particularly m the homeward flight and radar-predicted Flak batteries at many places were able :o score successes. Part of the bomber force even strayed over the Ruhr defences on :he return flight. It is believed that approximately 50 of the 72 aircraft lost were destroyed by Flak; most of the remainder were victims of night fighters. The Berlin report says that 14 bombers were shot down by fighters in the target area.
The strong winds caused difficulties in the marking at Berlin with, unusually, markers being carried beyond the target and well out to the south-west of the city. 126 smnll towns and vlllages outside Berlin recorded bombs und 30 people were killed In those places, The majority of the damage in Berlin was in the south-western districts, As usual, much housing was destroyed and about 20,000 people were bombed out. Approximately 150 people were killed. No industrial concerns were classed as destroyed but several important ones were damaged. 5 military establishments were badly hit including the depot of the Waffen-S.S. Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler Division in Lichterfelde.
This was the last major R.A.F. raid on Berlin during the war, although the city would be bombed many times by small forces of Mosquitoes.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
.97 Squadron (Achieve Your Aim), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft JB 671 missing during operations over enemy territory. Six RAF members of the crew, Flight Sergeant W. Chapman, Flight Sergeant S. Nuttall, Pilot Officer W.D. Coates, D.F.M., Sergeant B.H. Nicholas, Sergeant. W.L. York and Sergeant F. Thompson were also killed.
1944-March-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Moody Baldwin 2024-12-12
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant William Chapman 2024-12-10
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer William Darby Coates 2024-12-10
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Bertram Horace Nicholas 2024-12-10
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Stanley Nuttall 2024-12-10
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Thompson 2024-12-10
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Lambert York 2024-12-10 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB672
s/n JB672
m/d 683
Avro
JB 672
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn 17 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 335 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB674
s/n JB674
m/d 683
Avro
JB 674
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB676
s/n JB676
m/d 683
Avro
JB 676
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB678
s/n JB678
m/d 683
Avro
JB 678
Merlin
Known Units: 550;100
Originally of No. 550 Sqn, then transferred to No. 100 Sqn (HW-F) Nov 1943. On return from Berlin 17 Dec 1943, aircraft collided with No. 100 Sqn aircraft JB 674.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB679
s/n JB679
m/d 683
Avro
JB 679
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB680
s/n JB680
m/d 683
Avro
JB 680
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Essen 26/27 Mar 1944. 95 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB681
s/n JB681
m/d 683
Avro
JB 681
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 65 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB682
s/n JB682
m/d 683
Avro
JB 682
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB684
s/n JB684
m/d 683
Avro
JB 684
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*U". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Laon on 23 April 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-April-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Lloyd Alberts 2024-11-01
1944-April-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Robert Berkey 2024-11-11
1944-April-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Grodecki 2025-01-16
1944-April-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Robert Oliver 2025-01-16
1944-April-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Russell Arthur Saltzberry 2025-01-16
1944-April-23 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer John Walter Tonkyn 2025-01-16 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB707
s/n JB707
m/d 683
Avro
JB 707
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Delivered to No. 32 Maintenance Unit, before passing to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*M". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Used from c. 1943, from Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. Reported missing on 29 July 1944. Had 400 hours airframe time when lost.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Colin John Blyth 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Derek Charles Carrot 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wendell Pierce Drew 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Wing Commander Charles Gray 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Clifford Morrow 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elwood Cameron Pomeroy 2025-01-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elwood Albert Townsend 2025-01-26 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB708
s/n JB708
m/d 683
Avro
JB 708
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-R) from No. 83 Sqn Dec 1943. Later coded OF-J. Missing on operation to Lille, France 10/11 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB709
s/n JB709
m/d 683
Avro
JB 709
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-O) 14 Dec 1943. Missing on Gardening sortie 9/10 Apr 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB716
s/n JB716
m/d 683
Avro
JB 716
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-X) 30 Nov 1943. Aircraft crashed and burned at Aston Down on return from a mining sortie 10/11 Aug 1944. 340 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB717
s/n JB717
m/d 683
Avro
JB 717
Merlin
Known Units: SIU;7
Delivered to Signals Intelligence Unit Dec 1943 for trials of H2S equipment. Delivered to No. 7 Sqn (MG-V) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 28-29 Jan 1944. 18 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB719
s/n JB719
m/d 683
Avro
JB 719
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB722
s/n JB722
m/d 683
Avro
JB 722
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB723
s/n JB723
m/d 683
Avro
JB 723
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-P, later DX-L) 30 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent, France 4/5 Jul 1944. 349 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB724
s/n JB724
m/d 683
Avro
JB 724
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB725
s/n JB725
m/d 683
Avro
JB 725
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Dec 1943. Missing on Gardening sortie 9/10 Apr 1944. 227 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB728
s/n JB728
m/d 683
Avro
JB 728
Merlin
Known Units: 405;97;635
Originally with No. 405 (RCAF) Sqn, then to No. 97 Sqn (OF-P) Dec 1943. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Then to No. 635 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Lens, France 15/16 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Lens France 1944-06-15 to 1944-06-16
635 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Downham Market
635 Squadron (Nos ducimus ceteri secunter) Pathfinder Force, RAF Downham Market. Lancaster III aircraft JB 728 F2-B was lost on an operation against railway yards at Lens, France in support of the D-Day landings, cause unknown. The Lancaster crashed near Beaurains, Pas-de-Calais, France
Flying Officer James Caterer (RAFVR) was killed in action and was buried in France
Sergeant William Joseph Beeson (RAFVR), Sergeant Dennis Farrall (RAFVR) and Sergeant Harold Skutt (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
Sergeant Lawrence Benson (RAFVR) survived and evaded for about 10 days but was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War
Flying Officer William Clarence Shepherd (RCAF) and Sergeant Michael F Haberlin (RAFVR) both survived and escaped capture as Evaders
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Joseph Beeson 2024-08-06
1944-June-16 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Lawrence Benson 2024-11-11
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer James Caterer 2024-08-06
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Dennis Farrall 2024-08-06
1944-June-16 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Michael F Haberlin 2024-08-06
1944-June-16 Evader RCAF Flying Officer William Clarence Shepherd 2024-08-06
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold Skutt 2024-08-06 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB729
s/n JB729
m/d 683
Avro
JB 729
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*E". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Lens on 16 June 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Lens France 1944-06-15 to 1944-06-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft JB 729 LQ-E failed to return from an attack against the rail yards at Lens, France in support of the Normandy landings. The Lancaster was lost without a trace and the cause of loss is unknown but there was speculation about a mid-air collision as a large explosion was seen by multiple crews on the run-in to target. Two aircraft (JB 729 and ND 343) were missing after operation concludedFlying Officer John Ignatius Joseph Keenan (RCAF), Pilot Officer Ronald Oberlin Ellis (RCAF), Pilot Officer john Douglas Hayes (RCAF), Pilot Officer Alan Joseph Retter (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Eric George Smith (RCAF), Flying Officer Herbert Asquith Wickens (RCAF), Flying Officer William Michael Crumbley (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant Walter Sidney Marchant (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in action. The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer William Michael Crumbley 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ronald Oberlin Ellis 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Douglas Hayes 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Ignatius Joseph Keenan 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Walter Sidney Marchant 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Joseph Retter 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Eric George Smith 2025-01-22
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Herbert Asquith Wickens 2025-01-22 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB731
s/n JB731
m/d 683
Avro
JB 731
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Bell 2025-11-25
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Sergeant Frederick Thomas Coulter 2025-11-25
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Flt Sergeant George Stuart Davies 2025-11-25
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Sergeant David Dushman 2025-11-25
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Flying Officer Martin Jenkins 2025-11-25
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Sergeant Cecil Albert Mills 2025-11-25 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB733
s/n JB733
m/d 683
Avro
JB 733
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB736
s/n JB736
m/d 683
Avro
JB 736
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB737
s/n JB737
m/d 683
Avro
JB 737
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 1/2 January 1944, one of two aircraft lost by squadron that night. Crashed near St Pol sur Ternoise in the Pas-de-Calais, France.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-01 to 1944-01-02
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster BIII aircraft JB 737 LQ-R was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Ludwig Meister of the 1/NJG 4, who was flying Bf 110 G-4 3C+SJ from Florennes airfield in Belgium while returning from an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The Lancaster crashed near Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise, Pas-de-Calais, France with the loss of five crew members
Flying Officer A P Campbell (RCAF), Flight Sergeant B C Cameron (RCAF), Pilot Officer J B Dunne (RCAF)Pilot Officer T D Gavin (RCAF) and Sergeant J Redhead (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Pilot Officer D N Thompson (RCAF) and Sergeant D J Leslie (RAFVR) both survived to become Prisoners of War
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce Clarke Cameron 2024-07-30
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allan Paul Campbell 2024-07-30
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Barry Dunne 2024-07-30
1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Donald Gavin 2024-07-30
1944-January-02 PoW RAFVR Sergeant David John Leslie 2023-12-09
1944-January-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Redhead 2024-07-30
1944-January-02 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer David Noel Thompson 2024-07-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB741
s/n JB741
m/d 683
Avro
JB 741
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 Sqn 11 Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944. 263 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Mailly-le-Camp France 1944-05-04 to 1944-05-04
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft JB 741 was delivered to 460 Squadron 11 Dec 1943. Aircraft was shot down during a night operation to MaiIly le Camp, France. Casualties included RCAF Flt. Sgt. W.B. Martin (air bomber) and Pilot Officer W.H. Thompson (navigator); RAF Pilot Officer F.W. Baker (pilot); RAFVR Sgt's. H.P. Black (air gunner), W.C. Maxwell (air gunner), J.W. Ranger (flight engineer), and G.E. O'Neill (wireless operator / air gunner).Lancaster Mk.III serial JB742
s/n JB742
m/d 683
Avro
JB 742
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn 11 Dec 1943. Missing on mission to Augsburg 25/26 Feb 1944. 118 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Augsburg Germany 1944-02-25 to 1944-02-25
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft JB 742 was delivered to 460 Squadron on 11 December 1943. JB742 took off from RAF Binbrook on 25 February 1944 during a night trip to bomb Augsburg, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it did not return to base. Killed were RCAF Pilot Officer J.E. Strain (navigator); RAAF Pilot Officer R.C. Martin (pilot) and RAAF Flt. Sgt's. W.D. Carlilie (wireless operator / air gunner), P.W.B. Gurdon (bomb aimer), and W.J. Howiss (air gunner); RAF Sgt's F.C. Willis (flight engineer) and F. Woodward (air gunner).Lancaster Mk.III serial JB743
s/n JB743
m/d 683
Avro
JB 743
Merlin
Known Units: 460;625
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn 11 Dec 1943. Transferred to No. 625 Sqn 13 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Vierzon 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944. 304 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB745
s/n JB745
m/d 683
Avro
JB 745
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial JB746
s/n JB746
m/d 683
Avro
JB 746
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-I) Dec 1943. Shot down by flak on mission to Le Havre 31 Jul 1944. 407 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Le Havre France 1944-07-30 to 1944-07-31
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Elsham Woods
103 Squadron (Noll Me Tangere) RAF Elsham Woods. Lancaster III aircraft JB 746 PM-I was hit by flak while engaged in a raid against shipping targets in the port of Le Havre, France. A wing separated from the aircraft before it exploded and only two crew members were able to escape before the Lancaster crashed near the target area
Flying Officer Joseph Leonidas Gerald Avon (RCAF), Sergeant Donald Fraser Enright (RCAF), Flight Sergeant George Roughton Carver Gilroy Adams (RAFVR), Sergeant George Robert Carr (RAFVR) and Sergeant Leslie Henderson (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer Kenneth Norris (RCAF) and Warrant Officer Class 2 Wilfrid Lucien Morneau (RCAF), survived to be taken as Prisoners of War
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant George Roughton Carver Gilroy Adams 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Leonidas Gerald Avon 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Robert Carr 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 KIA RCAF Sergeant Donald Fraser Enright 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Henderson 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Wilfred Lucien Morneau 2025-01-30
1944-July-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Norris 2025-01-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial JB747
s/n JB747
m/d 683
Avro
JB 747
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 2/3 Jan 1944. 34 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB700
s/n KB700
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 700
Merlin
Known Units: 405;419
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1945-01-03 to 1945-01-03
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St George
First Lancaster built in Canada, rolled out at Malton on 6 August 1943. First Canadian built Lancaster to see action. Named "Ruhr Express". Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*Q", from October to 20 December 1943, flew 2 missions. First mission was raid on Berlin on 26/27 November 1943. Then to No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Z". Flew 47 operations with this unit. Landed hard at Middleton-St.-George returning from mission to Ludwigshafen in early morning of 3 January 1945, possibly due to flaps partly retracting just before touch down. Overshot paved runway, tried to taxi clear because of other approaching aircraft but struck construction machinery near runway edge with starboard outer prop. Engine caught fire, spread to rest of aircraft. No crew injured, but aircraft totally destroyed
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Ken Abet 2024-11-01
1945-January-03 Survived RAF Flight Sergeant Ted Darlington 2024-10-31
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant John A McColl 2023-06-24
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Jim McLean 2023-06-24
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Al McMillan 2023-06-24
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Smith 2023-06-24
1945-January-03 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alf Warner 2023-06-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB701
s/n KB701
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 701
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Operated by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B". Crashed on Helmsley Moor, Yorkshire on 16 May 1944, after taking off from Middleton St. George on a night training flight. Struck high ground, in clouds, en route to bombing range on Helmsley Moor, near Potter House Farm. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Operational 1944-05-16 to 1944-05-16
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Operated by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B". Crashed on Helmsley Moor, Yorkshire on 16 May 1944, after taking off from Middleton St. George on a night training flight. Struck high ground, in clouds, en route to bombing range at on Helmsley Moor, near Potter House Farm. All 7 crew killed.
The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 701 were.Warrant Officer H.G. Grice, Sergeants F.A. Milne, N.F. Alsop, Pilot Officer J.G. McMaster, one USAAF member of the crew, and one other member of the crew, not Canadian, were also killed. The two members of this crew who were not Canadian were 2nd. Lt. E.N. Fordham (USAAF) and Sgt. G.T. Jones (RAF). Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Stockton-on-Tees, England.
1944-May-16 KIA RCAF Sergeant Norman Frederick Alsop 2024-11-02
1944-May-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Hubert Gordon Grice 2022-12-15
1944-May-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Gordon McMaster 2022-12-15
1944-May-16 KIA RCAF Sergeant Frank Alexander Milne 2022-12-15
1944-May-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Moir Parsons 2022-12-15 Lancaster Mk.XPP serial KB702
s/n KB702
as/n TCA 101
m/d 691
c/n 37003
Victory Aircraft
KB 702
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted to the Lancaster long range transport as a Lancaster XPP - registered CF-CMT; first flown by E.H. Taylor on 9 September, 1943. Delivered to TCA on 17 September, 1943; Fin #101. First flight in service with CGTAS was January 12, 1944, and flown by Captain M.B. Barclay, completing the crossing in 11 hours 14 minutes from Dorval to Prestwick. Withdrawn from service during May 1947. No subsequent information. Lancastrians went into service with Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service (CGTAS) for mail and VIP service between Dorval and Prestwick. They carried ten passengers and crossed the Atlantic in about twelve and half-hours. They were cold and noisy but did the job. Mainly flown by pilot's Jock Barkley and George Lothian. Withdrawn from service in May 1947.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.XPP serial KB703
s/n KB703
as/n TCA 102
m/d 691
c/n 37004
Victory Aircraft
KB 703
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted to the Lancaster long range transport -registered CF-CMU; First flown on 25 September, 1943. Delivered to TCA 17 Sept 1943. Used by Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service (CGTAS) for mail and VIP service between Dorval and Preswick. They carried ten passengers and crossed the Atlantic in about twelve and half-hours. They were cold and noisy but did the job. Damaged at Lajes in the Azores on 28 July 1944, and shipped to Montreal for repairs. Aircraft returned to service. This aircraft was lost at sea on 30 December, 1944. It had left Dorval at 23:59 on 29 December with a crew of four and a single passenger, Sir Alfred E. Evans, Chief of the British Admiralty Technical Mission in Ottawa. The pilot was Capt. Maurice Gauthier. At 06:49 Goose Bay received a Mayday signal when the aircraft was believed to have been flying at 23,000 feet about 600 miles east of Torbay, Newfoundland. A sea and air search found no trace and an inquiry was unable to determine a probable cause of its loss.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.X serial KB704
s/n KB704
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 704
Merlin
Known Units: 428;419
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*E" and "NA*X". Coded NA*E" when it was one of 7 aircraft from this unit that flew the first RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France on 14/15 July 1944. Later operated by No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Y" when lost. Crashed on overshoot at Middleton St. George after raid on Ghent on 11 May 1944. Also reported as crashed at end of training mission?last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB705
s/n KB705
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 705
Merlin
Known Units: 428;1666HCU
Used by No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*F". One of 7 aircraft from this unit that the flew the RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France on 14/15 July 1944. Later used by No. 1666 Heavy Conversion Unit. Survived the war, retained in the UK for test work with Rolls Royce, struck off on 30 May 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB706
s/n KB706
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 706
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*A". Failed to return from operation over Aachen on 25 May 1944, shot down by night fighter, no survivors. Came down near Tilburg, Holland.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Montzen Belgium 1944-04-27 to 1944-04-28
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
419 Goose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster X aircraft KB 706 VR-A returned early from an operation against the rail yards at Montzen, Belgium as the Mid-Upper Gunner, Sergeant LG Turner (RCAF) had suffered a collapsed lung
1944-May-25 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Aachen, shot down by night fighter, no survivors. 2019-08-20
Bombing Aachen Germany 1944-05-24 to 1944-05-25
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
442 aircraft - 264 Lancasters, 162 Halifaxcs, 16 Mosquitoes - of all groups except 5 Group to attack 2 railway yards nt Aachen - Aachen-West and Rothe Brclo (east of the town). These were important links in the railway system between Germany a France. 18 Halifaxes and 7 Lancasters lost, 5-7 per cent of the force.
The Aachen report duly records that the 2 railway yards were the targets attack with the railways to the east of Aachen being particularly hard hit. But, because t was a German town, Bomber Command sent more aircraft than normal for railway raids and many bombs fell on Aachen itself and in villages near the railway yards. The Monheim war-industry factory and the town's gasworks were among many buildings destroyed. 207 people were killed in Aachen and 121 were seriously injured. 14,~ people were bombed out. Several villages near the railway yards also incurred casualties. Eilendorf, near the Rothe Erde yards, had 52 people killed.
The Aachen report comments on the great number of high-explosive bombs and the small number of incendiaries dropped. There were only 6 large fires. 288 high explosive bombs were found to be duds, approximately IO per cent of those dropped.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster X aircraft KB 706 VR-A was lost on an operation against targets in Aachen, Germany, shot down by night fighter pilot Obleutnant H Nabrich of 3/NJG 1. The bomber crashed behind Kromstraat 2 at Tilburg , Noord-Brabant, Netherlands with the loss of the entire crew
Pilot Officer DM Robson (RCAF), Flying Officer GR Lauder (RCAF), Pilot Officer PS Smith (RCAF), Sergeant J Hoarty (RAFVR), Sergeant BR Morgan (RAFVR) and Sergeant THJ Smith (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Pilot Officer WD Lillico (RCAF)(USA) survived briefly but died of his injuries shortly after he was captured
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
1944-April-28 Survived RCAF Sergeant LG Turner 2023-03-21
1944-May-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Hoarty 2023-03-22
1944-May-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Robert Lauder 2023-03-21
1944-May-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Davidson Lillico 2023-03-22
1944-May-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Bernard Reginald Morgan 2023-03-22
1944-May-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Matthews Robson 2023-03-21
1944-May-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Philip Seagar Smith 2023-03-22
1944-May-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Harry James Smith 2023-03-22 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB707
s/n KB707
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 707
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF from May 1944, coded "VR*W". Crashed on overshoot at Middleton St. George on 19 September 1944, after repositioning from Linton. Aircraft has suffered damage on raid on Douberg, undercarriage collapsed on landing at Middleton St. George.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB708
s/n KB708
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 708
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*E". Crashed on overshoot at Boscombe Down on 26 August 1944, returning from raid on Russelheim with flak damage.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Russelsheim Germany 1944-08-25 to 1944-08-26
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
4 I 2 Lancasters of I, 3, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the Opel motor factory. 15 Lan casters were lost, 3·6 per cent of the force.
The Pathfinder marking was accurate and the raid was successfully completed in IO minutes. An official German report* says that the forge and the gearbox assembly departments were put out of action for several weeks, but 90 per cent of the machine tools in other departments escaped damage. The assembly line and part·of the pressworks were able to recommence work 2 days later and lorry assembly was unaffected because of considerable stocks of ready-made parts. 179 people were killed in the raid but their nationalities were not recorded.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 708 was returning from a trip to Russellsheim, Germany and were low on fuel. They were instructed to land at Boscombe Down, England but fog closed in and obscured the landing lights so the pilot attempted an overshoot. All four engines cut out and the aircraft crashed into some trees at Winterbourne, Wiltshire. Flying Officer W.A. Milner, Flying Officer Kirschner, Pilot Officer H.F. Anderson, and Sergeant J.L. Trotman (RAF) were killed.
Three other crewmen were injured: Nav - Flying Officer Pierre E. Gariepy (RCAF); AG - Sgt. L.J. Weston (RCAF); and, AG - Sgt. Peter Wiens (RCAF). Gariepy's spine was severed and he became a paraplegic
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB709
s/n KB709
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 709
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Used by No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*G". Failed to return from operation over Stettin on 29/30 August 1944, crashed into Baltic Sea near Falkenberg. Had 107:00 logged time.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Baillie 2025-08-07
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Llewellyn Hugh Coverdale Gardiner DFC 2025-08-07
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Benjamin Gravelet-Chapman 2025-08-07
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leonard Stanley Plunkett 2025-08-07
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Sergeant Douglas Albert George Sparkes 2025-08-07 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB710
s/n KB710
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 710
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*W". Failed to return from operation over Louvain, Belgium on 13 May 1944. Shot down by night fighter, no survivors. Came down near Sent-Genesius-Rode.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Louvain Belgium 1944-05-12 to 1944-05-13
419 Sqn (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
120 aircraft - 96 Halifaxes, 20 Lancasters, 4 Mosquitoes - of 6 and 8 Groups. 3 Halifaxes and 2 Lancasters lost.
The bombing was more accurate than on the previous night and considerable damage was caused in the railways yards. The local report, which consolidates the 2 raids, confirms that the railways were badly damaged and says that parts of the system were still being repaired 6 months later. But civilian casualties were also heavy, with 160 people being killed and 208 injured in Louvain and its suburbs of Herent and Wilsele. Building damage in Louvain included 5 blocks of the university, 8 factories, 4 convents and a church.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-May-13 KIA RAF Sergeant Ronald Bull 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Raymond Finlayson 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Samuel George Livingstone 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Lambert Moore 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Carlos Jr O'Connell 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter William Price 2025-03-23
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Ingram Smith 2025-03-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB711
s/n KB711
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 711
Merlin
Known Units: 428;419
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*N" and "NA*U". Later used by No. 419 Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*C", when lost. Failed to return from operation over St. Ghislain on 2 May 1944, shot down by night fighter. 2 killed, 6 POW. Probably first Canadian built Lancaster lost on operations.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Saint-Ghislain Belgium 1944-05-01 to 1944-05-02
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
137 aircraft - 89 Halifaxes, 40 Lancasters, 8 Mosquitoes - of 6 and 8 Groups uttacked the railway yards with great accuracy. 1 Halifax and 1 Lancaster lost.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
#419 Moose Squadron (Moose Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 711VR-C had just dropped its bomb load on the railyards at St Ghislain, Belgium when it was attacked from below by a German night fighter. The Lancaster at 11000 feet, was hit by cannon rounds, caught fire and the crew abandoned the aircraft except for Pilot Officer McNary and Pilot Officer Chartrand. McNary was trying to help Chartrand, wounded when a cannon shell exploded in the cockpit. The aircraft crashed and exploded on a gas works at Ghent, Belgium.
Pilot Officer JC McNary (RCAF) and Pilot Officer JLE Chartrand (RCAF) were killed in action.The remainder of the crew, Flying Officer F Love (RCAF), Sergeant D Sangster (RCAF), Sergeant JJ Wilson (RCAF), FS RCD Long (RCAF), and Sergeant AG (RAF) survived and were all taken as Prisoners of War
1944-May-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Louis Edmond Chartrand 2024-02-08
1944-May-02 PoW RAF Sergeant Alfred George Hill 2022-12-13
1944-May-02 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Clifford Douglas Long 2022-12-13
1944-May-02 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Fred Harvard Love 2022-12-13
1944-May-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Crawford McNary 2022-12-13
1944-May-02 PoW RCAF Sergeant Douglas Scott MacKay Sangster 2022-12-13
1944-May-02 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John James Wilson 2022-12-13 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB712
s/n KB712
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 712
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*B", "VR*E", and "VR*L" when lost. Named "Smitty Love". Bombed Stuttgart on 24/25 July 1944. Flew 51 operations. Crashed at Hurth, Germany during operation over Cologne on 28 October 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cologne Germany 1944-10-28 to 1944-10-28
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St.George
733 aircraft - 428 Lancasters, 286 Halifaxes, 19 Mosquitoes. 4 Halifaxes and 3 Lancasters lost.
The bombing took place in 2 separate waves and the local report confirms that enormous damage was caused. The districts of Miilheim and Zollstock, north-east and south-west of the centre respectively, became the centre of the 2 raids and were both devastated. Classed as completely destroyed were: 2,239 blocks of flats, 15 industrial premises, 11 schools, 3 police stations and a variety of other buildings, Much damage was also caused to power-stations, railways and harbour installations on the Rhine. 630 German people were killed or their bodies never found and 1,200 were injured. The number of foreign casualties is not known.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 712 was shot down near Hurth, Germany four miles south-west of the target Cologne, Germany. F/Os A.N. Nelligan, J.A. Nafziger, J.R. Fitchner, Pilot Officer W.H. Herman, FS B.E. Greenhalgh,FS E,R, Smith and Sergeant W.E. Hawkings (RAF) were killed. This was the 5th trip for this crew but the aircraft had been used on 52 operations
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Roy Fichtner 2022-12-19
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Bruce Edward Greenhalgh 2022-12-19
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Henry Herman 2022-12-19
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Alden Nafziger 2022-12-19
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allan Neil Nelligan 2025-05-24
1944-October-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Elliott Russell Smith 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB713
s/n KB713
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 713
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*X". Failed to return from operation over Louvain on 13 May 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Louvain Belgium 1944-05-12 to 1944-05-13
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
120 aircraft - 96 Halifaxes, 20 Lancasters, 4 Mosquitoes - of 6 and 8 Groups. 3 Halifaxes and 2 Lancasters lost.
The bombing was more accurate than on the previous night and considerable damage was caused in the railways yards. The local report, which consolidates the 2 raids, confirms that the railways were badly damaged and says that parts of the system were still being repaired 6 months later. But civilian casualties were also heavy, with 160 people being killed and 208 injured in Louvain and its suburbs of Herent and Wilsele. Building damage in Louvain included 5 blocks of the university, 8 factories, 4 convents and a church.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Roy Campbell 2024-10-17
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Dewar 2024-10-17
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Burdel Frank Edwards 2024-10-17
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Engman Oddan 2024-10-17
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Stanley Smith 2024-10-17
1944-May-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Alexander Webber 2024-10-17 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB714
s/n KB714
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 714
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Y". Failed to return from operation over Cambrai on 13 June 1944, shot down by night fighter, no survivors. This was this aircraft's 5th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster X aircraft KB 714 VR-Y was shot down by a night fighter near Vourse Lette, France during a raid against the marshalling yards at Cambrai, France. The Lancaster crashed at Courcelette 10 km NE of Albert just North of the main road to Bapaume, France
Flying Officer RN Pole (RCAF), Flying Officer RN Wilson (RCAF), Flying Officer CR McOrmond (RCAF), Flying Officer DJ McMullen (RCAF), Pilot Officer ME Gates (RCAF), Pilot Officer RW Francis (RCAF) and Sergeant CC White (RCAF) were all killed in action
There were three 419 Squadron Lancaster aircraft and crews lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial numbers KB 726 VR-A and KB 731 VR-S for additional information
419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Lancaster KB714
Research of France-Crashes 39-45
Lancaster BX KB714 [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard William Francis 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Max Ennis Gates 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas James McMullen 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Robert McOrmond 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ross Norman Pole 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Sergeant Captain Clayton White 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russel Nelson Wilson 2022-10-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB715
s/n KB715
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 715
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Failed to return from day time operation over Dusseldorf-Lohausen airfield on 24 December 1944. All crew bailed out, became PoW. Gunner Flying Officer R.W. Hale was executed by the Gestapo. This was this aircrafts 60th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Lohausen Germany 1944-12-24 to 1944-12-24
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
338 aircraft - 248 Halifaxes, 79 Lancasters, I I Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the airfields at Lohausen and Millheim (now Diisseldorf and Essen civil airports). The purpose of the raids was not recorded; it is possible that they were to hinder the movement of supplies by transport aircraft from the Ruhr to the Ardennes battle area. Both attacks took place in conditions of good visibility and the bombing was accurate. 6 aircraft lost - 2 Lancasters and I Halifax from the Lohausen raid and 3 Halifaxes from the Millheim raid
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 715 was hit by flak, set on fire, and three engines were knocked out during a daylight raid on the Lohausen aerodrome at Dusseldorf, Germany. The aircraft went out of control and the bomb load could not be dropped so Flying Officer Cowtan ordered the crew to bail out. Seven Canadians, F/Os T.H. Cowtan, J.L. Cartier, Hale, Pilot Officer J.V. Ranson, Sergeants C.W. Thompson, G. Little, and Hector were taken Prisoners of War. Flying Officer Hale was executed by the Gestapo the same day as the operation. He was initially buried in Neuss Cemetery. Reinterred 19 April 1947.
Sergeant Little RCAF and Sergeant Hector RCAF were captured on 24 December 1944 at Dusseldorf, part of Trupp 57. They arrived at Bankau on 9 January 1945. (The Long Road - Oliver Clutton-Brock)Pilot: J/29777 Fg Off Thomas Henry Cowtan RCAF - was captured on 24 December 1944 at Dusseldorf. PoW/Krefeld Airfield/Dulag Luft Oberursel Dulag Luft Wetzlar/Stalag Luft 1 Barth Vogelsang/PoW Number?
Flight Engineer: J/89040 Plt Off James Valentine Ranson RCAF - was captured on 24 December 1944 at Dusseldorf. PoW/Injured/Stalag VII J Krefeld/Dulag Luft Oberursel/Dulag Luft Wetzlar/Oflag III Nuremberg/Marched to Stalag VIIA Moosburg 4 April 1945 - 18 April 1945.
Navigator: R/180068 Sergeant Colin Wray Thompson RCAF - was captured on 24 December 1944 at Dusseldorf. PoW/Krefeld Airfield/Dulag Luft Oberursel/Dulag Luft Wetzlar /Stalag Luft 1 Barth Vogelsang/PoW Number?
Bomb Aimer: J/39257 Fg Off Joseph Lionel Louis Cartier RCAF - was captured on 24 December 1944 at Krefeld. PoW/Injured/Krefeld Airfield/Dulag Luft Wetzlar/Stalag Luft 1 Barth Vogelsang/PoW Number?
Sergeant Little RCAF and Sergeant Hector RCAF were captured on 24 December 1944 at Dusseldorf, part of Trupp 57. They arrived at Bankau on 9 January 1945. (The Long Road - Oliver Clutton-Brock)
Mid Upper Gunner: R/265557 Sergeant George Burten Little RCAF - PoW/Stalag Luft 7 Bankau near Kreuzburg Upper Silesia/Stalag 3A Luckenwalde/PoW Number 1336.
Rear Gunner: R/114679 Sergeant Ferdinand Albert Hector RCAF - PoW/Stalag Luft 7 Bankau near Kreuzburg Upper Silesia/Stalag 3A Luckenwalde/PoW Number 1327.source: John Jones
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Lionel Louis Cartier 2025-01-26
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Henry Cowtan 2025-01-26
1944-December-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Wallace Hale 2025-01-26
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Sergeant Ferdinand Albert Hector 2022-12-20
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Sergeant G B Little 2025-01-26
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Valentine Ranson 2025-01-26
1944-December-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Colin W Thompson 2023-08-13 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB716
s/n KB716
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 716
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Used by No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*D" and "VR*E". Crashed on landing at Middleton St. George on 7 May 1944, while on a training flight. No casualties.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB717
s/n KB717
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 717
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*E". Failed to return from operation over Dortmund on 23 May 1944, reported as shot down by night fighter, also reported as struck by flak. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1944-05-22 to 1944-05-23
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
361 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 6 and 8 Groups carried out the first large raid on this target for a year. 18 Lancasters were lost, 4·8 per cent of the force.
The attack fell mainly in the south-eastern districts of Dortmund, mostly in residential areas. 852 houses and 6 industrial buildings were destroyed; 788 houses were seriously damaged. 335 Germans and 26 prisoners of war were killed and l ,697 people were injured.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 717 was shot down one and one half miles south of Monchen-Gladbach at Genhulsen, Germany during a night operation against Dortmund, Germany.
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Alexander Bailey 2025-10-01
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Arthur Carleton Beckett 2025-10-01
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Adam Philip Chawanski 2025-10-01
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donovan Emmerson Derbyshire 2025-10-01
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Wilkins Mitchell 2025-10-01
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Edmund George Patterson 2025-10-01 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB718
s/n KB718
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 718
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*J". Failed to return from operation over Villeneuve St. George on 5 July 1944, shot down by night fighter, possibly after being struck by flak. Crew bailed out, 3 POW, 3 evaded, pilot Flying Officer L.W.A. Frame died.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Villeneuve-Saint-Georges France 1944-07-04 to 1944-07-05
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
282 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 6 and 8 Groups attacked railway yards at Orleans and Villeneuve. Both targets were accurately bombed. 14 Lancasters were lost, 11 from the Villeneuve raid and 3 from Orleans.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster X KB 718 VR-J shot down by a night fighter during an operation to bomb the railyards at Villeneuve St Georges, France. The Lancaster crashed near the village of Fay, 2 km NE of Chailly-en-Biere, France
Flying Officer WC Watson (RCAF), Flying Officer LWA Frame (RCAF), FS J Morris (RCAF) and Sergeant PP Barclay (RAFVR) all survived and were Evaders
Pilot Officer D High (RCAF) evaded for a time but was betrayed by the Belgian traitor Jacques Desoubrie and arrested. One of 168 Allied sent to Buchenwald Concentration Camp but later moved to a Luftwaffe POW camp
Pilot Officer HB Hayes (RCAF) and Flying Officer WB Reynolds survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
There were three 419 Squadron Lancaster aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Gibson, WR for information on Lancaster KB 727 VR-H and Roe, AE for information on Lancaster KB 723 VR-U
1944-July-05 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Phillip P "Shorty" Barkley 2024-11-09
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Lorne W A "Red" Frame 2024-12-18
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Bernard Hayes 2024-12-18
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer David High 2024-07-16
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant John Morris ORMF 2024-12-18
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Boland Reynolds 2024-12-18
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer William C Watson 2024-12-18 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB719
s/n KB719
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 719
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*T". Failed to return from operation over Stuttgart on 25 July 1944. Wreckage reported near Bassu. Struck by ground fired rockets over Luxemburg. 3 crew killed, 1 PoW, 2 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-24 to 1944-07-25
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Stuttgart, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 719 was near Luxembourg when it was hit by rockets, caught fire and then crashed north-east of Vitry le Francais, France. Most of the crew abandoned the aircraft before it crashed but P/Os J. Spevak, J.P. Shortt, and Sergeant J. Norman D.F.M. (RAF) were also killed. One Canadian, FS R. Devine, was taken Prisoner of War, and two Canadians, FS PhiII and Sergeant MacKinnon were Evaders.
1944-July-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Henry Devine 2024-10-17
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Sergeant R G MacKinnon 2025-06-09
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant J A Phillis 2025-06-09
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Ellard Searson 2025-06-09
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Patrick Shortt 2025-06-09
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Spevak 2025-06-09 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB720
s/n KB720
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 720
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*P". Named "Piddlin Pete". Bombed Stuttgart on 25/26 July 1944. Survived the war, scrapped in the UK.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB721
s/n KB721
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 721
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Completed 59 operations while with RAF. Became RCAF KB721. Instructional airframe A448 Aug 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-August-29 Classified Instructional CA A 448 2020-06-11
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-November-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB722
s/n KB722
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 722
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Named "The Hecklin Hare". Bombed Kiel on 15 September 1944. Coded "VR*R", and "VR*A" when lost on 1 January 1945. Crash landed near St. Quentin, France on 1 January 1945, after being hit by gunfire from another Lancaster. This was this aircrafts 63rd operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hanover Germany 1945-01-05 to 1945-01-05
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
664 aircraft - 340 Halifaxes, 310 Lancasters, 14 Mosquitoes - of I, 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 23 Halifaxes and 8 Lancasters lost, 4·7 per cent of the force. This was the first large raid on Hannover since October 1943. Bombs fell all over the city and the local report, based on messages from 16 of the 18 police districts, shows that 493 buildings, containing 3,605 flats/apartments, .were destroyed and that approximately 250 people were killed. No further details are available
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 722 VR-A "Hecklin Hare II" while flying in formation with aircraft outbound for an operation to bomb targets in Hanover, Germany, was shot up by another Lancaster and lost two engines. After safely jettisoning the bomb-load, the pilot turned towards Brussels and an emergency landing field at Juvencourt, France, but this airfield was fogged in. Unable to attempt a cross-channel flight home, Pilot Officer Mallen on only his second operation, found a break in the fog and put the Lancaster down in a farmer's field at St Quentin, France. The landing was heavy but the crew all survived, some injured
Pilot Officer ND Mallen (RCAF) and Sergeant NR Poole (RCAF) survived, both with a sprained ankle, Flight Sergeant RS Dickson (RCAF) survived with cuts to face and leg and an injured shoulder, Flying Officer JAF Miller DFC (RCAF), Warrant Officer 2 RB Cameron (RCAF) and Sergeant C Drinka (RCAF) were uninjured and Sergeant PW Hall (RAFVR) survived with facial cuts
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
RAF and RCAF Aircraft Nose Art in World War II by Clarence Simonsen, page 111
[Royal air Force Serial and Image database]...
419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of KN722 Hecklin Hare
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Warrant Officer II R B Cameron 2023-12-09
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Flt. Sergeant R S Dickson 2024-10-20
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Sergeant C Drinka 2024-10-28
1945-January-05 Survived RAFVR Sergeant P W Hall 2023-05-03
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer N D Mallen 2024-06-27
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Flying Officer John Alexander Fraser Miller DFC 2023-05-03
1945-January-05 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Roland Poole 2022-12-27 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB723
s/n KB723
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 723
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*U". Failed to return from operation over Villeneuve St. George on 5 July 1944, hit by flak. 3 crew killed, 1 POW, 3 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Villeneuve-Saint-Georges France 1944-07-04 to 1944-07-05
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
282 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 6 and 8 Groups attacked railway yards at Orleans and Villeneuve. Both targets were accurately bombed. 14 Lancasters were lost, 11 from the Villeneuve raid and 3 from Orleans.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 723 VR-U had just bombed the rail yards at Villeneuve St Georges, France when the aircraft was hit by heavy flak and set ablaze. The pilot ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, but the intense heat from the fire had jammed the escape hatches, requiring the crew to chop a hole in the aircraft fuselage with an axe in order to get out
Pilot Officer AE Roe (RCAF), Flying Officer GR Hodgson (RCAF) and Sergeant JPA Gauthier (RCAF) were all killed in action
Flying Officer WJL Thomson (RCAF), Flying Officer CAD Steepe (RCAF), Flying Officer DG Murphy (RCAF) and Sergeant BA Reaume (RCAF) all bailed out and survived. Sergeant Reaume was taken as Prisoner of War, but Flying Officer Thompson, Flying Officer Steepe and Flying Officer Murphy all escaped as Evaders
There were three 419 Squadron Lancaster aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Watson, WC for information on Lancaster KB 718 VR-J and Gibson, WR for information on Lancaster KB 727 VR-H
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Paul Adelard Gauthier 2023-10-11
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Ross Hodgson 2023-10-11
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Daniel G "Dannie" Murphy 2022-12-15
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Bernard Albert Reaume 2022-12-15
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Emerson Roe 2023-10-11
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Charles A Donald "Don" Steepe 2022-12-15
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer William John Llwellyn Thomson 2022-12-15 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB724
s/n KB724
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 724
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*K", named "King". Bombed Villeneuve St. Georges on 4/5 July 1944. Crashed after take-off from Middleton St. George on 28 August 1944 on an Operation Crossbow mission (bombing of V-1 launch sites). Engines cut shortly after takeoff, came down in farm field 1.5 miles east of Appleton Wiske. No fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB725
s/n KB725
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 725
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*L". One of 7 aircraft from this unit that the flew the RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France on 14/15 July 1944. Crashed on overshoot at Elton Hall, County Durham on 3 February 1945, after returning early from mission to Wiesbaden after engine failure. 2 crew killed, remainder not injured.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB726
s/n KB726
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 726
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Issued to #419(B) Squadron on 27.5.44. Lost on a raid to Cambrai in which U/G Andrew Mynarski was lost (later awarded VC) Survivors & POW's (B)Sergeant J.W.Friday,(FE)Sergeant R.E.Vigar RAF, Evaders were(WOG)WO W.J.Kelly,(AG)Flying Officer G.P.Brophy, (P)A.DeBreyne, Brodie.
( Note: Mk X Lancaster FM213 was restored to flying condition in 1988 by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum It is painted in the colours of KB726 and named the "Mynarski Memorial Lancaster")
Operations Record Book (Missing after Night Bombing)
Operations Record Book Monthly Summary
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
419 Moose Squadron RCAF, Middleton St George. On the night of June 12/13, 1944, during a operation to bomb the rail yards at Cambrai, France in support of the D-Day Landings in Normandy, Lancaster BX KB726 VR-A was struck by cannon fire from a JU-88 night fighter aircraft flown by Oberleutnant Freiderich Thorl of Stab1/NJG4. This attack punctured wing fuel tanks and set the bomber on fire. The pilot, De Breyne, ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft before it crashed at Gaudiempre, France
Rear gunner Brophy was trapped in his turret after the hydraulic system failed in the burning aircraft. Mid-upper gunner Mynarski attempted unsuccessfully to free Brophy before Mynarski reluctantly bailed from the aircraft with his clothes and parachute in flames. Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski VC (RCAF) was killed in action, surviving to reach the ground but ultimately dying from his burns. Andrew Mynarski was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross
Flying Officer George Patrick Brophy (RCAF) went down with the aircraft but was miraculously thrown clear in the crash and survived, later avoiding capture as an Evader.
Flying Officer Robert Brody (RCAF), Flying Officer Arthur De Breyne (RCAF) and Warrant Officer 2 William James Kelly (RCAF) also survived and avoided capture as Evaders but Pilot Officer John William Friday (RCAF) and Sergeant Roy Ernest Vigars (RAFVR) were taken as Prisoners of War
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 July by Theo Boiten, page55
Mynarski's Lancaster, The Story of Two Famous Canadian Lancaster Bombers KB726 & FM213 by Bette Page, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Avro Lancaster The Definitive Record (2nd Edition) by Harry Holmes
When a Gunner Fought Through Hell To Save a Friend -YouTube
419 Squadron Lancaster X KB726 VR-A Pilot Officer De Breyne RAF Middleton St ...
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer A Robert Bodie 2025-11-06
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer George Patrick Brophy 2024-10-07
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Arthur De Breyne 2024-10-07
1944-June-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John (Jack) William Friday 2025-11-06
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William James Kelly 2025-11-06
1944-June-13 KIA
RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Charles Mynarski VC 2025-11-06
1944-June-13 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Roy Ernest Vigars 2025-11-06 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB727
s/n KB727
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 727
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*H". Failed to return from operation over Villeneuve St. George on 5 July 1944, possibly shot down by Ju 88 from 6/NG2. 6 POW, 1 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Villeneuve-Saint-Georges France 1944-07-05 to 1944-07-05
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
282 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 6 and 8 Groups attacked railway yards at Orleans and Villeneuve. Both targets were accurately bombed. 14 Lancasters were lost, 11 from the Villeneuve raid and 3 from Orleans.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX KB 727 VR-H, was intercepted during an operation to bomb the rail yards at Villeneuve St Georges, France but on approach to target the Lancaster was shot down. There are multiple claims for the loss of this aircraft and crew. Oblt Adolf Kaiser of 1/NJG2 claimed to have shot down KB 727 but there are also claims from flak units 4/lei Flak Abt 342 and 3 F F A S West 31. The actual cause of loss has not been proven beyond doubt. The Lancaster crashed near Chartainvillers, Eure-de-Loire, France with the entire crew surviving
Pilot Officer William Russell Gibson (RCAF), Flying Officer Joel Matthew "Tex" Stevenson C of G (France), MiD (RCAF)(USA), Flying Officer James Ewart Prudham (RCAF), Flying Officer James Allan Smith (RCAF), Pilot Officer Leslie Frank Head (RCAF), Pilot Officer James Thomas Pett (RCAF) and Sergeant Frederick Samuel Vinecombe (RAFVR) survived and evaded briefly, aided by the French Resistance, but were betrayed and arrested in Paris France in mid-July. Held in Fresnes Prison from 17 July - 15 August 1944 then deported and taken by train to Buchenwald Concentration Camp, part of a group of 168 Allied airmen sent there. Flying Officer Joel Matthew Stevenson escaped from the train taking the prisoners to Buchenwald and evaded further capture
The German Luftwaffe intervened on behalf of the Allied airmen held in Buchenwald Concentration Camp, some under a death sentence from the Gestapo and SS, transferring them to Luftwaffe controlled POW camps in late October 1944
There were three 419 Squadron Lancaster bombers lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials KB 718 VR-J and KB 723 VR-U for further information on these aircraft and crews
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
04/05 07 1944 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF Lancaster X KB727 Fg Off Joel...
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Russell "Giby" Gibson 2024-10-24
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Frank Head 2024-10-24
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Thomas Pett 2024-08-22
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James Edward (Ewart) "Pep" Prudham 2024-10-24
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James Allan "Smitty" Smith 2024-10-24
1944-July-05 Escaper RCAF Flying Officer Joel Matthew "Tex" Stevenson CDGF, MiD 2024-10-24
1944-July-05 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Frederick Samuel Vinecombe 2024-10-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB728
s/n KB728
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 728
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*V". Failed to return from operation over Sterkrade on June 17, 1944. Came down in the sea near Elden, Holland. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Sterkrade Germany 1944-06-16 to 1944-06-17
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
321 aircraft- 162 Halifaxes, 147 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes - of 1, 4, 6 and 8 Groups to attack the synthetic-oil plant despite a poor weather forecast.
The target was found to be covered by thick cloud and the Pathfinder markers quickly disappeared. The Main Force crews could do little but bomb on to the diminishing glow of the markers in the cloud. R.A.F. photographic reconnaissance and German reports agree that most of the bombing was scattered, although some bombs did fall in the plant area, but with little effect upon production. 21
Germans and 6 foreigners were killed and 18 houses in the vicinity were destroyed.
Unfortunately, the route of the bomber stream passed near a German night-fighter beacon at Bocholt, only 30 miles from Sterkrade. The German controller had chosen this beacon as the holding point for his night fighters. Approximately 21 bombers were shot down by fighters and a further Io by Flak. 22 of the lost aircraft were Halifaxes, these losses being 13 ·6 per cent of the 162 Halifaxes on the raid. 77 Squadron, from Full Sutton near York, lost 7 of its 23 Halifaxes taking part in the raid.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 728VR-V was shot down following an attack against the synthetic-oil plants at Sterkrade, Germany. Homeward-bound, the aircraft exploded following combat with night fighter pilot Unteroffizier Hans Schadowski of the 3/NJG 3 based at Vechta airfield in Germany, who was flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4. The Lancaster crashed at Middelweg Road near Elden, Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands
Pilot Officer GE Quinn (RCAF), Flying Officer D Morrison (RCAF), Flying Officer AF Hupman (RCAF), Pilot Officer CS Johnston (RCAF), Pilot Officer E Fahy (RAFVR), Pilot Officer H Fletcher (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer JP McManus (RAFVR) were all killed in action
This was the 29th operation for this crew
There were two 419 Squadron Lancaster BX aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Smith, ES for information on Lancaster KB 734 VR-F
Lancaster Mk.XPP serial KB729
s/n KB729
as/n TCA 103
m/d 691
c/n 37030
Victory Aircraft
KB 729
Merlin
Known Units:
Registered as CF-CMV and delivered to TCA during June, 1944 being assigned fin #103 and entered service June 27, 1944 for CGTAS. Captain G.B. Lothian made the fastest flight between Montreal and Prestwick in 10 hours 15 minutes on November 5/6, 1944. Sold to Flight Refueling Ltd., during September 1947. On the British register as G-AKDO, this aircraft gave excellent service during the Berlin airlift as a fuel transporter. Withdrawn August 10, 1949 after Berlin airlift ended, and withdrawn from use and scrapped.at Tarrant Rushton during May 1951.Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.XPP serial KB730
s/n KB730
as/n TCA 104
m/d 691
c/n 37031
Victory Aircraft
KB 730
Merlin
Known Units:
Converted to Lancaster XPP specifications as a long-range passenger and transport aircraft - registered as CF-CMW; delivered to TCA on May 9, 1944 and assigned fin #104, entering service June 27, 1944 with CGTAS.
Flown by G.B. Lothan, this aircraft made a notable flight from Prestwick - Montreal - Vancouver in an elapsed time of 28 hours 23 minutes on July 28, 1946. Used by Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service (CGTAS) for mail and VIP service between Dorval and Preswick. They carried ten passengers and crossed the Atlantic in about twelve and half-hours. They were cold and noisy but did the job.
Sold to Skyways and leased to Onzeair Ltd. of Karachi, India, as AP-ACM; crashed at Manipur airport while landing on a flight from Rawlpindi on August 1, 1948 while carrying a cargo of illegal arms.
Bomber Command Museum of Canada
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.X serial KB731
s/n KB731
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 731
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*S". Failed to return from operation over Cambrai on 13 June 1944, shot down by flak. 5 crew killed, 2 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster X aircraft KB 731 VR-S was shot down by flak during a night attack against the marshalling yards at Cambrai, France. The Lancaster crashed near Vieux-Berquin, France
Pilot Officer GW Carruthers (RCAF), Flying Officer WM Lacey (RCAF), Flying Officer ER Lowe (RCAF), Pilot Officer DJ Applin (RCAF) and Pilot Officer M Larkin (RCAF) were all killed in action
Flying Officer RAL Forbes (RCAF) and BD Wilson-Law (RAF) bailed and survived to become Evaders
There were three 419 Squadron Lancaster aircraft and crews lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials KB 714 and KB726 for additional information
419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Lancaster KB731
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald John Applin 2025-01-22
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George William Carruthers 2024-11-01
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Roy A L Forbes 2025-01-22
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Morris Lacey 2022-10-24
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Mark Richard Larkin 2025-01-22
1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Ronald Lowe 2025-01-22
1944-June-13 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Barry D Wilson-Law 2025-01-22 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB732
s/n KB732
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 732
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Completed 83 operations with RAF, probably highest number of any RCAF Lancaster. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB732.
Bomber Command Museum of Canada
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2020-09-28
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB733
s/n KB733
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 733
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Became RCAF KB733. Instructional A450 29 Aug 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-August-29 Classified Instructional CA A 450 2020-06-11
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-May-18 Struck off Strength 2020-09-28
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB734
s/n KB734
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 734
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*F". Failed to return from operation over Sterkrade on June 17, 1944. Came down near Zeist, Holland. 5 crew killed, one PoW, and one evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Sterkrade Germany 1944-06-16 to 1944-06-17
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
321 aircraft- 162 Halifaxes, 147 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes - of 1, 4, 6 and 8 Groups to attack the synthetic-oil plant despite a poor weather forecast.
The target was found to be covered by thick cloud and the Pathfinder markers quickly disappeared. The Main Force crews could do little but bomb on to the diminishing glow of the markers in the cloud. R.A.F. photographic reconnaissance and German reports agree that most of the bombing was scattered, although some bombs did fall in the plant area, but with little effect upon production. 21 Germans and 6 foreigners were killed and 18 houses in the vicinity were destroyed
Unfortunately, the route of the bomber stream passed near a German night-fighter beacon at Bocholt, only 30 miles from Sterkrade. The German controller had chosen this beacon as the holding point for his night fighters. Approximately 21 bombers were shot down by fighters and a further 10 by Flak. 22 of the lost aircraft were Halifaxes, these losses being 13.6 per cent of the 162 Halifaxes on the raid. 77 Squadron, from Full Sutton near York, lost 7 of its 23 Halifaxes taking part in the raid419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 734 VR-F missing during a night operation to bomb the synthetic oil plants at Sterkrade, Germany
The Lancaster was shot down by night fighter pilot Unteroffizier Gustav Sarzio of 6/NJG 1, from Deelen airfield in Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 G9+JP. The bomber crashed at Utrechtseweg 48, Zeist (Utrecht), Netherlands
Flight Lieutenant Ernest Sutton Smith KC (RCAF), Pilot Officer Michael Baran (RCAF), Pilot Officer Glen William Taylor (RCAF), Pilot Officer William Henry Gardiner (RCAF), and Pilot Officer Sidney Albert Wilson (RCAF)(attached from 434 Sqn) were all killed in action
Sergeant Robert Edward Porter (RCAF) survived and evaded capture until January 1945, when he was captured and taken as Prisoner of War
Sergeant John William Albert Trussler (RAFVR) survived and was taken Prisoner of War
There were two 419 Squadron Lancaster BX aircraft lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serial KB 728 VR-V for information on this aircraft and crew
The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 July, page 67
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Lancaster KB734
16/17061944 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF Lancaster X KB734 Flt Lt Ernes...
Lancaster crash in Zeist commemorated after 80 years with...
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Michael Baran 2025-04-20
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Henry Gardiner 2025-03-22
1944-June-17 PoW RCAF Sergeant Robert Edward Porter 2025-03-22
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ernest Sutton Smith 2025-03-22
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Glen William Taylor 2025-03-22
1944-June-17 PoW RAFVR Sergeant John William Alfred Trussler 2025-03-22
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Sidney Albert Wilson 2025-03-22 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB735
s/n KB735
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 735
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*O". Crashed on overshoot at East Moor on 18 September 1944, after day time operation to Walchern Island, Holland. No injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB736
s/n KB736
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 736
Merlin
Known Units: 419;1660HCU
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*A", and "VR*M". Later with No. 1660 Heavy Conversion Unit, RAF. Scrapped in UK after the war.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB737
s/n KB737
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 737
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*R" (when lost) and "NA*W". Was coded "NA*R" on 14/15 July 1944, when it was one of 7 aircraft from this unit that the flew the first RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France. Failed to return from operation against Krupp Works at Essen on 25 October 1944. Crashed near Bucketz, Germany.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Alexander Armstrong 2024-11-03
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Arthur Bartlemay 2024-11-09
1944-October-25 PoW RCAF Sergeant R W S Gray 2023-08-23
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ronald Charles Knight 2020-09-30
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Stephen Raftery 2021-09-30
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leonard Edwin Toneri 2021-10-02
1944-October-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Wright 2022-01-12 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB738
s/n KB738
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 738
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*D". Named Dorothy, 68 operations flown. Failed to return from operation to Opladen on 27/28 December 1944. Crashed on the IG Farben factory at Leverkusen-Wiesdorf. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Opladen Germany 1944-12-28 to 1944-12-28
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
328 aircraft - 227 Halifaxes, 66 Lancasters, 35 Mosquitoes. 2 Lancasters lost. 9 0f tho Mosquitoes bombed Jr hours before the main raid. The aiming point for the attack was the marshalling yards but results are not known.
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 738 Hit by Flak of 7 Flak Division, during a daylight attack against Opladen, Germany. Crashed onto IG-Farben factory at Levenkusen-Wiesdorf approximately at 06:40. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten) The crew were initially buried in Levenkusen-Manfort Cemetery. Reinterred 18 April 1947. (CWGC), F/Os F.W. How, R.K. Nickle, P/Os J.A. MacGregor, C.D. Hubley, C.R. Tait, N,R Springstein and one RAF member of the crew were killed. This was the 18th trip for this crew.source: John Jones
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Winston How 2022-12-20
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Cecil David Benjamin Hubley 2022-12-20
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alfred Stuart MacGregor 2022-12-20
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Russell Karl Nickle 2022-12-20
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Ray Springstein 2022-12-20
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Cecil Ralph Tait 2022-12-20 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB739
s/n KB739
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 739
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Became RCAF KB739. Used for cold weather trials by Test & Development Establishment, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Scrapped at Edmonton, still in wartime markings.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-12 Struck off Strength 2020-09-28
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB740
s/n KB740
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 740
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*V". Crash landed at Woodbridge after collision over France during raid on Stuttgart on 25 July 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB741
s/n KB741
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 741
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431;434
Briefly with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF after arriving in the UK. Used by No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*Y" from November 1944. Also with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*C2", serving with this unit when lost. Failed to return from operation over Chemnitz on 15 February 1945, part of Operation Thunderclap. 6 crew missing presumed dead, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Chemnitz Germany 1945-02-14 to 1945-02-14
434 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Croft
Thunderclap
434 Bluenose Squadron (In Excelsis Vincimus) RAF Croft. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 741 SE-C missing from a night trip to Chemnitz, Germany, shot down by a night fighter
The Lancaster crashed at Tannenberg, 26 km South of Chemnitz
Flying Officer DA Magrath (RCAF), Flying Officer JJ McElhone (RCAF), Flying Officer L Medynski (RCAF), Flying Officer GMB Barlow (RCAF), Pilot Officer GE Robertson (RCAF) and Pilot Officer B Granka (RCAF) were all killed in action.
Rear Air Gunner Sergeant GA McLarty (RCAF) was the sole survivor from his crew and was taken as Prisoner of War
Lancaster KB 741 was on loan from 431 Iroquois Squadron at the time of its loss
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Hptmn Ernst Drunkler 13/NJG 5 [Archive] - Luftwaffe and Allied AIR...
1945-February-15 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Chemnitz 2019-08-20
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Garnet Mack Bernard Barlow 2024-03-31
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bernard Granka 2024-04-13
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Arthur Magrath 2024-04-22
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Joseph McElhone 2024-04-22
1945-February-14 PoW RCAF Sergeant G A McLarty 2023-09-14
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lorne Medynski 2024-04-22
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Edwin Robertson 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB742
s/n KB742
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 742
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*M". One of 7 aircraft from this unit that the flew the RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France on 14/15 July 1944. Crashed on overshoot at Middleton St. George on 4 November 1944, after mission to Bochum. Not repairedlast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB743
s/n KB743
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 743
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*I". Failed to return from operation over Bremen on 19 August 1944. Collided with another aircraft over France, one crew killed, 6 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-19 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Stuart Francis Bryans 2025-03-18
1944-August-19 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Cyril Mansford Corbet 2024-04-14
1944-August-19 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Davidson 2024-09-12
1944-August-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ralph Edward Good 2024-09-12
1944-August-19 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Greville Llewellyn Jones 2024-09-12
1944-August-19 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Rae Richard MacNaught 2024-09-12 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB744
s/n KB744
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 744
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Became KB744. Scrapped at Lethbridge 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947 Scrapped Scrapped at Lethbridge, Alberta 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB745
s/n KB745
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 745
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*V" from May 1944. Bombed oil depot at La Pallice on 10/11 August 1944. Crashed at Hope, Northumberland after a raid on Bergen, on 4 October 1944. Struck a hill at 04:10 local time, no survivors. Only aircraft lost on this raid.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bergen Norway 1944-10-04 to 1944-10-04
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St.George
German U-Boats had been forced out of the Biscay ports following the Allied liberation of France and Bergen was one of several Norwegian ports now being used as thu forward operating bases for the U-boats. The pens at Bergen were being enlarged, with an influx of German technicians and a large labour force. 93 Halifaxes and 47 Lancasters of 6 and 8 Groups were dispatched to attack Bergen, most of the aircraft being allocated to the pens but 14 Halifaxes and 6 Lancasters were ordered to bomb individual U-boats known to be moored in the harbour. 12 Mosquitoes of too Group acted as a long-range fighter escort.
The raid appeared to be successful and only 1 Lancaster was lost. A detailed report from the city of Bergen supplies the actual results. 7 bombs hit the U-boat pens, causing little structural damage because of the thickness of the concrete roof; but the electrical-wiring system in the pens was completely put out of action. Nearby ship-repair yards were seriously damaged. 3 U-boats were damaged by the bombing but they did not sink. 3 other small ships were hit; two of them sank and the third, the German auxiliary Schwabenland, had to be put in dry dock for repair.
But, as so often in raids on targets in the Occupied Countries, the bombing spread to civilian areas. The local report continues: 'As regards civilian casualties and damage, the raid is still remembered with horror. Bergen suffered little damage in comparison with other occupied towns and cities in Europe but the raid of 4th October was the worst of the war for us.' 60 houses were destroyed or so badly damaged that they had to be demolished; 600 people lost their homes. Civilian casualties are recorded at only 2 places but they were tragic. A school, opened only that day after a break, received a direct hit in the basement where 2 classes were sheltering; 60 children, 2 teachers and 17 air-raid workers in the same shelter were killed. Another shelter, at a nearby factory, was also hit and a further 34 people were killed and about I00 were injured there. 7 of the dead Norwegians were members of the local Resistance Movement. The Germans admitted the deaths of 12 of their.own men.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Ross Duncan 2024-10-29
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Andrew Gaddess 2022-12-19
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Russell Karstens 2022-12-19
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William George Layng 2022-12-19
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Bernard Tierney 2022-12-19
1944-October-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Alexander Trott 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB746
s/n KB746
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 746
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Completed 68 operations while with 419 Squadron while with RAF. Became RCAF KB746.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947 Scrapped scrapped at Pearce, Alberta 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB747
s/n KB747
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 747
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF post-war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948 Scrapped scrapped 2019-08-20
1948-January-19 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB748
s/n KB748
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 748
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Became RCAF KB748 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-August-29 Classified Instructional CA A 449 2020-06-11
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-May-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB749
s/n KB749
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 749
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*B", and "NA*A" when lost. Bombed Kiel on 23/24 July 1944. Failed to return from operation over Soesterberg on 15 August 1944, exploded over target. 5 crew killed, 2 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Walter Brown 2024-11-21
1944-August-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Barry Cleaver 2025-03-09
1944-August-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Philip Albert Jakeman 2025-03-09
1944-August-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Philip Charles Revell 2025-03-09
1944-August-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Edward Whyte 2025-03-09 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB750
s/n KB750
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 750
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*N". Bombed Villeneuve St. Georges on 4/5 July 1944. Bombed Hamburg 28/29 July 1944, claimed one enemy fighter on this raid. Failed to return from operation over Wiesbaden on 3 February 1945, hit by flak and crashed in France. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Wiesbaden Germany 1945-02-02 to 1945-02-03
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
495 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 3 Lancasters crashed ln France.
This was Bomber Command's one and only large raid on Wiesbaden. There was complete cloud cover but most of the bombing hit the town. A brief local report states that 520 houses and about 30 other buildings were destroyed, and 400 houses and 50 other buildings were seriously damaged. 5 important war industries along the banks of the Rhine were untouched but the railway station was damaged. Casualties were recorded as 'approximately 1,000 killed and 350 injured'.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Wiesbaden, Germany. The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 750 had completed their night bombing run and were homeward bound when their aircraft was hit by flak. The Lancaster went down near Wolf, Germany. F/Os R.W.Hodgson, B.W. Martin, J.A. McDonald, P/Os P.F. English, R.A. Nisbet, and Sergeant J. McAfee (RAF) were killed. The rear gunner, FS McTaggart, was the only member of the crew to get out of the stricken aircraft and he was taken Prisoner of War as soon as he landed. For all the members of this crew this was their 16th operation.
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Frederick English 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard William Hodgson 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bernhard William Martin 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John McAfee 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Alexander Francis McDonald 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant W J McTaggart 2024-08-29
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Albert Nisbet 2024-08-29 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB751
s/n KB751
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 751
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Q". Attacked by Me 110 over Caen on 7/8 August 1944, slight damage to transparencies. Failed to return from operation over Stettin on 17 August 1944. Shot down by Ju88, crashed into Baltic Sea 2 nautical miles south west of the Island of Sejero, Denmark. Six crewman killed, buried in Denmark. Flight Sergeant Robert E. Toomey, the flight engineer, survived and taken prisoner the following day on Sejero.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-08-16 to 1944-08-17
428 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St. George
428 Ghost Squadron (Usque Ad Finem) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 751 NA-Q was shot down by a night fighter pilot Feldwebel Klaus Moller of 12/NJG 3 and crashed into the Kattegat Sea near Sejero Island, Denmark during an operation to bomb the port, shipbuilding and rail facilities at Stettin, Germany
Flying Officer Harry Slater (RCAF), Flying Officer Joseph Ralph Gordon Srigley (RCAF) and Flying Officer William Chard Fairgrieve (RCAF) were all killed in action
Flying Officer Leonard George Brown (RCAF), Pilot Officer William Alexander Lamb (RCAF) and Pilot Officer Robert Richardson Boyce (RCAF) were all missing, presumed killed in action
Sergeant RE Toomey (RCAF) baled out and survived. Sergeant Toomey swam to shore and was taken Prisoner of War the following day on Sejero Island
Flying Officer Slater's body drifted more than 90 miles to the Swedish coast, washing ashore 1944-09-02 near Varberg, where he was buried
Flying Officer Srigley's body washed ashore on the Danish island of Sjaelland 1944-08-30 and was buried there
Pilot Officer Lamb's body was located a couple of months after the crash by a Danish fisherman, whose nets got tangled in the wreckage of the bomber. His wallet and handkerchief were retrieved and identified his remains but his body could not be recovered from the tangle of wreckage
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 24 July - 15 October by Theo Boiten, page 45
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Wartime Diary of Robert E. Toomey-The Crew of Lancaster KB751
16/18.08.1944 428 (Ghost) Squadron, RCAF Lancaster X KB751 Fg Off. ...
461 Lancasters to attack the port and industrial areas. 5 Lancasters lost.* Bomber Command claimed an accurate attack, with much damage in the port und factory area. A German report states that 1,508 houses and 29 industrial premises wore destroyed and 1,000 houses and 26 industrial premises badly damaged. 5 ships in the harbour (totalling 5,000 tons) were sunk and 8 ships (15,000 tons) were seriously damaged. 1,150 people were killed and 1,654 were injured; 33 of the dead and 72 of the injured were German soldiers.
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Richardson Boyce 2024-11-16
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leonard George Brown 2025-09-24
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Chard Fairgrieve 2025-09-24
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Alexander Lamb 2025-09-24
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Slater 2025-09-24
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Ralph Gordon Srigley 2025-09-24
1944-August-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert George Emmett Toomey 2025-09-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB752
s/n KB752
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 752
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*S" and "VR*V". Flew 51 operations. Crashed into the North Sea on 8 April 1945 after raid on Hamburg. Crew bailed out over North Sea on return trip after two engines failed. All survived.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB753
s/n KB753
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 753
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*L". Was coded "VR*B" on 4/5 July 1944, when it bombed rail yards at Villeneuve St. Georges. Attacked by an Me 410, minor damage. Failed to return from operation over Buer on 30 December 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Scholven Germany 1944-12-29 to 1944-12-29
419 (B) Sqn (RAF) Middleton St. George
324 Lancasters and 22 Mosquitoes of 1, 6 and 8 Groups. 4 Lancasters lost.
The raid took place in difficult conditions. There was thick cloud over the tnrgol but Oboe sky-markers were accurately placed and the oil refinery was badly hit. Tho local report says that 300 high-explosive bombs fell within the oil-plant area. Thero were two large and IO small fires and much damage to piping and storage tanks. Tho local report records a further 3,198 bombs falling in other parts of Scholvcn nnd Buer, causing much property and some industrial damage; the surface buildings of the Hugo I and Hugo II coal mines were severely damaged. 93 people were killed, or whom 24 were prisoners of war; 41 people were injured and 1,368 people had to leave their homes, 1,178 through bomb damage and 190 because of unexploded bombs.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
19 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Scholven/Buer, Germany. The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 753 had just begun their bomb run when the aircraft was hit by flak. The Lancaster blew up and then crashed near Essen, at Gelsenkirchen/Buer, Germany. P/Os H.C.Tarzwell, R.F. Adam, L.P. Wakely, F.S. Dennis, J.C. Rhind, and Sergeant J. Atkinson (RAF) were killed. The rear gunner,Warrant Officer R.G. Rogers was blown out of the aircraft, descended by parachute and was taken Prisoner of War.
1944-December-30 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Buer 2019-08-20
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Raymond Francis Adam 2024-10-12
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick Stanley Dennis 2024-10-12
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Campbell Rhind 2024-10-12
1944-December-29 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 R G Rogers 2024-10-12
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Herbert Chester Tarzwell 2024-10-12
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leo Paul Wakely 2024-10-12 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB754
s/n KB754
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 754
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*C". Failed to return from day time operation over Bochum on 10 October 1944. Reported exploded in flight, may have been attacked by Ju88. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bochum Germany 1944-10-09 to 1944-10-09
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
435 aircraft- 375 Halifaxes, 40 Lancasters, 20 Mosquitoes - of I, 4, 6 and 8 Groups, 4 Halifaxes and I Lancaster lost.
This raid was not successful. The target area was covered by cloud and the bombing was scattered. The local report says that there was some damage in the southern districts of Bochum, with 140 houses destroyed or seriously damaged and approximately 150 people killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 754 was shot down by a German JU-88 aircraft during a raid against Bochum, Germany. This was the thirteenth operation for this crew, P/Os A.I. Cohen, J.H. Goldfinch, R.F. Emerson, R.A. Campbell, and Flying Officer G.W. Murphy were also killed.Warrant Officer J.E. McQueen was blown out of the rear turret, parachuted down and was taken Prisoner of War.
1944-October-10 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Bochum 2019-08-20
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Russell Archibald Campbell 2023-12-14
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ashton Irving Cohen 2024-03-12
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Francis Emerson 2022-12-19
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Henry Eaton Goldfinch 2022-12-19
1944-October-09 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant J F McQueen 2022-12-19
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gerald William Murphy 2022-12-19
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leo Francis O'Hara 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB755
s/n KB755
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 755
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*F". On 4/5 July 1944 bombed rail yards at Villeneuve St. Georges. Failed to return from operation over Caen on 7/8 August 1944, shot down by fighters near Le Havre. Crash location also reported as near Mare de Magne, France. No survivors. All crew buried in churchyard in town of Auberville-la-Renault, memorial wreath laid at grave site by relative of one crew member in September 2009.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Caen France 1944-08-07 to 1944-08-08
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Battle of Normandy
NORMANDY BATTLE AREA
1,019) aircraft- 614 Lancasters, 392 Halifaxes, 13 Mosquitoes- attacked five aiming polnts in front of Allied ground troops. The attacks were carefully controlled - only 660 aircraft bombed - and German strong points and the roads around them were well cratered. 10 aircraft - all Lancasters - were lost, 7 to German fighters, 2 to Flak 1111d r to an unknown cause.
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 755 VR-F was shot down near Auberville, France during a night attack against a target seven miles south of Caen, France
Flying Officer BD Walker AFM (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant MG Wilson (RCAF), Pilot Officer JC Durrant (RCAF), Flying Officer PW Merrick (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 1 JA Schryer (RCAF), Sergeant B Jones (RAFVR), and FS W Longmore (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Brother of Flight Sergeant William Archibald Walker, Royal Canadian Air Force, killed in action 17 March 1942
1944-August-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Chetwynd Durrant 2024-10-31
1944-August-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Peter William Merrick 2024-03-14
1944-August-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Class I Joseph Albert Roland Schryer 2024-03-14
1944-August-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bruce Douglas Walker AFM 2024-03-14
1944-August-08 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Murray Gray Wilson 2024-03-14 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB756
s/n KB756
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 756
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Q" in June 1944, first Canadian built Lancaster with this Squadron. Failed to return from operation against V-1 sites near Villeneuve St. George on 4/5 July 1944. Crashed near Mailleraye-sur-Seine. 2 crew killed, 4 POW, 1 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-05 Evader RCAF Flying Officer William C "Bill" Cullen 2024-05-25
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Wilfred Charles Gay 2023-11-17
1944-July-05 Evader RAFVR Pilot Officer Alfred Henry "Harry" Pritchard 2022-02-23
1944-July-05 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Peter "Pete" Smith 2022-02-23
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stanley John "Stan" Swartz 2024-03-14
1944-July-05 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Roman Myroslaw "Chuck" Woychuk 2022-02-23
1944-July-05 Evader RAFVR Flight Sergeant William Stephen "Steve" Yates 2022-02-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB757
s/n KB757
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 757
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB 757 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB758
s/n KB758
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 758
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Z". One of 7 aircraft from this unit that the flew the RCAF mission in Canadian built Lancasters, a raid on St. Pol, France on 14/15 July 1944. Bombed German positions around Caen 7/8 August, 1944 attacked by an Bf-109 and an Me110, slight damage. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 13 August 1944, shot down by night fighter. Crashed near Winsen. 5 crew killed, 2 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Paul Anthony Crowley 2024-12-12
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Clifford Greer 2021-07-07
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer J A McGregor 2023-09-13
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Henry Arthur Murphy 2021-01-13
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Michael Sawry 2021-02-21
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Edward Spraggett 2021-01-13 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB759
s/n KB759
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 759
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*K". Failed to return from mission to Hamburg on 29 July 1944, reported as exploding in flight shortly after takeoff. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hugh Alexander Adams 2024-11-01
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Ernest Attewell 2024-11-03
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Eldon Magill 2021-05-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Graham Murdoch 2021-09-23
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Reginald Parsons 2022-01-19
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Bertram Leonard Smith 2021-06-10
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Bruce Thaine 2021-05-26
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Arthur Urquhart 2021-05-26 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB760
s/n KB760
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 760
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB760 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-September-24 Accident: 1 REMU Loc: Pearce Alberta Names: Estabrook | Vuden
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB761
s/n KB761
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 761
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*H". Bombed Duisburg on 21/22 February 1945. Failed to return from day time operation over Hamburg on 31 March 1945. May have been shot down by Me262. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1945-03-31 to 1945-03-31
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
469 aircraft - 361 Lancasters, 100 Halifaxes, 8 Mosquitoes - of I, 6 and 8 Groups attempted to attack the Blohm & Voss shipyards, where the new types of U-boats were being assembled, but the target area was completely cloud-covered. The local report describes 'considerable damage' to houses, factories, energy supplies and com¬munications over a wide area of southern Hamburg and Harburg. 75 people were killed.
8 Lancasters and 3 Halifaxes were lost, a number being victims of an unexpected intervention by the Luftwaffe day-fighter force. This was Bomber Command's last double-figure aircraft loss of the war from a raid on one city.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moose Aswayita). Pilot Officer Sommerville was engaged in his 16th operation and was killed when his Lancaster aircraft KB 761 was shot down by a German ME-262 jet fighter aircraft during a daylight operation against Hamburg, Germany. Flight Lieutenant H.A. Metivier, F/Os J. Todd, R.O. Johnson, P/Os W.M Sommerville, G. Matuszewski, H.S. Tulk, and E.E. Morphy were killed.
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Oliver Johnson 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Matuszewski 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Harry Alfred Metivier 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Earl Edward Morphy 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Muir Sommerville 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Todd 2022-12-28
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hayward Selby Tulk 2022-12-28 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB762
s/n KB762
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 762
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*J". Named "J for Jiggs". Completed 72 operations. Also reported as "VR*X" when it bombed Bergen harbour on 4 October 1944. Bombed Duisburg on 21/22 February 1945. Undercarriage collapsed on 18 May 1945 at Middleton St. George. Struck off without being repaired. Had completed 51 operations.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB763
s/n KB763
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 763
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*S". Named "SS Nan". Claimed an Me163 shot down over Bochum on 4/5 November 1944. Crashed near Elton Hall, Durham, 28 January 1945, while on training flight. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB764
s/n KB764
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 764
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB764 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-January-09 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1946-February-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB765
s/n KB765
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 765
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*M" and "VR*Q". Failed to return from operation over Buer on December 30, 1944. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Scholven Germany 1944-12-29 to 1944-12-29
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
324 Lancasters and 22 Mosquitoes of 1, 6 and 8 Groups. 4 Lancasters lost.
The raid took place in difficult conditions. There was thick cloud over the tnrgol but Oboe sky-markers were accurately placed and the oil refinery was badly hit. Tho local report says that 300 high-explosive bombs fell within the oil-plant area. Thero were two large and IO small fires and much damage to piping and storage tanks. Tho local report records a further 3,198 bombs falling in other parts of Scholvcn nnd Buer, causing much property and some industrial damage; the surface buildings of the Hugo I and Hugo II coal mines were severely damaged. 93 people were killed, or whom 24 were prisoners of war; 41 people were injured and 1,368 people had to leave their homes, 1,178 through bomb damage and 190 because of unexploded bombs.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 765 was hit by flak, blew up and crashed twelve miles north-east of Essen, Germany, at Gelsenkirchen/Buer, Germany during an evening attack against Scholven/Buer, Germany. F/Os V.A.Sorrenti, R.A. McVicar, FS W.G. Morgan, P/Os T.J. Maloney, R.C. Conley, Sergeant J. Feldman, and Sergeant R.E. Eratt (RAF) were killed. FS McLeod was blown clear, parachuted down and was taken Prisoner of War.1944-December-30 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Buer December 30, 1944 2019-08-20
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Clifford Conley 2024-03-25
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jacob Feldman 2022-12-24
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Joseph Maloney 2023-11-12
1944-December-29 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant W R McLeod 2023-09-14
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Reginald Archibald McVicar 2022-12-24
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William George Eaton Morgan 2022-12-24
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Vincent Andrew Sorrenti 2022-12-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB766
s/n KB766
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 766
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*D" and "NA*O" when lost. Iced up in clouds, crashed on overshoot at Beauvais-Tille on 2 December 1944. Was on mission to Hagen. 2 crew killed, 6 survived.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB767
s/n KB767
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 767
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*U". Crash landed at Manston on 2 November 1944 after raid on Hamburg. Damaged by fighter and flak near Oberhausen, set on fire. Returned to UK on 3 engines. All crew survived, awarded 3 DFC and one DFM for extinguishing fire and bringing aircraft back. Not repaired. Had 224:00 logged time when struck off.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB768
s/n KB768
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 768
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*E". Bombed Hamburg on 28/29 July 1944. Collided with Halifax LW200 of No. 426 Squadron over Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire on night of 5/6 December 1944. All 14 aircrew killed, wreckage came down 1 mile east of Yelvertoft and nearby Winwick. Both aircraft were outbound to Soest. No survivors in both aircraft.
last update: 2025-November-19
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arie Gordon Baxter 2025-01-01
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Everett Elwyn Cooper 2024-04-09
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Samuel William Pechet 2025-01-01
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Reid 2025-01-01
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Harold Angus Shewfelt 2025-01-01
1944-December-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Emil Virag 2025-01-01 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB769
s/n KB769
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 769
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*I". Failed to return from operation over Merseburg on 14/15 January 1945. Had been struck by flak and night fighter. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Merseburg Germany 1945-01-15 to 1945-01-15
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
p419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Merseburg, Germany. The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 799 had completed the bomb run, were heading home and were near Schweinfurt, Germany when they were attacked from below by a German night fighter aircraft. The Lancaster burst into flames and the crew was ordered to bail out, only Flying Officer J.Q. Eddy managed to get out and he was taken Prisoner of War. Flight Lieutenant G.O. Tedford, P/Os G.D.M. Spenser, C.S. Thomson, H.M. Rumball, A.G. McKay, and Sergeant R.J. Williams (RAF) were killed. This was the 15th trip for this crew and there were two 419 Sqdn. aircraft lost this night.
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James Quick Eddy 2022-12-27
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander Grant McKay 2022-12-27
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Marland Rumball 2022-12-27
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Douglas Melbourne Spencer 2022-12-27
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant George Osborne Tedford 2022-12-27
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Sinclair Thomson 2022-12-27 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB770
s/n KB770
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 770
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*D". Failed to return from operation over Stuttgart on 28/29 January 1945. Shot down by night fighter, one of 6 aircraft lost by 6 Group on this raid. 5 crew killed, 2 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1945-01-28 to 1945-01-28
428 (B) BG (RCAF) Middleton St George
602 aircraft - 316 Halifaxes, 258 Lancasters, 28 Mosquitoes - of I, 4, 6 and 8 Groups. I I aircraft - 6 Lancasters, 4 Halifaxes, I Mosquito - lost. This raid was split into 2 parts, with a 3-hour interval. The first force - of 226 airoraft -was directed against the important railway yards at Kornwestheim, a town lo the north of Stuttgart, and the second was against the north-western Stuttgart suburb of Zuffenhausen, where the target is believed to have been the Hirth aero-engine factory. The target area was mostly cloud-covered for both raids and the bombing, on sky-markers, was scattered.
There are soma interesting local reports. Bombs fell In many parts of Stuttgart's northern and western suburbs. The important Dosch works, in the suburb of' Feuerbach, was hit. The attack on Kornwesthcim was the worst suffered by tthat town during the war; the Kornwestheim local report shows that the local people felt they had been bombed by mistake and that the main target was in Stuttgart. 14 high explosive bombs fell in the industrial area of the town and in the railway yards, Fires burned for up to 12 hours. 123 people were killed in Stuttgart and 41 in Kornwestheim. A large number of bombs fell outside Stuttgart, particularly in the east around a decoy fire site which was also firing dummy target-indicator rockets into the air, The village of Weilimdorf, situated not far away, complained bitterly about its damage and casualties!.
Our local expert, Heinz Bardua, also tells the story of the newly promoted Flak Leutnant at his battery position at Vaihingen, situated just south of the decoy fire site. With bombs falling all around his position, the Leutnant thought that the raid was directed against the Flak positions. He ignored regulations about conservation of ammunition and shot his entire stock at the radar echoes of the attacking bombers, 2 Lancasters and a Halifax crashed in the immediate vicinity, much to the relief of the officer, who had feared a court martial because of his prodigious use of ammunition.
This was the last large R.A.F. raid on Stuttgart. Herr Bardua says that the city had endured 53 major raids, most of them by the R.A.F., during which 32,549 blocks of flats or houses were destroyed (67.8 per cent of the total). After the war, 4.9 million cubic metres of rubble had to be cleared. 4,562 people died in the air raids, among them 770 prisoners of war or foreign workers. Stuttgart's experience was not as severe as other German cities. Its location, spread out in a series of deep valleys, had consistently frustrated the Pathfinders and the shelters dug into the sides of the surrounding hills had saved many lives.. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster Mk.X KB770 took off from Middleton St George at 16:38 in Lancaster Mk X (Sqn code: NA-D Bomber Command) on a bombing operation to Stuttgart Germany.
Shot down by a night fighter, and crashed at Waldenbuch, Germany.
A survivor, Flying Officer Stapelford, stated that the aircraft seemed to be hit by hundreds of large shells and the four motors caught fire immediately. The aircraft went down quickly, Flying Officer Stapleford and FS Ossington were sucked out of a window, which had been smashed by the cannon shells, descended by parachute and were taken Prisoners of War. Cenotaph at Schomberg Union Friends Cemetery, Schomberg, York Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada
Killed: Flying Officer John Wilfred Blades RCAF J/35935 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Collective grave 1. K. 19-21. Germany. Sergeant Reginald William Gullick RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 1. K. 19-21. Pilot Officer Fernand Leo Jolicoeur RCAF J/95345 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 1. K. 19-21. Squadron Leader Harry Leslie Kay RCAF C/888 pilot KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 1. K. 19-21. Flying Officer Gerald Joseph Liney RCAF J/40040 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 1. K. 19-21.
POWs including Osslington: Flying Officer Robert Laird Stapleford RCAF J/38170 POW camp not listed.
1945-January-29 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Stuttgart 2019-08-20
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Wilfred Blades 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Reginald William Gullick 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Fernand Leo Jolicoeur 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Harry Leslie Kay 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gerald Joseph Liney 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant E F Osslington 2025-07-27
1945-January-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert Laird Stapleford 2025-07-27 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB771
s/n KB771
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 771
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Became RCAF KB771 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB772
s/n KB772
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 772
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Became RCAF KB772 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB773
s/n KB773
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 773
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Became RCAF KB773 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB774
s/n KB774
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 774
Merlin
Known Units: 431;419
Became RCAF KB774 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB775
s/n KB775
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 775
Merlin
Known Units: 419
First flight on 9 January 1944. With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*Y". Failed to return from mission to Russelsheim on 26 August 1944. Collided with another aircraft over target. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Russelsheim Germany 1944-08-25 to 1944-08-26
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
4 I 2 Lancasters of I, 3, 6 and 8 Groups attacked the Opel motor factory. 15 Lancasters were lost, 3.6 per cent of the force.
The Pathfinder marking was accurate and the raid was successfully completed in IO minutes. An official German report* says that the forge and the gearbox assembly departments were put out of action for several weeks, but 90 per cent of the machine tools in other departments escaped damage. The assembly line and part of the pressworks were able to recommence work 2 days later and lorry assembly was unaffected because of considerable stocks of ready-made parts. 179 people were killed in the raid but their nationalities were not recorded.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Russelheim, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 775 Took off 19:58 1944 -08-25 from Middleton St. George., was in a mid-air collision with another Lancaster just as the pilot was about to begin his bombing run. KB 775 went out of control and the order was given to bail out. Flying Officer A.W. Larsen, P/Os V. Stear, D.R. Barnard, A.R. Jackson, H.L. McKay, and Sergeant R.J. Boorman (RAF) were killed. The Canadian pilot, Flying Officer H. Witwer was thrown clear, descended by parachute and was taken Prisoner of War.
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David Russell Barnard 2024-11-09
1944-August-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert James Boorman 2024-11-14
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alvin Roy Jackson 2025-01-29
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arnold Wilfred Larsen 2025-01-29
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Lloyd McKay 2025-01-29
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Victor Stear 2025-01-29
1944-August-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Howard Daniel Witwer 2025-01-29 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB776
s/n KB776
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 776
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With no. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*F". Failed to return from raid on Essen on 24 October 1944. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Essen Germany 1944-10-23 to 1944-10-23
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
1,055 aircraft- 561 Lancasters, 463 Halifaxes, 31 Mosquitoes. This was the heaviest raid on Essen so far in the war and the number-of aircraft dispatched was also the greatest number to any target so far; these new records were achieved without the Lancasters of 5 Group being included. 5 Lancasters and 3 Halifaxes were lost.
4,538 tons of bombs were dropped. More than 90 per cent of this tonnage was high explosive (and included 509 4,000-pounders) because it was now considered that most of the burnable buildings in Essen had been destroyed in earlier raids. The greater proportion of high explosive, against all the trends in earlier area-bombing raids, was now quite common in attacks on targets which had suffered major fire damage in 1943. A report from Essen states that 607 buildings were destroyed and 812 were seriously damaged; 662 people were killed, a figure which included 124 foreign workers, and 569 people were injured. Other details from Essen and Bomber Command's own claims for bombing results are given in the report for a further.raid on 25 October
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. Lancaster BX aircraft KB 776 WR-F missing during a night operation against targets in Essen, Germany. The Lancaster was shot down by 1 & 6/schwere Flak-Abteilung 233 (o) and the 2 & 3/ schwere Flak-Abteilung 134, crashing into the Bocholder Strasse, Essen-Borbeck, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Squadron Leader WC McGuffin (RCAF), Pilot Officer RC Schlievert (RCAF), Pilot Officer RT Neville (RCAF), Pilot Officer E Neufeld (RCAF), Flying Officer R Molloy (RCAF), Flying Officer J Futoranski (RCAF) and Sergeant J Mallabone (RAFVR),Sgt. J. Mallabone (RAF) were all killed in action
1944-October-24 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on Essen. 2019-08-20
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Futoranski 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Mallabone 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader William Chester McGuffin DFC, CDGF 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Molloy 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edmund Neufeld 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Thomas Neville 2022-12-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roy Cecil Schlievert 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB777
s/n KB777
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 777
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF from August 1944, coded "NA*V". Bombed oil depot at La Pallice on 10/11 August 1944. Bombed Duisburg on 14 October 1944 (daylight raid); Essen on 23/24 October 1944; Essen on 25 October 1944 (daylight raid); and Nuremburg on 2/3 January 1945. Failed to return from day time raid on Hildesheim on 22 March 1945, shot down by Ju 88. Crew baled out at low altitude with port inner engine on fire. 3 killed, remainder POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-22 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant John Walter Bellamy 2023-11-29
1945-March-22 PoW RCAF Sergeant R R Duke 2024-10-29
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Daniel Frame 2025-01-13
1945-March-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer C A Goodier 2025-01-13
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Frederick Hadley 2025-01-13
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John MacKenzie 2025-01-13
1945-March-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer W J Spence 2025-01-13 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB778
s/n KB778
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 778
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Y". Failed to return from raid on Chemnitz, on 5/6 March 1945. Crashed after bombing target, in Ardennes Wood near Baraque de Fraiture in Luxembourg, due to icing. 5 crew killed, rest evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Ross Ashdown 2024-11-03
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant TJ Chevrier 2024-02-13
1945-March-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Cyril Roland Hazelby 2023-08-22
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flying Officer W Mytruk 2022-01-04
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant EL Schofield 2022-01-04
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer EJ Snell 2022-01-04
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Allan Wade 2023-08-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB779
s/n KB779
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 779
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Claimed an Fw190 shot down on 7 August 1944. Failed to return from mission to Osnabruck on 6/7 December 1944. Crashed due to icing over target, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Osnabruck Germany 1944-12-06 to 1944-12-06
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
453 aircraft- 363 Halifaxes, 72 Lancasters, 18 Mosquitoes - of 1, 4, 6 and 8 Groups, 7 Halifaxes and I Lancaster lost.
This was the first major raid on Osnabriick since August 1942. The raid was only a partial success. The railway yards were only slightly damaged but 4 factories were hit, including the Teuto-Metallwerke munitions factory, and 203 houses wen, destroyed. 39 people were killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 779 missing after it encountered severe icing conditions during a night attack against Osnabruk, Germany. F/Os B.D. Hyndman, G.R. Cheesman, P/Os L.T. Graham, E.M. Hansen, D.L. Marcellus, G.E.Smith and one RAF member of the crew were killed.
1944-December-07 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Osnabruck 2019-08-20
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Roy Cheesman 2024-02-11
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Thomas Graham 2022-12-20
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ezra Mulloy Hansen 2022-12-20
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bruce Douglas Hyndman 2022-12-28
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Lloyd Marcellus 2022-12-20
1944-December-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Edward Smith 2022-12-20 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB780
s/n KB780
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 780
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*T". Bombed German positions around Caen 7/8 August, 1944. Failed to return from mission to Duisburg on 14 October 1944. This was Ramrod 1332, part of Operation Hurricane (a 24 hour coordinated RAF and US bomber offensive). Came down near Obermeiderid, Germany. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Archie Verdun Batty 2025-09-29
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Arthur Harrison DFC 2025-09-29
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Harold Janney 2025-09-29
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Paul Reviere Jones 2025-09-29
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Sydney McFeetors 2025-09-29 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB781
s/n KB781
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 781
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Became RCAF KB781 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1956-January-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB782
s/n KB782
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 782
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*H". Failed to return from raid on Dusseldorf on 3 November 1944. Shot down near Solingen, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Ferdinand Jacques Bachant 2024-11-04
1944-November-02 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Ernest Crossley 2024-11-06
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Matthew Dorrell 2024-10-31
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Holtze 2024-11-06
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Lupinsky 2024-11-06
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie John Ruhl 2024-11-06
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Allan Gilchrist Samuel 2024-11-06 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB783
s/n KB783
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 783
Merlin
Known Units: A&AEE;428;419
Became RCAF KB783 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-November-07 Classified Instructional CA A 451 2020-06-11
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-November-26 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB784
s/n KB784
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 784
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*K". Struck by friendly bomb on 29/30 August 1944, returned to base on 3 engines. Failed to return from raid on Kiel on 13/14 April 1945. Struck by flak before and after target, ditched in North Sea 20 miles off Heligoland on return, after last engine failed. 1 crew killed, 6 survivors drifted in raft for 12 days before washing ashore and becoming PoW. Navigator Flying Officer G.C. Riley received MBE for actions in the raft.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Harry Males 2024-12-09
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Verne Banks 2023-11-15
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer E R O Casey 2024-01-16
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 E V Miller 2024-12-09
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer D M Payne 2024-12-09
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer G C Riley 2024-12-09
1945-April-14 PoW RCAF Sergeant T F Sinclair 2024-12-09
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Edward Vardy 2024-12-09 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB785
s/n KB785
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 785
Merlin
Known Units: 419
last update: 2025-November-27
Operational 1944-11-24 to 1944-11-24
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). At 18:12 KB785 was returning from an assigned cross country detail, they "came up" on R/T. Where instructions from Officer in charge of Night Flying told the crew to proceed on a Bombing Detail. These instruction were acknowledged at 1814 hours. At 18:25 Bradbury Bombing Range called their base saying they had seen a great flash in the air, after which the sound of an approaching aircraft's motors were no longer heard.
An investigation lead by two Engineers and headed by an Investigating Officer, gave conflicting evidence on the cause of the events surrounding the aircraft's loss. It then fell on to Air Commodore R. E. McBurney to consider the evidence of the 16 witnesses to the accident, which he proceed to do. In his opinion the witnesses provided greater help in solving what had happened. And he therefore accepted or put forth the cause of the fire being due to the fuel jettison system which was inadvertently selected instead of cold air. And the Air Commodore advised that all Groups to render the fuel jettison system inoperative until modified or a satisfactory system replaces it.
KB785 came down 250 yards South East of Sedgefield Railway Station, killing all crew members. The crew's loss was felt deeply by the whole squadron as it was nearing the completion of the crews tour. (419 Squadron Website)
Flying Officer A.C. Hirst, Flying Officer R.G. Mansfield, Pilot Officer G.H. Warren-Darley, Flight Sergeant(s) L.W. Toth, D.A. Gunn, J.J. Murphy, and Pilot Officer D.G. Newland (RAF) were all killed
On 19 June 1994 a special plaque was dedicated and a maple tree was planted as a memorial to the crew of KB 785 The plaque was sited on the church wall adjoining the village memorial. This took place in the village of Sedgefield and the service was conducted at the St Edmund's Parish Church. The Roll of Honour on the plaque reads: On 24th November 1944, the crew of a Lancaster Bomber of number 419 Moose Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Middleton St George, paid the SUPREME SACRIFICE. This plaque is dedicated to those who lost their lives Pilot Officer Richard Mansfield DFC Ottawa, Canada; Flight Sergeant Douglas Ginn Toronto, Canada; Flight Sergeant George Warren-Dailey Toronto, Canada; Flying Officer Allan Hirst Vancouver, Canada; Flight Sergeant John Murphy Detroit, USA; Flight Sergeant Leslie Toth Kipling, Canada; Sergeant Derrick Newland London, England. LEST WE FORGET. Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Middlesborough, England.
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas Alexander Gunn 2022-12-19
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allan Charles Hirst 2023-02-20
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Gerard Mansfield DFC 2024-09-23
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Joseph Murphy 2022-12-19
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Wilfred Toth 2022-12-19
1944-November-24 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Henry Warren-Darley 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB786
s/n KB786
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 786
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Serving with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, at time of crash, coded "VR*P". Bombed Bottrop on 27 September 1944. Heavily damaged on first pass over target, circled back to complete bombing run. Pilot Flying Officer J.A. Anderson received DSO for completing mission and bring aircraft back. Crashed after raid on Hemmingstedt, on 21 March 1945, believed to have come down at sea. Reported shot down by night fighter. 6 crew killed, one PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hemmingstedt Germany 1945-03-21 to 1945-03-21
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - the Heide refinery, Hemmingstedt, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 786 blew up in the air and crashed west of the Kiel canal, near Odderace, Germany. Flight Lieutenant H.B.rubin, F/Os R.W. Millar, A.J. Palanek, L.C. Croucher, Pilot Officer C.A. Elliott, and one RAF airman were killed. One Canadian, FS G.E. Aitken was taken Prisoner of War.
1945-March-21 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant John William Aitken 2024-11-01
1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lionel Charles Croucher 2024-07-22
1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Alvin Elliott 2025-10-09
1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert William Millar 2024-08-23
1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Anthony Joseph Palanek 2024-09-15
1945-March-21 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Navigator Hector Bernard Rubin DFC 2024-09-15 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB787
s/n KB787
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 787
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*M". Crashed after mid air with another Lancaster (possibly PA219 of 433 Squadron) over the Ardennes, during mission to Bonn on 4/5 February 1945. Crashed near Vielsolm, Luxemburg. Only one survivor from both aircraft.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bonn Germany 1945-02-04 to 1945-02-05
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
238 aircraft- 202 Halifaxes, 20 Lancasters, 16 Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 3 Lancasters lost. This was a poor attack, with most of the bombing falling to the south of the target or over the Rhine in the Beuel area. 19 people were killed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Bonn, Germany. Lancaster KB 787 aircraft was enroute to the target and was flying in cloud when it collided in mid-air with a 433 Squadron Lancaster aircraft five miles south of VieIslam, Belgium. Flight Lieutenant D.J.A. Buchanan, Pilot Officer D.W. Spence, Flying Officer J.A. Gibbs, F/Ls W.R. Kearns, J.P. Barlow, and Flying Officer L.F. Edmonds (RAF) were killed. Pilot Officer C.T. Sutter was the only survivor and was taken Prisoner of War.
1945-February-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Preston Barlow 2024-11-09
1945-February-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Douglass John Alexander Buchanan DFC 2025-03-20
1945-February-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Arthur Gibbs 2025-03-20
1945-February-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Robert Kearns 2025-03-20
1945-February-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald William Spence 2025-03-20 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB788
s/n KB788
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 788
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
Served with No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*C". Written off after returning badly damaged from raid on Duisburg on 30 November / 1 December 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB789
s/n KB789
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 789
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Became RCAF KB789 post war.
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB790
s/n KB790
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 790
Merlin
Known Units:
Stored in UK, never issued to operational unit. Scrapped in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB791
s/n KB791
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 791
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB791 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB792
s/n KB792
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 792
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*I". Failed to return from mission to Wiesbaden on 3 February 1945, exploded over target. 6 crew killed, rear gunner POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-02 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Douglas Elliott Berry AFC 2024-11-11
1945-February-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Morris Hammond 2025-01-17
1945-February-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank Edward Hogan 2025-01-17
1945-February-02 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Carl Joseph Ordin 2025-01-17
1945-February-02 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer C M Roche 2025-01-17
1945-February-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clarence Walford 2025-01-17 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB793
s/n KB793
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 793
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with no. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Z", and "NA*E" when lost. Damaged over target on raid to Dortmund on 12 September 1944, pilot badly wounded. Diverted to Woodbridge to use long runway, port tire blew on landing and aircraft further damaged. One crew killed, remainder survived. Crew received 2 DSOs (including pilot Flight Lieutenant R. Curtis, who had previously received the DFM), 2 DFCs and one DFM for this action. Back in service by January 1945. Crashed in County of Durham, UK, after engine fire during training flight on 13 January 1945, all crew survived.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB794
s/n KB794
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 794
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB794 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB795
s/n KB795
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 795
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*Q" and "NA*W". Crashed while landing from a training flight at Middleton St. George on 7 April 1945. Ground looped, undercarriage raised to stop aircraft. Not repaired, no fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB796
s/n KB796
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 796
Merlin
Known Units: 431
RCAF KB796 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB797
s/n KB797
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 797
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with no. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*K". Failed to return from operation to Dessau on 7/8 April 1945. 5 crew killed, one PoW, 2 evaded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dessau Germany 1945-03-07 to 1945-03-07
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Thunderclap
526 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 18 Lancasters lost, 3·4 per cent of the force.
This was another devastating raid on a new target in Eastern Germany with the usual town centre, residential, industrial and railway areas all being hit. Few further details are available
.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 797 went missing during a night trip to Dessau, Germany, presumed over target, presumed enemy action. F/Os W.E.Short ,B.T. MacNeill, P/Os E.V. Beach, R.L. Mitchell, and R.T. Wilson were killed. One Canadian, FS H. Cole, was taken Prisoner of War, and one Canadian, FS D. Jamieson, was an Evader.
1945-April-08 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation to Dessau. 2019-08-20
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Earl Victor Beach 2024-11-09
1945-March-07 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Osborn Cole 2024-03-14
1945-March-07 PoW RCAF Sergeant D C Jamieson 2025-01-02
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bevan Terrill MacNeill 2025-01-02
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Reginald Leroi Mitchell 2025-01-02
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Edward Short 2025-01-02
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ross Thomas Wilson 2025-01-02 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB798
s/n KB798
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 798
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*G". Failed to return from raid on Opladen on 27/28 December 1944. Shot down by Flak. Crashed at Leverkusen/Schlebusch. The crew were initially buried in Leverkusen-Manfort Cemetery. Reinterred 18 April 1947. (CWGC).
last update: 2025-November-19
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Allen Dixon 2024-10-21
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Allan Ebber 2021-08-05
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Sydney Dalton Hewson 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Albert Thomas Le Blanc 2022-01-22
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Keith Oscar McDivitt 2021-08-17
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ernest William Page 2021-08-18 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB799
s/n KB799
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 799
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Named "The Moose" in ceremony in Canada. Served with no. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*W", flew 15 operations. Failed to return from raid on Merseburg on 15 January 1945, reported shot down by night fighter. Came down near Schweinfurt, Germany. Pilot killed in crash, rest of crew bailed out and became PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Merseburg Germany 1945-01-15 to 1945-01-15
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 799 had both fuel tanks and the cross feed system damaged by flak whilst engaged in a night operation to Merseburg, Germany. Flying Officer Vatne maintained control of the aircraft long enough for his crew to bail out; he went down with the aircraft. Six Canadians, F/as N.V. Hoas, H.P. Eager, FSs Chatwin, G.J. Woods, Sergeant B.C. Mitchell, and Pilot Officer R.C. Wood were taken Prisoners of War.
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flt Sergeant Frederick Howard Chatwin 2025-07-17
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Harry Robert Eager 2024-10-31
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Norman Victor Hoas 2024-10-31
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Sergeant B C Mitchell 2024-10-31
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Norman Roger Vatne 2025-07-17
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Cohn Woods 2024-10-31
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flt Sergeant Ronald C. Woods 2025-07-17 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB800
s/n KB800
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 800
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*C". Failed to return from mission to Duisburg on 14 October 1944. This was Ramrod 1332, part of Operation Hurricane (a 24 hour coordinated RAF and US bomber offensive). Came down near Lohnmann Shields, Germany. 6 crew killed, one PoW. Had 29 hours airframe time when lost.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1944-10-14 to 1944-10-14
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
'!'his raid was part of a special operation which has received little mention in the history books. On 13 October, Sir Arthur Harris received the directive for Operation Hurricane:'In order to demonstrate to the enemy in Germany generally the overwhelming superiority of the Allied Air Forces in this theatre ... the intention is lo apply within the shortest practical period the maximum effort of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the VIIIth United States Bomber Command against objectives in the densely populated Ruhr.' Bomber Command had probably been forewarned of the directive because it was able to mount the first part of the operation soon after first light on 14 October. No heavy bombers had flown on operations for 48 hours and 1,013 aircraft - 519 Lancasters, 474 Halifaxes and 20 Mosquitoes " were dispatched to Duisburg with R.A.F. fighters providing an escort. 957 bombers dropped 3,574 tons of high explosive and 820 tons of incendiaries on Duisburg, 14 aircraft were lost - 13 Lancasters and 1 Halifax; it is probable that the Lancasters provided the early waves of the raid and drew the attention of the German Flak before the Flak positions were overwhelmed by the bombing.
For their part in Operation Hurricane, the American Eighth Air Force dispatched 1,251 heavy bombers escorted by 749 fighters. More than 1,000 of the American heavies bombed targets in the Cologne area. American casualties were 5 heavy bombers and i fighter. No Luftwaffe aircraft were seen.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Duisburg, Germany. The crew of Lancaster aircraft B 800 had started the daylight bomb run when they were hit by flak which knocked off a piece of the wing and set both starboard engines on fire. The aircraft went out of control and just as the order to bail out was given the aircraft exploded and then crashed at Lohmannsheide, Germany.
Flying Officer J.N. Therreault, P/Os R.G. Manwell, L.C. Levasseur, H. Sigal R.H. Bowen, and Pilot Officer G. Adams (RAF) were killed. The pilot, Flying Officer A.M. Roy had this to say, "Flak hit our wing and both engines caught fire so I ordered a bail out. The aircraft exploded and I was blown out and came to at about 5,000 feet. I landed among a bunch of flak gunners and was taken Prisoner of War. I didn't know what happened to my crew until after the war."
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Henry Bowen 2024-11-16
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lucien Charles Le Vasseur 2025-02-04
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Gordon Manwell 2025-02-04
1944-October-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Mcallister Roy 2025-02-04
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Sigal 2025-02-04
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jules Napoleon Robert Therreault 2022-12-19 Lancaster Mk.X/10S serial KB801
s/n KB801
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 801
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
RCAF KB801 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1956-May-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB802
s/n KB802
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 802
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
RCAF KB802 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB803
s/n KB803
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 803
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. With No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*N", when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. Still carrying this code when it crashed near Yafforth, Yorkshire on 26 January 1945. Lost power during a training flight.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB804
s/n KB804
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 804
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, from November 1944. Attacked by night fighter on raid to Boden on 5 November 1944, pilot killed but returned to UK. Rear gunner Flight Sergeant D.H. Lanclot was wounded, received DFM for this mission. Coded "VR*E" when lost. Failed to return from raid on Dortmund on 21 February 1945. Shot down by flak and/or NJG 4 near Roermond, Germany. 2 crew killed, 5 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1945-02-20 to 1945-02-21
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
514 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 14 Lancastcrs lost.
The intention of this raid was to destroy the southern half of Dortmund and Bomber Command claimed that this was achieved. It appears that the Dortmund air¬raid recording service had now broken down completely; the local Stadtarchiv has no details of any kind of this raid. his was the last large Bomber Command raid of the war on Dortmund.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moose Aswayita). Target - Dortmund, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 804 was nearing the target when it was hit by flak, the starboard wing and the bomb bay began to blaze furiously. The crew was ordered to bail out and Flying Officer Blaney maintained control of the aircraft so that his crew could carry out his order; he stayed too long and went down with the aircraft. Pilot Officer D. Hanna bailed out but was killed when his parachute failed to open. Four Canadians, Flying Officer P. Owen (BA), Pilot Officer A. Kindret (WOAG), FSs R. Althan (AG), L. Nozzolillo (AG), and one RAF member of the crew were taken Prisoners of War..
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ray Althan 2025-01-25
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lawrence Allen Blaney 2025-11-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Hanna 2025-11-20
1945-February-21 PoW RAF Sergeant T. Stan Instone 2025-11-20
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Kindret 2025-01-25
1945-February-21 PoW RCAC Flight Sergeant Louis J 'Lou' Nozolillo 2025-11-20
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Philip H Owen 2025-01-25 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB805
s/n KB805
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 805
Merlin
Known Units: TCU;A&AEE
Sent to US for trials with Emerson turret. Arrive in UK in November 1944, never issued to operational unit till after war. Scrapped in UK in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB806
s/n KB806
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 806
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Later served with No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*X", on operations from November 1944. With this unit when lost during mission to Merseburg. Crashed after mid air with Bf 109 on 15 January 1945 over Leuna in eastern Germany. 6 crew killed, one PoW
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Clifford Cockwell 2024-03-09
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Richard Robert Henry Craib 2024-05-10
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Cecil Gurevitch 2024-04-13
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Beverly MacDonell 2024-04-22
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Malcolm Alexander Macleod 2024-04-22
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Orville Jack Rau 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB807
s/n KB807
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 807
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to RCAF KB807 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB808
s/n KB808
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 808
Merlin
Known Units: 424;431
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Served with No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*U" when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945, and also coded "SE*Y". With this unit when it failed to return from mission to Hildesheim on 22 March 1945, code unknown. Hit by flak and blew up over target. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Wilfred Dorrell 2024-10-26
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Philip Duggan DFC 2024-10-29
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Barton Ketchen 2021-08-12
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Daryll McLean 2021-08-17
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clayton Edward Root 2021-08-06
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick Bernard Trent 2021-07-15
1945-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Adam Zuback 2021-01-29 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB809
s/n KB809
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 809
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
Served with No. (B) 419 Squadron, RCAF. Transferred to No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*Q". Took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. With this unit when it failed to return from mission to Dortmund on 21 February 1945. No survivorslast update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant H R Dailey 2024-08-21
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Sydney Dickson 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Louis Edward Hoffman 2024-08-21
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Walter Kopp 2024-08-21
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 F E Lehman 2024-08-21
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flying Officer I C MacCugan 2024-08-21
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Edwin Newman 2024-08-21 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB810
s/n KB810
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 810
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Became RCAF KB810 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB811
s/n KB811
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 811
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
RCAF KB811 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-August-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB812
s/n KB812
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 812
Merlin
Known Units: 431
RCAF KB812 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB813
s/n KB813
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 813
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
last update: 2025-November-27
Operational 1944-10-25 to 1944-10-25
431 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Croft
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. With No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*S" when lost. Named "Simcoe Warrior". Crashed near Tingrith, Bedfordshire on 25 October 1944. Being flown by a new crew, with no operations. Was on a cross-country training flight, caught fire and exploded in the air. The wreckage was spread over a wide area near Tingrith Village, Bedford, England. All 7 crew killed, buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Kane Gillis 2023-05-03
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harvey Roland Irwin 2023-05-03
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Aleck Malaidack 2023-05-03
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer James Elliott Schwerdfager 2023-05-03
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Paul Wrigley 2023-05-03
1944-October-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Robert Joseph Yerdon 2023-05-03 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB814
s/n KB814
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 814
Merlin
Known Units: 419;428;434
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF in November 1944, coded "VR*N". Also with No. 428 Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*N". Named "Nuts 2 U". With No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*S", named "Hello Sugar" when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. With 419 when it failed to return from raid on Hagen on 15/16 March 1945, hit by flak and crashed near Fishlin, Germany. Completed 11 operations. Also reported as shot down by night fighter, with upwards firing guns. 4 crew killed, 3 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hagen Germany 1945-03-15 to 1945-03-16
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Hagen, Germany. Lancaster aircraft KB 814 was hit by flak and crashed near Fishlin, Germany. Four of the crew, Pilot Officer Vickery, Pilot Officer C.W. Parrish, Pilot Officer M.W. Bredin, and Flying Officer H.R. Hennessey were all killed in the aircraft. The other three members of the crew, FSs Ginter, Bowman, and Bristow bailed out to safety.
267 aircraft - 134 Lancasters, l 22 Halifaxes, 11 Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 6 Lancasters and 4 Halifaxes lost.
This area attack took place in clear visibility and caused severe damage; the local , report estimated that the bomber force was 800 aircraft strong! The main attack fell in the centre and eastern districts. There were 1,439 fires, of which 124 were classified as large. 493 Germans and 12 foreigners were killed. 30,000-35,000 people were bombed out. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1945-March-16 Rescued RCAF Sergeant P V Bowman 2024-11-16
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Mark Webster Bredin 2025-02-15
1945-March-16 Rescued RCAF Sergeant Eric Bristow 2024-11-18
1945-March-16 Rescued RCAF Flight Sergeant C Ginter 2025-02-15
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Richard John Hennessey 2025-02-15
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles William Parrish 2025-02-15
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford Howard Vickery 2025-02-15 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB815
s/n KB815
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 815
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF in October 1944. Was with No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*K" when lost. Failed to return from raid on Hagen on 15/16 March 1945. Came down near Perwez, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Henry Davis 2024-09-25
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Albert Gordon Edwards 2024-09-25
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Robert Roy Haw 2024-09-25
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Ernest Horne 2024-09-25
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Lucien Viateur Morin 2024-09-25
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Paul Repsys 2024-09-25 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB816
s/n KB816
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 816
Merlin
Known Units: 431;434;428
Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*G", on operations from December 1944. To No. 428 Squadron, RCAF, in February 1945, coded "NA*T", then "NA*E" when lost. Crashed on overshoot at Church Broughton on 14 April 1945, returning from raid on Kiel. No injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB817
s/n KB817
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 817
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
Missing Oberhausen 1/2 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Oberhausen Germany 1944-11-01 to 1944-11-01
431 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Croft
288 aircraft - 202 Halifaxes, 74 Lancasters, 12 Mosquitoes - of 6 and 8 Groups. 3 Halifaxes and I Lancaster lost.
The target area was cloud-covered and the bombing was not concentrated. 36 houses were destroyed in Oberhausen and 4 people were killed but other places in the Ruhr may have been hit as well.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft KB 817 crashed and burned near Linne, Holland during operations against Oberhausen, Germany. Pilot Officer R.C. Joiner bailed out and was killed when his parachute failed to open. Five Canadians, Pilot Officer J.B. Ogg, WOs J.T. Patterson, G.W. Leppington, R.B. Page, and Sergeant J.M. Campbell were taken Prisoners of War. Flying Officer Connor maintained control of the aircraft long enough for his crew to bail out; he waited too long and went down with the aircraft.
1944-November-02 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on Oberhausen 2019-08-20
1944-November-01 Evader RCAF Sergeant J M Campbell 2023-12-13
1944-November-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Daubney Connor DFC 2024-03-27
1944-November-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Raymond Conserdine Joiner 2023-05-03
1944-November-01 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon William Leppington 2023-05-03
1944-November-01 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Bruce Ogg 2023-07-31
1944-November-01 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Ray Bruce Page 2023-09-22
1944-November-01 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer J T Patterson 2023-09-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB818
s/n KB818
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 818
Merlin
Known Units: 431
With No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*G", when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. Crashed while attempting emergency landing at Ford on 7 February 1945. No fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB819
s/n KB819
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 819
Merlin
Known Units: 431
RCAF KB819 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB820
s/n KB820
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 820
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB820 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB821
s/n KB821
m/d 683
c/n 37122
Victory Aircraft
KB 821
Merlin
Known Units: 431
With No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF from 9 September 1944, coded "SE*P". Failed to return from mission to Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. All 6 crew missing. May have been lost due to collision over North Sea. May have crashed east of Hanau, not confirmed. At least one crew member (Pilot Officer W. Gillissie) possibly survived and was captured, then was apparently executed. Several Germans were charged after the war, but not convicted.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Bernard Mortimer Adilman 2024-11-01
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Gerald Gillissie 2021-08-07
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Kerry James 2024-06-01
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas McQuitty 2021-08-17
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick John Nickerson 2021-08-17
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant George Robert Pool DFC 2021-08-13
1945-January-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Wilbert Staves 2024-06-28 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB822
s/n KB822
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 822
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. With No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, coded "SE*W". Crashed off Norderney, Frisian Islands, after mid air with KB831 (also lost) on 25 April 1945. Both aircraft were en route to bomb gun positions on Wangerooge Island. These 2 aircraft were 431 Sdns last losses of the war, on the units last mission. No survivors in this aircraft.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lloyd Hilbourne Amos 2024-11-02
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas George Baker 2024-11-05
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Duncan Cruickshank 2024-05-22
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Paul Edouard Adolphe Henrichon 2024-11-28
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lewis Ullysess Malcolm Hiatt 2024-11-28
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Jules Pierre Raymond Roy 2024-11-28 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB823
s/n KB823
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 823
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
RCAF KB823 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB824
s/n KB824
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 824
Merlin
Known Units: 419;434
RCAF KB824 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB825
s/n KB825
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 825
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Became RCAF KB825 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB826
s/n KB826
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 826
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Returned to Canada, RCAF KB826 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-September-24 Accident: 1 REMU Loc: Claresholm Alberta Names: Unknown
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1957-May-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB827
s/n KB827
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 827
Merlin
Known Units: 431
RCAF KB827 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB828
s/n KB828
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 828
Merlin
Known Units:
Crashed at Gander on delivery flight on 24 September 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB829
s/n KB829
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 829
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
RCAF KB829 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB830
s/n KB830
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 830
Merlin
Known Units: 419;434
RCAF KB830 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB831
s/n KB831
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 831
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Transferred to 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*E". Crashed off Norderney, Frisian Islands, after mid air with KB822 (also lost) on 25 April 1945. Both aircraft were en route to bomb gun positions on Wangerooge Island. These 2 aircraft were 431 Sdns last losses of the war, on the units last mission. No survivors on this aircraft.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Barry Desmond Emmet 2021-02-06
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Edward Hanna 2021-02-06
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Clarence Robert Irwin Mark 2025-05-26
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ralph Jackson Mellon 2021-02-06
1945-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Robert John Stingle 2021-02-06 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB832
s/n KB832
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 832
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*F". Claimed an enemy twin engined fighter destroyed on 14/15 January 1945. Crashed at Croft, UK on 22 March 1945, swung while taking off for raid on Hildesheim. Bomb load exploded, after crew escaped. No injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB833
s/n KB833
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 833
Merlin
Known Units: 419;434
RCAF KB833 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-May-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB834
s/n KB834
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 834
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF from December 1944. Coded "WL*Y" when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. Also bombed Zeitz on 16/17 January 1945; Dortmund on 20/21 February 1945; and Chemnitz on 5/6 March 1945. Claimed an enemy fighter damaged on 7/8 March 1945, landed at Thorney Island on return due to fuel shortage. Failed to return from day light mission to Essen on 11 March 1945. Hit by flak shortly after dropping bombs. 6 crew killed. Sole survivor, Flying Officer B. Marceau POW, still alive in 2007.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Donovan Copeland 2025-06-24
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Raymond John Fern 2025-06-24
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joe Richard Latremouille 2025-06-24
1945-March-11 PoW RCAF Flying Officer J A H Benjamin 'Ben' Marceau 2025-06-24
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alfred George Rowe DFC 2025-06-24
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gibson Scott 2025-06-24 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB835
s/n KB835
m/d 683
c/n 37136
Victory Aircraft
KB 835
Merlin
Known Units: 431;434
First delivered to No. 431 (B) Squadron in December 1944. Served with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*J", from 10 March 1945. Attacked twice by night fighters (at least one Ju 88 from NJG2) on return from mission to Hagen, 16 March 1945. Crew bailed out with plane on fire, aircraft broke into two pieces which landed 2 miles from Landen, near Liege, Belgium. One crew member became PoW but was soon rescued by advancing US Army, remainder killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leonard Wilson Armstrong 2025-09-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Dixon Ball 2025-09-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Carle Kossatz 2025-09-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Ormsby Stewart DFC 2025-09-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William George Stanley White 2025-09-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alfred Whitehead 2025-09-01 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB836
s/n KB836
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 836
Merlin
Known Units: 434
RCAF KB836 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB837
s/n KB837
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 837
Merlin
Known Units: 431
RCAF KB837 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-August-24 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB838
s/n KB838
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 838
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB838 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10AR serial KB839
s/n KB839
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 839
Merlin
Known Units: 431;419;408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB839. Converted to Mk. 10AR. Used post war by No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys. Coded "MN*839. Dropped "time capsule" at North Pole on 18 June 1963, then flew around the world nonstop twice in 16 minutes (at very high latitude). To RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario in 408 Squadron markings in April 1964, for type retirement ceremonies. Later displayed at CFB Greenwood, NS. Still there in 2009. Refinished as KB839 LQ-G 405 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB840
s/n KB840
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 840
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Became RCAF KB840 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB841
s/n KB841
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 841
Merlin
Known Units: 419
RCAF KB841 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB842
s/n KB842
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 842
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Used by No. 434 Squadron, RCAF in the UK, coded "WL*L" on 5/6 March 1945, during raid on Chemnitz, part of Operation Thunderclap. Mid-air over target with an unknown Halifax right after bombing target, then attacked by night fighter. Aircraft returned to Carnaby, Yorkshire, written off after landing there. No injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-06 Survived RAFVR Sergeant A W Corbett 2024-04-15
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flying Officer CFH Fiori 2022-01-06
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Glen Allan Heisler 2022-01-06
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant RR Higgs 2022-01-06
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer John C Kitchen 2022-01-06
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer John Rebman 2022-01-06
1945-March-06 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant F Douglas Reid 2022-01-06 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB843
s/n KB843
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 843
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
RCAF KB843 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB844
s/n KB844
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 844
Merlin
Known Units: 419;434
RCAF KB844 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-August-13 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB845
s/n KB845
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 845
Merlin
Known Units: 419
With No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*L". Bombed Merseburg 14/15 January 1945; Wiesbaden 2/3 February 1945; Hemmingstedt 20/21 February 1945. Bombed Duisburg on 21/22 February 1945. Crashed at Drayton Parsloe in Bedfordshire, UK on 6 March 1945, returning from raid on Chemnitz. Airframe icing suspected as cause. All 7 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Chemnitz Germany 1945-03-05 to 1945-03-06
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St.George
760 aircraft - 498 Lancasters, 256 Halifaxes, 6 Mosquitoes - to continue Operation Thunderclap
. The operation started badly when 9 aircraft of 6 Group crashed near their bases soon after taking off in icy conditions. 426 Squadron, at Linton-on-Ousc, lost 3 out of their 14 Halifaxes taking part in the raid in this way, with only I man surviving. 1 of the Halifaxes crashed in York, killing some civilians. 22 further aircraft were lost in the main operation - 14 Lancasters and 8 I·Ialifaxes. The city of Karl-Marx-Stadt was unable to supply any local details but it Is known that the centre and the south of the city suffered severe fire damage. Several important factories were situated in the fire area and the Siegmar factory, which made tank engines, was destroyedsource: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moose Aswayita) RAF Middleton St George. The crew of Lancaster BX aircraft KB 845 VR-L were returning from operations over Chemnitz, Germany when they crashed at Drayton Parslow, Buckinghamshire, England, believed due to severe icing conditions
Pilot Officer FR Leet (RCAF), Flying Officer L Reitlo (RCAF), Flying Officer GJ Hollinger (RCAF), Flying Officer WN De Witt (RCAF), Pilot Officer JE Hanley (RCAF), Pilot Officer JAS King (RCAF), and Pilot Officer NR Poole (RCAF) were all killed in action
419 Squadron RCAF 1941 to 1945 Crew of Lancaster KB 845
RAF losses 5./6. March 1945 [Archive] - Luftwaffe and Allied Air...
1945-April-06 Accident Crash Crashed in Bedfordshire after raid on Chemnitz 2019-08-20
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Norton De Witt 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Edwin Hanley 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gregory Joseph Hollinger 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Alexander Stewart King 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Finley Ralph Leet 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Roland Poole 2024-10-08
1945-March-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clifford Lester Reitlo 2024-10-08 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB846
s/n KB846
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 846
Merlin
Known Units: 434;428
Used by No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the UK, coded "WL*P", named "Piccadilly Princess" when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945. With No. 428 Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*I" when it failed to return from operation to Hagen, on 15/16 March 1945. Shot down by Ju 88 of Stab1./NJG2 near target. 5 crew killed, 2 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Earle Robert Evans DFC 2021-11-03
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Curry Graham 2021-08-07
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Ross Curtis Hamill 2022-10-05
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Tucker Llewellin 2021-08-13
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Raymond William Newton 2021-09-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB847
s/n KB847
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 847
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to Canada, RCAF KB847last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-August-24 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10DC serial KB848
s/n KB848
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 848
Merlin
Known Units: 428;CEPE-AAED
Returned to Canada, RCAF KB848. Converted to Mk 10DC PX848, served at Cold Lake with CEPE. This Lanc was built by Victory Aircraft Ltd at Malton, ON and arrived in England during Jan. 1945 to serve with 428 Squadron. Post-war she returned to Canada and was used for a while as a Firebee drone mothership before being scrapped. At least the nose has survived and is on display beside an elevated walkway so visitors can see inside the cockpit, at the Canada Aviation & Space Museum.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1964-April-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB849
s/n KB849
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 849
Merlin
Known Units: 431;434
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB849last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB850
s/n KB850
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 850
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF, on operations 1944 and 1945. Coded "WL*O" when it took part in raid on Hanau on 6/7 January 1945, and also coded "WL*T". Failed to return from raid on oil plant at Zeitz on 16/17 January 1945, may have collided over Germany with Lancaster PB402 of 405 Squadron. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Gratton Carolan 2024-05-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Norval Gregory Fadden 2024-05-26
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Aaron Kiehlbauch 2024-06-04
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William David Martin 2024-06-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Guelph Shaw 2024-06-28
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Dougal Turner 2024-07-10
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Thomas Wilson 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.X/10DC serial KB851
s/n KB851
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 851
Merlin
Known Units: 428;419;CEPE-AAED
Returned to Canada post war. Converted to 10DC drone launcher. With Central Experimental & Proving Establishment at Cold Lake in 1960. Intended for CF-105 development program.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1961-August-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB852
s/n KB852
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 852
Merlin
Known Units: 434;431
Returned to Canada postwar, RCAF KB852last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-March-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB853
s/n KB853
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 853
Merlin
Known Units: 434;431
Served with No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF from November 1944, coded "SE*A", on operations from 16 November 1944. Later to No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, with this unit when lost. Failed to return from raid on Essen on 11 March 1945, hit by flak over target. All 7 crew killed, including squadron CO W/C R.F. Davenport.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hubert George Bishop DFC 2024-11-12
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Wing Commander Ralph Frederick Davenport 2024-10-31
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles William Fraser 2025-01-20
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donal Kevin Joseph Hector 2025-01-20
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clarence Reginald Lecky 2025-01-20
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Clifford Pettifor 2025-01-20
1945-March-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wendelin Rink 2025-01-20 Lancaster Mk.X/10S serial KB854
s/n KB854
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 854
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB854. Converted to Mk 10S.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-October-05 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB855
s/n KB855
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 855
Merlin
Known Units: 419;428
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*F" when lost. Crashed on approach to Middleton St. George after raid on Dortmund on 22 February 1945, lost power in 2 engines and struck trees.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB856
s/n KB856
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 856
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB856last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MR serial KB857
s/n KB857
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 857
Merlin
Known Units: 419;405;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB857. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*N", at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS. Later VN857. To 407 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, coded RX857.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1958-September-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB858
s/n KB858
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 858
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Used by No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded "SE*G". Failed to return from raid on Chemnitz on 5/6 March 1945, part of Operation Thunderclap, possibly as a result of airframe icing. Came down at Oberweldbach, 15 kilometres east-north-east of Spangenberg, Germany. All crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Herbert John Beaton 2024-11-09
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Henry John Feldhans 2022-01-04
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hinrik Guttormson 2022-01-04
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Howard Roger Harris 2022-01-04
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Colin Bruce MacDonald 2022-01-04
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Stanley Arthur Reid 2022-01-04
1945-March-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Arthur Salisbury 2022-01-04 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB859
s/n KB859
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 859
Merlin
Known Units: 431
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing 1945-03-31 to 1945-03-31
431 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Croft
469 aircraft - 361 Lancasters, 100 Halifaxes, 8 Mosquitoes - of I, 6 and 8 Groups attempted to attack the Blohm & Voss shipyards, where the new types of U-boats were being assembled, but the target area was completely cloud-covered. The local report describes 'considerable damage' to houses, factories, energy supplies and communications over a wide area of southern Hamburg and Harburg. 75 people were killed.
8 Lancasters and 3 Halifaxes were lost, a number being victims of an unexpected intervention by the Luftwaffe day-fighter force. This was Bomber Command's last double-figure aircraft loss of the war from a raid on one city.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft KB 859 was shot down near Hittfeld, Germany during daylight operations, a raid against Hamburg, Germany. F/Os M. Hartog, F.R. Alty, P.B. Dennison, J.J. Casey, Pilot Officer A. Dorey, and Sergeant L.J. Mercer (RAF) were killed. One Canadian, Flight Lieutenant Hurley, was taken Prisoner of War.
May have been shot down by Me262 of JG7, which claimed several Lancasters in that area at that time. ORB refers to attack by jets. (see also KB869).
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Roy Alty 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Joseph Casey 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Patrick Blake Dennison 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Dorey 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Martin Hartog 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Patrick Joseph Hurley 2024-10-13
1945-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Laurence John Mercer 2024-10-13 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB860
s/n KB860
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 860
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Delivered Feb 1945. Returned to Canada, RCAF KB860.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB861
s/n KB861
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 861
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to Canada post war. RCAF KB861.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1954-August-24 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB862
s/n KB862
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 862
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Returned to Canada, RCAF KB862.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB863
s/n KB863
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 863
Merlin
Known Units: 434
returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB863.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB864
s/n KB864
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 864
Merlin
Known Units: 428
RCAF KB864 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MR serial KB865
s/n KB865
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 865
Merlin
Known Units: 419;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB865. Converted to Mk 10MR. Served with 407 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox as RX865.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB866
s/n KB866
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 866
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "VR*M". Failed to return from mission to Kiel on 13/14 April 1945. No survivors, last crew members to be lost from this Squadron during the war.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Kiel Germany 1945-04-13 to 1945-04-14
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
377,Lancasters and 105 Halifaxes of 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 2 Lancasters lost.,/p>
'l'hls raid was directed against the port area, with the U-boat yards as the main objective, Bomber Command rated this as 'a poor attack' with scattered bombing. The local diary states that the main bombing was in and around the suburb of Elmschenhagen, 2 miles from the port area, but some damage was caused nearer the harbour including a hit on an ammunition depot at the northern end. 50 people were killed
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Lancaster aircraft KB 866 failed to return from a night attack against Kiel, Germany. F/O.s C.R. Loft, D.W. Wincott, P/O.s G.A.Livingstone, E.R. Wightman, C.C. MacLaren, W. Henderson, and G.J. Jones were killed. These airmen were the last members of this Squadron to lose their lives while on operations during the war, this was their fourth trip.
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Henderson 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gregory James Jones 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Archie Livingston 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Robert Loft 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Colin Charles Maclaren 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edgar Ross Wightman 2022-12-28
1945-April-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald William Wincott 2022-12-28 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB867
s/n KB867
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 867
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB867.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB868
s/n KB868
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 868
Merlin
Known Units: 431;405
KB 868 was built by Victory Aircraft in Malton, Ontario. It was flown to England in Jan 1945 and issued to No. 431 Squadron, RCAF, in Mar 1945. It returned to Canada on 5 Jun 1945 with No. 431 Squadron, coded SE-E, for use with the "Tiger Force", No. 662 (HB) Wing, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It was later converted to a Mk. 10MP maritime patrol aircraft and issued to No. 405 (MP) Squadron in 1952, coded VC-AGS. It was retired on 23 Jun 1955. No. 405 Squadron had been reactivated on 31 Mar 1950 as No. 405 (Eagle) Squadron, as a maritime patrol squadron based at RCAF Station Greenwood, Nova Scotia.Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*S", at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS. Dispatched to Iceland in January 1953, together with KB914, for ASW exercise. Both aircraft diverted on 31 January 1953 back to to Goose Bay, to join in search for a missing civilian Beech 18.
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB869
s/n KB869
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 869
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded "VR*Q". Bombed Duisburg on 21/22 February 1945. Failed to return from day time mission to Hamburg on 31 March 1945. May have been shot down near Hamburg by Me262 of JG7, which claimed several Lancasters in that area at that time (see also KB859). Came down 10 miles south of target. 4 crew killed, 3 PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1945-03-31 to 1945-03-31
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St.George
469 aircraft - 361 Lancasters, 100 Halifaxes, 8 Mosquitoes - of I, 6 and 8 Groups attempted to attack the Blohm & Voss shipyards, where the new types of U-boats were being assembled, but the target area was completely cloud-covered. The local report describes 'considerable damage' to houses, factories, energy supplies and com¬munications over a wide area of southern Hamburg and Harburg. 75 people were killed.
8 Lancasters and 3 Halifaxes were lost, a number being victims of an unexpected intervention by the Luftwaffe day-fighter force. This was Bomber Command's last double-figure aircraft loss of the war from a raid on one city.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). The crew of Lancaster aircraft KB 869 were engaged in a daylight raid when they were shot down by German jet fighter aircraft ten miles south of the target Hamburg, Germany. Flying Officer D.S. Bowes, P/Os P. Maclennan, J. Rea, and Flying Officer J.J. Gladish were killed. Three Canadians, FSs G.R. Berry, W. Milne, and R. Rowlands, were taken Prisoners of War.
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Roy Berry 2023-11-29
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Stuart Maxwell Bowes 2024-11-16
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Joseph Gladish 2025-02-04
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bruce Maclennan 2025-02-04
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant W H Milne 2025-02-04
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Rea 2025-02-04
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant R W Rowlands 2025-02-04 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB870
s/n KB870
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 870
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Served with No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded "VR*K". Failed to return from mission to Hagen on 15/16 March 1945, exploded in flight, claimed by night fighter. 3 crew killed, 4 parachuted over Allied held ground.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Hagen Germany 1945-03-15 to 1945-03-15
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Middleton St. George
Thunderclap
267 aircraft - 134 Lancasters, l 22 Halifaxes, 11 Mosquitoes - of 4, 6 and 8 Groups. 6 Lancasters and 4 Halifaxes lost.
This area attack took place in clear visibility and caused severe damage; the local , report estimated that the bomber force was 800 aircraft strong! The main attack fell in the centre and eastern districts. There were 1,439 fires, of which 124 were classified 11s large. 493 Germans and 12 foreigners were killed. 30,000-35,000 people were bombed out
.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Hagen, Germany. Lancaster KB 870 was in friendly territory when it was attacked by a fighter aircraft and exploded in mid-air. Flying Officer E.B. Carleton, Pilot Officer(s) H.L. Garriock and A.Sutherland were killed. The following members of the crew were all blown out of the aircraft and descended by parachute; F/O. B.V.Saunders safe in the United Kingdom, F/L. M.W. McLaughlin, F/O. D.R.Charbonneau, and Flight Sergeant W.W. Lightfoot all safe and in Hospital in France
1945-March-16 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Hagen 2019-08-20
Lancaster Mk.X/10MR serial KB871
s/n KB871
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 871
Merlin
Known Units: 419;431;420;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB871. Converted to Mk 10MR. Served with 407 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, marked RX871.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-September-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB872
s/n KB872
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 872
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB872.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB873
s/n KB873
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 873
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB873.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB874
s/n KB874
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 874
Merlin
Known Units: TRE;431
Operated by RAF Telecommunications Research Establishment at Defford after arriving in UK in January 1945. With No. 431 Squadron, RCAF From February 1945, coded "SE*C". Crash landed at Manston after raid on Hannover on 25 March 1945, struck off. No injuries.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB875
s/n KB875
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 875
Merlin
Known Units: 419;425;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB875. Converted to Mk 10MR. Served with 407 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, coded RX875.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB876
s/n KB876
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 876
Merlin
Known Units: 428;425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB876. Ferried from Scoudouc, NB to Claresholm, Alberta 22-28 September 1945, via St. Hubert, Armstrong and Gimli.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB877
s/n KB877
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 877
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB877.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB878
s/n KB878
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 878
Merlin
Known Units: 419;428
RCAF KB878 post war.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-October-08 Classified Instructional CA A 538 2020-06-11
1954-April-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB879
s/n KB879
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 879
Merlin
Known Units: 428
With No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "NA*M", later "NA*Z" or "NA*Y" at time of crash. Crashed near Hixon, UK, after structural failure during training flight on 30 April 1945. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Operational 1945-04-29 to 1945-04-30
428 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
428 Ghost Squadron (Usque Ad Finem) RAF Middleton St George. The crew of Lancaster B X aircraft KB879 NA-Y were engaged on a cross-country navigational exercise with a second Lancaster when they appeared to suddenly lose flight control and spiraled down to crash at Sandon, Staffordshire, England with the loss of the entire crew. The crash investigation showed a faulty auto-pilot and an issue with the oxygen supply control as probable causes for the loss
428 Squadron Lancaster X KB879 NA-Y Fl/Lt. Campbell RAF ...
Avro Lancaster (KB879 NA-Y) Crash Memorial, Sandon, Staffordshire,...
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stuart Berryman 2024-11-12
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Gavin Campbell 2023-12-16
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Sergeant John Henry Kay 2025-01-17
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer II Thomas Daniel Lawley 2025-01-17
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Lester Tweedy 2025-01-17
1945-April-30 KIFA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Walter Graham Ward 2025-01-17
1945-April-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward James Wright 2024-05-29 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB880
s/n KB880
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 880
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Returned to RCAF post war, KB880.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB881
s/n KB881
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 881
Merlin
Known Units: 434;419
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB881.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10AR serial KB882
s/n KB882
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 882
Merlin
Known Units: 434;428;408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB882. Converted to Mk. 10AR. Used post war by No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys. Coded "MN*882". Flew squadron's last "Apex Rocket" arctic surveillance mission on 5 May 1963. To RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario in 408 Squadron markings in April 1964, for type retirement ceremonies. Delivered to Edmundston, NB in 1965 for use as a memorial. Stored outside since then, badly deteriorated by 1997. Recovered to CFB Trenton 2017, being refurbished at National Air Force Museum of Canada’s Restoration Workshop. Now 2025 displayed at Base 31 Exhibit, Picton Ontario. Restoration efforts will focus on assembling the aircraft, completing exterior finishes, and continuing interior restoration. After the RCAF Centennial celebrations, Base31 will host the plane for four to five years in the covered, safe environment of the Base31 museum that allows for continued restoration efforts until it returns to its permanent home at the NAFMC.last update: 2025-November-19
1964-May-26 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MP serial KB883
s/n KB883
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 883
Merlin
Known Units: 434;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB883. Converted to Mk 10MP, with 407 Squadron RCAF Station Comox, marked RX883.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB884
s/n KB884
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 884
Merlin
Known Units: 434;419;408
Became RCAF KB884 post war. With No. 22 (P) Wing, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, c.1945 to 1947.Became Instructional Airframe A526 1 Aug 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-August-01 Classified Instructional CA A 526 2020-06-11
1949-August-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB885
s/n KB885
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 885
Merlin
Known Units: 431;434;420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB885.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB886
s/n KB886
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 886
Merlin
Known Units: 431;420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB886.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB887
s/n KB887
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 887
Merlin
Known Units:
Never issued to user unit, scrapped in UK in 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB888
s/n KB888
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 888
Merlin
Known Units: 428;419;431
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB888.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MP serial KB889
s/n KB889
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 889
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB889. Modified to Mk 10MP, with 408 Squadron RCAF Station Rockcliffe, AK889. Displayed at "Age of Flight" Museum, Niagara Falls Ont in 1965. Moved to Oshawa airport. Stored until 1984. To British civil register as G-LANC. Displayed at Duxford Museum in 1994, marked as No. 428 Squadron RCAF, Serial No. KB743, NA*I. This aircraft was lost on the night of 18th/19th August 1944, during an operation to Bremen.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1965-May-21 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MP serial KB890
s/n KB890
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 890
Merlin
Known Units: 434;404
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB890. Modified to Mk 10MP, with 404 Squadron RCAF Station Greenwood, AJ890.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1961-October-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB891
s/n KB891
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 891
Merlin
Known Units: 428
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB891.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-September-24 Accident: 1 REMU Loc: Pearce Alberta Names: Estabrook | Vuden
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB892
s/n KB892
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 892
Merlin
Known Units: 419;407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB892. Modified to Mk 10MP. With 407 Squadron RX892, RCAF Station Comox.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MP serial KB893
s/n KB893
m/d 683
c/n 37194
Victory Aircraft
KB 893
Merlin
Known Units: 431;434;1ANS
With 1 Air Navigation School when it crashed at RCAF Station Summerside, PEI on 25 April 1952. Flight Lieutenant W.J.N. Burnett, Flying Officer K.R. Carter, and Flying Officer K.E. Lussier killed.
supplied by Richard Rowntree:
Flown to England to Woodford for tests on 23.2.45; Returned to Canada with #434 Sqdrn. on 8.6.45 as spare in Tiger Force at Dartmouth, N.S.; Converted to Mk.10MP; Post-war KB893 initially served with the Central Flying School at R.C.A.F. Station Trenton, Ontario. It was then transferred to No. 1 Air Navigation School at Summerside, P.E.I. It was carrying out a test flight on the 25th of April, 1952 at Summerside when it bounced on the runway after attempting an overshoot. The pilot retracted the undercarriage while in a very steep climb. The Lanc stalled and crashed. It was subsequently consumed in the ensuing fire. Those killed aboard the Lancaster were as follows: Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Edward Lussier DFC, Flight Lieutenant Walter James Burnett DFC, Flying Officer Kenneth Roland Carter, and Cpl. Joseph Bernard Lachaine SOC 8.5.52
My grandfather was the pilot when this one crashed.
last update: 2025-November-191945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1952-April-25 Accident Crash 1 ANS Summerside PE CA It was carrying out a test flight on the 25th of April, 1952 at Summerside when it bounced on the runway after attempting an overshoot. The pilot retracted the undercarriage while in a very steep climb. The Lanc stalled and crashed. It was subsequently consumed in the ensuing fire. Those killed aboard the Lancaster were as follows: F/L Kenneth Edward Lussier DFC, F/L Walter James Burnett DFC, F/O Kenneth Roland Carter, and Cpl. Joseph Bernard Lachaine SOC 8.5.52 2020-11-24
Operational 1952-04-25 to 1952-04-25
1 (OT) ANS (RCAF) RCAF Goose Bay, Labrador
1 Air Navigation School Lancaster aircraft KB 893 departed RCAF Goose Bay, Labrador on a return flight to RCAF Station Summerside, Prince Edward Island. On landing at Summerside the aircraft bounced badly and the pilot attempted to go around for another try. The aircraft climbed steeply stalled and crashed. and burned. Investigation showed the crash was due to the Center of Gravity being beyond the aft limit because 5 of the 12 aboard were in the back of the fuselage
Four air crew were killed, five seriously injured and three slightly injured The list of those aboard is incomplete to date
Flight Lieutenant K E Lussier DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant W J Burnett DFC (RCAF), Flying Officer K R Carter (RCAF) and Corporal J B Lachaine (RCAF) were killed in this flying accident
Leading Aircraftman J L Tupper (RCAF), Sergeant W Trimbee (RCAF) and Corporal J R Chaisson (RCAF) survived but were severely injured
Leading Aircraftman M C Harris (RCAF), Flying Officer D W Beaton (RCAF) and civilian J C Evans (Meteorological Division, Transport Department) were slightly injured in the crash
During the rescue operation, Aircraftman J P Doiron (RCAF) was injured on the ground
1952-May-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1952-April-25 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Donald Walter Beaton 2024-11-09
1952-April-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Walter James Norval Burnett DFC 2024-11-25
1952-April-25 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Roland Carter 2024-01-25
1952-April-25 Survived RCAF Corporal Joseph Randolphe Chaisson 2024-01-25
1952-April-25 Survived Civilian Civilian John C Evans 2024-01-25
1952-April-25 Survived RCAF Leading Aircraftman Milton Christopher Harris 2024-01-20
1952-April-25 KIFA RCAF Corporal Joseph Bernard Marcel Lachaine 2024-01-20
1952-April-25 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Edward Lussier DFC 2024-01-20
1952-April-25 Survived RCAF Sergeant Walter Trimbee 2024-01-20
1952-April-25 Survived RCAF Leading Aircraftman John Lewis Tupper 2024-01-20 Lancaster Mk.X/10MR serial KB894
s/n KB894
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 894
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB894. Modified to Mk 10MR. Operated by No. 7 (P) Wing, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario in fall of 1945. Used by No. 407 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Comox, BC in the 1950s, coded "RX*894". Fitted with retractable radome in lower turret position. Stored at Fort McLeod, Alberta, without engines, in fall of 1959.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1961-April-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB895
s/n KB895
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 895
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Had served with No. 434 (B) Squadron in 6 Group, named "Lady Orchid". Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB895. Centre section (main spar) used to repair damage to FM213 in 1952.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB896
s/n KB896
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 896
Merlin
Known Units: 419;420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB896.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB897
s/n KB897
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 897
Merlin
Known Units:
Stored in UK, scraped there in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB898
s/n KB898
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 898
Merlin
Known Units: 428;420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB898.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB899
s/n KB899
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 899
Merlin
Known Units: 428;425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB899last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB900
s/n KB900
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 900
Merlin
Known Units: 428;431
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB900last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-August-24 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB901
s/n KB901
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 901
Merlin
Known Units: 420;431
Served with No. 420 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*Q", after VE day. To RCAF in Canada on 14 June 1945 with No. 431 (B) Squadron, coded "SE*C".last update: 2025-November-19
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB902
s/n KB902
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 902
Merlin
Known Units: 434;420
First issued to No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the UK. No record of operations. With No. 420 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*C", when it returned to Canada on 14 June 1945. To RCAF in Canada.
1956-04-04 Sold to Spartan Air Services and used for spares before being scrapped, and not registered. (Source Peter Hill)
last update: 2025-November-191954-July-20 Classified Instructional CA A 606 2020-06-13
1956-April-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB903
s/n KB903
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 903
Merlin
Known Units: 425;420;404;2MOTU
Served with No. 425 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "KW*R", named "Crazy Rabbit, after VE day. With No. 420 Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*P" when it returned to Canada on 14 June 1945. To RCAF in Canada, KB903. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With 404 Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood. Later with 2 Maritime Operational Training Unit 2(M)OTU at RCAF Station Summerside.last update: 2025-November-19
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB904
s/n KB904
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 904
Merlin
Known Units: 408;123SR;407;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB904. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With No. 123 (S&R) Flight at RCAF Sea Island, BC by May 1948, coded "CJ*B" and later "CJ*904". Still there in December 1950. To 407 MP Squadron RCAF Station Comox 18 Oct 1954. To 2(M)OTU RCAF Station Summerside 14 June 1957. Inactive Reserve RCAF Station Lincoln Park (Calgary) 4 Mar 1959. Struck off and reduced to spares 2 June 1960.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB905
s/n KB905
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 905
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Y" and "EQ*V", named "Vicky the Vicious Virgin". No record of operations. Returned to Canada on 15 June 1945. To RCAF in Canada.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB906
s/n KB906
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 906
Merlin
Known Units:
Returned to Canada on 13 June 1945. TO RCAF in Canada.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-May-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB907
s/n KB907
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 907
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF from 15 May 1945, coded "EQ*U". No record of operations. Returned to Canada on 15 June 1945. To RCAF in Canada.
KB-907 was registered to Spartan Air Services as CF-IMG. (Source Peter Hill)
last update: 2025-November-191956-April-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB908
s/n KB908
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 908
Merlin
Known Units: 431;428;420
First issued to No. 431 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the UK. Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF. No record of operations. With No. 420 Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*P", when it returned to Canada on 14 June 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB909
s/n KB909
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 909
Merlin
Known Units: 419;420
First issued to No. 419 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the UK. With No. 420 Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*R", when it returned to Canada. Named "Rabbits Stew", marked for 21 operations but no records of operations for this aircraft. (Marking may have reflected crews operations.) Returned to Canada on 13 June 1945. To RCAF in Canada.
1956-04-04 Sold to Spartan Air Service, registered as as CF-IMH (Source Peter Hill)
last update: 2025-November-191956-April-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB910
s/n KB910
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 910
Merlin
Known Units: 428;420
Served with No. 428 (B) Squadron, RCAF from March 1945. No record of operations. With No. 420 Squadron, RCAF, coded "PT*V", when it returned to Canada on 14 June 1945. Named "Virgin Vickie", also reported named "Vicious Virgin". To RCAF in Canada.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB911
s/n KB911
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 911
Merlin
Known Units: 434
Served with No. 434 (B) Squadron, RCAF from 18 March 1945, coded "WL*U". Shot down over Hamburg on 31 March 1945, possibly by Me262. 3 crew killed in fighter attack, remainder bailed out and became PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Sergeant James Albert English 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Robert Deane English 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert John Green 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gilbert Paul Haliburton 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Sergeant Jack Munro Hanlin 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Chester Kenneth Legaarden 2024-10-09
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Gordon Rathwell 2024-10-09 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB912
s/n KB912
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 912
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Served with No. 425 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, KB912.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB913
s/n KB913
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 913
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAFKB913.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB914
s/n KB914
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 914
Merlin
Known Units: 434;420;405
Converted to MR configuration by de Havilland Canada. Issued to No. 405 (MR) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 14 May 1952. Had 134:00 logged time on that date. Coded "AG*914". Periodic inspection performed 13 January 1953. Dispatched to Iceland in January 1953, together with KB868, for ASW exercise. Both aircraft diverted on 31 January 1953 back to to Goose Bay, to join in search for a missing civilian Beech 18. Diverted to Torbay, Newfoundland in bad weather, but attempted to reach Goose Bay after two engines failed, probably due to icing. Crashed about 100 miles east of Goose Bay in early morning of 1 February 1953, 9 crew killed. Wreckage not located until 15 June 1953.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
Reconnaissance 1953-02-01 to 1953-02-01
405 (MP) Sqn (RCAF) Greenwood NS
Converted to MR configuration by de Havilland Canada. Issued to No. 405 (MR) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 14 May 1952. Had 134:00 logged time on that date. Coded "AG*914". Periodic inspection performed 13 January 1953. Dispatched to Iceland in January 1953, together with KB868, for ASW exercise. Both aircraft diverted on 31 January 1953 back to to Goose Bay, to join in search for a missing civilian Beech 18. Diverted to Torbay, Newfoundland in bad weather, but attempted to reach Goose Bay after two engines failed, probably due to icing. Crashed about 100 miles east of Goose Bay in early morning of 1 February 1953, 9 crew killed. Wreckage not located until 15 June 1953.1953-March-19 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Stephen James Decker 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Bernard Delbert Forbes 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Frances Stewart Fowlow 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Corporal Joseph Donat Gallant 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Corporal Roger David Joseph Lalonde 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Bruce Scott 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Thurland Mabury Tate 2024-10-10
1953-February-01 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas David Richard Wood 2023-01-19 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB915
s/n KB915
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 915
Merlin
Known Units: 431;419;425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB915.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB916
s/n KB916
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 916
Merlin
Known Units: 425;13P
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB916. With No. 13 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, c.1944 to 1946. destroyed at RCAF Station Trenton 30 Jan 1952.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-August-09 Accident Crash crashed 2019-08-20
1952-January-30 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB917
s/n KB917
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 917
Merlin
Known Units: 425;13P
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB917. With No. 13 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, c.1944 to 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB918
s/n KB918
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 918
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB918.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB919
s/n KB919
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 919
Merlin
Known Units: 408;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB919. Converted to Mk 10MR, with 2(M)OTU.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB920
s/n KB920
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 920
Merlin
Known Units: 434;428;405
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB920. Modified to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*A", at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB921
s/n KB921
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 921
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB921.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB922
s/n KB922
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 922
Merlin
Known Units: 431
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB922.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB923
s/n KB923
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 923
Merlin
Known Units: 420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB923 . Instructional, also identified as 542C, suggesting incomplete airframe components.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-November-05 Classified Instructional CA A 542 Also identified as 542 C, suggesting incomplete airframe components. 2020-06-11
1948-December-09 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB924
s/n KB924
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 924
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB924.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB925
s/n KB925
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 925
Merlin
Known Units: 408;405
408 KB925. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS, coded "AG*A", based on ICAO registration of VC-AGA. Still with this unit on 24 October 1958.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB926
s/n KB926
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 926
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB926.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB927
s/n KB927
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 927
Merlin
Known Units: 420;404;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB927. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood. To No. 2(M)OTU, RCAF Station Summerside.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB928
s/n KB928
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 928
Merlin
Known Units: 420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB928.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB929
s/n KB929
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 929
Merlin
Known Units: 408;405
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB929. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*B", at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-September-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB930
s/n KB930
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 930
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB930.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-April-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB931
s/n KB931
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 931
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB931.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB932
s/n KB932
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 932
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB932.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-September-24 Accident: 1 REMU Loc: Pearce Alberta Names: Weeden
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB933
s/n KB933
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 933
Merlin
Known Units: 420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB933.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB934
s/n KB934
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 934
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB934. Converted to Mk 10MR, not assigned. Destroyed by fire 31 Jan 1952.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1952-January-30 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB935
s/n KB935
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 935
Merlin
Known Units:
Stored in UK, scrapped in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB936
s/n KB936
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 936
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB936. Cockpit section now in Canada Aviation & Space Museum, Ottawa.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB937
s/n KB937
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 937
Merlin
Known Units: 420;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB937. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used at 2(M)OTU.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10T serial KB938
s/n KB938
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 938
Merlin
Known Units: 420;CFS
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB938. Converted to Mk 10T. Used at Central Flying School, RCAF Station Trenton.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB939
s/n KB939
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 939
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB939.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB940
s/n KB940
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 940
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB940. With No. 407 (MR) Squadron when it crashed on 24 November 1952. 6 fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-September-06 Accident: 124 Ferry Squadron Loc: Aerodrome Names: Ashworth | MacDonald
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1952-November-11 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Frederick Doucette 2024-10-27
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Corporal George Stanley Fletcher 2023-06-20
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Vernon Joseph McIntyre 2023-04-25
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Corporal Freemen Archibald McKay 2021-01-29
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Aircraftman 1st Class Wayne Frederick Smith 2023-04-25
1952-November-24 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Roy Howard Walsh 2023-07-04 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB941
s/n KB941
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 941
Merlin
Known Units: 420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB940.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB942
s/n KB942
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 942
Merlin
Known Units: 420
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB942.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB943
s/n KB943
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 943
Merlin
Known Units: 404;107RU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB943. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used by No. 404 (MP) Squadron. With No. 107 (S&R) Unit at RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1965-May-17 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10S serial KB944
s/n KB944
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 944
Merlin
Known Units: 425
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB944. Converted to Mk 10S. To Canada Aviation & Space Museum, Rockcliffe Ont. Now preserved in wartime camouflage and marked to represent No. 428(B) Sqn. with code 'NA-P'.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB945
s/n KB945
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 945
Merlin
Known Units: 405;404
Used by No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB945. Converted to Mk 10MR. With 404 (MP) Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1954-May-19 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB946
s/n KB946
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 946
Merlin
Known Units: 431;420;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB946. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 2(M)OTU, coded "AG*D", at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB947
s/n KB947
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 947
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB947.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10MP serial KB948
s/n KB948
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 948
Merlin
Known Units: 408;2MOTU
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB948. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used at 2(M)OTU.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB949
s/n KB949
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 949
Merlin
Known Units: 405;407
Used by No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB949. Used at No. 407 (MP) Squadron, RCAF Station Comox RX949. Stored at Fort McLeod, Alberta, without engines, in fall of 1959.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1961-April-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB950
s/n KB950
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 950
Merlin
Known Units: 405;2MOTU;123SR;405
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB950. Based at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC from February 1948, and into 1949, used by No. 123 (S&R) Flight. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*L", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-05 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB951
s/n KB951
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 951
Merlin
Known Units: 408
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB951.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB952
s/n KB952
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 952
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Assigned to No. 405 Squadron, no ops. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war. Not converted.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB953
s/n KB953
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 953
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB953.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB954
s/n KB954
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 954
Merlin
Known Units: 107RU
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB954. Converted to Mk 10MR. With No. 107 (Rescue) Unit at RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland in 1954.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-May-20 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB955
s/n KB955
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 955
Merlin
Known Units: 405;404
Assigned to No. 405 *B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB955. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS, coded "AF*A".last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-September-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB956
s/n KB956
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 956
Merlin
Known Units: 405;404
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB956. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by N0. 404 (MP) Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-25 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB957
s/n KB957
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 957
Merlin
Known Units: 405;407
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB957. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used at No. 407 (MP) Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, RX957.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB958
s/n KB958
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 958
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB958. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used at No. 407 (MP) Squadron RX958.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB959
s/n KB959
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 959
Merlin
Known Units: 405;404
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB959. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used by No. 404 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS, coded "AF*A".last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1965-May-17 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB960
s/n KB960
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 960
Merlin
Known Units: 408;103RU;2MOTU
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB960. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 103 Rescue Unit, then 2(M)OTU. Based at RCAF Greenwood, NS when it was used to fly sandbags from Minneapolis to Winnipeg for flood relief efforts, May 1950.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-September-29 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10BR/SR serial KB961
s/n KB961
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 961
Merlin
Known Units: 408;405;TDE;408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB961. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by Test and Development Establishment, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, dates unknown. Served with No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-September-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB962
s/n KB962
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 962
Merlin
Known Units: 425
With No. 425 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB962.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB963
s/n KB963
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 963
Merlin
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB963.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB964
s/n KB964
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 964
Merlin
Known Units: 405;405
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB964. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*H", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-January-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10BR serial KB965
s/n KB965
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 965
Merlin
Known Units: 405;405
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB964. Converted to Mk 10BR. Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Crashed on re-supply mission to Alert, Ellesmere Island, on 31 July 1950. Several fatalities, including squadron commander W/C D. T. French.Per Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives: "The crew from the 405th Squadron Greenwood was engaged in a supply mission to weather scientists based in Alert, NT. While flying at low height to drop the cargo, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion about 500 meters south of the complex. The aircraft was destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.
Probable cause: It was determined that the parachute for resupplies being airdropped became entangled on the tail and the elevators of the aircraft. In such conditions, control was lost and the airplane crashed."
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1950-July-31 Accident Category A 2022-02-13
Unspecified 1950-07-31 to 1950-07-31
405 (MP) Sqn (RCAF) Greenwood NS
Used by No. 405 (MP) Squadron, at RCAF Station Greenwod, NS. Crashed on re-supply mission to Alert, Ellsemere Island, on 31 July 1950. Several fatalities, including squadron commander W/C D. T. French.
Per Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives: "The crew from the 405th Squadron Greenwood was engaged in a supply mission to weather scientists based in Alert, NT. While flying at low height to drop the cargo, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion about 500 meters south of the complex. The aircraft was destroyed and all nine occupants were killed. Probable cause: It was determined that the parachute for resupplies being airdropped became entangled on the tail and the elevators of the aircraft. In such conditions, control was lost and the airplane crashed."
1950-August-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Roland Gerard Dube DFC 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Wing Commander David Thomas French DFC 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lorne Munroe MacLean DFC 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Delbert Martin 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer James Evertt McCutcheon DFC 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Robert Leonard Sprange DFC 2022-08-30
1950-July-31 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Felix Leon Joseph Swinton DFC 2022-08-30 Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB966
s/n KB966
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 966
Merlin
Known Units: 103RU;404
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB966. Converted to Mk. 10MR. With No. 103 (Rescue ) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS in 1952. With No. 404 (MR) Squadron at Greenwood, NS when it crashed on 20 April 1953. Leading Aircraftman W.D. Fifield and Flying Officer D.A. Hamilton killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1953-May-04 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1953-April-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Dane Curzon 2023-03-02
1953-April-20 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Willaim Douglas Fifield 2021-01-14
1953-April-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Alan Hamilton 2023-04-25
1953-April-20 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Eric Travers Lewis 2023-04-17
1953-April-20 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Neil McCarrol 2023-04-17 Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB967
s/n KB967
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 967
Merlin
Known Units: 405;2MOTU;405
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB967. Converted to Mk 10MR. With No. 2(M)OTU. Then to 405 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB968
s/n KB968
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 968
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron, no ops. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB968. Not converted.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-April-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB969
s/n KB969
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 969
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB969.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB970
s/n KB970
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 970
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB970.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB971
s/n KB971
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 971
Merlin
Known Units:
Crashed at Dorval on 23 March 1945 during testing prior to delivery. Undercarriage collapsed, damaged beyond repair.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB972
s/n KB972
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 972
Merlin
Known Units: 428;408
Assigned to No. 428 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB972. Modified to Mk 10MR. Destroyed by fire.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1952-January-30 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB973
s/n KB973
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 973
Merlin
Known Units: 405;407
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB973. Modified to Mk 10MP. With No. 407 Squadron at RCAF Station Comox, BC in 1956 RX973.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-September-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB974
s/n KB974
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 974
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB974. Modified to Mk 10MR. With No. 121 (K) Flight at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC in May 1952, used for fighter affiliation training with Auxiliary fighter Squadrons and search and rescue. Still with this unit in February 1954. To No. 407 Squadron RCAF Station Comox Oct 1954last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB975
s/n KB975
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 975
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB975.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10AR serial KB976
s/n KB976
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 976
Merlin
Known Units: 405;408
Built by March 1945; flown to England by 24 May 45 to #32 M.U. St Athan, Glamorgan; issued to #405(B) Sqdrn as code 'LQ-K'; too late for operations
Had arrived in Canada on 17 June 1945, as part of Tiger Force. To storage in Alberta in August 1945. To Avro Canada at Malton in June 1948 for conversion to search and rescue configuration. In 1950s converted to long nose 10AR configuration, for ice reconnaissance. Used by No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for photographic surveys, Artic patrols, and tactical photo reconnaissance, coded "RM*976".
See Aircraft Record Card for history through the 1950s until disposal in 1964
Took part in last official RCAF Lancaster flight on 4 July 1964. Sold in 1964 to Lynn Garrison of Calgary, Alberta. Flown by Garrison & co-pilot Ralph Langemann on 4 Jul.64 for the Calgary Airshow, but MoT caught word of it and the people involved were charged with 'flying without proper authority' was chucked out of court; (see 'Flying the Frontiers' by S.S.Matheson); sold to Spartan Avn.; placed on CCA Reg. on 6.6.64 as CF-TQC
Started conversion to water bomber by NorthWest Flying Services of St. Albert, Alberta in late 1960s, not completed. Sold to UK owner in 1974, registered as G-BCOH, operated by Strathallan Collection. Had 19 flying hours as a civil aircraft when purchased.
Flown flown across the Atlantic in May, 1975 registered as G-BCOH; resold to Charles Church; upon his death in a Spitfire KB976 became part of a private collection(Steve Halton) at Sandtoft, Notts.UK
Severely damaged in hanger collapse in the UK in April 1987. Sold to Kermit Weeks of Florida in 1993. Rear fuselage reported preserved in the UK at Aeroventure, Doncaster in April 2006. Other parts reported with Kermit Weeks in Florida, and with the Australian Avro Lincoln Project in Australia. The 10AR extended nose was reportedly removed and sold separately in 1969, now on display in the UK.
(Source includes contributions from Peter Hill) last update: 2025-November-191945-June-28 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1964-May-26 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB977
s/n KB977
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 977
Merlin
Known Units: 405;2MOTU
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB977. Modified to Mk 10MR. With 2(M)OTU RCAF Station Greenwood.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-August-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB978
s/n KB978
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 978
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB978.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB979
s/n KB979
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 979
Merlin
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB979.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB980
s/n KB980
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 980
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Scrapped in UK in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB981
s/n KB981
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 981
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB981.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-January-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB982
s/n KB982
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 982
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB982.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB983
s/n KB983
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 983
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB983last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB984
s/n KB984
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 984
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB984.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB985
s/n KB985
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 985
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF in the UK, after VE day. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Crashed at Carnaby on training flight on 3 June 1945. Damaged beyond repair.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X/10N serial KB986
s/n KB986
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 986
Merlin
Known Units: CNS;2MOTU
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB986. Inspected at Calgary by No. 10 Repair Depot in June 1947. Converted to Instructional 5 June 1947, used at Central Navigation School, RCAF Station Trenton. Then to 2(M)OTU 14 Nov 1951.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-June-05 Classified Instructional CA A 561 2020-06-11
1957-May-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB987
s/n KB987
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 987
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Scrapped in UK in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB988
s/n KB988
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 988
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB988.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB989
s/n KB989
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 989
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Stored in UK, scrapped in 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB990
s/n KB990
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 990
Merlin
Known Units:
Not allocated. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB990. Classified Instructional.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1946-September-24 Classified Instructional CA A 527 2020-06-11
1952-August-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X/10BR serial KB991
s/n KB991
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 991
Merlin
Known Units: 405;103RU
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB991. Converted to Mk 10BR. With 103 Rescue Unit when crashed at Rockcliffe, Damaged beyond repair.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-July-29 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB992
s/n KB992
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 992
Merlin
Known Units: 407
Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB992. Converted to Mk 10MR. Used at No.407 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, RX992..last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB993
s/n KB993
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 993
Merlin
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, in the UK after VE day, coded "EQ*U". Crashed on training flight on 17/18 May 1945 before returning to Canada. Flew into high ground on Shelf Moor at night, all 6 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Michael Cecil Cameron 2025-05-23
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Anthony Arthur Clifford 2024-03-04
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Arthur Fehrman 2025-05-23
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clarence Julius Halvorson 2025-05-24
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Claude Hellekson 2025-05-23
1945-May-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Bruce McIvor 2025-05-23 Lancaster Mk.X serial KB994
s/n KB994
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 994
Merlin
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB994. Sold by War Assets Corporation to a Drumheller area farmer Victor Leonhardt for $350. Parts of aircraft now in storage with Kermit Weeks, Florida.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB995
s/n KB995
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 995
Merlin
Known Units: 408;407
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB995. Converted to Mk 10MR. With No. 407 (MR) Squadron when it crashed on 26 May 1953. 10 fatalities.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1953-June-16 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John William Brownie 2023-06-01
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert James Calder 2023-04-04
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer David Fair Ellis 2023-07-03
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Edgar Elsden 2023-02-09
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman John Haraldson 2023-06-13
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Charles Maddick 2023-05-01
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Corporal Donald Gordon Spence 2023-04-04
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman William Henry Waldron 2023-06-15
1953-May-26 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Cyril Jerome Williams 2023-05-01 Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB996
s/n KB996
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 996
Merlin
Known Units: 408;407
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB996. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used by No. 407 (MP) Squadron at RCAF Station Comox, BC in the 1950s.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1960-June-02 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MP serial KB997
s/n KB997
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 997
Merlin
Known Units: 405;2MOTU
Assigned to No. 405 (B) Squadron. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB997. Converted to Mk 10MP. Used by 2(M)OTU, at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1955-June-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB998
s/n KB998
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 998
Merlin
Known Units: 408
With No. 408 (B) Squadron. Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB998.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1948-June-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial KB999
s/n KB999
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
KB 999
Merlin
Known Units: 419;405;405
A gift from Victory Aircraft, "Malton Mike" being the 300th a/c built. delivered to No. 419 (B) Squadron. reissued to No. 405(B) Squadron for return to Canada as code 'LQ-M'. Converted to Mk.10MR in 1950; issued in 1952 to No. 405(MR) as code VC-AGM; involved with Arctic Ice Patrol; crashed (believed to be the a/c that crash landed on the edge of Hudson Bay requiring the crew to survive on the desolate shore for two days when the weather cleared for rescue); DBR.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1953-October-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL618
s/n LL618
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 618
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-12-02 to 1943-12-02
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
458 aircraft - 425 Lancasters, r8 Mosquitoes, 15 Halifaxes. There were no major diversions and the bombers took an absolutely direct route across the North Sea and Holland and then on to Berlin
. The Germans identified Berlin as the target 19 minutes before Zero Hour and many fighters were waiting there. Incorrectly forecast winds scattered the bomber stream, particularly on the return flight, and German fighters scored further victories here. A total of 40 bombers - 37 Lancasters, 2 Halifaxes, I Mosquito-were lost, 8·7 per cent of the force. 460 (Australian) Squadron lost 5 of its 25 Lancasters on this raid, including the aircraft in which two newspaper reporters were flying. These were Captain Grieg of the Daily Mail and Norman Stockton of the Sydney Sun. The body of Mr Stockton is buried in the Berlin War Cemetery.
The inaccurate wind forecast caused great difficulties for the Pathfinders, who were not able to establish their positions correctly. The bombing photographs of the Main Force suggested that the attack was scattered over a wide area of southern Berlin and the countryside south of the city. The Berlin report confirms this but adds damage was caused in industrial areas of the eastern and western districts, with two more of the Siemens factories, a ball-bearing factory and several railway installations being badly hit. Damage elsewhere was light, only 136 building: being destroyed. 36 people were killed and a further 105 were classed as 'missing'. (I is noticed again and again that, as the war progressed, German reports become mon erratic or incomplete. The 'final report' - Schlussbericht -for this raid is missing from the Berlin archives.)
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft LL 618 missing from night operations over Berlin, Germany. Flight Lieutenant S.W. Baker, WOs G.P. Lowle, A.R. Morgan, FS J.R. Goodwin, A.E.Slegg, Sergeants W.H. Green, WE Stinson, and J. Wadsworth (RAF) were kilted. There were two pilots on board for this trip.
1943-December-03 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Berlin, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Shirley Wildemar Frank Baker 2024-11-05
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Robertson Goodwin 2024-12-04
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Henry Green 2024-12-04
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Gordon Pomeroy Lowle 2024-12-04
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Albert Raymond Morgan 2024-12-04
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Edward Slegg 2024-12-04
1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant Wilmer Edmond Stinson 2024-12-04 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL621
s/n LL621
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 621
Hercules
Known Units: 115;426;408;1668HCU
Originally 115 Sqn Operated by No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*N". Later with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Y".. Then to No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit. Crashed on 23 January 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-05 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant George William Braithwaite 2024-11-17
1944-July-05 Survived RCAF Sergeant Ronald William Bryant 2024-11-23
1944-July-05 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Arthur Burnell 2022-03-01
1944-July-05 Survived RAFVR Sergeant Reginald Heppel 2025-02-20
1944-July-05 Survived RCAF Warrant Officer II Neil Gerard McPhee 2025-02-20
1944-July-05 Survived RAFVR Flying Officer Bertram Monroe 2025-02-20
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Richard Stevens 2025-02-20 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL623
s/n LL623
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 623
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*J", and EQ*U" when lost. flew 2 operations. Berlin. 365 aircraft using the same route as the previous night. The Germans had predicted Berlin as the target and had gathered their night-fighters in the target area. Radio interceptions of the German radios from England and some spoof fighter flares depleted their numbers but even so, 20 Lancasters were Lost, representing 5.2% of the force. One positive result of the night-fighter presence was the restraint on the part of flak batteries- for fear of downing their own aircraft. Once again the target was cloud covered so PFF used sky-markers. In fact many of the previous night's fires were still ablaze and the glow showed through the cloud sufficiently to allow accurate bombing. Much further destruction was caused, although it is difficult to be specific since the two raids were so close together that the German authorities created only one report. Approximately 1500 deaths on the ground. Failed to return, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-November-24 KIA RAFVR Douglas Mackenzie Bell 2025-01-09
1943-November-24 KIA RCAF Sergeant Lloyd George Hanton 2025-01-09
1943-November-24 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Robert Alfred Quinney 2025-01-09
1943-November-24 KIA RAFVR George Barclay Shea 2025-01-09
1943-November-24 KIA RAFVR Harold Smith 2025-01-09
1943-November-24 KIA RAFVR Ronald George Williams 2025-01-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL625
s/n LL625
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 625
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn JI-C) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL627
s/n LL627
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 627
Hercules
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL628
s/n LL628
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 628
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*Y". Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 21 January 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-20 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Raymond William Elliot 2024-04-13
1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Stewart Hawkes DFC 2024-04-21
1944-January-20 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Gerald Ralph Ketcher DFM 2024-04-21
1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Neil McCaig DFC 2024-04-22
1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert James Orr 2024-04-24
1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ronald Duncan Polson 2024-05-01
1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas James Preece 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL629
s/n LL629
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 629
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*G". Damaged by flak during raid on Berlin 23/24 November 1943, crash landed at Malton, Yorkshire on return. 2 crew killed, 3 injured.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL630
s/n LL630
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 630
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*D". Failed to return from operation over Frankfurt on 21 December 1943, shot down by night fighter above Gls near Koblenz. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL631
s/n LL631
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 631
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*G". Flew 5 operations. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 3 January 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Eric Deakin 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 PoW RAF Sergeant Henry Charles Hawkins 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Ernest Hilker 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Flying Officer George Courtlandt Morlock 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Hubert James Mouland 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Sergeant Spenser Ross Sweetzir 2024-10-09
1944-January-03 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Louis Peder Torpe 2024-10-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL632
s/n LL632
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 632
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
With No. 432 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*G", from October 1943. Damaged by night fighter during raid on Berlin on 26/27 November 1943. With No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*G" when lost. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig 20 February 1944, shot down by night fighter. Came down near Stendal, Germany. 2 killed, 5 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1940-September-11 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Boyd McKinnon 2023-07-22
1944-February-20 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Benedict Vincent Greip 2021-05-19
1944-February-20 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant J S James 2023-08-26
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Plunkett 2024-05-01
1944-February-20 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James Sidney Tames 2023-08-11
1944-February-20 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Thomas Wall 2023-08-16 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL633
s/n LL633
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 633
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*L". Flew 25 operations. Failed to return from operation over Nuremberg on 31 March 1944, crashed in Germany.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-31 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Jack Edwin Bates 2024-12-31
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Robert Hughes 2024-07-11
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Irvin Labow 2024-07-11
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alvin Alston Patton 2024-07-11
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Gordon Schachter 2024-12-31
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Joseph Gordon White 2024-12-31
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Leslie Wood 2024-12-31 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL634
s/n LL634
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 634
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
20 operations flown with No. 426 Squadron, coded "OW*F", including Berlin on 2/3 January 1944 and Schweinfurt on 24/25 February 1944. 24 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron, coded "EQ*F". Later to No. 1668 Heavy Conversion Unit.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL636
s/n LL636
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 636
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Named Miss Kingsville, 5 operations flown with No. 432 Squadron, coded "QO*B". With this unit when it bombed Brunswick on 14/15 January 1944, was attacked by fighters and damaged. 48 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron, coded "EQ*G".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL637
s/n LL637
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 637
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Delivered to No.432 Sqn Jan 1944. 3 operations flown with No. 432 Squadron as "QO*Z". 6 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron as "EQ*P" Lost on 15/16 March 1944, on mission to Stuttgart. Shot down by night fighter, came down at Hilsenheim, 9 kilometres north-east of Selestat, France. 122 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Sergeant Robert George Alfred Burt 2024-11-25
1944-March-15 KIA RAF Sergeant Douglas Cruikshank 2024-05-22
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Lawrence Doran 2024-10-26
1944-March-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Henry Hudson 2025-03-28
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Andrew Lumgair 2025-03-28
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Parker 2025-03-28
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Taylor 2025-03-28 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL638
s/n LL638
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 638
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-27 to 1944-01-27
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
515 Lancasters and 15 Mosquitoes. The German fighters were committed to action earlier than normal, some being sent out 75 miles over the North Sea from the Dutch coast.' But the elaborate feints and diversions had some effect. Half of the German fighters were lured north by the Heligoland mining diversion and action in the main bomber stream was less intense than on recent nights. 33 Lancasters lost, 6'4 per cent of the heavy force.
The target was cloud-covered again and sky-marking had to be used. Bomber Command was not able to make any assessment of the raid except to state that the bombing appeared to have been spread well up and down wind. Local reports confirm that the bombing was spread over a wide area, although many bombs fell in the southern half of the city, less in the north, but 61 small towns and villages outside the city limits were also hit with 28 people being killed in those places. Details of houses destroyed in Berlin are not available but it is known that nearly 20,000 people were bombed out. 50 industrial premises were hit and several important war industries suffered serious damage. 567 people were killed, including 132 foreign workers,
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft LL 638 was shot down near Doberitz, Germany during a night raid against Berlin, Germany. F/Os A.S. Gates, A.D. Bell, D.J. Paterson, P/Os R.P. Wilson, F.W. Heinen, Flight Sergeant C.A.Allison and Sergeant W.R. Greenaway (RAF) were killed.
1944-January-28 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Berlin, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alvin Donald Gould Bell 2024-11-11
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arley Sides Gates 2025-11-03
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank William Heinen 2025-11-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald John Paterson 2025-11-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clyde Allison Sherwood 2025-11-04
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Perry Wilson 2025-11-04 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL640
s/n LL640
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 640
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 24 Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 18/19 Mar 1944. 87 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL641
s/n LL641
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 641
Hercules
Known Units: 514
With No. 514 Sqn (JI-K) Jan 1944. Crashed near Newmarket on return from operation to Le Mans, France 19/20 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL643
s/n LL643
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 643
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*Q". Flew 23 operations. Target - Acheres- to attack railway yards. Part of a 337 bomber strong force to bomb various lines of communications behind the Normandy beachhead. There was less cloud cover than the previous night with all targets being accurately bombed and fewer civilians killed. Because the targets were further inland than recent raids, the German night-fighters had a greater opportunity to infiltrate the bomber stream and as a result, losses were higher. 28 aircraft were Lost (8.3%).last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-08 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Derek Noel Flitton 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Raymond William Griggs 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Herbert Hugill 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alexander Inverarity 2022-01-26
1944-June-08 KIA RAF Pilot Officer Ralph William Lowrey 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Harold Rolph 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas David Skingle 2021-09-09
1944-June-08 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Joseph William Weis 2021-09-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL644
s/n LL644
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 644
Hercules
Known Units: 514;115
Started with No. 514 Sqn, then transferred to No. 115 Sqn. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 24/25 Feb 1944. 37 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL645
s/n LL645
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 645
Hercules
Known Units: 514
With No. 514 Sqn (JI-H2, later JI-R). Crashed at Waterbeach on return from raid to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. This was the worst ever night for Bomber Command, when 108 aircraft were lost or crashed in England. LL 645 was the 106th casualty of the night.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL647
s/n LL647
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 647
Hercules
Known Units: 432;426
With No. 432 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QO*D", dates not certain. With No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*R", when it failed to return from operation over Frankfurt on 23 March 1944, shot down by night fighters. 5 killed, 2 POW..last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Frankfurt Germany 1944-03-22 to 1944-03-22
426 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings of Fire), RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft DS 741 OW-R was intercepted and shot down, outward-bound at 20,000 feet over the Ruhr during an operation against targets in Frankfurt, Germany by a night fighter. There are multiple night fighter pilot claims for this loss
The Lancaster crashed twenty-five miles east of Munster at Harsewinkel, Germany
Flying Officer EK Sears (RCAF), Pilot Officer JW MacLean (RCAF), Pilot Officer HG Wright (RCAF), Pilot Officer HH Gray (RCAF) and Sergeant L Pearson (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer WJ Burrows (RCAF) and Flying Officer HF MacDonald (RCAF) survived and were taken Prisoners of War
426 Squadron Lancaster II LL647 OW-R Frankfurt 1944
Martin "Tino" Becker claims 22 March 1944 - Luftwaffe and Allied ...
1944-March-23 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Frankfurt, shot down by night fighters. 5 killed, 2 POW. 2019-08-20
1944-March-22 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant William John Burrows 2022-11-14
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Hugh Gray 2022-11-14
1944-March-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Fissette MacDonald 2025-03-27
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John William MacLean 2022-11-14
1944-March-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Lawrence Pearson 2022-11-14
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Earl Kitchener Sears 2022-11-14
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Grover Wright 2022-11-14 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL649
s/n LL649
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 649
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL650
s/n LL650
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 650
Hercules
Known Units: ;115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL653
s/n LL653
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 653
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Produced as Lancaster Mk. II. Flew with No. 514 Sqn as A2-F and later as JI-E. Missing from operation to Stuttgart 15/16 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL667
s/n LL667
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 667
Hercules
Known Units: 514;115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL671
s/n LL671
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 671
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
Originally with No. 115 Sqn (JI-B2), transferred to No. 514 Sqn (A2-B2). Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Dec 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL672
s/n LL672
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 672
Hercules
Known Units: 514
With No. 514 Sqn (A2-C). Missing on operation to Magdeburg 21/22 Jan 1944
January 21 1944 Operations Record Book
January 21 1944 Operations Record Book
last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Magdeburg Germany 1944-01-21 to 1944-01-22
514 (B) Sqn (RAF)
Outbound shot down from 21000 feet over Perleberg Germany
Lancaster aircraft LL 672 was shot down by German Major Heinrich Wittenstein flying a JU-88 aircraft while engaged in a night trip to Magdeburg, Germany. Sergeantt P McQueeny (RAF) was also killed. Two Canadians, Flight Lieutenant JM Bourke, Flying Officer EJ Clare, and three RAF members of the crew were taken Prisoner of War.
Major Wittenstein had shot down 83 four engine aircraft, at night, using the upward firing cannons. After the war, Earl James Clare of Port Credit, Ontario said, Our aircraft was attacked twice by a night fighter and was on fire as five of us baled out. I can't tell you what happened to Al Williston, whether he hit the tailplane or if it exploded before he got out. The JU-88 got caught in the explosion and it also was on fire. Major Wittenstein was killed but his radar operator baled out. The radar operator reported that they were hit by machine gun fire from the Lancaster and were on fire.
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL675
s/n LL675
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 675
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
Used by No. 426 Squadron, RCAF, flew 21 operations. Also with No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*K", "EQ*M", and "EQ*T", flew 18 missions. Named BuZZ-King of Hogtown. With No. 408 Squadron when it crashed on 11 July 1944, near Melton Mowbray. 6 crew killed.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-11 KIFA RCAF Sergeant George Douglas Britland 2025-03-22
1944-July-11 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Clarke Buckberrough 2025-03-22
1944-July-11 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Anson Shaw 2025-03-22
1944-July-11 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Grant Lyman Smith 2025-03-22
1944-July-11 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Simeon Waychuk 2025-03-22 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL676
s/n LL676
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 676
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*E". Completed 1 operation. Failed to return from operation to Berlin on 17 December 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Claude Andrew Besse 2024-11-12
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ted Charles Gierulski 2022-04-19
1943-December-16 KIA RAF Sergeant Michael Maher 2022-04-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William John Maitland DFM 2022-04-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Roland Pettitt 2022-04-19
1943-December-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John James Robertson 2022-04-19
1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Evans Saunders 2022-04-19 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL678
s/n LL678
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 678
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn, then transferred to No. 514 Sqn (JI-L2). Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 12/13 Jun 1944. 192 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL679
s/n LL679
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 679
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (A2-J) 2 Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 6 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL681
s/n LL681
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 681
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL682
s/n LL682
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 682
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL684
s/n LL684
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 684
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn Dec 1943, then transferred to No. 514 Sqn as A2-B and later JI-B2. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 22/23 Mar 1944. 101 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL685
s/n LL685
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 685
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
To No. 115 Sqn. Transferred to No. 514 Sqn as A2-G, later JI-G2. Missing on operation to Brunswick, 14/15 Jan 1944. 32 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL686
s/n LL686
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 686
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Operational 1944-02-02 to 1944-02-02
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Lancaster II aircraft LL 686 QO-F crashed while returning to base on a training flight with engine problems and crashed lining up to land one mile south-east of Ripon, Yorkshire. Flying Officer D.S. Kerr, Pilot Officer(s) W.L. Wolf, P.J. Power, D.D. Finch (Nfld), J.G.Sieben, Sergeants K. Huggins (RAF), R Pratt Robinson, were killed. This was the last Lancaster II lost by 432 Squadron. Pilot Officer Power as a FS had bailed out of the first Lancaster II (DS 847) lost by the squadron November 16, 1943, also lost on a test flight.
Fifty years after the crash a memorial plaque was unveiled overlooking the village green at Aldborough, near Boroughbridge. The names of the crew are inscribed on this plaque. (Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Middlesborough, England.)
1944-February-02 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Davies Finch 2023-01-30
1944-February-02 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer David Simpson Kerr 2023-01-30
1944-February-02 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Paul Joseph Power 2023-01-30
1944-February-02 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph George Sieben 2023-01-30
1944-February-02 KIFA RCAF Pilot Officer Wilfred Lawrence Wolf 2023-01-30 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL687
s/n LL687
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 687
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408
15 operations flown with No. 426 Squadron as "OW*L". 12 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron, as "EQ*H" and "EQ*M" when lost. Failed to return from operation over Hamburg on 29 July 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joesph Laurent Andre Blais 2024-11-13
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Gordon Croucher DFC, MiD 2024-05-21
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Howard Durnin 2024-10-31
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alexander Kay Imrie 2025-01-24
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donal Thomas Ryan 2025-01-24
1944-July-29 PoW RAFVR Sergeant David Scott 2025-01-24
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Edmund Truscott 2025-01-24
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Daniel Whitson 2025-01-24 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL688
s/n LL688
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 688
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Used by No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*R". Bombed Magdeburg on 21/22 January 1944. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 28 January 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ray Edgerton Countess 2024-05-04
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Michael Kwas 2021-05-22
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Victor Mitchell Lawson 2021-01-12
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Leo Harkness Patterson 2021-01-12
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kjartan Ari Solmundsson 2021-01-12
1944-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Allan Thomson 2021-01-12 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL689
s/n LL689
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 689
Hercules
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 7 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL690
s/n LL690
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 690
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL691
s/n LL691
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 691
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL692
s/n LL692
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 692
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant E A Campbell 2023-12-11
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flying Officer John Ernest Chapman 2025-10-09
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flying Officer J E Chasinger 2024-02-08
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Earl Frederick Garland 2021-05-13
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Roy Giffin 2024-03-14
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Sam A Harvey 2021-05-24
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Earl R Jones 2021-06-05 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL694
s/n LL694
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 694
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL695
s/n LL695
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 695
Hercules
Known Units: 514 Sqn
Originally with No. 115 Sqn, then transferred to No. 514 Sqn (JI-A). Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 76 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL696
s/n LL696
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 696
Hercules
Known Units: 514 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL698
s/n LL698
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 698
Hercules
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-J2) Feb/Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. This was Bomber Command's worst night for aircraft losses: 108 were either shot down or crashed in England. This aircraft was the 14th shot down. The crew were on their 8th operation.(Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL699
s/n LL699
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 699
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Used by No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*C". Flew 1 operation. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 15 January 1944. 6 crew killed, one POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Leo Augustave Carr 2024-01-07
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Garry Deighton 2024-10-11
1944-January-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Reid Glen 2022-05-09
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Anthony William Tattersfield 2022-05-09
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wilbert Harry Timmins 2022-05-09
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Raymond Williams 2022-05-09
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Sergeant Murray Lyle Wiper 2022-05-09 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL700
s/n LL700
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 700
Hercules
Known Units: 426;408;1668HCU
Served with No. 426 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "OW*X", flew 11 operations. With this unit when it bombed Magdeburg on 21/22 January 1944. Served later with No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*H", "EQ*J", "EQ*R" and "EQ*X". Flew 43 operations with this unit, including one to Hamburg on 28/29 July 1944. Was transferred to 1668 HCU August 1944. Scrapped in March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL701
s/n LL701
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 701
Hercules
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL704
s/n LL704
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 704
Hercules
Known Units: 115
Aircraft shot down by night fighter. Flight Sergeant T Fogerty (DFM) and crew made POW.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL716
s/n LL716
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 716
Hercules
Known Units: 115;514
Originally to No. 115 Sqn, then transferred to No. 514 Sqn (JI-G2). Missing on daylight operation to Bois de Casson, France 3 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL717
s/n LL717
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 717
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded EQ-F, EQ-W. Failed to return from first operation over Frankfurt am Main on 23 March 1944, shot down by night fighter. Came down near Usingen. No survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Frederick Clough 2024-03-05
1944-March-22 KIA RAF Kenneth Lawrence Curtiss 2022-04-14
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hryhory Moroz 2021-09-23
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leonard Douglas Proctor 2024-06-22
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Edward Rickert 2021-08-08
1944-March-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Spencer Elwood Woolhether 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL718
s/n LL718
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 718
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, 432 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded EQ-E (when lost) and QO-K. Completed 4 operations with No. 432 Squadron and 4 operations with No. 408 Squadron. Failed to return from operation over Stuttgart on 16 March 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Colborne Colville 2024-03-24
1944-March-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Dennis Vivian Davies 2024-10-31
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Coles Kitchener Hodson 2022-04-14
1944-March-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Michael Yorke Zisslin Kalms 2022-04-14
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Ian Fossen Reid 2022-04-14
1944-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Moody Albert Siddons 2022-04-14
1944-March-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Francis Ernest Albert Smith 2022-04-14 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL719
s/n LL719
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 719
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Served with No. 432 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded QO-U. With No. 408 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "EQ*V" when lost. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 20 February 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Ivan Bowden 2024-11-16
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ralph Gordon Kelly 2025-02-04
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon William McKay Richter 2025-02-04
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Sherman Lewis Roach 2025-02-04
1944-February-20 KIA RAFVR Pilot officer Charles William George Roberts 2025-02-04
1944-February-20 KIA RAF Sergeant Frederick George Skeet 2025-02-04 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL720
s/n LL720
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 720
Hercules
Known Units: 408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron RCAF from 29 December 1943, coded "EQ-R" when lost. 18 operations flown. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 20 February 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Leipzig Germany 1944-02-20 to 1944-02-20
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Linton-on-Ouse
Battle of Berlin
Leipzig. 823 aircraft, 78 losses (9.5%). Excluding early returners, the Halifax loss rate was 14.9%. As a result, Halifax Mks II and V were permanently withdrawn from service over Germany. The Kiel mine laying diversion was successful in drawing off fighters, but the German controllers only sent half of the available aircraft. As soon as the bomber stream crossed the Dutch coast they were confronted by the remaining half of the fighters and, moreover, the ones sent to Kiel were returned to join the fray. As a consequence, the fighters steadily picked off bombers all the way to this distant target. The winds were strongly than had been predicted and many bombers arrived early and had to orbit the target awaiting the Pathfinders, further increasing the likelihood of being picked off, either by flak or fighters. Leipzig was cloud covered and sky-marking had to be used. Early bombing appeared to be concentrated but later bombing less so. There was no local report nor a reconnaissance flight the following day. An American raid the following day then made it impossible to judge the effectiveness of the raid.
source: International Bomber Command Centre
Lancaster aircraft LL 720 (EQ-R) was shot down in the sea during a night trip to Leipzig, Germany, F/L. E.S. Winn, F/0.s. J.R. Leaman, J.R. Bonneville, P/Os. R.H. Wade, Dramnitzke, TS. N.H,H. Brown (USAAF), and Sgt. E.W. Bolt (RAF) were all killed.
1944-February-20 KIA RAF Sergeant Ellis William Bolt 2024-11-14
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Raymond Bonneville 2024-11-14
1944-February-20 KIA USAAF Norman Henry Hanbridge Brown PH 2025-11-13
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Eldore Dramnitzke 2024-10-28
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Richard Leaman 2025-01-27
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Reginald Herbert Wade 2025-01-27
1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Elmer Stanley Winn 2025-01-27 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL721
s/n LL721
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 721
Hercules
Known Units: 426
Served with No. 426 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded "OW-U". Bombed Berlin on 20/21 January 1944. Bombed Magdeburg on 21/22 January 1944. Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 28 January 1944, shot down by a night fighter. 4 crew were killed and 3 POW.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Carlson 2023-12-30
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Murdo Norman MacDonald 2024-04-22
1944-January-27 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Arnold Park 2024-04-24
1944-January-27 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Lawrence Henry Power 2023-09-25
1944-January-27 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Joseph Pierre Amedee RollandR St Jacques 2023-10-01
1944-January-27 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Clare Wilson 2023-08-19 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL722
s/n LL722
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 722
Hercules
Known Units: 408;1668HCU
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded "EQ-N". Named Lady Be Good, 55 operations flown. Bombed rail yards at Haine St. Pierre on 8/9 May 1944. Attacked by fighter, no damage. Attack on German positions around Caen on 7/8 August 1944. Attacked by a Ju 88, slight damage.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.II serial LL723
s/n LL723
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 723
Hercules
Known Units: 426;432;408
Originally assigned to No. 426 (B) Squadron. With No. 432 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded "QO-H". Flew 5 operations with this Squadron. Later served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, coded "EQ*H" when it bombed Frankfurt on 18/19 March 1944. Flew 22 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron. Failed to return from operation over Dortmund on 22 / 23 May 1944. Reported as shot down by night fighter, also reported as destroyed by an explosion following a flak hit. Most likely shot down by Fw190, exploding in flight while flak crews held their fire because of the presence of the Fw. Bomb load detonated when fuselage came down, causing wide spread fires and damage. All crew dead, including Squadron CO W/C D.S. Jacobs. Came down at Westrup, 4 kilometres east-south-east of Haltern.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1944-05-22 to 1944-05-23
408 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Linton-on-Ouse
408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom) RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Lancaster II aircraft LL 723 EQ-H was shot down by night fighter pilot Major Hans Karlewski of 2/NJG1 during an operation against targets in Dortmund, Germany. The Lancaster crashed four and three quarters miles south-west of Dulman, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Wing Commander David Sinclair Jacobs DFC (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant Thom Ross McDougall DFC & Bar (RCAF), Flying Officer James Boustead Dallyn (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant James Robert Hanson DFC (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Joseph Philip Young (RCAF), Pilot Officer Maxwell Henderson (RAFVR) and Pilot Officer William George Philpot (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant Joseph Philip Young (RCAF), Flying Officer Lancelot Eric Morgan (Australia)(RCAF) and Flying Officer Peter Malcolm Hughes (RAFVR) were all killed in action.
Flight Sergeant Young, Flight Lieutenant Hanson and Flying Officer Morgan could not be identified post-war and have no known grave, but all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
Addendum: detail from David E Thompson stated there were nine aircrew onboard at time of event, confirmed by Squadron ORB
Wing Commander Jacobs was the commanding officer of 408 Squadron at the time of his death while Flight Lieutenant Hanson and Flight Lieutenant McDougall were the Squadron Gunnery and Navigation Leaders and Pilot Officer Philpot (RAFVR) was the Deputy Gunnery Leader
There were two 408 Squadron aircraft lost this night. Please see aircraft serial DS 759 EQ-A for detail regarding this aircraft and crew
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 July by Theo Boiten, page 19
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Boustead Dallyn 2025-01-16
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Robert Hanson DFC 2025-01-18
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Maxwell Henderson 2025-01-16
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Peter Malcolm Hughes 2025-01-16
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Wing Commander David Sinclair Jacobs DFC 2025-01-16
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thom Ross McDougall DFC & Bar 2025-01-16
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lancelot Eric Morgan 2025-01-18
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer William George Philpot 2025-01-18
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Philip Young 2025-01-18 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL724
s/n LL724
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 724
Hercules
Known Units: 432
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Magdeburg Germany 1944-01-21 to 1944-01-21
432 (B) Sqn (RCAF) East Moor
Battle of Berlin
648 aircraft- 42 I Lancasters, 224 Halifaxes, 3 Mosquitoes - on the first major raid to this target. The German controller again followed the progress of the bomber stream across the North Sea and many night fighters were in the stream before it crossed the German coast. The controller was very slow to identify Magdeburg as the target but this did not matter too much because most of the night fighters were able to stay in the bomber stream, a good example of the way the Tame Boar tactics were developing. 57 aircraft - 35 Halifaxes, 22 Lancasters - were lost, 8·8 per cent of the force; it is probable that three quarters of the losses were caused by German night fighters. The Halifax loss rate was 15·6 per cent!
The heavy bomber casualties were not rewarded with a successful attack. Some of the Main Force aircraft now had H2S and winds which were stronger than forecast brought some of these into the target area before the Pathfinders' Zero Hour. The crews of 27 Main Force aircraft were anxious to bomb and did so before Zero Hour. The Pathfinders blamed the fires started by this early bombing, together with some very effective German decoy markers, for their failure to concentrate the marking. No details are available from Magdeburg but it is believed that most of the bombing fell outside the city. An R.A.F. man who was in hospital at Magdeburg at the time reports only, 'bangs far away'.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BII aircraft LL 724 QO-N was shot down one and one half miles south-east of the aerodrome at Wesendorf, Germany whilst carrying out night operations against the synthetic oil plants at Magdeburg, Germany, shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Wolfgang Knieling of the 4/NJG 5, who was flying a Bf 110 G-4. The Lancaster crashed near Wagenhoff, Niedersachsen, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Flying Officer LF Legace (RCAF), Flying Officer JB Mahoney (RCAF), Flying Officer DR Hunter (RCAF),Warrant Officer DA McDonald, Pilot Officer WJ Douglas (RCAF)(USA), FS WA Peterson (RCAF), and Sergeant WG Atkins (RAFVR) were all killed in action
There were two 432 Squadron Lancaster II aircraft lost on this operation. Please see Pocock, DL for information on Lancaster DS 843 QO-O
1944-January-22 Failed to Return Failed to return from operation over Magdeburg, no survivors. 2019-08-20
1944-January-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Goodson Atkins 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William John Douglas 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Renwick Hunter 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lawrence Firge Legace 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Burke Mahoney 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Donald Allan McDonald 2024-10-28
1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Alexander Peterson 2024-10-28 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL725
s/n LL725
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 725
Hercules
Known Units: 432;408
Served with No. 408 (B) Squadron, 432 (B) Squadron RCAF, coded (408) EQ-C and EQ-Z, (432) QO-O. 3 operations flown with No. 432 Squadron and 42 operations flown with No. 408 Squadron. Coded "EQ*Z" when it bombed V-1 storage site at Nucort, France and launching site at Bois de Jardines on 15/16 July 1944. Coded "EQ*C" when lost. Hamburg. 307 aircraft. German night-fighters appeared on the return leg leading to 22 losses (7.2%). This was the first raid on Hamburg for a year and was not well concentrated. The Germans were unable to determine the aiming point from the bombing results. Most of the bombs fell on areas devastated during 1943. Failed to return from operation on 28/29 July 1944, no survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Everett Cameron 2023-12-07
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Edward Candline 2023-12-17
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lorne Francis Cassidy 2024-01-20
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Francis Fearns 2021-06-06
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Richard Harvey 2021-06-06
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Arthur Frank Marsden 2021-05-25
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Harold Alexander McCaffrey DFC 2021-05-25
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Rex Harris Mitchell 2021-05-25 Lancaster Mk.II serial LL733
s/n LL733
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 733
Hercules
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL741
s/n LL741
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 741
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Gravenhorst 21/22 Feb 1945 (Mason). Robertson says "aircraft crashed and burnt" on the same date. Apparently on 92nd operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL744
s/n LL744
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 744
Merlin
Known Units: 50 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL750
s/n LL750
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 750
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-P) from No. 32 MU Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 27/28 Apr 1944. 35 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL752
s/n LL752
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 752
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn from 32 MU Mar 1944. Missing on mission to Louvain 11/12 May 1944. 69 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL753
s/n LL753
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 753
Merlin
Known Units: ;626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL755
s/n LL755
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 755
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL757
s/n LL757
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 757
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-W) from No. 32 MU Apr 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944. 214 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL758
s/n LL758
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 758
Merlin
Known Units: 101 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL774
s/n LL774
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 774
Merlin
Known Units: 101
With No. 101 Sqn (SR-U). Equipped with ABC Radio Counter Measures equipment. Had minor crashes Apr & May 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 14/15 Oct 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL775
s/n LL775
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 775
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL776
s/n LL776
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 776
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-S) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 22/23 May 1944. 206 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL779
s/n LL779
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 779
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-V) from No. 32 MU Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 193 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL782
s/n LL782
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 782
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn 21 Jan 1944. Missing on attack on Trappes 31 May/1 Jun 1944. 191 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL787
s/n LL787
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 787
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL789
s/n LL789
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 789
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-09-12 to 1944-09-12
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft LL 789 went missing during an attack against Stuttgart, Germany. Killed were RCAF Flt. Sgt. E.K. Bulloch; RAAF Sgt's. P. Callow, G.T. Kirby, and R.G. Symonds; and RAF Sgt. T. Ballantyne. Taken Prisoners of War was RAAF Flying Officer A.L. Bright.Lancaster Mk.I serial LL791
s/n LL791
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 791
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Augsburg Germany 1944-02-25 to 1944-02-26
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Skellingthorpe
50 Squadron (Sic Fidem Servamus) RAF Skellingthorpe. Lancaster BI aircraft LL 791 VN-O was attacked by two night fighters during an operation against targets in Augsburg, Germany. A fire started in the bomb bay when incendiaries caught fire, which was also fed by hydraulic fluid and with the bomber uncontrollable, the order to bail was given. The aircraft crashed near Embermenil, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France
Sergeant KE Gilson (RAFVR) was killed when he bailed from the aircraft, possibly due to a parachute malfunction
Pilot Officer J Acthim (RCAF), Flight Sergeant J Ansell (RAAF, Flight Sergeant DT Balmanno (RAAF), Sergeant TJ Taylor (RAF) and Pilot Officer WH Taylor (RAF) and Sergeant HS Cammish (RAF) survived and evaded with the aid of the French Underground until five of the six were captured 1944-04-21 at Luchon, near the French-Spanish border, part of a group of 30-35 evaders who were captured at this time and became Prisoners of War. Only Sergeant Cammish continued to escape capture as an Evader
1944-February-26 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Acthim 2023-11-18
1944-February-26 PoW RAAF John Ansell 2024-08-01
1944-February-26 PoW RAAF Flight Sergeant David Thomas Balmanno 2024-08-01
1944-February-26 Evader RAF Sergeant Harrison Stanley Cammish 2023-12-10
1944-February-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Edric Gilson 2023-04-17
1944-February-26 PoW RAF Sergeant Thomas James Taylor 2024-08-01
1944-February-26 PoW RAF Pilot Officer William Herbert Taylor 2023-04-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL797
s/n LL797
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 797
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL799
s/n LL799
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 799
Merlin
Known Units: 576
To No. 576 Sqn (UL-H2, later UL-N2) Jan or Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 346 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL802
s/n LL802
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 802
Merlin
Known Units: 622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL805
s/n LL805
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 805
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No.15 Sqn 21 Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 27/28 Apr 1944. 11 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL810
s/n LL810
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 810
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn 1 May 1944. Missing on operation to Aachen 27/28 May 1944. 43 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL826
s/n LL826
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 826
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-H) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944. 144 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL827
s/n LL827
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 827
Merlin
Known Units: 15 Sqn;15 Sqn;15 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL828
s/n LL828
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 828
Merlin
Known Units: 622 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL830
s/n LL830
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 830
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL832
s/n LL832
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 832
Merlin
Known Units: 101
To No. 101 Sqn from No. 32 MU Feb 1944. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on the raid to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. This was the raid with the worst casualty list of all Bomber Command's operations: 108 aircraft were shot down or crashed. LL832 was the 17th aircraft lost, shot down by Flak over Koblenz. The crew were on their 10th operation.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL836
s/n LL836
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 836
Merlin
Known Units: 550
With No. 550 Sqn (BQ-E). Missing on operation to Aulnoye, France 10/11 April 1944. 40 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL839
s/n LL839
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 839
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Essen Germany 1944-03-26 to 1944-03-27
626 (B) Sqn (RAF) Wickenby
Battle of Berlin
705 aircraft - 476 Lancasters, 207 Halifaxes, 22 Mosquitoes. The sudden switch by Bomber Command to a Ruhr target just across the German frontier caught the German fighter controllers by surprise and only 9 aircraft- 6 Lancasters, 3 Halifaxes - were lost, 1·3 per cent of the force.
Essen was covered by cloud but the Oboe Mosquitoes marked the target well and this was a successful attack. 48 industrial buildings were seriously damaged and 1,756 houses destroyed. 550 people were killed, 49 missing and 1,569 were injured. .The figures for killed and missing are broken down in the Essen report as follows:
Germans - 192 women, 155 men, 27 children, 6 soldiers, 4 policemen and 2 Hitler Youth. Foreigners - 74 forced workers and I prisoner of war. The remaining 138 victims were mixed German and foreign concentration-camp prisoners, large numbers of whom were now providing the labour forces in German factories.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-March-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Charles Banks 2024-11-07
1944-March-27 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Augustine Francis Drummond 2024-11-07
1944-March-27 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth William Gordon 2024-11-07
1944-March-27 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Douglas Bartholomew Laidlaw 2024-11-07
1944-March-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Sydney Lockett 2024-11-07
1944-March-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold Walter Parsons 2024-11-07 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL842
s/n LL842
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 842
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 24/25 Jul 1944. 378 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL846
s/n LL846
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 846
Merlin
Known Units: ;467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-29 to 1944-07-29
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, England
467 Australian Squadron. Lancaster Mk I LL846 took off from RAF Waddington on 28 July 1944 on a mission to Stuttgart, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off. Subsequent reports indicated LL846 crashed at sea 5 miles off Le Havre, France, after being hit by flak.
From RAAF:
The crew members of LL846 were:
- Flying Officer Arthur Henry Birch (171883) (RAFVR) (Air Gunner) PoW
- Flying Officer Samuel Johns (425021) (Pilot) PoW, Discharged from the RAAF: 26 November 1946
- Flying Officer C E Langstone (J/27488) (RCAF) (Navigator) PoW
- Flight Sergeant Bruce Peter Molloy (419472) (Wireless Operator Air Gunner) PoW, Discharged from the RAAF: 7 February 1946
- Flight Sergeant Matthew John O'Leary (426379) (Bomb Aimer) PoW, Discharged from the RAAF: 14 September 1945
- Sergeant Desmond Kenneth James Phillips (1866742) (RAFVR) (Flight Engineer)
- Sergeant Bryan Robert John Pring (1853987) (RAFVR) (Air Gunner) PoW
It was later established that the aircraft ditched and that Sergeant Phillips sustained severe head injuries and was unable to get into the dinghy despite valiant efforts by Flying Officer Johns to get his colleague on board. By morning the Flight Engineer could no longer be seen and he is presumed to have drowned. The other six members of the crew became PoWs.
In a later report by the then Warrant Officer O'Leary he stated "was being marched westwards by the Germans ahead of advancing Russian troops. With two other RAAF companions they fell out in a village pleading exhaustion and waited there fourteen days for the advancing Russians. They were then marched back 45 miles to a reception centre and later taken by motor lorry and train to Poland, and subsequently Odessa."
In his report Warrant Officer Molloy stated "The aircraft was hit by flak about 6000 feet at Le Havre as we were first heading for UK. Flames were coming from the port wing which would have broken off but for the Skippers presence of mind who immediately put the aircraft down and made a perfect ditching 5 miles off Le Havre. All got out but the Engineer was badly smashed up during the ditching and disappeared from us and was not seen again. Six of us spent three days in the dinghy. I was a POW all the time until released by the Russians from German POW Camp."
Sergeant Phillips who was listed as missing is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL848
s/n LL848
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 848
Merlin
Known Units: ;463
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL851
s/n LL851
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 851
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-V) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 126 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL853
s/n LL853
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 853
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL859
s/n LL859
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 859
Merlin
Known Units: 622 Sqn
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn (GI-U) 12 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 225 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL860
s/n LL860
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 860
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Crash landed at Manston, caught fire and burned out.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL861
s/n LL861
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 861
Merlin
Known Units: ;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL862
s/n LL862
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 862
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-L, later SR-K) from No. 32 MU Mar 1944. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 122 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Elroy Boyle 2024-11-16
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Glenn Thomas Douglas 2024-10-28
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Dominic Ianuziello 2025-02-17
1944-July-21 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Daniel Lewis Walter Meier 2025-02-17
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Elwin Mcintosh Nixon 2025-02-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL863
s/n LL863
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 863
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Equipped with ABC jamming equipment.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Bennett Beatty 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 KIA RAF Flt Lieutenant Ronald Basil Daniel 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 KIA RAF Sergeant Thomas Dennis Duggan 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 KIA RAF Sergeant Kenneth Hannell 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 KIA RAF Sergeant Levi Livesey Kay 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 Evader RAF Pilot Officer Harry Taylor 2025-10-21
1944-July-01 KIA RAF Sergeant Conrad Gallimore Wenyon 2025-10-21 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL890
s/n LL890
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 890
Merlin
Known Units: 15
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL891
s/n LL891
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 891
Merlin
Known Units: 106 Sqn
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-S) 26 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Salbris, France 7/8 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL894
s/n LL894
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 894
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-T) 26 Mar 1944. Missing on mining sortie 15/16 May 1944. 110 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL896
s/n LL896
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 896
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny-sur-Ornain 12/13 Jul 1944. 216 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL897
s/n LL897
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 897
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL899
s/n LL899
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 899
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 30 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Aachen 11/12 Apr 1944. 15 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL900
s/n LL900
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 900
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL902
s/n LL902
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 902
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL903
s/n LL903
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 903
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshaven 27/28 Apr 1944. 42 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL904
s/n LL904
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 904
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL905
s/n LL905
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 905
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-H2). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 249 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-28 to 1944-07-29
576 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Elsham Woods
576 Squadron (Carpe Diem) RAF Elsham Woods. Lancaster I aircraft LL 905 UL-H2 was lost during a night raid against targets in Stuttgart, Germany. The Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter and crashed six miles south-east of Saaralben, Alsace Lorraine between Saarewerden (Bas-Rhin) and Rimsdorf, France
Their are two claims for this Lancaster, either Hauptmann Martin Becker of the 2/NJG6 (flying Bf 110 G-4 2Z+MK) or Unteroffizier Egon Engling of the 8/NJG2
Flying Officer Edward James Mann DFC (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Donald Irwin MacVicar (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Leslie Mutton (RAAF) and Sergeant Reginald Alan Wellesley Roberts (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer Anton Novak (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Francis Thomas McCann (RAFVR) and Sergeant William Thomas Doidge (RAFVR) survived to become Prisoners of War
There were four 576 Squadron Lancaster aircraft lost this same date. The other Lancaster aircraft were serials PB 128 UL-S2, LL 799 UL-N2 and PB 253 UL-A2
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 24 July - 15 October by Theo Boiten, page 22
1 Group Bomber Command an Operarional Record by Chris Ward with Greg Harrison and Grzegorz Korcz
1944-July-29 PoW RAFVR Sergeant William Thomas Doidge 2025-04-17
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Irwin MacVicar 2025-01-29
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward James Mann DFC 2025-01-29
1944-July-29 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant Francis Thomas McCann 2025-01-29
1944-July-29 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Mutton 2025-01-29
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Anton Novak 2025-01-29
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Reginald Alan Wellesley Roberts 2025-01-29 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL907
s/n LL907
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 907
Merlin
Known Units: 460 Sqn;1653 HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Caen France 1944-07-07 to 1944-07-07
460 () ()
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster LL907 was on a mission to support the Normandy landings near Caen, France. Lancaster LL907 collided with Lancaster LM124 from 103 Squadron, but both aircraft returned safely to their bases. RCAF Pilot Officer F.L. Bertuch and Pilot Officer R.E. Lemmon (air gunner) both bailed out after the collision. Lemmon was killed either during descent or soon after capture. Bertuch was taken Prisoner of War. The other crew members returned safely to base: RAVR Sgt's. G.W. Carney, G.H. Smith, and M.J. Woodcroft; RAF Flt. Sgt. C.J. Henderson and W/O G.E.M. Lindenberg (DFC).Lancaster Mk.I serial LL908
s/n LL908
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 908
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL909
s/n LL909
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 909
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-Y) Apr 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Duisburg 14 Oct 1944. 307 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL914
s/n LL914
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 914
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL916
s/n LL916
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 916
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on mission to Aachen 27/28 May 1944. 49 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL919
s/n LL919
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 919
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-W) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL921
s/n LL921
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 921
Merlin
Known Units: ;75
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL922
s/n LL922
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 922
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-T) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Secqueville, France 7/8 Aug 1944. 321 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL938
s/n LL938
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 938
Merlin
Known Units: 44 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL943
s/n LL943
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 943
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL944
s/n LL944
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 944
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Siegen, Germany 16 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL945
s/n LL945
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 945
Merlin
Known Units: 15
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL951
s/n LL951
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 951
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 34 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1944-05-22 to 1944-05-22
460 () Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft LL 951 was delivered to 460 Squadron in Apr 1944. Homeward-bound after night operations against Duisburg, Germany, it was shot down by a night fighter. Casualties included RCAF Flying Officer R.E. McDougall (pilot); RAFVR Sgt's. H.R. Elsbury (air gunner), J. Herkes (wireless operator / air gunner), and W.F. O'Neill (air gunner); and Flt. Sgt. R.R. Bunker (navigator). Taken Prisoners of War were RAF Sgt. W.S. Leaney and RAF Flying Officer E. O'Donoghue.Lancaster Mk.I serial LL955
s/n LL955
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 955
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 21/22 Jun 1944. 116 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL956
s/n LL956
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 956
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL958
s/n LL958
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 958
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Vierzon 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL959
s/n LL959
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 959
Merlin
Known Units: 300;625
Delivered to No. 300 Sqn, then transferred to No. 625 Sqn. Missing on operation to Merseburg 14/15 Jan 1945. Mason has Squadron Code as CF-A2, Robertson has UM-A2. Both codes were used for No. 625 Squadron (Wikipedia).last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Vernon Harvey Halstead 2024-04-21
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cyril Clinton Merriman 2021-08-16
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Robertson Murray DFC 2024-04-23
1945-January-15 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant D S Nelson 2023-09-19
1945-January-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Morrison Orr Walker 2021-07-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL960
s/n LL960
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 960
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 21 operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL961
s/n LL961
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 961
Merlin
Known Units: 626
With No. 626 Sqn (UM-S2). Missing on operation to Munich 7 Jan 1945. Believed to have collided with another aircraft, and crashed near Laon, France.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL962
s/n LL962
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 962
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-U) May 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 189 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL965
s/n LL965
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 965
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL969
s/n LL969
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 969
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-G) May 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 18/19 Jul 1944. 134 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL970
s/n LL970
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 970
Merlin
Known Units: 9
With No. 9 Sqn. Missing on operation to Prouville, France 24/25 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Lawrence Albert Dolby 2024-10-24
1944-June-25 Evader RCAF Sergeant Douglas Raymond Grant 2022-05-10
1944-June-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Elias Jones 2023-09-11
1944-June-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Arthur Jack Lewis 2023-12-17
1944-June-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Oliver Rae 2024-02-15
1944-June-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Lawrence Rey 2023-09-12
1944-June-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Hubert Wells 2023-12-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial LL972
s/n LL972
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 972
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL974
s/n LL974
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 974
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Vitry-la-Francois, 27/28 Jun 1944. 116 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LL977
s/n LL977
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LL 977
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM105
s/n LM105
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 105
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn May 1944. It had an accident (unspecified) on 29 Jul 1944. It finally went missing on an operation to Duisburg 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM106
s/n LM106
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 106
Merlin
Known Units: 12 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM107
s/n LM107
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 107
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM111
s/n LM111
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 111
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Mar de Magne, Normandy 7/8 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM115
s/n LM115
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 115
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-M) May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM117
s/n LM117
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 117
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM127
s/n LM127
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 127
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn June 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 26/27 Aug 1944. 129 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM133
s/n LM133
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 133
Merlin
Known Units: 576
With No.576 Sqn. Aircraft crashed in Sweden on mission to Stettin 16/17 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM134
s/n LM134
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 134
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 55 Sqn (BQ-H) May 1944. Missing on operation to Sterkrade, Germany 16/17 Jun 1944. 38 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM135
s/n LM135
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 135
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn May 1944. Missing on mission to Acheres, France 10/11 Jun 1944. 28 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM137
s/n LM137
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 137
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM139
s/n LM139
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 139
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM158
s/n LM158
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 158
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 12/13 June 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM164
s/n LM164
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 164
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn (WP-V) Jun 1944. Returned from operation to Cleres, France on 28 Jun 1944 with gunner Flight Sergeant WP Smith killed. Missing on operation to Mar de Magne, France, 7/8 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM171
s/n LM171
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 171
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-R). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM172
s/n LM172
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 172
Merlin
Known Units: 300
Delivered to No. 300 Sqn (BH-Q) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Russelsheim 25/26 Aug 1944. 43 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM174
s/n LM174
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 174
Merlin
Known Units: 625 Sqn
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-P) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 23/24 Jul 1944. 66 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM176
s/n LM176
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 176
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With 166 Sqn. Crashed at Kirmington on approach to landing on return from operation to Karlsruhe 4 Dec 1944last update: 2025-November-19
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Russell Darling 2024-09-04
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Allen Fowler 2024-09-04
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Stanley Roy Hanna 2024-09-04
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Studholme Howard 2024-09-04
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Wilbert Macklaier 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Peter Wynnyk 2024-09-04 Lancaster Mk.I serial LM178
s/n LM178
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 178
Merlin
Known Units: 300
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Irving Duguid 2024-10-29
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Flt. Sergeant J I Dunseith 2025-10-09
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Flying Officer C M Forman 2021-02-01
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Rheubottom 2023-09-27
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Flying Officer W W Robinson 2021-02-01 Lancaster Mk.I serial LM183
s/n LM183
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 183
Merlin
Known Units: 90
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM184
s/n LM184
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 184
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM189
s/n LM189
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 189
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM191
s/n LM191
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 191
Merlin
Known Units: 49;619
Originally with No. 49 Sqn Jun/Jul 1944. Transferred to No. 619 Sqn (PG-O) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Darmstadt 11/12 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Elmer Kenneth Carlson 2025-06-28
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Cyril Bernard Dockrey 2025-06-28
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elmer Joseph Alexander MacNair 2025-06-28
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Reginald Potts 2025-06-28 Lancaster Mk.I serial LM208
s/n LM208
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 208
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing from Gardening sortie 15/16 Oct 1944. 122 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM209
s/n LM209
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 209
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM210
s/n LM210
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 210
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 83 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM213
s/n LM213
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 213
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas James Bailey 2025-07-28
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William James Glass 2025-07-28
1945-January-16 PoW RCAF Sergeant Al F Hymers 2024-11-27
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Kerluk 2025-07-28
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Erwin Linington 2025-07-28 Lancaster Mk.I serial LM218
s/n LM218
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 218
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No 207 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM221
s/n LM221
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 221
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM225
s/n LM225
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 225
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Kiel 26/27 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM237
s/n LM237
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 237
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Konigsburg 29/30 Aug 1944. 148 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Konigsberg Germany 1944-08-30 to 1944-08-30
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft LM 237 went missing during a night trip to Konigsberg, Germany, and was believed to have crashed at sea. RCAF Flying Officer J. Sutcliffe was taken Prisoner of War. Casualties included RCAF Flt. Sgt. P.W. O'Leary; RAF Sgt's. C. Alexander, C. Pearson, E.C. Reid; and RAF Flight Lieutenant D.B. Tattersall.Lancaster Mk.I serial LM243
s/n LM243
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 243
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Agenville, France 31 Aug 1944. 136 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM261
s/n LM261
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 261
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Darmstadt 11/12 Sep 1944. 143 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM263
s/n LM263
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 263
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on a daylight raid on Deelen15 Aug 1944. 71 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM269
s/n LM269
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 269
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM273
s/n LM273
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 273
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Pforzheim 23/24 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM278
s/n LM278
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 278
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on Gardening operation 26/27 Aug 1944. 190 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM284
s/n LM284
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 284
Merlin
Known Units: ;207;57
Per 1944 Lincolnshire Aviation Incident Log, aircraft was delivered to 57 Squadron. Crashed after post-delivery air test with only 2 hours flight time. Test crew were from 207 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM290
s/n LM290
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 290
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-W2) Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Bochum 4/5 Nov 1944. 193 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial LM292
s/n LM292
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
LM 292
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM303
s/n LM303
m/d 683
Avro
LM 303
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM306
s/n LM306
m/d 683
Avro
LM 306
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM307
s/n LM307
m/d 683
Avro
LM 307
Merlin
Known Units: 1661HCU
Aircraft crashed at South Muskham, Nottinghamshire during training flight, 16 Dec 1943last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM308
s/n LM308
m/d 683
Avro
LM 308
Merlin
Known Units: 1661HCU;5LFS
Originally produced as Mk. I, converted to Mk. III. Was with No. 1661CU, then No. 5 Lancaster Finishing School. Caught fire and crashed at Syerston 29 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Alexander Emerson 2021-08-06
1945-January-29 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Joseph Francis Fitzgibbon 2021-08-06
1945-January-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hugh Munro Mackenzie 2023-12-13
1945-January-29 KIFA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Richard Barlow Rathbone 2023-12-13
1945-January-29 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Henry Reid 2025-05-23 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM312
s/n LM312
m/d 683
Avro
LM 312
Merlin
Known Units: 101;166
With No. 101 Sqn (SR-U) Apr- Sep 1943. Transferred to No. 166 Sqn. Missing on operation to Leipzig 20/21 Oct 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM314
s/n LM314
m/d 683
Avro
LM 314
Merlin
Known Units: 157;97;103
Successively with Nos. 157, 97 (OF-R) and 103 Squadrons. Missing on operation to Kassel 22/23 Oct 1943. 259 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM315
s/n LM315
m/d 683
Avro
LM 315
Merlin
Known Units: 460 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Schweinfurt Germany 1944-02-25 to 1944-02-25
460 () Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft LM 315 was part of a mission to bomb Schweinfurt, Germany, a centre specialising in the manufacture of ball bearings vital to the German war effort. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take off and it failed to return to base. The aircraft crashed near the target, at Manibach. Killed were RCAF Pilot Officer L.L.N. De Celles (air gunner) and Flying Officer A.R. Mark (bomb aimer); RAF Sgt's. M. Goldman (wireless operator), D.J. Halle (flight engineer), N.H. Lerigo (air gunner); RAF Flt. Sgt's. F. Lloyd (navigator) and R. Yates (pilot).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM317
s/n LM317
m/d 683
Avro
LM 317
Merlin
Known Units: 100;625
Originally to No. 100 Sqn (HW-D and HW-D2) April or May 1943. Transferred to No. 625 Sqn (CF-U) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp, France, 3/4 May 1944. Although the operation was a success, many aircraft were lost because of delays in target marking and bad communications. 483 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM318
s/n LM318
m/d 683
Avro
LM 318
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM319
s/n LM319
m/d 683
Avro
LM 319
Merlin
Known Units: 550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM320
s/n LM320
m/d 683
Avro
LM 320
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-C) 8 May 1943. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 25/26 May 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM326
s/n LM326
m/d 683
Avro
LM 326
Merlin
Known Units: 207 Sqn
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-Z) 31 May 1943. Missing on operation to Hanover 19 Oct 1943. 267 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM327
s/n LM327
m/d 683
Avro
LM 327
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn Jun 1943. Missing on operation to Wuppertal 24/25 Jun 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM333
s/n LM333
m/d 683
Avro
LM 333
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-08-23 to 1943-08-23
100 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Grimsby
100 Squadron RAF (Sarang tebaun jangan dijolok) RAF Grimsby. Lancaster BIII aircraft LM 333 HW-V was struck by heavy flak from a Marine Flak Battery crossing the Dutch coastline on the way to attack targets in Berlin, Germany. The port outer engine failed and the order to bail was given before the bomber exploded and crashed near De Franschman between Bergen and Bergen aan Zee, Noord-Holland
Pilot Officer FA Preston (RAAF) and Sergeant H Chadwick (RAFVR) were killed in action
Warrant Officer Class 1 JJ Adelstein (RCAF) and Sergeant J Noble (RAFVR) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
Sergeant EJ Gargini (RAFVR) and Warrant Officer EA Henry (RAFVR) survived, evaded for a time but were captured and became Prisoners of War
Sergeant R Fidler (RAFVR) survived as an Evader, avoided capture and eventually made his way back to the UK 1944-01-23
1943-August-23 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Jacob 'Hank' Adelstein 2024-11-01
1943-August-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold Chadwick 2024-01-25
1943-August-23 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Royce Fidler 2023-04-20
1943-August-23 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Eric John "Garge" Gargini 2023-04-20
1943-August-23 PoW RAFVR Warrant Officer Albert Edward Henry 2023-04-20
1943-August-23 PoW RAFVR Sergeant James "Jock" Noble 2023-04-20
1943-August-23 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Francis Albert Preston 2023-04-20 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM336
s/n LM336
m/d 683
Avro
LM 336
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-G) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Mannheim 23/24 Sep 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Henry Arnold 2024-11-03
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Peter Campbell Gordon 2023-10-11
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joe Douglas Hogan 2023-10-11
1943-September-24 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Norman Millar 2023-10-11 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM340
s/n LM340
m/d 683
Avro
LM 340
Merlin
Known Units: 467;405;635;405;57;1651HCU
Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*O and "LQ*H". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM342
s/n LM342
m/d 683
Avro
LM 342
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Peenemunde Germany 1943-08-18 to 1943-08-18
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft LM 342 failed to return from night operations. RCAF Flying Officer R.G. Carter was killed. Casualties also included the following RAF members of the crew: Sqn. Leader A.S. Raphael, Pilot Officer D. Fielden, Flight Lieutenant M.H. Parry, Flight Sergeant F.B. Garrett, Sgt's. A.C. Brand, F. Grey, and V. Smith.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM343
s/n LM343
m/d 683
Avro
LM 343
Merlin
Known Units:
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM344
s/n LM344
m/d 683
Avro
LM 344
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM345
s/n LM345
m/d 683
Avro
LM 345
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*L". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Attacked by Ju 88 on run in to target (Brunswick) on 25 September 1943. Several fires and other damage resulted, load was jettisoned, two engines shut down and aircraft tried to return home at 100 knots. Third engine failed near Gronigen, Holland, and crew bailed out. At least one POW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1943-09-27 to 1943-09-28
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Operated by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*L". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. Attacked by Ju 88 on run in to target (Brunswick) on 25 September 1943. Several fires and other damage resulted, load was jettisoned, two engines shut down and aircraft tried to return home at 100 knots. Third engine failed near Gronigen, Holland, and crew bailed out. At least one POW.
FS WM Gorman (RCAF), S/L(A) LE Logan DFC CG w/Silver Star (RCAF), FS FC Boulter (RCAF), Pilot Officer A Livesey (RAF), FS GL Watts (RAF), FS AJ Holden (RAF) and FS WD Ridgeway (RAF) baled and survived. Pilot Officer Livesey was taken Prisoner of War soon after but most of the crew managed to evade, some for a period of months before being captured by the Gestapo to become Prisoners of War. Flight Sergeant GL Watts however, evaded and avoided capture
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM370
s/n LM370
m/d 683
Avro
LM 370
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM371
s/n LM371
m/d 683
Avro
LM 371
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM374
s/n LM374
m/d 683
Avro
LM 374
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-S) Oct 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 23/24 Nov 1943. 56 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM377
s/n LM377
m/d 683
Avro
LM 377
Merlin
Known Units: 100;61
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn, then transferred to No. 61 Sqn Nov. 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 1/2 Jan 1944. 104 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM379
s/n LM379
m/d 683
Avro
LM 379
Merlin
Known Units: ;550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM383
s/n LM383
m/d 683
Avro
LM 383
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM384
s/n LM384
m/d 683
Avro
LM 384
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-X) 11 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 161 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM385
s/n LM385
m/d 683
Avro
LM 385
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM387
s/n LM387
m/d 683
Avro
LM 387
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-O) from No. 32 MU 19 Dec 1943. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to 21 Jan 1944. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM388
s/n LM388
m/d 683
Avro
LM 388
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-G) 15 Nov 1943. Missing on mission to Revigny 12/13 July 1944. 335 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM392
s/n LM392
m/d 683
Avro
LM 392
Merlin
Known Units: 166;550
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Nov 1943. Transferred to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-J) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 15/16 Feb 1944. 155 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM393
s/n LM393
m/d 683
Avro
LM 393
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-W2) 26 Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM394
s/n LM394
m/d 683
Avro
LM 394
Merlin
Known Units: ;50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM395
s/n LM395
m/d 683
Avro
LM 395
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Marie Beauregard 2024-11-10
1944-May-23 PoW RNZAF Leslie Nicolis Davidson 2024-10-31
1944-May-23 PoW RAF Norman Ellis Gregory 2025-01-05
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William John Hayman 2025-01-05
1944-May-23 PoW RAF Isaac David Jacobs 2025-01-05
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Joseph William Johnson 2025-01-05
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Milligan McLure 2025-01-05
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Lionel Herbert Milligan 2025-01-05 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM419
s/n LM419
m/d 683
Avro
LM 419
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM422
s/n LM422
m/d 683
Avro
LM 422
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM423
s/n LM423
m/d 683
Avro
LM 423
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM424
s/n LM424
m/d 683
Avro
LM 424
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM427
s/n LM427
m/d 683
Avro
LM 427
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM428
s/n LM428
m/d 683
Avro
LM 428
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 28/29 Jan 1944. 82 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM429
s/n LM429
m/d 683
Avro
LM 429
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-T) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Lille 10/11 May 1944. 270 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM430
s/n LM430
m/d 683
Avro
LM 430
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-B) 20 Dec 1943. Missing on raid to Frankfurt 22/23 Mar 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM431
s/n LM431
m/d 683
Avro
LM 431
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Squadron 29 Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Stettin 5/6 Jan 1944. 5 operational hours (Robertson) although Mason shows operation to Berlin on 1/2 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-01-06 to 1944-01-06
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft Mk III LM 431 failed to return from a trip to Stettin, Germany, and is deemed lost without trace. Casualties included RCAF F/Sgt. H.S. Reid and W/O II L.M. Jackson; RAAF Pilot Officer F.A. Connolly; RAF F/Sgt's. L.A. Jeffries and H.S. Reid, and RAF Sgt's. R.W.J. Evans, D.A. Briggs, and M. Turner.Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM433
s/n LM433
m/d 683
Avro
LM 433
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM434
s/n LM434
m/d 683
Avro
LM 434
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-F) 28 Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 June 1944. 256 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM437
s/n LM437
m/d 683
Avro
LM 437
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM439
s/n LM439
m/d 683
Avro
LM 439
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM442
s/n LM442
m/d 683
Avro
LM 442
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn (GI-P) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 24/25 Feb 1944. 52 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM452
s/n LM452
m/d 683
Avro
LM 452
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-T) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 366 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-29 to 1944-07-29
61 (B) Sqn (RAF) Skellingthorpe
STUTTGART 494 Lancasters and 2 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 5 and 8 Groups in the last raid of the current series on this target. German fighters intercepted the bomber stream while over France on the outward flight; there was a bright moon and 39 Lancasters were shot down, 7·9 per cent of the force.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1944-July-29 Murdered RCAF Flying Officer Peter Paul Brosko 2024-11-20
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David Fraser Currie 2024-06-03
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Wallace Allan Mackie 2025-03-06
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer William Reddington MacPherson 2025-03-06
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Raymond Gerald McMillan 2025-03-06
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gerald Harry Postins 2025-03-06
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William James Smith 2025-03-06 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM453
s/n LM453
m/d 683
Avro
LM 453
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-E) 25 Jan 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Rilly-la-Montagne 31 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Stodart Anderson 2024-11-02
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Kerfoot 2023-10-11
1944-July-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Francis McKinney 2023-10-11
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Edward Moseley 2023-10-11
1944-July-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas James Peacore 2023-10-11
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant William David Phillips 2023-10-11
1944-July-31 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Charles Edward Michael Worner 2022-05-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM455
s/n LM455
m/d 683
Avro
LM 455
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-T) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 318 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM456
s/n LM456
m/d 683
Avro
LM 456
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-C) 4 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 20/21 Feb 1944. 16 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM459
s/n LM459
m/d 683
Avro
LM 459
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM462
s/n LM462
m/d 683
Avro
LM 462
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-V2) Feb 1944. Fitted with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 July 1944. 248 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM464
s/n LM464
m/d 683
Avro
LM 464
Merlin
Known Units: ;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM465
s/n LM465
m/d 683
Avro
LM 465
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-U) 16 Feb 1944. Missing 12/13 June 1944 on operation to Gelsenkirchen. 169 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM471
s/n LM471
m/d 683
Avro
LM 471
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM472
s/n LM472
m/d 683
Avro
LM 472
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM474
s/n LM474
m/d 683
Avro
LM 474
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered from No. 32 MU to 101 Sqn (SR-N2) 5 Mar 1944. Equipped with ABC. Missing on operation to Sterkrade, 16/17 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Kenneth Adair 2024-11-01
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Willard Vernon Ireland 2021-08-11
1944-June-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Duncan Traylen McKillop 2023-07-22
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon George Welch 2021-07-09
1944-June-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Shaw Winder 2021-07-07 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM476
s/n LM476
m/d 683
Avro
LM 476
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-M) 6 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Givors, France. 26/27 Jul 1944. 476 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM479
s/n LM479
m/d 683
Avro
LM 479
Merlin
Known Units: 101;170
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-08-29 to 1944-08-30
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Ludford Magna
101 Squadron (Men Agitat Molem) RAF Ludford Magna. Lancaster LM 479 SR-F was coded "ABC" for Airborne Cigar. The ABC designation was use to identify aircraft as being specially equipped with three receiving antenna and one transmitter to jam German aircraft radio messages. In order to use the ABC equipment, an eighth crew member, who could speak German, was added to the normal complement of seven. The special equipment operator on Lancaster LM 479 for the operation against targets in Stettin, Germany was 20-year-old Cyril Cousin, the youngest of the crew. The average age of a bomber crew was only 22 years old
Lancaster LM 479 SR-F was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Rudolf Szardenings of 5/NJG3, crashing at Dejbjerg, NW of Skjern, Denmark with the lost of the entire crew
Flying Officer Thomas Foster (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Alfred Reid Chalmers (RCAF), Pilot Officer Hubert Joseph Linn (RCAF), Flying Officer Samuel Albert MacKenzie (RCAF), Pilot Officer Cyril Cousin (RAFVR), Sergeant George Frederick Gibson (RAFVR), Warrant Officer William Owen (RAFVR) and Sergeant Andrew Stewart (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 24 July - 15 October by Theo Boiten, page 64
101 Squadron Lancaster III LM479 SR-F Flying Officer Thomas Foster RAF Ludford...
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alfred Reid Chalmers 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Cyril Cousin 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Foster 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Frederick Gibson 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Hubert Joseph Linn 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Samuel Albert Mackenzie 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer William Owen 2025-02-03
1944-August-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Andrew Stewart 2025-02-03 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM481
s/n LM481
m/d 683
Avro
LM 481
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM484
s/n LM484
m/d 683
Avro
LM 484
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-M) 3 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Givors, France 26/27 Jul 1944. 476 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Givors France 1944-07-26 to 1944-07-27
619 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Dunholme Lodge
619 Squadron (Ad Altoria), RAF Dunholme Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft LM 484 PG-M was shot down by a night fighter near Maisontiers, France during operations against targets in Givors, France with the loss of the entire crew
Warrant Officer Class 2 TF Galbraith (RCAF), FS JG Pearce (RCAF), Sergeant JH Gilliver (RAFVR), Sergeant E Graham (RAFVR), FS L Rothwell (RAAF), Sergeant RJ Thair (RAFVR) and Flying Officer RG Turvey (RAAF) were all killed in action
1944-July-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Thomas Francis Galbraith 2022-11-05
1944-July-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Joseph Harry Gilliver 2022-11-05
1944-July-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward Graham 2022-11-05
1944-July-27 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jack Gordon Pearce 2022-11-05
1944-July-27 KIA RAAF Sergeant Len Rothwell 2022-11-06
1944-July-27 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Reginald James Thair 2022-11-05
1944-July-27 KIA RAAF Flying Officer Ronald George Turvey 2022-11-06 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM485
s/n LM485
m/d 683
Avro
LM 485
Merlin
Known Units: 15;617
Originally delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-U) then to No. 617 Sqn as KC-N. It was converted from a Mk. III to a Mk. I. It carried a Tallboy bomb on the raid on the Saumur Tunnel 8/9 Jun 1944, and the raid (Operation Paravane) on the Tirpitz battleship from a base in the Soviet Union 11/12 Sep 1944, carrying 12 "Johnnie Walker" bombs. As KC-U it carried a Tallboy on the operation against the Tirpitz 12 Nov 1944. It survived the war and was SOC 4 Oct 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brest France 1944-08-14 to 1944-08-14
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft, piloted by Flight Lieutenant HJ Pryor DFC, Left Woodhall Spa
on a daylight raid to Brest, France
with the objective being to sink the the blockship Gueydon. Shortly after releasing its Tallboy bomb, the bomb aimer, CP Pesme RCAF, was hit in the throat by a piece of shrapnel that then entered his head, killing him instantly. None of the other crew members were injured.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM491
s/n LM491
m/d 683
Avro
LM 491
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn (GI-C)13 Mar 1944. Later coded GI-E. Missing on operation to Massy-Palaiseau, France, 7/8 Jun 1944. 153 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM493
s/n LM493
m/d 683
Avro
LM 493
Merlin
Known Units: 101
From No. 32 MU to No. 101 Sqn 26 Mar 1944. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 28/29 Apr 1944. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM512
s/n LM512
m/d 683
Avro
LM 512
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM513
s/n LM513
m/d 683
Avro
LM 513
Merlin
Known Units: 625
With No. 625 Sqn. Missing from operation to Duisburg 21/22 Jun 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM515
s/n LM515
m/d 683
Avro
LM 515
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM519
s/n LM519
m/d 683
Avro
LM 519
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM520
s/n LM520
m/d 683
Avro
LM 520
Merlin
Known Units: 9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM525
s/n LM525
m/d 683
Avro
LM 525
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 Sqn 14 Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 22/23 Apr 1944. 6 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1944-04-23 to 1944-04-23
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft LM 525 was delivered to 460 Squadron 14 April 1944. Aircraft was on a night operation mission to Düsseldorf in Nordrhein-Westfalen, when it was shot down by a night fighter pilot. RAAF Flt. Sgt. R. Allen (pilot) was killed. Taken Prisoners of War were: RCAF Sgt. J.S. Stewart (air gunner); RAFVR Sgt's. J.G.H. Bond (air gunner), D. Lord (flight engineer), and S. Swinton (wireless operator / air gunner); RNZAF Flt. Sgt. K.P. Collett (bomb aimer); and RAAF Flying Officer W.M.F. Orr (navigator).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM529
s/n LM529
m/d 683
Avro
LM 529
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Karlsruhe Germany 1944-04-24 to 1944-04-25
166 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Kirmington
166 Squadron (Tenacity), RAF Kirmington. Lancaster BIII aircraft LM 529 AS-I was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Friedrich Thorl of Stab 1/NjG4. The Lancaster exploded and crashed near Wallers-Trelon (Nord) 20 km South-East of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, France during an operation against targets in Karlsruhe, Germany
The entire crew were lost
Warrant Officer John Duncan Fiddes (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Joseph Walter Edgar (RCAF), Sergeant Benjamin Cohen (RAFVR), Sergeant Harry Harbon (RAFVR), Sergeant Leonard Kirkham (RAFVR), Pilot Officer David Reid Tait (RAFVR) and Sergeant John Templeton (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 2 16 March - 11 May by Theo Boiten, page 87
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Benjamin Cohen 2024-03-13
1944-April-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Walter Edgar 2025-01-13
1944-April-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer John Duncan Fiddes 2025-01-15
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harry Harbron 2025-01-15
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leonard Kirkham 2025-01-15
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer David Reid Tait 2025-01-15
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Templeton 2025-01-15 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM532
s/n LM532
m/d 683
Avro
LM 532
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-A2) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Orleans 4/5 Jul 1944. 189 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Frank Jakes Baxter 2025-09-30
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant Earl Wesley Bookhout 2025-09-30
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Sergeant Ralph Frithjaf Hillman 2025-09-30
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Jerome McCloskey 2025-09-30
1944-July-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Shoobridge 2025-09-30 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM534
s/n LM534
m/d 683
Avro
LM 534
Merlin
Known Units: 115;15
To No. 115 Sqn May 1944. Transferred to No. 15 Sqn (LS-A). Missing on operation to Massy-Palaiseau 7/8 Jun 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM537
s/n LM537
m/d 683
Avro
LM 537
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn (LE-X) 25 Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 18 Jul 1944. 175 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM540
s/n LM540
m/d 683
Avro
LM 540
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 28 Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 22/23 May 1944. 26 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM541
s/n LM541
m/d 683
Avro
LM 541
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 1 May 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent, France 7/8 Jul 1944. 122 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM542
s/n LM542
m/d 683
Avro
LM 542
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM570
s/n LM570
m/d 683
Avro
LM 570
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 13 May 1944. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 21/22 Jun 1944. 90 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM572
s/n LM572
m/d 683
Avro
LM 572
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Pommerval 24/25 Jun 1944. 93 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM573
s/n LM573
m/d 683
Avro
LM 573
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM575
s/n LM575
m/d 683
Avro
LM 575
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn 15 May 1944. Transferred to No. 15 Sqn (LS-H) 5-Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Massy-Palaiseau, France 7/8 Jun 1944. 10 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM576
s/n LM576
m/d 683
Avro
LM 576
Merlin
Known Units: 90;15
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn 15 May 1944. Transferred to No. 15 Sqn Jun 1944. Crashed and burnt while on a flying test near Mildenhall 21 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM578
s/n LM578
m/d 683
Avro
LM 578
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM580
s/n LM580
m/d 683
Avro
LM 580
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM581
s/n LM581
m/d 683
Avro
LM 581
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM586
s/n LM586
m/d 683
Avro
LM 586
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM595
s/n LM595
m/d 683
Avro
LM 595
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn GI-O) 10 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 73 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM596
s/n LM596
m/d 683
Avro
LM 596
Merlin
Known Units: 101;626
Was with No. 101 Sqn, then transferred to No. 626 Sqn. Missing on operation to Duisburg 14/15 Oct 1944. 163 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Commodore Campbell 2023-12-13
1944-October-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Roland Marcel Joseph Champagne 2024-01-28
1944-October-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Albert Charland 2024-02-04
1944-October-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ross Cuthbert Clouston 2024-03-05
1944-October-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Frederick Palmer 2022-01-19 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM598
s/n LM598
m/d 683
Avro
LM 598
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-M2) May 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Brunswick 12/13 Aug 1944. 119 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM599
s/n LM599
m/d 683
Avro
LM 599
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM616
s/n LM616
m/d 683
Avro
LM 616
Merlin
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Sqn. Crashed while descending through cloud, Great Offley, Herts, 18 Jul 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM621
s/n LM621
m/d 683
Avro
LM 621
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn 14 Jun 1944. Lost on operation to Vierzon, France 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Vierzon France 1944-06-30 to 1944-07-01
100 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Grimsby
100 Squadron RAF (Sarang tebuan jangan dijolok) RAF Grimsby. Lancaster III aircraft LM 621 HW-C was intercepted and shot down by night fighter pilot Hptm Fritz Sothe of 4/NJG4 during an operation to bomb the rail yards at Vieron, France. The bomber crashed at Vouzon, Loir-et-Cher, France, some 29 miles north of the target
Mid-Upper Air Gunner, Sergeant John Eason Sharpley (RAFVR) was killed in action
Flight Sergeant Frederick Harold Fulsher (RCAF), Flying Officer William Kay (RAFVR) and Sergeant Harry Dale (RAFVR) were captured to become Prisoners of War. Fulsher and Kay were sent to Buchenwald Concentration Camp and held for a time before the German Luftwaffe transferred them to Stalag Luft 3
Sergeant William Edward Struck (RCAF) and Flying Officer James Douglas Frink DFC (USAAF) and Sergeant Ernest Harrop (RAFVR) all evaded capture with the help of French locals and Resistance fighters
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
30 06/01 07 1944 100 Squadron Lancaster III LM621 Plt Off William...
1944-July-01 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Harry Dale 2024-08-30
1944-July-01 Evader USAAF Flying Officer James Douglas Frink DFC 2024-08-25
1944-July-01 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Harold Fulsher 2024-10-24
1944-July-01 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Ernest Harrop 2024-08-25
1944-July-01 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer William Kay 2024-08-25
1944-July-01 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Eason Sharpley 2024-08-27
1944-July-01 Evader RCAF Sergeant William Edward Struck 2024-08-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM628
s/n LM628
m/d 683
Avro
LM 628
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 26 Jun 1944. Missing on mission to Gravenhorst, 6/7 Nov 1944. 352 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Michael Arthur Cook 2024-04-02
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flt. Sergeant Ralph Andrew Dowling 2024-10-28
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Amos Dunkelman 2024-10-29
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Arthur Horning 2021-08-10
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Edward Rennie 2021-08-10
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Thompson Gilbert Terris 2021-07-20 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM631
s/n LM631
m/d 683
Avro
LM 631
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM638
s/n LM638
m/d 683
Avro
LM 638
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Culmont Chalindrey France 1944-07-12 to 1944-07-13
44 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Dunholme Lodge
378 Lancasters and 7 Mosquitoes of 1, 5 and 8 Groups attacked railway targets at Culmont, Revigny and Tours. Culmont and Tours were accurately bombed but cloud interfered with the all- 1 Group raid at Revigny and only half of the force· bombed. I0 Lancasters were lost on the Revigny raid and 2 on the Culmont raid.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster III aircraft LM 638 KM-P returning from an operation to bomb the railway junction at Culmont-Chalindrey, France, was involved in a mid-air collision with 576 Squadron RAF Lancaster ND 859 UL-L2, which was circling in cloud trying to find another railyard at Revigny-sur-Ornain, France. Both aircraft were on missions in support of the D-Day landings, an attempt stop German troop and equipment movement on the French rail system
Lancaster LM 638 crashed near Auberive, Haute-Marne and ND 859 crashed at Giey-sur-Aujon, Haute-Marne, France
WO HL Brooks MC (RCAF) Sergeant RG Royle (RAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War.Warrant Officer Brooks would later escape from a POW work party 1943-05-10 and join the Polish underground for the duration of the war
Sergeant KW Green (RAF) survived and initially Evaded until captured at the Swiss border 1944-08-17 and taken Prisoner of War
Flying Officer RS Arnold (RCAF), Sergeant J Bray (RCAF),Sergeant WA Lamb (RCAF) and Sergeant L Wharton (RAF) survived and Evaded capture. Arnold, Lamb and Wharton all joined the Resistance movement until liberated by Allied Forces
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Search for France-Crashes 39-45
Memoirs 52: July 13 1944: two Lancasters crashed in the south-...
1944-July-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Ralph Sherman Arnold 2022-11-19
1944-July-13 Evader RCAF Sergeant James Bray 2022-11-19
1944-July-13 Escaper RCAF Warrant Officer Herbert Lloyd Brooks MC 2022-11-19
1944-July-13 PoW RAF Sergeant Kenneth William Green 2025-03-02
1944-July-13 Evader RCAF Sergeant William Arthur Lamb 2022-11-21
1944-July-13 PoW RAF Sergeant Ronald Gordon Royle 2025-03-02
1944-July-13 Evader RAF Sergeant Leslie Wharton 2022-11-19 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM640
s/n LM640
m/d 683
Avro
LM 640
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny 18/19 Jul 1944. 26 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Aubrey Ginders Britten 2024-11-18
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Albert Garbutt 2025-03-03
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Frederick Mara 2025-03-03
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ewart Laverne Morrison 2025-03-03
1944-July-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry James Wilson 2025-03-03 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM641
s/n LM641
m/d 683
Avro
LM 641
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-August-08 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Stefan Agust Bjarnason 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 PoW RAF Sergeant Kenneth Buck 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 Evader RCAF Flying Officer A A Dilworth 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 Evader RCAF Flt Sergeant J W MacNicol 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 Evader RNZAF Flying Officer Geoffrey Osbourne Rabone 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 KIA RAF Sergeant Frederick George Ralph 2025-11-17
1944-August-08 KIA RAAF Flying Officer Jack Taylor 2025-11-17 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM643
s/n LM643
m/d 683
Avro
LM 643
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-E) 11 Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Donges, France 24/25 Jul 1944. 29 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1944-07-25 to 1944-07-25
619 (B) Sqn (RAF) Dunholme Lodge
Maps and Reports of the Crash of Lancaster LM 643 (Source Edgard Fuss)
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Joseph Kommes 2025-01-27
1944-July-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Henry Lucas 2025-01-27
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Matthew Murphy 2025-01-29
1944-July-25 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Ronald William Orbell 2025-01-29
1944-July-25 Killed RAFVR Sergeant James Rattray Scott 2025-01-29
1944-July-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stephen Sinclair 2025-01-29
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Sergeant John Ronald Ward 2025-01-27 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM648
s/n LM648
m/d 683
Avro
LM 648
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM651
s/n LM651
m/d 683
Avro
LM 651
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-Z2) Jul 1944. On Sep 24 1944, the aircraft was hit by flak and one of the gunners, Flight Sergeant JD McGowan was mortally wounded and died 5 days later. The aircraft survived the war with No. 576 Sqn and was eventually SOC 15 May 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM652
s/n LM652
m/d 683
Avro
LM 652
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 28 Jul 1944. Missing from Gardening sortie 27 Aug 1944. 89 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM656
s/n LM656
m/d 683
Avro
LM 656
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM658
s/n LM658
m/d 683
Avro
LM 658
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM671
s/n LM671
m/d 683
Avro
LM 671
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM685
s/n LM685
m/d 683
Avro
LM 685
Merlin
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 3/4 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alan Quilliam Downward 2024-10-28
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Warren James Keating Fisher 2021-08-06
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant Albert Richard McWhinney 2021-08-17
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Hector Morrison 2021-08-16
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Edward Stephens 2021-10-02 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM687
s/n LM687
m/d 683
Avro
LM 687
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM689
s/n LM689
m/d 683
Avro
LM 689
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM692
s/n LM692
m/d 683
Avro
LM 692
Merlin
Known Units: 149;90;186;1659HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM693
s/n LM693
m/d 683
Avro
LM 693
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (KO-T) 14 Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Moerdijk, 16/17 Sep 1944. 62 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-September-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Peter William Bickford 2024-10-05
1944-September-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Dawson 2024-10-05
1944-September-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald George Flood 2024-10-05
1944-September-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arnold Ney Johnston 2024-10-05
1944-September-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wilfred George Scanlan 2024-10-05 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM694
s/n LM694
m/d 683
Avro
LM 694
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-M2) 22 Aug 1943. Missing on Gardening operation to the Baltic 26/27 Aug 1943.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM714
s/n LM714
m/d 683
Avro
LM 714
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-L) 28 Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Merseburg 14/15 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM719
s/n LM719
m/d 683
Avro
LM 719
Merlin
Known Units: 514;1653HCU
First at No. 514 Sqn, then to 1653 Conversion Unit. Crashed in a snowstorm 28 April 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Verle Edmond Cline 2024-03-05
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Norman William Guy 2021-08-09
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Knut Ourom 2021-08-18
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John Donald Travis 2021-07-15
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Roy Williams 2021-07-08
1945-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Roger Wilson 2021-07-07 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM726
s/n LM726
m/d 683
Avro
LM 726
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn 9 Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 20/21 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM729
s/n LM729
m/d 683
Avro
LM 729
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 12 Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Munich 17/18 Dec 1944. [Robertson gives last op on 19th Dec to Gdynia, but this is not borne out by reference to the rafcommands website]last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1944-12-17 to 1944-12-17
61 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Skellingthorpe
61 Squadron RAF (Per Puram Tunantes), RAF Skellingthorpe. Lancaster III aircraft LM 729 QR-V was shot down by flak thirty five-miles south-east of the targets in Munich, Germany near Degendorf, Germany with only the rear air-gunner surviving the aircraft loss
Flying Officer Percy Barlow (RCAF), Flying Officer Edward Roy Newland (RCAF), Warrant Officer Hilton Alfred Hales (RAAF), Sergeant Ronald William Bennett (RAFVR), Sergeant David Thomson Muir (RAFVR) and Sergeant Herbert Alfred Tuck (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Although claimed as shot down by flak, Rear Gunner Chester Samuel Joce (RAFVR) later reported that a photo-flash bomb, used by aircrew to illuminate the target area in order to photograph bomb damage exploded inside the fuselage after the bomb load was released, killing most of the crew. The tail plane and rear turret separated from the fuselage and Joce survived to fall free and became a Prisoner of War
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Percy Barlow 2025-02-06
1944-December-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald William Bennett 2025-02-05
1944-December-17 KIA RAAF Warrant Officer Hilton Alfred Hales 2025-02-06
1944-December-17 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Chester Samuel Joce 2025-09-14
1944-December-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Thomson Muir 2025-02-06
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Roy Newland 2025-02-05
1944-December-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Alfred Tuck 2025-02-06 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM750
s/n LM750
m/d 683
Avro
LM 750
Merlin
Known Units: 166;153
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Sep 1944. Transferred to No. 153 Sqn (PA-G) Oct 1944. Missing from Gardening sortie 3/4 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Leo Joseph Robert Gregoire DFC 2021-11-07
1945-March-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Lloyd Douglas McCoy 2021-08-17
1945-March-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Ernest Sabine 2021-08-04
1945-March-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Marvin Max Sandomirsky 2021-08-04
1945-March-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Waldemar Webber 2021-07-10 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM751
s/n LM751
m/d 683
Avro
LM 751
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-X) Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Heilbronn 4/5 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Heilbronn Germany 1944-12-04 to 1944-12-04
619 (B) Sqn (RAF) Strubby
Took off from Strubby at 16:42 in Lancaster Mk III (Sqn code: PG-X Bomber Command) on an operation to Heilbronn Germany
Shot down by a night fighter itand crashed at Baiersbronn about 7km NW of Freudenstadt.
Killed: Flying Officer Robert Harry Schaefer RCAF J/35883 pilot KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4.H.33. Flying Officer Phillip Peter Awad RCAF J/39979 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4.H.34-35. Sergeant John Lonsdale Swanson RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4.H.31. Flying Officer Frederick Leonard Meredith RCAF J/38814 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery crave 4.H.34-35, Sergeant Leslie George Weir RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4.H.23.
Unknown: Sergeant J Ross Keilty RCAF R/number POW camp not listed. Sergeant John E Nicholaiff RCAF R/number injured in crash POW camp not listed.
.
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Philip Peter Awad 2024-11-04
1944-December-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant J Ross Keilty 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Leonard Meredith 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 PoW RCAF Sergeant J E Nicholaiff 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Harry Schaefer 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Lonsdale Swanson 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie George Weir 2024-10-07 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM753
s/n LM753
m/d 683
Avro
LM 753
Merlin
Known Units: 1659HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM755
s/n LM755
m/d 683
Avro
LM 755
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-N) Oct 1944. Missing from daylight operation to Dortmund 29-Nov 1944 (Mason). (Robertson gives date as 29 Oct, presumably a typo).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial LM756
s/n LM756
m/d 683
Avro
LM 756
Merlin
Known Units: 227;619
Delivered to No. 227 Sqn Oct 1944, then to No. 619 Sqn (PG-F) Oct/Nov 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Berchtesgaten 25 Apr 1945. This is possibly the last Lancaster lost to enemy action in WWIIlast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME304
s/n ME304
m/d 683
Avro
ME 304
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*J". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME307
s/n ME307
m/d 683
Avro
ME 307
Merlin
Known Units: 170
Delivered to No. 170 Sqn (TC-O) 4 Oct 1944. Lost on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME314
s/n ME314
m/d 683
Avro
ME 314
Merlin
Known Units: 619
To No. 32 MU then to No. 619 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Politz 8/9 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME315
s/n ME315
m/d 683
Avro
ME 315
Merlin
Known Units: 1653HCU;405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*K. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.Accidently fired on by another Lancaster during mission to Leipzig on 10 April 1945. Rear turret was shot off, rear gunner Flight Lieutenant Mellstrom is buried in Germany. Aircraft returned to Woodbridge, UK without further damage.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Leipzig Germany 1945-04-10 to 1945-04-10
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), RAF Gransden Lodge, Pathfinder Force, Lancaster III aircraft ME 315, had just completed it's bombing run against the target at Leipzig, Germany when it was attacked from below by a German rocket powered fighter, an Me163 Komet, which shot away the rear gun turret, elevator and rudder of Lancaster ME 315 in one burst of 30mm cannon fire while it was still in the target area
Rear gunner Flight Lieutenant ML Mellstrom DFC (RCAF) was killed and lost in the attack. His remains were located, identified and initially buried in the Ingelsdorf Gemeinde Cemetery in Germany. Flight Lieutenant Mellstrom was later exhumed and buried at the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery
Lancaster ME 315, escorted by Mustang fighters, struggled back to England where, with only partial control of the aircraft and unsure if he could land safely, the pilot ordered most of the crew to bale out over RAF Woodbridge. The wounded mid-upper gunner was unable to bale and with the assistance of the flight engineer, Flying Officer CRG Ryan DFC (RCAF) who was instrumental in getting the stricken aircraft back, the pilot, Squadron Leader CH Mussells (RCAF) was able to make a successful emergency landing at RAF Woodbridge. Flying Officer Ryan was awarded his DFC for his efforts on this operation. All the crew members, except the missing rear gunner were able to return to their unit.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME318
s/n ME318
m/d 683
Avro
ME 318
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn from 32 MU Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 4/5 Dec 1944
last update: 2025-November-19Bombing Karlsruhe Germany 1944-12-04 to 1944-12-04
166 (B) Sqn (RAF) Kirmington
Took off from Kirmington at 16:15 in Lancaster Mark I (Sqn code: AS-E Bomber Command) on an operation to Karlsruhe Germany.
Shot down by a night fighter and crashed near target at Worth-Hagenbach Germany.
Claim by Hptm Friedrich Karl Muller Stab I/NJG11 - Worth-Hagenbach: 2,000-3,000m at 19:35. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten). The aircraft crashed approx 1.5miles south east of Bissingen.
Killed: Flight Sergeant Robert James Barr RCAF R/251406 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 24. Flying Officer Allen James Reid RCAF J/36936 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 20. Flight Sergeant Harry Ray Thyret RCAF R/224882 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 21. Flight Sergeant Jack Anthony Joyce RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 25. Sergeant Alexander John Taylor RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 23.
POW: Pilot Officer George Christopher Clewley RCAF J/87350 POW cPoW/Stalag 9C Bad Zulza/Stalag Luft 3 Sagan & Belaria /PoW Number 53693.
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert James Barr 2024-11-09
1944-December-04 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer George Christopher Clewley 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Jack Anthony Joyce 2024-12-23
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allen James Reid 2024-12-23
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alexander John Taylor 2024-12-23
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Ray Thyret 2024-12-23
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Elmer Fasken Williams 2024-12-23 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME320
s/n ME320
m/d 683
Avro
ME 320
Merlin
Known Units: 170
Delivered to No. 170 Sqn from No. 32 MU. Originally TC-U, the code was changed to TC-L. Missing from sortie to Chemnitz 5/6 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME361
s/n ME361
m/d 683
Avro
ME 361
Merlin
Known Units: 35
Delivered to No. 32 Mu Nov 1944, then to No. 35 Sqn Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Hemmingstedt 7/8 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME365
s/n ME365
m/d 683
Avro
ME 365
Merlin
Known Units: 514
To No. 514 Sqn via 32 MU. Aircraft exploded on daylight operation over Salzbergen 6 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME375/G
s/n ME375/G
m/d 683
Avro
ME 375/G
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*D. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME379
s/n ME379
m/d 683
Avro
ME 379
Merlin
Known Units: 207;405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*B. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME385
s/n ME385
m/d 683
Avro
ME 385
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME392
s/n ME392
m/d 683
Avro
ME 392
Merlin
Known Units: 103
From No. 32 MU to No. 103 Sqn (PM-Y). Missing on operation to Chemnitz 5/6 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME393
s/n ME393
m/d 683
Avro
ME 393
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*D. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME424
s/n ME424
m/d 683
Avro
ME 424
Merlin
Known Units: 153
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME426
s/n ME426
m/d 683
Avro
ME 426
Merlin
Known Units: 427;429
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*C, in 1945/46. Also with No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*C.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME428
s/n ME428
m/d 683
Avro
ME 428
Merlin
Known Units: 218;550
Delivered to No. 218 Sqn, then to No. 550 Sqn in Feb 1945. Missing over Dessau 7/8 Mar 1945 (Mason). Robertson has the aircraft originally in No. 166 Sqn, from No. 32 MU.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dessau Germany 1945-03-07 to 1945-03-08
550 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF North Killingholme
From 550 Operations Record Book Summary
27 aircraft took off at approximately 17:00 on operations, but not without incident. "E2" Warrant Officer Lukies proved most fractures. The starboard outer engine cut on takeoff. The aircraft swung dangerously, but the pilot by masterly handling avoided a hanger and other obstacles, proceeded to the jettison area and returned safely. The other aircraft met course on the long route to Dessau. Cloud amount was variable. Opposition was lively, both from Flak and night fighters, but the former was not so strong over the target. Some crews bombed ground markers through 3/10 cloud with a clear view of the town and River Elba; others had to rely on sky markers owing to 10/10 cloud. General opinion was that the attack was well concentrated, and that the target was well and truly a blaze. "M" Squadron Leader, Pickles had its "Gee" unserviceable from Southern England outwards, but the crew pressed on, and after some meandering found themselves near to the target. They bombed in solitary state, a healthy contribution of fires left by their comrades. Two crews reported inconclusive combats with night fighters. Three aircraft "V" Flying Officer Jones, "O" Flying Officer Harris, and "R" Flying Officer Nielsen failed to return, and it was with deepest regret that they were reported missing. Nothing was heard from any of them after takeoff.
Three aircraft and crews carried out flying training involving over 7 hours flying.
1945-March-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Douglas Harris 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas James Hicks 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 PoW RAF Sergeant Gerard Patrick Kelleher 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gordon James Nicol 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Eric Raymond Robinson 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 KIA RAF Sergeant Kenneth John Boucher Smith 2025-01-14
1945-March-08 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant David Johnston Yemen 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME451
s/n ME451
m/d 683
Avro
ME 451
Merlin
Known Units: 150
Delivered to No. 150 Sqn (IQ-D) 19 Jan 1945. Missing on daylight operation to Hildesheim 22 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME456
s/n ME456
m/d 683
Avro
ME 456
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Missing on raid to Dortmund, 20/21 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1945-02-20 to 1945-02-21
424 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale
514 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitoes of 1, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 14 Lancasters lost.
The intention of this raid was to destroy the southern half of Dortmund and Bomber Command claimed that this was achieved. It appears that the Dortmund air¬raid recording service had now broken down completely; the local Stadtarchiv has no details of any kind of this raid. This was the last large Bomber Command raid of the war on Dortmund.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft ME 456 crashed near Heinsburg, Germany whilst engaged in a night trip to Dortmund, Germany. Four Canadians bailed out at 5,000 feet and landed just inside Allied lines. Two Canadians, FSs Butler and Skett bailed out, landed behind enemy lines and were taken Prisoners of War.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME457
s/n ME457
m/d 683
Avro
ME 457
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*U.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME458
s/n ME458
m/d 683
Avro
ME 458
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, in 1945, coded "QB*T".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME472
s/n ME472
m/d 683
Avro
ME 472
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME485
s/n ME485
m/d 683
Avro
ME 485
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*A.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME498
s/n ME498
m/d 683
Avro
ME 498
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*K. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME501
s/n ME501
m/d 683
Avro
ME 501
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*T. Named "Spook N Droop".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME536
s/n ME536
m/d 683
Avro
ME 536
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*Q. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME537
s/n ME537
m/d 683
Avro
ME 537
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*N.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME538
s/n ME538
m/d 683
Avro
ME 538
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*E.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME539
s/n ME539
m/d 683
Avro
ME 539
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*A. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME540
s/n ME540
m/d 683
Avro
ME 540
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Served with No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*P". Overshot landing at Leeming at 23:17 on 10 April 1945, ran into Gatenby Lane, striking and killing a civilian mess employee walking home from work.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME543
s/n ME543
m/d 683
Avro
ME 543
Merlin
Known Units: 429 Sqn
Served with No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*B".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME556
s/n ME556
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 556
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-F) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Acheres, France 6/7 Jun 1944. 167 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME557
s/n ME557
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 557
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-O) Dec 1943. Carried a 12,000 lb bomb to the Antheor Viaduct 12/13 Feb 1944; Re-coded AJ-S. Took part in operation TAXABLE, deception operation on the night preceding D-Day. Carried a Tallboy on the raid on the Saumur Tunnel 8/9 Jun 1944. 247 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Rilly-la-Montagne France 1944-07-31 to 1944-07-31
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft (KC-S), piloted by Flight Lieutenant W Reid VC, left Woodhall Spa
at 17:15 to attack a V1 storage depot at Rilly-la-Montagne, France
. It had just released its Tallboy when it was hit by bombs dropped by an aircraft above them. These tore out one engine and severely damaged the the control lines in the fuselage. The aircraft broke up in the air and crashed about 1000 metres East of Germaine, France
, 16 km South of Reims. Five of the crew died and two were taken prisoner.
There was one Canadian in the crew, Flying Officer JO Peltier, who was killed. All of the remaining crew members were in the RAF. Flight Lieutenant Reid VC and Flying Officer D Luker were taken prisoner. Pilot Officer LG Rolton DFC,Warrant Officer JW Hutton DFC, and Flight Sergeants DGW Stewart and AA Holt were killed.
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME564
s/n ME564
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 564
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-J) from No. 32 MU 6 Jan 1944. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on the successful, although disastrous in terms of aircraft losses, operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME565
s/n ME565
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 565
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME575
s/n ME575
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 575
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn (PO-C) 24 Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 27/28 Jan 1944. 59 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-27 to 1944-01-27
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
Delivered 24 Dec 1943 to 467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ME 575 went missing while engaged in the first of 3 night bombing operations over Berlin, Germany. Lancaster ME 575 was probably hit by flak as nothing was heard from the aircraft after departing Waddington, and no night fighters claimed this Lancaster. Killed were FS K.E. Schiedel (RCAF), FS A. Bryce (RAF), Sergeants K. Molyneux (RAF), D. McKechnie (RAF), D.A. Taylor (RAF), and W.A. Taylor (RAF). Also killed was P/O. S.C. Grugeon (RAAF).Lancaster Mk.I serial ME576
s/n ME576
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 576
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME578
s/n ME578
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 578
Merlin
Known Units: ;50
Uncertain re variant: RAF Commands lists as Mk. III; other sources show as Mk. I, including manufacturer.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME579
s/n ME579
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 579
Merlin
Known Units: 9
With No. 9 Sqn (WS-A). Crashed at Belvoir Castle while descending through cloud on return from operation to Argentan 6/7 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-07 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Norman Marshall Hannah 2022-05-13
1944-June-07 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Norman Harder 2022-05-13
1944-June-07 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Rubin Iain Hood 2022-05-13
1944-June-07 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Clifford Roy King 2022-05-13
1944-June-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Frederick Smith 2022-05-13
1944-June-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Morton Stevenson 2022-05-13 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME581
s/n ME581
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 581
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-D) 4 Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 24/25 Mar 1944. 125 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME585
s/n ME585
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 585
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn UL-H2) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 7 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME587
s/n ME587
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 587
Merlin
Known Units: 626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME588
s/n ME588
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 588
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 50 operational hours. (Mason gives the last mission being to Berlin on 15/16 Jan 1944).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME589
s/n ME589
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 589
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-P) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 50 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME591
s/n ME591
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 591
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 14 Jan 1944. Lost on raid on Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 56 hours of service (source: Robertson). Mason has no record of this aircraft.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME592
s/n ME592
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 592
Merlin
Known Units: 101
RAF Commands and Air Crews Remembered show as Mk. III; Aviation Safety shows as Mk. I. Both Mason and Robertson Give Mk. I.Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (SR-T, later SR-D) from No. 32 MU 31 Jan 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944. 256 operational hours.
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME596
s/n ME596
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 596
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-H) 14 Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Russelsheim 12/13 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME613
s/n ME613
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 613
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-L2) from No. 32 MU 20 Jan 1944. Aircraft was equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME616
s/n ME616
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 616
Merlin
Known Units: 101 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME618
s/n ME618
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 618
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn from No. 32 MU Feb 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. This was the infamous raid where the RAF suffered its worst loss of the bomber war, 108 aircraft being shot down or crashed. This aircraft was the 66th destroyed, shot down by Bf 110 of Lt. Seuss of IV/NJG5. The crew were on their 6th operationlast update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Nicholas Baker 2025-08-29
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clyde Roderick Harnish 2025-08-29
1944-March-31 PoW RAAF Flt Sergeant John Anthony Marshall 2025-11-17
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Michael Grattan McGeer 2025-08-26
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Sergeant Donald Van Norman McIntyre 2025-08-29
1944-March-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer George Douglas Robertson 2025-08-26 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME619
s/n ME619
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 619
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-U) from No. 32 MU Feb 1944. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 22/23 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME622
s/n ME622
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 622
Merlin
Known Units: SIU;405
Manufactured as Mk. I, then Modified to Mk. III at No. 32 MU Jan 1944. Then to Signals Intelligence Unit for fitting H2S and Tinsel, Feb 1944. Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*H". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from mission to Stuttgart on 16 March 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-03-15 to 1944-03-15
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster I aircraft ME 622 LQ-H was shot down by two night fighters one mile south of Kayh, near Monchberg, Germany during operations against targets in Stuttgart. The Lancaster crashed near Kayh, Herrenberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Flying Officer KA Cole (RCAF), Pilot Officer JH Dempsey (RAFVR), Flight Lieutenant AB Fyfe (RCAF), Pilot Officer BE Galbraith (RCAF) were all killed in action
Flying Officer WS Edwards (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant DB Quayle (RCAF) and Warrant Officer Class 2 HB Searles (RCAF) survived and all were taken as Prisoners of War
1944-March-16 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Stuttgart 2019-08-20
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Arthur Cole 2024-06-10
1944-March-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Walter Snelson Edwards 2024-06-10
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Allan Blake Fyfe 2025-05-24
1944-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bernard Edwin Galbraith 2024-06-10
1944-March-15 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Burton Searles 2024-06-11 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME628
s/n ME628
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 628
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-H) Feb 1944. Re-coded KM-V. Missing on operation to Pommerval, France 24/25 Jun 1944. 236 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME631
s/n ME631
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 631
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Mk. I per CASPIR & Lancaster File reference text. Converted to Mk. llI per Mason and Robertson. Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-K) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME633
s/n ME633
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 633
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 10 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME636
s/n ME636
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 636
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 5 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME641
s/n ME641
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 641
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Collided mid-air with Lancaster JB 547, 5 mi S of Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME643
s/n ME643
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 643
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 10 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp, France 3/4 May 1944. 136 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME647
s/n ME647
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 647
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-J) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Osterfeld 31 Dec/1 Jan 1943/44last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Osterfeld Germany 1944-12-31 to 1944-12-31
166 (B) Sqn (RAF) Kirmington
149 Lancasters and 17 Mosquitoes of 1 and 8 Groups to attack the railway yards. The only details available are Bomber Command's estimates that the railway sidings ·were 35 percent damaged and the 'facilities' 20 per cent damaged. 2 Lancasters lost.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Claim by Hptm Johannes Hager 6/NJG1 at 19:00. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1945 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Aircraft came down at Eygelshoven, inside of the Rimburgerweg, near Heerlen, 26 Km east-north-east of Maastricht, just inside Dutch territory and in the already liberated Province of Zuid-Limburg The area had been under Allied control since mid-September 1944. (Aviation Safety Network)
The crew were initially buried in Margraten US Military Cemetery. Fg Off Sherry was reinterred on 24 March 1947. (CWGC). The remaing crew members were reinterred on 20 November 1946. (CWGC) source: John Jones
Thank you to Wargraves Foundation Nederweert, The Netherlands, for their contribution of the individual crew's images
1944-December-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Howard Bennett 2024-10-06
1944-December-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Michael Bernyk 2024-10-06
1944-December-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Cletus Daze 2024-10-06
1944-December-31 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Alexander Martin 2025-04-09
1944-December-31 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Anthony Sherry 2025-04-09
1944-December-31 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Kenneth Surman 2025-04-09
1944-December-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clarence Young 2024-10-06 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME648
s/n ME648
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 648
Merlin
Known Units: 100;300;166
Started with No. 100 Sqn, transferred to No. 300 (Polish) Sqn, then to No. 166 Sqn in Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Ludwigshafen 1/2 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME649
s/n ME649
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 649
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to 460 Sqn (AR-J2) in Feb 1944, then to No. 103 Squadron in Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Essen 12/13 Dec 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME650
s/n ME650
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 650
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn (LE-B) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Konigsberg 26/27 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME664
s/n ME664
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 664
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME668
s/n ME668
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 668
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-L) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent, France 7/8 Jul 1944. 204 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME669
s/n ME669
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 669
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-O) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944. Flight Sergeant Norman Jackson was awarded the VC for trying to extinguish the flames.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Schweinfurt Germany 1944-04-26 to 1944-04-27
106 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Thornaby
106 Squadron (Pro Libertate). Lancaster aircraft missing during a raid against Schweinfurt, Germany. Flying Officer Mifflin maintained control of the aircraft and sacrificed himself so that his crew could bail out to safety; this was his thirtieth operation.Warrant Officer N. Jackson, the RAF flight engineer, tried to put out a fire in the starboard wing, bailed out, was taken Prisoner of War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action in fighting the fire. source:They Shall Grow Not Old, BCATP Museum, Brandon MB
Story of 30 Missions
This is the true story of an RAF aircrew and their 30 missions. Flying Officer Mifflin (from Newfoundland) and his crew were RAF and so the crew are not part of this Canadian dataset (only Mifflin). Mifflin's story of he and his crew is gripping and is told in this video.
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME672
s/n ME672
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 672
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-A) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 31 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-03-24 to 1944-03-25
44 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Dunholme Lodge
44 Rhodesia Squadron (Fulmina Regis lusta) RAF Dunholme Lodge. Lancaster BI aircraft ME 672 KM-A was Homeward-bound, the aircraft was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Josef Nabrich of the 3/NJG 1, who was flying a Heinkel He 219 from Venlo airfield, Netherlands while engaged in an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany. The Lancaster crashed in the De Flaes Swamp, Lage Mierde, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Sergeant KL Radcliffe (RCAF), Sergeant JM Ella (RAFVR), Pilot Officer BM Hayes (RAFVR), Sergeant WG Perrie (RAFVR), Sergeant WK Walker (RAFVR) and Sergeant RHJ Wellfare (RAFVR) were all killed in action
FS M Fedoruk (RCAF survived and became an Evader, sheltering in Holland until Liberated by Canadian troops 1944-04-09
44 Squadron Lancaster I ME672 KM-A P/O. Hayes, RAF Dunholme Lodge...
Lancaster III ME672 [Royal Air Force Aircraft Serial and Image Database]...
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Maurice Ella 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Michael Fedoruk 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Bernard Michael Hayes 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William Griffin Perrie 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Kenneth Lloyd Radcliffe 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Wilfred Keith Walker 2022-10-17
1944-March-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Richard Henry John Wellfare 2022-10-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME674
s/n ME674
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 674
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 12/13 Jul 1944. 245 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME679
s/n ME679
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 679
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-K) 3 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 April 1944. 125 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME680
s/n ME680
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 680
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Mar 1944. Lost on mission to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME681
s/n ME681
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 681
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME683
s/n ME683
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 683
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-W) 4 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 225 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME684
s/n ME684
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 684
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-V) 3 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 12 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME686
s/n ME686
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 686
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME687
s/n ME687
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 687
Merlin
Known Units: 550;576
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-X) Mar 1944. Transferred to No. 576 Sqn (UL-S2) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944. 126 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME688
s/n ME688
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 688
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 11 Mar 1944. Missing on Gardening sortie 9/10 Apr 1944. 32 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME695
s/n ME695
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 695
Merlin
Known Units: 15;1653HCU
Delivered to No. 15 Squadron (LS-R) Mar 1944. Crashed after colliding with another aircraft at Ford on return from mission to Villiers-Bocage, 30 Jun 1944. Repaired and transferred to No. 1653 HCU (H4-Y) Nov 1944. SOC 29-Aug 1946.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME696
s/n ME696
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 696
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Acheres France 1944-06-11 to 1944-06-11
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binsbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft ME696 hit high tension wires during night operations on the railway facilities at Acheres, France. Casualties included RCAF P/O's W.L. Arksey (air gunner and A.J. Collett (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt. K.L. King (bomb aimer) and Pilot Officer R.L. Nicholson (pilot); and RAFVR Sgt's. C.A. Cunningham (flight engineer), A. Fisher (navigator), and J.P. Murray (wireless operator / air gunner).Lancaster Mk.I serial ME697
s/n ME697
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 697
Merlin
Known Units: ;625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME699
s/n ME699
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 699
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-T) 15 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Creil 4/5 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME700
s/n ME700
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 700
Merlin
Known Units: ;50
RAF Commands notes variant as Mk. III. Other websites (BackToNormandy, others) note as Mk. I. Manufacturer serial range indicates Mk. I.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Ladbergen Germany 1944-09-23 to 1944-09-23
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Skellingthorpe
50 Squadron (From Defence To Attack) RAF Skellingthorpe. Lancaster I aircraft ME 700 VN-V was intercepted on the return flight from a night operation to bomb targets in Ladbergen, Germany and shot down at 23:31 by night fighter pilot Hauptman Dietrich Schmidt of 8/NJG1. The bomber crashed at Welsum near Dalfsen in Overijssel, Netherlands with the loss of four aircrew members
Flying Officer John Murray Dunsmuir (RCAF), Flying Officer Angus Beverley Harvey (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Raymond Larcome (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant Eric Henry Tunnell (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flying Officer Oliver George Korpela (RCAF), Flying Officer Charles Dallyn Lucas (RAFVR) and Sergeant Henry Harrison MacFarlane (RAFVR) all survived and avoided capture as Evaders
Addendum 2: According to the pilot, Flying Officer Korpela (RCAF), they had dropped their bombs and were on the way home when they realized they were off course. They were attacked by a German fighter and the Lancaster burst into flames. The pilot soon realized the aircraft was beyond saving: the plane was burning and full of smoke; the navigator and wireless operator were dead; the intercom was out of order and the air-gunners could not be reached either physically nor by intercom. The order was given to abandon the aircraft, the flight engineer and the bomb aimer complied and shortly after Flying Officer Korpela also jumped. Flying Officer O. Korpela (RCAF), Sgt. H. MacFarlane (RAF), and Sergeant C. Lucas (RAF) were Evaders. Detail provided by N. Murphy, Windsor, Ontario
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 24 July - 15 October by Theo Boiten, page 86
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Murray Dunsmuir 2025-04-13
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Angus Beverley Harvey 2025-04-13
1944-September-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Raymond Larcome 2025-04-13
1944-September-23 Evader RAFVR Flying Officer Charles Dallyn Lucas 2025-04-13
1944-September-23 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Henry Harrison MacFarlane 2025-04-13
1944-September-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Eric Henry Tunnell 2025-04-13
1944-September-24 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant Oliver George Korpela 2025-04-13 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME704
s/n ME704
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 704
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-B) 25 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 21/22 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-June-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Adam Barr Berry 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Philip Bowen-Chennell 2024-11-16
1944-June-22 PoW RAF Sergeant Cyril Aubrey Glew 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 PoW RAF Sergeant Robert Saltoun Hardie 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Alfred Kidd 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lorne Sinclair McMurchy 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Donald Andrew Harvey Redshaw 2025-01-17
1944-June-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Raymond Sheppard 2025-01-17 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME718
s/n ME718
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 718
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 24 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944. 244 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME720
s/n ME720
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 720
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 27/28 Apr 1944. 59 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME721
s/n ME721
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 721
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME722
s/n ME722
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 722
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-E) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944. 111 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME726
s/n ME726
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 726
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME729
s/n ME729
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 729
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME730
s/n ME730
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 730
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME732
s/n ME732
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 732
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME734
s/n ME734
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 734
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME735
s/n ME735
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 735
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-P2) Apr 1944. Later as UL-B2. Aircraft was repaired 3 times in the course of its operational life. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME737
s/n ME737
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 737
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME738
s/n ME738
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 738
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Shown as Mk III in RAF Commands. Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 27/28 Apr 1944. 34 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME739
s/n ME739
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 739
Merlin
Known Units: 630 Sqn;630 Sqn
Uncertainty re Mk: RAF Commands shows as Mk. III, Lancaster File text as Mk. I.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME740
s/n ME740
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 740
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to 460 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing from operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944. 46 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Mailly-le-Camp France 1944-05-04 to 1944-05-05
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft ME 740 was delivered to 460 Squadron in April 1944. It was lost while engaged in operations against MaiIly-le-Camp, France, with only 46 operational hours. Casualties included: RCAF Pilot Officer T.S. Winstanley (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt's. W.R. Elgar and H.J.G. Fry; RAFVR Sgt's. K. Applegarth (wireless operator / air gunner), C.G. Graham (air gunner), and J.H. Holloway (flight engineer); and RAFVR Flying Officer L. Sumner (pilot).Lancaster Mk.I serial ME742
s/n ME742
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 742
Merlin
Known Units: 12;626
Variant Mk. I per Lancaster File reference text. Delivered to No. 12 Squadron Sqn ron Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-28 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold D Charles Allison 2023-11-06
1944-August-28 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Lyle Milton Bovee 2024-11-16
1944-August-28 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Robert Campbell Hawkes 2025-02-04
1944-August-28 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Hugh Duncan McPhail 2025-02-04 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME743
s/n ME743
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 743
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-G) April 1944. Missing on operation to Mimoyecques27/28 Jun 1944. 181 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME745
s/n ME745
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 745
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-L) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME750
s/n ME750
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 750
Merlin
Known Units: 626;1666CU
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn Apr 1944. Transferred to No. 1666 CU in Nov 1944. The aircraft was on a training flight, pilot was unable to control a spin and the aircraft broke up in the air 10 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Conversion 1945-02-10 to 1945-02-10
1666 (OT) HCU (RAF) RAF Wombleton
1666 Heavy Conversion Unit, RAF Wombleton. Lancaster I aircraft ME-750 QY-T was engaged in a daylight navigation training exercise when it came spinning out of the clouds, on fire. The aircraft crashed one mile west of South Cerney, Gloucestershire, England with no survivors. Icing conditions were suspected as a cause of the crash but oddly, all four engines had feathered propellers which baffled the accident investigators
Flying Officer Herbert George Christie DFC & Bar (RCAF), Sergeant Alvin Walter Heard (RCAF), Flying Officer William Henry Matheson (RCAF), Flying Officer Kenneth Mark Pridham (RCAF), Flight Leutenant Arnold Joseph Snetsinger (RCAF), Flying Officer Earl Douglas Tait (RCAF) and Sergeant Donald Gordon MacKenzie (RAFVR) were all killed in this training flying accident
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Herbert George Christie DFC & Bar 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Alvin Walter Heard 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RAFVR Sergeant Donald Gordon MacKenzie 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer William Henry Matheson 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Mark Pridham 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arnold Joseph Snetsinger 2025-02-12
1945-February-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Earl Douglas Tait 2025-02-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME774
s/n ME774
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 774
Merlin
Known Units: 626 Sqn
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-L2) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to railway junction at Vierzon 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant Alfred Cyril Seymour Barker 2025-09-13
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ladimer Jacob Bernaski 2025-09-13
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Sergeant James Neil Gordon 2025-09-13
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Francis Pocock 2025-09-13
1944-July-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Ogilvie Smith 2025-09-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial ME775
s/n ME775
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 775
Merlin
Known Units: 166
RAF Commands shows as Mk III; 166 Sqn website shows as Mk. I.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME778
s/n ME778
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 778
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME782
s/n ME782
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 782
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn (LE-N) 1 May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 12/22 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME789
s/n ME789
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 789
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 9 May 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Saint-Leu-de-Esserent 1944-07-07 to 1944-07-08
106 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Metheringham
106 Squadron (Pro Libertate) RAF Metheringham. Lancaster Mk I ME 789 ZN-B was lost during an attack on the V-1 flying-bomb storage site at Saint-Leu-d-Esserent, France. The Lancaster was shot down by flak and abandoned by the crew near Gournay-en-Bray, France
Flying Officer Gordon Stanley Mather (RCAF), Flying Officer John Sargent Kingston (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant William Stewart (RAFVR) all survived and were captured to become Prisoners of War
Pilot Officer John Crawford (RCAF)(USA), Sergeant William Arthur Waldram (RCAF) and Sergeant Leslie John Lucas (RAFVR) all evaded for a time but all were captured and all three were among 168 Allied Airmen deported to Buchenwald Concentration Camp in Germany. The three were eventually sent to Prisoner of War Camps after the German Luftwaffe intervened
Flying Officer Donald Angus Evans (RCAF) survived and avoided capture as an Evader
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
07/08 07 1944 106 Squadron Lancaster I ME789 ZN-B Flying Officer Gordon S Mather
1944-July-08 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Crawford 2024-10-09
1944-July-08 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Donald Angus Evans 2024-07-10
1944-July-08 PoW RCAF Flying Officer John Sargent Kingston 2024-07-10
1944-July-08 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Leslie John Lucas 2024-07-10
1944-July-08 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Stanley Mather 2024-07-10
1944-July-08 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant William Stewart 2024-07-10
1944-July-08 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Arthur Waldram 2024-10-09 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME790
s/n ME790
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 790
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 9 May 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME793
s/n ME793
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 793
Merlin
Known Units: ;460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Vaires-sur-Marne France 1944-06-27 to 1944-06-28
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft ME 793 failed to return from night operations over Vaires, France. Nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it did not return. Casualties included RCAF Pilot Officer T. Krynski (air gunner); RAAF Flt. Sgt. G.H. Hunkin (bomb aimer) and RAAF Pilot Officer J.L. Israel (pilot); RAFVR Sgt's. F.W.W. Beckwith (wireless operator / air gunner), A.E.J. Rouse (air gunner) and L.G. White (flight engineer), and RAFVR Flt. Sgt. L.E.G. Pester (navigator).Lancaster Mk.I serial ME798
s/n ME798
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 798
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME802
s/n ME802
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 802
Merlin
Known Units: 90
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME804
s/n ME804
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 804
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME807
s/n ME807
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 807
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME810
s/n ME810
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 810
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-K2) 27 May 1944. Missing on operation to Sterkrade 16/17 Jun 1944. 43 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME811
s/n ME811
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 811
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn 26 May 1944. Missing on operation to Vire 6/7 Jun 1944. 21 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME814
s/n ME814
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 814
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 29 May 1944. Missing from operation to Revigny 18/19 Jul 1944. 86 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME827
s/n ME827
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 827
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 29 May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 43 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME828
s/n ME828
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 828
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME829
s/n ME829
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 829
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-G) 30 May 1944. Missing on operation to Neuss, Germany 23/24 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME831
s/n ME831
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 831
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME832
s/n ME832
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 832
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-J) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to St Leu d'Esserent 4/5 Jul 1944. 61 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME833
s/n ME833
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 833
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn 6 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 18/19 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME839
s/n ME839
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 839
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 116 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Trossy St. Maximin, France 3 Aug 1944. 138 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME840
s/n ME840
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 840
Merlin
Known Units: 550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME843
s/n ME843
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 843
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn 11 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 22 Jun 1944. 16 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME846
s/n ME846
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 846
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME848
s/n ME848
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 848
Merlin
Known Units: 15;103
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-N) Jun 1944. Transferred to No. 103 Sqn Feb (PM-E) 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Earl William Armour 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 KIA RAF William henry Fox 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Robert MacKenzie 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant John Berchman McCormick 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Stewart Hugh McRoberts 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant John Douglas Smith 2025-09-23
1945-March-17 PoW RAF Ernest Young 2025-09-23 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME851
s/n ME851
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 851
Merlin
Known Units: 467
Delivered to No. 467 (Australian) Sqn 17 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Nevers, France 15/16 Jul 1944. RAF Commands website says that it was in collision with Lancaster ME 807 of No. 207 Sqn. [Mason gives Squadron as No. 90; Richardson gives aircraft SOC Jun 1947]last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nevers France 1944-07-16 to 1944-07-16
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
Delivered 17 June 1944 to 467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster aircraft ME 851 went missing during a night raid against the Marshalling Yards at Nevers, France. Bomber Commands operational plans called for simultaneous raids on Nevers, 130 miles south of Paris, and on Chalons du Marne 90 miles to the east. Lancaster ME 851 was believed to have collided with Lancaster ME 807 from 207 Squadron. Killed were F/Lt. W.J.B. Murphy (RCAF); Flying Officer F.A. Ewen (RAAF); FSs. A.H. Jenkins (RAAF), D.A. Paterson (RAAF), and W. Paul (RAAF); Pilot Officer W.H.E. Wright (RAAF); and Sgt. E.C.W. Goode (RAF).Lancaster Mk.I serial ME854
s/n ME854
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 854
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn 18 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 12/13 Sep 1944. 246 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME857
s/n ME857
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 857
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn SR-C) 18 Jun 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing from operation to Russelsheim 20 Aug 1944. 127 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Richard Jones 2023-09-27
1944-August-25 PoW RCAF Flying Officer C J McLeod 2024-11-01
1944-August-25 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Edward Porter 2023-09-27
1944-August-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Chester Owen Powell 2023-09-27
1944-August-25 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant D F Rycroft 2021-04-18 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME858
s/n ME858
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 858
Merlin
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME863
s/n ME863
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 863
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME865
s/n ME865
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 865
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Bochum Germany 1944-11-04 to 1944-11-04
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Ludford Magna
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-X) 24 Jun 1944. Aircraft was equipped with ABC jamming device. Took off from RAF Ludford Magna at 17:38. Missing from mission to Bochum 4/5 Nov 1944
Claim by Hptm Heinz Rokker 2/NJG2 - North of Dortmund (KP): 5,000m at 19:36. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten).Crashed at Speck near Neukirchen.
The crew were initially buried in a communal grave at Holsten Cemetery Row 11 Grave 3. Reinterred 29 July 1947. (CWGC)
This crew had nearly completed their first tour when shot down
Pilot Officer Joseph Lloyd Gallant RCAF J/95287 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Pilot Officer Albert Norman Gould RCAF J/95288 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Flying Officer Walter Franklin Moran RCAF J/38717 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Flying Officer John Harvey Quirt RCAF J/21394 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Flying Officer Gordon Thomas Weiss RCAF J/35610 pilot KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Sergeant Douglas Frederick Gordon Day RAF KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8. Sergeant George Kesten RAF KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery Coll. grave 17. D. 1-8.
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Joseph Commins 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Douglas Frederick Gordon Day 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Lloyd Gallant 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Norman Gould 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Kesten 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Franklin Moran 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Harvey Quirt 2024-10-06
1944-November-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Thomas Weiss 2024-10-06 Lancaster Mk.I serial ME866
s/n ME866
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 866
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial ME868
s/n ME868
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
ME 868
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent 7/8 Jul 1944. 12 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND324
s/n ND324
m/d 683
Avro
ND 324
Merlin
Known Units: 12
It was delivered to No. 12 Sqn in Jan 1944. The rafcommands.com website gives No. 12 Sqn as well. It was lost on a mission to Stettin on 5/6 Jan 1944, and seems to have crash-landed in Sweden.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-01-05 to 1944-01-06
12 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby
12 Squadron (Leads the Field) RAF Wickenby. Lancaster III ND 324 PH-E was intercepted and damaged by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Kurt Welter of 5/JG302 during an operation against targets in Stettin, Germany. Unable to return to the UK due to the damage the crew managed to make their way to the skies over neutral Sweden and force-landed near Kalmar
Flight Lieutenant Walter Kroeker (RCAF), Flying Officer Clarence Edward Modeland (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant William Dalton Smith (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant Cyril Brooks (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant John Frederick Woodcherry (RAFVR), Flying Officer George Thomas Wood (RAFVR) and Flying Officer Charles J Butler (RAFVR) all survived to become Interned Prisoners
They returned to England 1944-09-24
Most of this crew, Flight Lieutenant Kroeker, Flight Lieutenant Modeland, Flight Lieutenant Smith, Flying Officer Wood, Flight Sergeant Brooks and Flight Sergeant Woodcherry would re-join 12 Squadron upon return to the UK. They would all be killed in action in Lancaster I aircraft RF 182 PH-P during a raid on the synthetic oil plant at Lutzkendorf, Germany 1945-04-05
Oberfeldwebel Welter would later go on to command a unit flying the German Messerschmidt ME262 twin-engine jet fighter
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 1 1January - 15 March by Theo Boiten, page 24
Night Airwar, Personal recollections of the conflict over Europe 1939-45 by Theo Boiten, page 231
1 Group Bomber Command an Operational Record by Chris Ward with Greg Harrison and Grzegorz Korcz, page 171
Avro Lancaster The Definitive Record (2nd Edition) by Harry Holmes pages 87, 216
1944-January-06 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant Cyril Brooks 2025-11-13
1944-January-06 Interned RAFVR Flying Officer Charles J Butler 2025-11-13
1944-January-06 Interned RCAF Flying Officer Walter Kroeker 2025-11-17
1944-January-06 Interned RCAF Flight Lieutenant Clarence Edward Modeland 2025-11-17
1944-January-06 Interned RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Dalton Smith 2025-11-13
1944-January-06 Interned RCAF Flying Officer William Dalton Smith 2022-05-30
1944-January-06 Interned RAFVR Flying Officer George Thomas Wood 2025-11-13
1944-January-06 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Frederick Woodcherry 2025-11-13 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND325
s/n ND325
m/d 683
Avro
ND 325
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND327
s/n ND327
m/d 683
Avro
ND 327
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND328
s/n ND328
m/d 683
Avro
ND 328
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND330
s/n ND330
m/d 683
Avro
ND 330
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Loaned by No. 83 Sqn RAF to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". Lost on raid to Berlin, 2 January 1944, with crew from 405 Squadron. May have crashed at Wahrenholz, 15 km. north-northeast of Gifhorn. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-03 to 1944-01-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
Loaned by No. 83 Squadron, RAF to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". Lost on raid to Berlin, 2 January 1944, with crew from 405 Squadron. May have crashed at Wahrenholz, 15 km. north-northeast of Gifhorn.
Flight Sergeant Jack ANDERSON (1217743) Air Gunne; Sergeant William John BLAKELY (R/165968) Flight Engi; Flight Sergeant Joseph Desmond CLARKE (1162204) Wireless Op ;Flying Officer Donald James ELLIOTT (J/22208) Navigator 7; Flight Sergeant George Rhys EVANS (656618) Air Bomber ; Warrant Officer Class II Thomas Harold NOLAN (R/82062) Air Gunner; Warrant Officer Arthur William ROBINSON (1015525) Pilot. All Killed
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Jack Anderson 2025-01-25
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Sergeant William John Blakely 2025-01-25
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Joseph Desmond Clarke 2025-01-25
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald James Elliott 2025-01-25
1944-January-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Thomas Harold Nolan 2025-01-25
1944-January-03 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Arthur William Robinson 2025-01-25 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND338
s/n ND338
m/d 683
Avro
ND 338
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn (LE-T) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 20/21 Feb 1944. 144 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND339
s/n ND339
m/d 683
Avro
ND 339
Merlin
Known Units: 106;617
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Dec 1943. After many operations with 106, it was on loan to No. 617 Sqn as AJ-Zbar in April 1944. It was returned to No. 106 and went missing on an operation to St Leu d'Esserent, France 4/5 Jul 1944. 340 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND341
s/n ND341
m/d 683
Avro
ND 341
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*S". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-01-05 to 1944-01-06
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 341, piloted by Flight Lieutenant GE Coldrey (RCAF) participated in an operation to Stettin, Germany Air gunner FS RHJ Daoust (RCAF) was found dead in his turret while the aircraft was returning from the operation. According to ORB, death was from natural causes. Captain made an emergency landing at West Raynham for the Medical Officer to inspect and remove the body. Aircraft then returned to Gransden LodgeBombing Stettin Germany 1944-01-14 to 1944-01-14
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Target - Brunswick, Germany. (Flight Lieutenant) W.B.B.Cloutier, DFC;Warrant Officer A.K. Lawrence, Flight Lieutenant E.A. Sanderson, Pilot Officer A.S. Parker, and one of the crew, not Canadian, were also killed. One of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed, and one Canadian, Pilot Officer March, was either an Evader or was taken Prisoner of War. There were three 405 Sqdn. aircraft lost in the same area on this date. The following RAF personnel were also killed; Flight Lieutenant R.B. Jarvie, Sergeants K.S. Joslyn, E.A. Lane, J.J. Waddell, and FS D.E. Smith
1944-January-15 Failed to Return Failed to return from mission to Brunswick 2019-08-20
1944-January-06 Died RCAF Flight Sergeant Roger Henry Jules Daoust 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Blaise Burke Cloutier DFC 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 PoW RAF Sergeant Charles Alexander Dunnett 2024-10-30
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Sidney Joslyn 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Allan Keith Lawrence 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Jocelyn Jennings March 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer Stanley Eric Neville DFC 2024-08-29
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Smith Parker 2024-10-30
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Earl Albert Sanderson 2024-10-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND342
s/n ND342
m/d 683
Avro
ND 342
Merlin
Known Units: 405;156;12
May have been with No. 405 Squadron and No. 32 MU before going to No. 156 Squadron Nov 1943. It then moved to No. 12 Squadron (PH-U) in Sep 1944 before going missing on operation to Essen 12/13 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1944-12-12 to 1944-12-12
12 (B) Sqn (RAF)
12 Squadron (Leads The Field). Lancaster aircraft ND 342 crashed near Dusseldorf, Germany during an evening operation to Essen
Claimed by Lt Gustav Mohr 2/NJG11 - Essen - Duisburg No height at +/- 19:50. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Crashed North East of Dusseldorf, 9km from Hilden.Those who perished (except Flt Lt Hall RCAF) were initially buried in Dusseldorf North Cemetery. Reinterred 24 October 1946
Fg Off Hall RCAF bailed out over Hilden. Tragically he was lynched by the Ortsguppenleiter (local Nazi-leader). Flt Lt Hall was initially buried in Hilden Town Cemetery. Reinternment date not known
The rest of the crew bailed out later but three of them died when the aircraft crashed.
The crew's Bomb Aimer, Ken Kenworthy wrote in 1945: "Whilst on the bombing run we were suddenly attacked by a night fighter who machine gunned us from nose to tail destroying our instruments and leaving us in a blazing condition. Reg immediately ordered us to bale out. As Air Bomber I saw that all our bombs had been released, informed Reg who wished me the best of luck then baled out. Harry, our Navigator, baled out a few seconds after me and at that time Reg was standing on his seat ready to bale out next. Reg had stuck by and piloted the aircraft, giving his crew every chance to get out safely, the flames must have been dangerously near by the time his turn came to jump. In fact only the Navigator, Bomb Aimer and Flight Engineer survived, to be taken prisoner.
Their Lancaster, one of eight shot down that night, crashed near Dusseldorf and the other four in the crew were killed. Today they lie in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, in Germany. It was Christmas-time 1944 when the family learned that Reg was missing on air operations. They knew little more, until the letter arrived after the end of the war."source: John Jones
1944-December-12 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Harold Asquith 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Bertram Edward William Hall 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Hunt 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Richard Patterson 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Charles Herbert Seldon 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RNZAF Flying Officer Reginald Clive Veitch 2024-11-13 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND343
s/n ND343
m/d 683
Avro
ND 343
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*J". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Lens France 1944-06-15 to 1944-06-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Normandy
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Grandsen Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 343 LQ-L was struck by flak and exploded during an operation against rail yards in Lens, France in support of the Normandy Landings. The Lancaster crashed near Carency, Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France. The explosion threw the Pilot, Warrant Officer Class 2 Charles John Stewart (RCAF) free of his aircraft. Stewart survived and avoided capture as an Evader.
The remainder of the crew were lost: Flying Officer Arthur Gordon Gamsby (RCAF), Pilot Officer Philip Sanson Greene (RCAF), Pilot Officer Walter Donald Huff (RCAF), Pilot Officer Walter Arthur Morrill (RCAF), Pilot Officer Cyril Edmund Roberts (RCAF) and Pilot Officer Jack Kenneth Vician (RCAF) were all killed in action
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
62 - Leubringhen Calais Canadian War Cemetery I They came from the sky...
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Austin Gordon Gamsby 2025-01-25
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Philip Samson Greene 2025-01-26
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Donald Huff 2025-01-26
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Warren Arthur Morrill 2025-01-26
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Cyril Edmund Roberts 2025-01-26
1944-June-16 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles John Stewart 2025-01-26
1944-June-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Kenneth Vivian 2025-01-26 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND344
s/n ND344
m/d 683
Avro
ND 344
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Tours France 1944-06-11 to 1944-06-12
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Normandy
405 City of Vancouver Sqn (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 344 lost on raid against Tours, France to bomb enemy communications in support of tactical operations in the Normandy invasion. The air crew of Lancaster ND344 bailed out and evaded. Flying Officer JM Clement (RCAF) found refuge with the Bodineau family, resistance members of the Burgundy Network. Flight Sergeant F Devine (RAF) was taken Prisoner of War. The rest of the aircrew, Pilot Officer DE Melcombe (RCAF), Flying Officer JW West (RCAF), Sergeant H Braithwaite (RCAF), Sergeant AG Deakin (RAF) and Sergeant FC Bailey (RAF) successfully evaded (www.conscript-heroes.com IS-9 & MI-9 files, 5th Year). The German police conducted a raid on July 24, arresting resistance members, including the Bodineau family and Flying Officer Clement and they were taken to a prison at Tours. On August 9, 1944, a group of 26 prisoners, including Flying Officer Clement and Roger Bodineau were shot and buried in bomb craters at the Parcay-Meslay aviation camp in St Symphorien, France. Detail from: https://maitron.fr/spip.php?article215525
1944-June-12 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Frederick Cyril Bailey 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Harry Braithwaite 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 Evader Executed RCAF Flying Officer James McVicar Clement 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Alfred George Deakin 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant Francis Devine 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Dick Ewart Melcombe 2024-10-17
1944-June-12 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Jack W. West 2024-10-17 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND345
s/n ND345
m/d 683
Avro
ND 345
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-02-20 to 1944-02-21
156 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) Warboys
598 aircraft - 460 Lancasters, I26 Halifaxes, 12 Mosquitoes. The North Sea sweep and the Munich diversion successfully drew the German fighters up 2 hours before the main bomber force flew inland and only 9 aircraft - 7 Lancasters and 2 Halifaxes - were lost, 1·5 per cent of the force. 4 further Lancasters and 1 Halifax crashed in England.
Stuttgart was cloud-covered and the bombing became scattered. The local report states that considerable damage was caused in the centre of the city and in the north-eastern and north-western suburbs of Bad Canstatt and Feuerbach. Several important cultural buildings in the centre of the city were badly damaged- the Neues Schloss, the Landtag (regional parliament building), the state picture gallery, the state archives, the state theatre and two old churches. In the Feuerbach suburb, however, the Bosch factory, which produced dynamos, injection pumps and magnetos and was considered to be one of the most important factories in Germany, was heavily damaged. 125 people were killed and 510 injured. source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Returning from Stuttgart, Lancaster ND345 was hit by flak. The pilot was thrown clear and became a POW and the remainder of the crew were buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. The crew were: F/Lt D.K. MacKay, DFC, RCAF - Pilot Sergeant J.C.L Reed, RAFVR - Flight Engineer Pilot Officer R Halperin, DFC, RAFVR - Navigator Sergeant G.P Roche, RAFVR - Navigator/Bomb Aimer F/Lt B.O Petrides, DFM, RAFVR - Wireless Operator/Air Gunner S/Ldr A Muir, DFC, RAFVR - Air Gunner Flying Officer J Moffat, DFC, RAFVR - Air Gunner S/Ldr Muir was the Squadron Gunnery Leader and with four DFCs and a DFM they were a particularly highly decorated crew. source: RAF Commands
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Ronald Halperin DFC 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Donald Kenzie Mackay DFC, KCVSA 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer James Moffat DFC 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Squadron Leader Andrew Muir DFC 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Basil Oliver Petrides DFM 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Charles Lewis Reed 2025-04-05
1944-February-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gerard Patrick Roche 2025-04-05 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND347
s/n ND347
m/d 683
Avro
ND 347
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Haine-Saint-Pierre Belgium 1944-05-09 to 1944-05-09
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 347 LQ-W was shot down, most likely by a night fighter during an operation against targets in Haine-St-Pierre, Belgium. The Lancaster crashed at Bon Secours, Hainaut, Belgium with the loss of one crew member
Pilot Officer D J Copeland (RCAF), rear air-gunner, was killed in action
Flight Lieutenant A E Darlow (RAFVR), Sergeant E T Utton (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant A W Burrell (RAFVR) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War
Warrant officer Class 2 G A Lorimer (RCAF), Flying Officer L A Nethery (RCAF) and Sergeant P W Richards (RAFVR) survived and avoided capture as Evaders
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
May 1944 - Bomber Command History
"Belgians Remember Them": The Airmen fallen in action in WW2 in...
1944-May-09 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant Allan Walter Burrell 2024-04-18
1944-May-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Johnston Copeland 2024-04-18
1944-May-09 PoW RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Arthur Eric Darlow 2024-04-18
1944-May-09 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 G A Lorimer 2024-08-29
1944-May-09 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Lorne Alexander Nethery 2024-08-29
1944-May-09 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Philip W (Pip) Richards 2024-04-16
1944-May-09 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Ernest Trevor Utton 2024-04-18 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND352
s/n ND352
m/d 683
Avro
ND 352
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*T". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation to Versailles on 11 June 1944. Attacked by fighter while homebound, near Etampes, France. This attack started a wing fire, or possibly an engine fire. Crew ordered to bail out, only the mid-upper gunner and pilot survived.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Versailles France 1944-06-10 to 1944-06-11
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Normandy
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 352 LQ-T successfully completed a post D-Day operational flight to bomb railway marshalling yards at Versailles, France. On the return flight the Lancaster was attacked from below in the bomb bay by night-fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Herber Altner of 8/NJG5 resulting in the centre fuselage immediately catching fire. Despite a valent effort by the pilot to give crew members time to bailout, with only the pilot and the mid-upper gunner escaping the aircraft before it crashed near Auneau, Eure-et-Loir, south-west of Paris, France
Flying Officer Alexander Thomas Armstrong (RCAF), Pilot Officer Joseph Jaques Guy Dagenais (RCAF), Flying Officer John Lionel Emery (RCAF) and Flight Sergeant Martin Arthur Thornhill (RAFVR) were all killed in action. These four crew members are buried in the communal cemetery some 21 km ENE of Chartres, Departement d'Eure-et-Loir, Centre, France
Pilot Officer Ross Joseph Phillips (RCAF) and Sergeant Jack Wilson Sharples (RAFVR) were missing, presumed killed in action. These two crew members are unaccounted for and have no known grave. They are both commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Melvin Pryor Stronach DSO (RCAF), badly burned and Mid-Upper Air Gunner, Flight Sergeant Paul Henri Gingras (RCAF) both survived to become Evaders and avoided capture
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 June by Theo Boiten, page 50
1944-June-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Thomas Armstrong 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Jacques Guy Dagenais 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Lionel Emery 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant Paul Henri Gingras Mid, CDGFSS 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ross Joseph Phillips 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Jack Wilson Sharples 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant Melvin Pryor Stronach DSO 2025-01-18
1944-June-11 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Martin Arthur Thornhill 2025-01-18 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND353
s/n ND353
m/d 683
Avro
ND 353
Merlin
Known Units: SIU;7
At No. 32 MU then to Signals Intelligence Unit to fit advanced Monica. Then to No. 7 Sqn (MG-N and MG-G) Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 22/23 April 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND354
s/n ND354
m/d 683
Avro
ND 354
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND355
s/n ND355
m/d 683
Avro
ND 355
Merlin
Known Units: 97;635
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn Dec 1943. Transferred to No. 635 Sqn (F2-W) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 26/27 Aug 1944. 365 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND357
s/n ND357
m/d 683
Avro
ND 357
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND358
s/n ND358
m/d 683
Avro
ND 358
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND360
s/n ND360
m/d 683
Avro
ND 360
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-N) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND362
s/n ND362
m/d 683
Avro
ND 362
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND363
s/n ND363
m/d 683
Avro
ND 363
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND365
s/n ND365
m/d 683
Avro
ND 365
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND386
s/n ND386
m/d 683
Avro
ND 386
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-P2) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 28/29 Jan 1944. 68 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND388
s/n ND388
m/d 683
Avro
ND 388
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND395
s/n ND395
m/d 683
Avro
ND 395
Merlin
Known Units: 7;83
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 7 Sqn, then to No. 83 Sqn OL-J, later OL-E) early 1944. Missing on operation to Aachen 11/12 Apr 1944. 165 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND396
s/n ND396
m/d 683
Avro
ND 396
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-D) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944. 40 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND400
s/n ND400
m/d 683
Avro
ND 400
Merlin
Known Units: 83
With No. 83 Sqn (OL-Q). Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND401
s/n ND401
m/d 683
Avro
ND 401
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With No. 166 Sqn. Missing on mission to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND404
s/n ND404
m/d 683
Avro
ND 404
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-R) Dec 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND405
s/n ND405
m/d 683
Avro
ND 405
Merlin
Known Units: 57;550;166
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Jan 1944. Crashed on returning from Gardening sortie 22 May 1945. Later served with No. 550 and No. 166 Squadrons before being SOC 30-Sep 1947.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND406
s/n ND406
m/d 683
Avro
ND 406
Merlin
Known Units: 57;156
With No. 57 Sqn, then transferred to No. 156 Sqn. Missing on the ill-fated Nurnburg raid of 30/31 Mar 1944 where 108 aircraft were lost. This was the 10th aircraft shot down. The crew were on the 19th operation of a second tour.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND410
s/n ND410
m/d 683
Avro
ND 410
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND411
s/n ND411
m/d 683
Avro
ND 411
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-J) Jan 1944. Shot down by night fighter on operation to Mailly le Camp, France 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND412
s/n ND412
m/d 683
Avro
ND 412
Merlin
Known Units: 630;405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P and LQ*M. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Laon France 1944-04-22 to 1944-04-23
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft ND 412 suffered damage to the rear fuselage and tail assembly caused by JU 88 enemy fighter aircraft cannon fire while over the target Laon, France
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND415
s/n ND415
m/d 683
Avro
ND 415
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-Z, later OF-B) Jan 1944. Collided with Lancaster LL967 and crashed near East Kirkby on return from operation to Brunswick 22/23 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND417
s/n ND417
m/d 683
Avro
ND 417
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND423
s/n ND423
m/d 683
Avro
ND 423
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF from 9 January 1944, coded "LQ*K". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 15 January 1944, its first operation. All crew killed. Had 8 hours logged when written off. One of 3 squadron losses on this mission. Reported as shot down by night fighter, crashing in flames in a farm filed near Uepsen, Germany, but the identity of this crashed aircraft is not confirmed.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-01-14 to 1944-01-14
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF from 9 January 1944, coded "LQ*K". Failed to return from operation over Brunswick on 15 January 1944, its first operation. All crew killed. Had 8 hours logged when written off. One of 3 squadron losses on this mission. Reported as shot down by night fighter, crashing in flames in a farm filed near Uepsen, Germany, but the identity of this crashed aircraft is not confirmed
1944-January-15 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Brunswick 2019-08-20
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon Robert Drimmie DFC 2024-10-28
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Frank Gilbey 2022-08-22
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Roger Bingham Jarvie 2022-08-22
1944-January-14 KIA RAF Sergeant Eric Arthur Lane 2022-08-22
1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Floyd Peterson 2022-08-22
1944-January-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Dennis Frederick Smith 2022-08-22 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND424
s/n ND424
m/d 683
Avro
ND 424
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-G) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Vaires 27/28 Jun 1944. 196 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND439
s/n ND439
m/d 683
Avro
ND 439
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND441
s/n ND441
m/d 683
Avro
ND 441
Merlin
Known Units: 626;12
Originally with No. 626, then to No. 12 Sqn (PH-Z) Jan 1944. Missing on mission to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. This was the disastrous raid where poor planning and weather forecasting exposed the bomber stream to the German night fighters. In total, 108 aircraft were lost from enemy action or crashing in England. ND 441 was the 35th aircraft shot down, by fighter. The crew were on the 3rd operation, some on their 2nd tour (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND443
s/n ND443
m/d 683
Avro
ND 443
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND447
s/n ND447
m/d 683
Avro
ND 447
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND448
s/n ND448
m/d 683
Avro
ND 448
Merlin
Known Units: 97;83
Started with No. 97 Sqn Jan 1944. Transferred to No. 83 Squadron (OL-K). Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND449
s/n ND449
m/d 683
Avro
ND 449
Merlin
Known Units: 156
With No. 156 Sqn. Missing on operation to Nantes 6/7 May 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND459
s/n ND459
m/d 683
Avro
ND 459
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND461
s/n ND461
m/d 683
Avro
ND 461
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND462
s/n ND462
m/d 683
Avro
ND 462
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*J". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Shot down by flak from 20,000 feet during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany 30/31 Jan 1944 with the loss of the entire crew. The bomber crashed near Loburg a small town 17 km North of Zerbat, Germany.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-30 to 1944-01-30
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 462 LQ-J was shot down by flak from 20,000 feet during an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany with the loss of the entire crew. The bomber crashed near Loburg a small town 17 km North of Zerbat, Germany
,
Flight Lieutenant Warren Ainsley Roberts (RCAF), Pilot Officer Joseph Paul Roger Boileau (RCAF), Flying Officer Ernest Stuart Guiton (RCAF), Flying Officer Douglas Hackett DFC (RCAF), Flying Officer Arthur Bennett Schultz (RCAF), Warrant Officer Alan Hazlehurst (RAFVR) and Sergeant Ivan Edward Smedley (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Two other 405 Squadron Lancaster aircraft were lost on this operation. Please see aircraft serials ND 493 LQ-S and JA 924 LQ R for additional information on these aircraft and crews
1944-January-31 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Berlin 2019-08-20
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Paul Roger Boileau 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ernest Stuart Guiton 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas Hackett DFC 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Warrant Officer Alan Hazlehurst 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Warren Ainsley Roberts 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Bennett Schultz 2024-07-30
1944-January-30 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ivan Edward Smedley 2024-07-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND464
s/n ND464
m/d 683
Avro
ND 464
Merlin
Known Units: 405;83
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. With 83 Squadron it crashed on landing at Coningsby after raid on Givers 11/12 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND466
s/n ND466
m/d 683
Avro
ND 466
Merlin
Known Units: 156
To No. 32MU, then to No. 156 Sqn Jan 1944. Missing on the disastrous operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. The aircraft was 65th down of the 108 shot down or crashed, probably to the night fighter Me 110 of Oberleutnant Becker of I/NJG 6. The crew was on the 17th operation of a second tour (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND468
s/n ND468
m/d 683
Avro
ND 468
Merlin
Known Units: 57
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND469
s/n ND469
m/d 683
Avro
ND 469
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND470
s/n ND470
m/d 683
Avro
ND 470
Merlin
Known Units: SIU;7
First to No. 32 MU, then to Signals Intelligence Unit for installation of improved Monica tail-warning radar. To No. 7 Sqn (MG-S) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND476
s/n ND476
m/d 683
Avro
ND 476
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND478
s/n ND478
m/d 683
Avro
ND 478
Merlin
Known Units: 97
To No. 32 MU then to No. 97 Sqn (OF-Q) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 13 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND492
s/n ND492
m/d 683
Avro
ND 492
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND493
s/n ND493
m/d 683
Avro
ND 493
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*S". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.Missing on raid to Berlin 30/31 Jan 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-30 to 1944-01-30
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
Battle of Berlin
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster aircraft ND 493 LQ-S was shot down by flak from 20,000 feet, crashing at at Teshendorf-Ruppin, Germany, during night ops. against targets in Berlin, Germany
Pilot Officer Joseph Marie Antoine Laurent Charest (RCAF), Pilot Officer Sigurjon Einarsson (RCAF) and Pilot Officer Grant Murray O'Neil (RCAF) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
Flying Officer Arthur Bonikowski (RCAF), Pilot Officer Gordon Robertson Buchanan (RCAF), Flying Officer Joseph Andre Roger Laberge DFC (RCAF) and Sergeant Friend Samuel Cole (RAFVR) all survived to become Prisoners of War
There were three 405 Sqn aircraft lost in the same area on this date. Please see aircraft serials ND 462 LQ-J and JA 924 LQ-R for information regarding the other aircraft and crew
1944-January-31 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Berlin 2019-08-20
1944-January-30 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Bonikowski 2024-08-01
1944-January-30 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Robertson Buchanan 2024-08-01
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Marie Antoine Laurent Charest 2024-08-01
1944-January-30 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Friend Samuel Cole 2025-01-27
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Sigurjon Einarsson 2024-08-01
1944-January-30 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Andre Roger Laberge DFC 2024-08-01
1944-January-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Grant Murray O'Neil 2024-08-01 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND494
s/n ND494
m/d 683
Avro
ND 494
Merlin
Known Units: 83
From No. 32 MU to No. 83 Sqn (OL-G) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Gennevilliers 10 May 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND497
s/n ND497
m/d 683
Avro
ND 497
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND503
s/n ND503
m/d 683
Avro
ND 503
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Jan 1944. Missing on mission to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 39 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND504
s/n ND504
m/d 683
Avro
ND 504
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND506
s/n ND506
m/d 683
Avro
ND 506
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND507
s/n ND507
m/d 683
Avro
ND 507
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*C". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from target marking operation over marshalling yards at Trappes on 2/3 June 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Trappes France 1944-06-02 to 1944-06-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*C". Failed to return from target marking operation over marshalling yards at Trappes on 2/3 June 1944.,/p>
Squadron Leader George Edwin COLDREY (J/4820) Pilot; Pilot Officer Norman JOHNSTON (J/85052) Wireless Op; Pilot Officer David Austin KELLEY (C/88471) Flight Engi; Pilot Officer Leslie Asa McCREA (J/89734) Air Gunner; Pilot Officer Joseph Gerard Maurice RENAUD (J/86739) Air Gunner. All killed
1944-June-03 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader George Edwin Coldrey 2024-03-13
1944-June-03 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant George Lachlan Court 2024-05-04
1944-June-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Johnston 2023-10-11
1944-June-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David Austin Kelley 2023-11-16
1944-June-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Asa McCrea 2023-10-11
1944-June-03 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer John Henry O'Neill DFC 2022-08-25
1944-June-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Gerard Maurice Renaud 2023-10-11 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND511
s/n ND511
m/d 683
Avro
ND 511
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-N) Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Gennevilliers, France 9/10 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND520
s/n ND520
m/d 683
Avro
ND 520
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND522
s/n ND522
m/d 683
Avro
ND 522
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-O) 22 Jan 1944. Missing on Gardening sortie 21/22 Aug 1944. 227 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND524
s/n ND524
m/d 683
Avro
ND 524
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*A" and "LQ*G". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND525
s/n ND525
m/d 683
Avro
ND 525
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND526
s/n ND526
m/d 683
Avro
ND 526
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*M" and "LQ*R". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from mission to Aachen 25 May1944. Came down near Hilvarenbeek, Holland.#405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft #ND 526 missing during a raid against Schweinfurt, Germany 24/25 Feb 1944. Sergeant C.W.L. Tongue (RAF) was also killed. Five Canadians, Flight Lieutenant J.W. Fielding, F/Os J.R. Shaw, R.L. Christison, Sergeants G.W. Robinson, and Poure were taken Prisoners of War. Pilot Officer Navigator Schwartz is buried in the Communal Cemetery at Weyer, Bas-Rhin, France.
last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Aachen Germany 1944-05-25 to 1944-05-25
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster III aircraft ND526 LQ-M shot down over Holland at Hilvarenbeek, Noord-Brabant during an attack against Aachen, Germany by night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Wilhelm Henseler of the 1/NJG 1, who was flying a Heinkel He 219 A-0 from Venlo airfield. (aviation-safety.net) Squadron Leader G Bennett DSO DFC (RCAF) killed but his crew survived. Flight Lieutenant E Baker (RCAF), Pilot Officer FC Davies (RCAF), Warrant Officer Class 2 WV Joel RCAF), Flight Sergeant JI Rees (RAF), Flying Officer SA Walker (RAF) and FS A Rodgers (RAF) were taken Prisoner of War. Warrant Officer Class 2 JH Frame (RCAF) evaded
1944-May-25 PoW RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Eli Baker 2024-11-28
1944-May-25 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Gordon Neil Bennett DFC, DSO 2025-01-14
1944-May-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick Charles Davies 2024-10-31
1944-May-25 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 J H Frame 2024-11-28
1944-May-25 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Vernon Joel 2024-11-28
1944-May-25 PoW RAF John Ieuan Rees 2025-01-14
1944-May-25 PoW RAF Alma Rodgers DFM 2025-01-14
1944-May-25 PoW RAF Stanley Alan Walker 2025-01-14 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND527
s/n ND527
m/d 683
Avro
ND 527
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Flew with No. 630 Sqn (LE-O). Missing from gardening sortie 26/27 Jul 1944. 378 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND528
s/n ND528
m/d 683
Avro
ND 528
Merlin
Known Units: 12
With No. 12 Sqn (PH-B). Missing from operation over Saintes, 23/24 Jun 1944. 218 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND530
s/n ND530
m/d 683
Avro
ND 530
Merlin
Known Units: 207;630
With No. 207 Sqn, then transferred to No. 630 Sqn Jan 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 15/16 Mar 1944. 85 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND532
s/n ND532
m/d 683
Avro
ND 532
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND553
s/n ND553
m/d 683
Avro
ND 553
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND557
s/n ND557
m/d 683
Avro
ND 557
Merlin
Known Units: 7
Delivered to No. 32 MU, then to the Signals Intelligence Unit for installation of improved MONICA radar equipment, before going to No. 7 Sqn (MG-F). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 15/16 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND562
s/n ND562
m/d 683
Avro
ND 562
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-D) Feb 1944. Missing on the ill-fated operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944 when 108 aircraft were shot down or crashed. This aircraft was shot down by night fighter and was the 8th casualty of the night. The crew were on their 22nd operation (Middlebrook)last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND563
s/n ND563
m/d 683
Avro
ND 563
Merlin
Known Units: 630
With No. 630 Sqn. Aircraft crashed on take-off at East Kirkby on operation to Stuttgart 20 Feb 1944 and the bomb load exploded.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND564
s/n ND564
m/d 683
Avro
ND 564
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND565
s/n ND565
m/d 683
Avro
ND 565
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND566
s/n ND566
m/d 683
Avro
ND 566
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-March-02 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Maurice Reavie Binns 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 KIA RAF Sergeant James McLeod Campbell 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 PoW RAF Sergeant John Cartlidge 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 PoW RAF Sergeant Maurice Bennet Dearling 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 KIA RAF Sergeant Kenneth Naylor 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 PoW RAF Pilot Officer Clarence Oakley 2025-11-15
1944-March-02 PoW RAAF Flt Sergeant Geoffrey Lawrence Pratt 2025-11-15 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND567
s/n ND567
m/d 683
Avro
ND 567
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND568
s/n ND568
m/d 683
Avro
ND 568
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on the ill-fated Nurnburg raid of 30/31 Mar 1944, on which 108 aircraft were lost. The aircraft was the 71st shot down, by Haupt. Tham of IV/NJG5.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND570
s/n ND570
m/d 683
Avro
ND 570
Merlin
Known Units: 207 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND571
s/n ND571
m/d 683
Avro
ND 571
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-N) 1 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Leipzig 19/20 Feb 1944. 11 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND575
s/n ND575
m/d 683
Avro
ND 575
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND577
s/n ND577
m/d 683
Avro
ND 577
Merlin
Known Units: 405;156
Aircraft missing on mission to Versailles France 7/8 June 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND579
s/n ND579
m/d 683
Avro
ND 579
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With No. 166 Sqn (AS-M). Crashed into the North Sea on returning from an operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND580
s/n ND580
m/d 683
Avro
ND 580
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND581
s/n ND581
m/d 683
Avro
ND 581
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND582
s/n ND582
m/d 683
Avro
ND 582
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Aircraft DX-S of No. 57 Sqn. Crashed at Croydon on return from a raid to La Chapelle 21 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND583
s/n ND583
m/d 683
Avro
ND 583
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND585
s/n ND585
m/d 683
Avro
ND 585
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND587
s/n ND587
m/d 683
Avro
ND 587
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*D". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Attacked by ME110 over Landrecies, Belgium on 9 May 1944 during mission to Haine St. Pierre, shot down. Crashed near Gaillix, Belgium, all 7 crew killed. The Me110 was shot down a few minutes later by a Mosquito of 169 Squadron, RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Haine-Saint-Pierre Belgium 1944-05-09 to 1944-05-09
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
405 Vancouver Squadron RCAF, Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft ND 587 LQ-D was lost returning as "Target Illuminator" from an operation against the rail yards at Haine-Saint-Pierre Belgium in the lead-up to the D-Day landings. After successfully bombing the rail yards, the aircraft was attacked and damaged by multiple German night fighters, crashing in a farm field near Gallaix, Belgium with the loss of the entire crew
The Nachjagtd Combat Archive by Theo Boiten credits the kill to Unteroffizier Konrad Beyer of 1/NJG4 but the 405 Squadron Association website also credits Leutnant Wolfgang Marstaller of 1/NJG4 as having attacked the Lancaster after Unteroffizier Beyer. Marstaller's Me110 aircraft was shot down a few minutes later by a Mosquito of 169 Squadron, RAFFlight Lieutenant Gordon Winston Knupp (RCAF), Pilot Officer Claude Michael Sylvah (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant William McLaurin Chase (RAAF), Flight Lieutenant William Sinclair (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant James Matthew Buckley (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant Ronald Denver Daniels (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant John Thomas Gill (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 2 16 March - 11 May by Theo Boiten, page 122
1944-May-09 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant James Matthew Buckley 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RAAF Flight Lieutenant William McLaurin Chase 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Ronald Denver Daniels 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Thomas Gill 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Gordon Winston Knupp 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant William Sinclair 2025-09-20
1944-May-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Claude Michael Sylvah 2025-09-20 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND590
s/n ND590
m/d 683
Avro
ND 590
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND593
s/n ND593
m/d 683
Avro
ND 593
Merlin
Known Units: ;100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND596
s/n ND596
m/d 683
Avro
ND 596
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND616
s/n ND616
m/d 683
Avro
ND 616
Merlin
Known Units: 405;106
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*A", "LQ*D", "LQ*U", and "LQ*X". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. To No. 106 Squadron. Crash landed at Metheringham. To Instructional 5532M.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND617
s/n ND617
m/d 683
Avro
ND 617
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*B". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Lancaster aircraft ND 617 blew up over the target during a night bombing attack against Nantes, France 7 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nantes France 1944-05-07 to 1944-05-07
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft ND 617 blew up over the target during a night bombing attack against Nantes, France.
Pilot Officer Robert Dean BORROWES (J/19536); Flying Officer Alfred HINSCLIFFE (J/22411) Air Bomber; Flight Lieutenant John Maxfield MITCHELL (J/18424); Warrant Officer Class I Ralph Joseph MONTGOMERY (R/131045); Pilot Officer Bourneuf Freeman POTHIER (J/91133) Air Gunner; Pilot Officer Gordon Douglas SPEARMAN (J/86564); Pilot Officer Robert Leslie SQUIRES (171911) . All Killed
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Dean Borrowes DFC 2024-11-14
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alfred Hinscliffe DFC 2025-01-30
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Maxfield Mitchell DFC 2025-01-30
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Ralph Joseph Montgomery DFC 2025-01-30
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bourneuf Freeman Pothier DFC 2025-01-30
1944-May-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gordon Douglas Spearman 2025-01-30
1944-May-07 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Robert Leslie Squires 2025-01-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND620
s/n ND620
m/d 683
Avro
ND 620
Merlin
Known Units: 35 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND621
s/n ND621
m/d 683
Avro
ND 621
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-R) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 14/15 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND622
s/n ND622
m/d 683
Avro
ND 622
Merlin
Known Units: 57
From No. 32 MU to No. 57 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on the ill-fated Nuremberg raid of 30/31 Mar 1944, when 108 aircraft were shot down or crashed. Shot down by Bf 110G of Obltn. Schulte of II/NJG 5. The aircraft was the 69th casualty of the night. The crew were on their 13th sortie (Middlebrook). 64 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND624
s/n ND624
m/d 683
Avro
ND 624
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Feb 1944. Damaged 27 Mar 1944. Missing from mission to Aachen 24/25 May 1944. 159 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND625
s/n ND625
m/d 683
Avro
ND 625
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on Gardening operation 9/10 Apr 1944. 78 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND626
s/n ND626
m/d 683
Avro
ND 626
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With No.166 Sqn. Missing from Gardening sortie 26/27 Oct 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND627
s/n ND627
m/d 683
Avro
ND 627
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-U) Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Orleans, 4/5 July 1944. 136 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND629
s/n ND629
m/d 683
Avro
ND 629
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944. 136 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND630
s/n ND630
m/d 683
Avro
ND 630
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing (crashed at Troyes) on the operation to Mailly-le-Camp on 3/4 May 1944. 120 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Mailly-le-Camp France 1944-05-04 to 1944-05-04
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft ND 630 was delivered to 460 Squadron in Feb 1944. Aircraft was shot down by a night fighter within minutes of leaving the area whilst engaged in a night raid against MaiIly Le Camp, France. Casualties included RCAF P/O's A.B. Moore (air gunner) and G.R. Warnock (air bomber); RAAF Flt. Sgt. G.C. Barber, Pilot Officer J.W. Smart; RAFVR Sgt.'s F.F. Naismith (wireless operator / air gunner) and T. Oulton (flight engineer), and Flt. Sgt. E.F. Stannett (air bomber).Lancaster Mk.III serial ND631
s/n ND631
m/d 683
Avro
ND 631
Merlin
Known Units: 44;617
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-B) Feb 1944. Detached to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-Bbar) April - June 1944. Returned to No. 44 Sqn. Missing on operation to Leipzig 10/11 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND634
s/n ND634
m/d 683
Avro
ND 634
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND635
s/n ND635
m/d 683
Avro
ND 635
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 21 Feb 1944. Discrepancy of loss date: RAF Commands confirms 1945-01-02; Lancaster File reference text shows 1945-08-31. Mason gives 30/31 Aug 1944; Robertson gives 25 Jun 1945! (maybe typo for 2-Jan-1945?). Mason gives target as Agenville, not Nuremberglast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND636
s/n ND636
m/d 683
Avro
ND 636
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND637
s/n ND637
m/d 683
Avro
ND 637
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND640
s/n ND640
m/d 683
Avro
ND 640
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 97 Sqn (OF-F) 29 Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremburg 30-Mar 1944. 42 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND641
s/n ND641
m/d 683
Avro
ND 641
Merlin
Known Units: 625
With No. 625 Sqn (CF-T). Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 45 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND643
s/n ND643
m/d 683
Avro
ND 643
Merlin
Known Units: 35
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND644
s/n ND644
m/d 683
Avro
ND 644
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn (HW-N) Feb 1944. Lost on mission to Nuremburg 16/17 Mar 1945. Aircraft flew 115 operations with No. 100 Sqn, ~800 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1945-03-16 to 1945-03-16
100 (B) Sqn (RAF) Grimsby
Took off from Grimsby at 17:56 in Lancaster Mark III (Sqn code: HW-N Bomber Command).
Shot down near Kraftshof some 8 km NNW from Nuremburg Bahnhof.
Five killed in crash: Flight Sergeant Lyle Eugene Bedell RCAF R/274955 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery 7. B. 10. Flying Officer George Alfred Osborn Dauphinee RCAF J/41839 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery 8. A. 23. Flight Sergeant Mervyn Ronald Jeffrey RAF 337545 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery 5. H. 27. Flight Sergeant William Harvey Johnson RCAF R/134935 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery 8. A. 24. Flying Officer William Richard Vale RCAF J/42694 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery.
Two POW,: Pilot Officer Royston Stanley Bailey RAF 178374 POW. Camp not identified. And Flying Officer D B Douglas camp not identified.
1945-March-16 PoW RAF Pilot Officer Royston Stanley Bailey 2024-08-29
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lyle Eugene Bedell 2024-11-10
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Alfred Osborn Dauphinee 2024-08-29
1945-March-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Donald Bruce Douglas 2024-10-27
1945-March-16 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Jeffrey,Mervyn Ronald Jeffrey 2024-08-29
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Harvey Johnson 2024-06-01
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Richard Vale 2024-07-10 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND650
s/n ND650
m/d 683
Avro
ND 650
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn from No. 32 MU Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND651
s/n ND651
m/d 683
Avro
ND 651
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With No. 166 Sqn from Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Calais (against railway gun) 2/3 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND654
s/n ND654
m/d 683
Avro
ND 654
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Courtrai Belgium 1944-07-20 to 1944-07-21
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster ND654 was on a mission to bomb the railway yards at Courtrai, Belgium. It is unknown the cause of the crash. The entire crew evaded capture: RCAF Sgt. J.G. Cawley (navigator); RAAF Flying Officer R.H. Jopling (pilot); RAFVR Flt. Sgt. K.G. Butler (flight engineer); RAAF Flt. Sgt. R.B. Moffitt (bomb aimer); RAAF Flt. Sgt. D.J. Annat (wireless operator / air gunner); RAFVR Sgt. P. Mills (air gunner)(was later taken Prisoner of War); and RAAF Flt. Sgt. L.G. Rosseley (air gunner).Lancaster Mk.III serial ND657
s/n ND657
m/d 683
Avro
ND 657
Merlin
Known Units: 630
From No. 32 MU to No. 630 Sqn Feb 1944. Missing on operation to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 45 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND671
s/n ND671
m/d 683
Avro
ND 671
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 32 MU then To No. 57 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on mission to Berlin 24/25 Mar 1944. 28 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND672
s/n ND672
m/d 683
Avro
ND 672
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND675
s/n ND675
m/d 683
Avro
ND 675
Merlin
Known Units: 100
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND678
s/n ND678
m/d 683
Avro
ND 678
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND679
s/n ND679
m/d 683
Avro
ND 679
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 32 MU and then to No. 12 Sqn. (PH-F) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Aachen 27/28 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND681
s/n ND681
m/d 683
Avro
ND 681
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on mission to Stuttgart 15/16 Mar 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND683
s/n ND683
m/d 683
Avro
ND 683
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND684
s/n ND684
m/d 683
Avro
ND 684
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France. 18/19 Jul 1944. 341 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND686
s/n ND686
m/d 683
Avro
ND 686
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND687
s/n ND687
m/d 683
Avro
ND 687
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND689
s/n ND689
m/d 683
Avro
ND 689
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 32 MU Feb 1944, then to No. 44 Sqn (KM-G) Mar 1944. Later has squadron code as KM-O. Missing on operation to Gennevilliers, France on 19/20 Jun 1944. 165 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND695
s/n ND695
m/d 683
Avro
ND 695
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND699
s/n ND699
m/d 683
Avro
ND 699
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND700
s/n ND700
m/d 683
Avro
ND 700
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Hasselt 11/12 May 1944. 122 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND703
s/n ND703
m/d 683
Avro
ND 703
Merlin
Known Units: 35;635
Delivered to No. 35 Sqn, transferred to No. 635 Sqn (F2-F or F2-K) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Merseburg 7 Dec 1944.
Took off from RAF Downham Market at 17:18. Post war it was established that the aircraft collided with another Lancaster, probably from 460 Sqn (Lancaster ND971 AR-K2) and crashed 1km East of Weddingen, 5kms WNW of Vienenburg, Germany.
Mid Upper Gunner Sergeant R Lyons and Rear Gunner Sergeant J McNab became PoW's
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.III serial ND706
s/n ND706
m/d 683
Avro
ND 706
Merlin
Known Units: 97
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND709
s/n ND709
m/d 683
Avro
ND 709
Merlin
Known Units: 635;405;1653HCU
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*G". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND715
s/n ND715
m/d 683
Avro
ND 715
Merlin
Known Units: 12 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND730
s/n ND730
m/d 683
Avro
ND 730
Merlin
Known Units: ;619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND733
s/n ND733
m/d 683
Avro
ND 733
Merlin
Known Units: 550;463
With No. 550 Sqn (QB-J) Feb/Mar 1944. On operation to Mailly le Camp 3/4 May 1944 the aircraft was attacked by a night fighter and severely damaged. Three of the crew including Bomb Aimer Edward Yaternick RCAF were ordered to bail out, and the aircraft was then flown to a crash landing at Ford. The aircraft was repaired and saw service with No. 463 (Australian) Sqn. After being damaged by a night fighter on return from Dresden 13/14 Feb 1945, the aircraft was finally abandoned near Juvincourt, France.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND734
s/n ND734
m/d 683
Avro
ND 734
Merlin
Known Units: 35
First to No. 32 MU, then No. 35 Sqn (TL-H) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Coubronne, France 23/24 Jun 1944. 77 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND736
s/n ND736
m/d 683
Avro
ND 736
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND739
s/n ND739
m/d 683
Avro
ND 739
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered to No. 97 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to St. Pierre-du-Mont, France 5/6 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND741
s/n ND741
m/d 683
Avro
ND 741
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-K) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Salbris, 7/8 May 1944. 108 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND742
s/n ND742
m/d 683
Avro
ND 742
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND744
s/n ND744
m/d 683
Avro
ND 744
Merlin
Known Units: 7 Sqn
With No. 7 Sqn (MG-W, later MG-F) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Valenciennes France15/16 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND745
s/n ND745
m/d 683
Avro
ND 745
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND751
s/n ND751
m/d 683
Avro
ND 751
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND752
s/n ND752
m/d 683
Avro
ND 752
Merlin
Known Units: 75
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND753
s/n ND753
m/d 683
Avro
ND 753
Merlin
Known Units: 635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND761
s/n ND761
m/d 683
Avro
ND 761
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND763
s/n ND763
m/d 683
Avro
ND 763
Merlin
Known Units: 15
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND766
s/n ND766
m/d 683
Avro
ND 766
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND767
s/n ND767
m/d 683
Avro
ND 767
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn (GI-D) Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 30/31 Mar 1944. The aircraft collided with a Halifax LV923 of No. 427 Sqn. They were part of the losses of 108 aircraft on this raid, and were 89th down. The crew were on their 5th operation (Middlebrook).last update: 2025-November-19
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Raymond John Asplen 2024-11-03
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gordon Robert Collins 2024-03-21
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Coup 2024-05-04
1944-March-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Percival Merritt 2022-04-03
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Henry Fredrick Page 2022-04-03
1944-March-31 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Eric Pickin 2022-04-03
1944-March-31 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Cleveland Julian Schmidt 2022-04-03 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND781
s/n ND781
m/d 683
Avro
ND 781
Merlin
Known Units: 622
From No. 32 MU to No. 622 Sqn (GI-R) 23 Mar 1944. Missing from operation to Friedrichshaven 27/28 April 1944. 64 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-April-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Murdock Daniel MacKinnon 2023-09-07
1944-April-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant William Samuel James McKee 2023-07-22
1944-April-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Vivian Ransom 2023-09-26
1944-April-28 PoW RCAF Flying Officer W V Ranson 2021-04-29
1944-April-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Andrew Watson MiD 2021-07-10 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND790
s/n ND790
m/d 683
Avro
ND 790
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 24 Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Massy-Palaiseau, France 7/8 Jun 1944. 98 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND795
s/n ND795
m/d 683
Avro
ND 795
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND798
s/n ND798
m/d 683
Avro
ND 798
Merlin
Known Units: 166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND804
s/n ND804
m/d 683
Avro
ND 804
Merlin
Known Units: 75
Delivered to No. 75 (NZ) Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND805
s/n ND805
m/d 683
Avro
ND 805
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn (A4-J) Mar 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Duisburg 14 Oct 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1944-10-14 to 1944-10-14
115 (B) Sqn (RAF) Witchford
Hurricane (Duisburg)
This raid was part of a special operation which has received little mention in the history books. On 13 October, Sir Arthur Harris received the directive for Operation Hurricane: 'In order to demonstrate to the enemy in Germany generally the over-whelming superiority of the Allied Air Forces in this theatre ... the intention is to apply within the shortest practical period the maximum effort of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the VIIIth United States Bomber Command against objectives in the densely populated Ruhr.' Bomber Command had probably been forewarned of the directive because it was able to mount the first part of the operation soon after first light on 14 October. No heavy bombers had flown on operations for 48 hours and 1,013 aircraft - 519 Lancasters, 474 Halifaxes and 20 Mosquitoes - were dispatched to Duisburg with R.A.F. fighters providing an escort. 957 bombers dropped 3,574 tons of high explosive and 820 tons of incendiaries on Duisburg. 14 aircraft were lost - 13 Lancasters and 1 Halifax; it is probable that the Lancasters provided the early waves of the raid and drew the attention of the German Flak before the Flak positions were overwhelmed by the bombing.
For their part in Operation Hurricane, the American Eighth Air Force dispatched 1,251 heavy bombers escorted by 749 fighters. More than 1,000 of the American heavies bombed targets in the Cologne area. American casualties were 5 heavy bombers and 1 fighter. No Luftwaffe aircraft were seen.<source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Witchford, England. Lancaster aircraft ND 805 failed to return from daylight operations at Duisburg, Germany.
The crew: Flying Officer David Mayson Price RCAF pilot J/25375 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 248; Flying Officer Clyde George Redden RCAF J/35732 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 248; Sergeant F M French RAF POW camp not identified; Flying Officer Roy S Johnston RCAF J/15430 POW camp not identified; Pilot Officer Joseph Charles Brunning RAFVR 185379 KIA; Pilot Officer Douglas Stewart Haggis RCAF J/95154 KIA Runnymede Memorial Panel 250; Pilot Officer Dale McGowan Hamilton RCAF J/95155 KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery - grave 16. D. 2.
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Joseph Charles Brunning 2025-06-05
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Stewart Haggis 2025-05-11
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Dale Mcgowan Hamilton 2025-05-08
1944-October-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Roy S Johnston 2025-05-08
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Mayson Price 2025-05-08
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clyde George Redden 2025-05-10 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND806
s/n ND806
m/d 683
Avro
ND 806
Merlin
Known Units: 166
With No. 166 Sqn (AS-S). Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 22/23 April 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND807
s/n ND807
m/d 683
Avro
ND 807
Merlin
Known Units: 97
From No. 32 MU to No. 97 Sqn. Missing on operation to Konigsburg 26/27 Aug 1944. 255 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND811
s/n ND811
m/d 683
Avro
ND 811
Merlin
Known Units: 635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND815
s/n ND815
m/d 683
Avro
ND 815
Merlin
Known Units: 156;97
Delivered originally to No. 156 Sqn, then transferred to No. 97 Sqn (OF-M) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to St. Pierre du Mont 5/6 Jun 1944. 32 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing St. Pierre du Mont 1944-06-06 to 1944-06-06
97 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
D-Day
ND815 was shot down at ca. 05.00hrs on D-Day, 6 June 1944, by Hauptmann Helmut Eberspächer of Luftwaffe's I.Gruppe, Schnell-kampfgeschwader 10, 3. Staffel, who operated Focke-Wulf 190G night fighter-bombers out of Evreux. Eberspächer survived the war and corresponded with the Dutch aviation historian Theo Boiten. His account is featured in Theo Boiten's Night Airwar. Personal Recollections of the Conflict over Europe, 1939-45. Ramsbury: The Crowood Press, 1999. Eberspächer also wrote an article «Flugtag Juni 1944", in Luftwaffen-Revue 1/95 in 1995. Eberspächer's sortie is also described in Steven J. Zaloga's Smashing Hitler's Guns. The Rangers at Pointe-du-Hoc. D-Day, 1944. Cumnor Hill: Osprey, 2022. However, the kill was also claimed by Feldwebel Kurt Eisele of Eberspächer's squadron.
There were no survivors. Ashpole and an Unknown Norwegian Airman were, as far as we understand, found in the wreckage and buried in the local churchyard in Osmanville. The wreckage is said to have crashed in the garden of the local mayor. Ashpole was identified by the dental surgeon of the Norwegian War Graves Service, Major John Braadvig, in 1950; this was accepted by the RAF and his grave was subsequently rededicated and a CWGC headstone marking his name was installed. It was unfortunately not possible to identify the Norwegian; he was repatriated and is buried as an Unknown Norwegian Airman at Oslo's Western Cemetery.
The Mid-Upper Gunner, Flying Officer McCutcheon of the RCAF, and the Norwegian Rear Gunner, Sgt. Evensen, were found with what I understand to have been another piece of the wreckage, and buried at Bayeux War Cemetery. They were both identified on the basis of the piece of the wreckage and uniform effects. Sgt. Evensen was repatriated to Norway in 1946 and is buried in Oslo's Western Cemetery; being the only Norwegian crew member who is accounted for. As they were not buried in Osmanville but in Bayeux, I surmise that they were not found with Sgt. Ashpole and the Unknown Norwegian Airman.
The story of the Jespersen crew is quite well-known in Norway; there are relatively few RNAF crews that are still unaccounted for, and there is a certain shroud of mystery surrounding the case. The Norwegian War Graves Service has been reviewing and re-reviewing the case over a number of years.
In 2014, to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the Norwegian Armed Forces erected a Memorial to the crew, with all names inscribed, in front of St. Clement's Church in Osmaville, with the attendance of the Chief of the Norwegian Defence Staff.
The Norwegian Armed Forces hold a ceremony there on D-Day each year. At the 80th anniversary in 2004, both the Norwegian Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Norwegian Defence Staff, and the Chief of the Norwegian Air Staff, were in attendance, as well as an honour guard from the Royal Norwegian Navy. Wreaths were laid at the memorial. The Senior Enlisted Leader of the RNAF, Command Sergeant Major Didrik Sand, laid a wreath on Sergeant Ashpole's grave.source: Haakon O. V. Vinje, Royal Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality
1944-June-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Gerald John James Ashpole 2025-01-09
1944-June-06 KIA RNorAF Sergeant John Ernst Herlof Evensen 2025-01-09
1944-June-06 KIA RNorAF Lieutenant Finn Varde Jespersen 2025-01-09
1944-June-06 KIA RNorAF Sergeant Knut Baade Magnus 2024-12-14
1944-June-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Robert McCutcheon 2024-12-14
1944-June-06 KIA RNorAF Sergeant Christian Andres Munster 2024-12-14
1944-June-06 KIA RNorAF Sergeant Kare Pedersen 2024-12-14 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND816
s/n ND816
m/d 683
Avro
ND 816
Merlin
Known Units: ;582
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND819
s/n ND819
m/d 683
Avro
ND 819
Merlin
Known Units: ;635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND820
s/n ND820
m/d 683
Avro
ND 820
Merlin
Known Units: 635
No. 635 Squadron. Crashed in flames at Swineshead during training in England, 10 Apr 1944. Had flown 6 hrs.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND825
s/n ND825
m/d 683
Avro
ND 825
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Mar 1944. Missing on operation to Friedrichshafen 27/28 Apr 1944. 68 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND842
s/n ND842
m/d 683
Avro
ND 842
Merlin
Known Units: 12 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND845
s/n ND845
m/d 683
Avro
ND 845
Merlin
Known Units: 7
With No. 7 Sqn (MG-C). Missing on operation to Le Mans 19/20 May 1944. 58 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND847
s/n ND847
m/d 683
Avro
ND 847
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Essen 26/27 Apr 1944. 56 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND848
s/n ND848
m/d 683
Avro
ND 848
Merlin
Known Units: 635
Delivered to No. 635 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 24/25 Apr 1944. 8 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND850
s/n ND850
m/d 683
Avro
ND 850
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-C) April 1944. Missing on operation to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND851
s/n ND851
m/d 683
Avro
ND 851
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Gennevilliers, France 9/10 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND853
s/n ND853
m/d 683
Avro
ND 853
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on mission to Schweinfurt 26/27 Apr 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND854
s/n ND854
m/d 683
Avro
ND 854
Merlin
Known Units: ;83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND855
s/n ND855
m/d 683
Avro
ND 855
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*V. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND859
s/n ND859
m/d 683
Avro
ND 859
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Revigny-Sur-Ornain France 1944-07-12 to 1944-07-13
576 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Elsham Wolds
576 Squadron RAF Elsham Wolds Lancaster III ND 859 UL-L2 was lost during an operation against rail facilities at Revigny-sur-Ornain, France in support of the D-Day landings. Circling in cloud cover trying to find the target area, ND 859 was involved in a mid-air collision with 44 Squadron RAF Lancaster LM 638 KM-P that was returning from it's operation against the railway junction at Culmont-Chalindrey, France
Lancaster ND 859 crashed at Giey-sur-Aujon, Haute-Marne and LM 638 crashed near Auberive, Haute-Marne France
Sergeant WHM Greig (RAFVR), Pilot Officer C Hart (RAFVR), Sergeant CL Jones (RAFVR), Sergeant E Mitchell (RAFVR) and Sergeant JF McHugh (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Pilot Officer CJ Glenny (RCAF) and Sergeant PH Keeler (RAFVR) survived, Evaded for a time but both were captured and taken as Prisoners of War
Sadly, local school teacher Max Duville had tried to help these airmen evade by giving the German authorities false information about their crash. His deception was discovered and he was shot
1944-July-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford James Glenny 2022-11-21
1944-July-13 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Walter Henry Mills Greig 2024-05-26
1944-July-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Claude Hart 2024-05-26
1944-July-13 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Clifford Leighton Jones 2024-05-26
1944-July-13 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant Peter Hammerton Keeler 2022-11-21
1944-July-13 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Francis McHugh 2023-10-26
1944-July-13 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward Mitchell 2023-10-26 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND868
s/n ND868
m/d 683
Avro
ND 868
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to the Dortmund-Ems Canal 23/24 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gerald George Bryan 2024-08-11
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Frederick William Clarke 2024-08-11
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Alexander McLaughlin 2024-08-11
1944-September-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Henry Ian Shepherd 2024-08-11 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND872
s/n ND872
m/d 683
Avro
ND 872
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND873
s/n ND873
m/d 683
Avro
ND 873
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-N) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Essen 26/27 Apr 1944. 24 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND876
s/n ND876
m/d 683
Avro
ND 876
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Lancaster III aircraft ND 876 VN-Z was hit by flak and broke up in mid-air during a night operation against targets in Munich, Germanylast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1944-04-24 to 1944-04-25
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Skellingthorpe
50 Squadron (From Defense To Attack) RAF Skellingthorpe. Lancaster III aircraft ND 876 VN-Z was hit by flak and broke up in mid-air during a night operation against targets in Munich, Germany
Warrant Officer Class II J N Casaubon (RCAF), Pilot Officer R G Brock DFC (RCAF), Sergeant F P Brown (RAFVR), Flying Officer L Durham (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant N Jackson (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant E S Jones (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant were all killed in action
1944-April-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert George Brock DFC 2024-05-06
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Francis Patrick Brown 2024-01-20
1944-April-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Noe Gustave Robert Casaubon 2025-03-03
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Lennox Durham DFC 2024-01-20
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Norman Jackson 2024-01-20
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Eric Stanley Jones 2024-01-20
1944-April-25 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Dennis Leonard Reynolds 2024-01-20 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND879
s/n ND879
m/d 683
Avro
ND 879
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944. 103 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND881
s/n ND881
m/d 683
Avro
ND 881
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*Q". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Lancaster aircraft ND 881 was shot down over the target during a night raid against Montdidier, France 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Montdidier France 1944-05-03 to 1944-05-04
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft ND 881 was shot down over the target during a night raid against Montdidier, France
Pilot Officer Michael Adrian BURNABY (173083) Flight Engi; Flight Lieutenant Stanley Clayton McDONALD (J/23317) Pilot; Flying Officer John Alexander McINTYRE (J/22589) Navigator; Flying Officer William Earnest PARSONS (J/23971) Air Bomber; Pilot Officer Dudley Thomas SERVISS (J/86301) Air Gunner; Pilot Officer John Edward SHEPHERD (J/19904) Air Gunner; Flying Officer Glen Mason WEAVER (J/19918) Wireless Op. All Killed
1944-May-04 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Michael Adrian Burnaby 2024-11-24
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Stanley Clayton McDonald 2025-03-26
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Alexander McIntyre 2025-03-26
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Ernest Parsons 2025-03-26
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Dudley Thomas Serviss 2025-03-26
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Edward Shepherd 2025-03-26
1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Glen Mason Weaver 2025-03-26 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND897
s/n ND897
m/d 683
Avro
ND 897
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND903
s/n ND903
m/d 683
Avro
ND 903
Merlin
Known Units: 576;103
To No. 576 Sqn (UL-R2). Transferred to No. 103 Sqn (PM-G). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 25/26 Jul 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND905
s/n ND905
m/d 683
Avro
ND 905
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-B) 14 Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Mailly-le-Camp. France 3/4 May 1944. 44 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND910
s/n ND910
m/d 683
Avro
ND 910
Merlin
Known Units: 582
Missing on operation to Montdidier airfield, France 3/4 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND912
s/n ND912
m/d 683
Avro
ND 912
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*X". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Lancaster aircraft ND 912 failed to return from a night attack against Politz, Germany 8/9 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Politz Germany 1945-02-08 to 1945-02-09
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft ND 912 failed to return from a night attack against Politz, Germany. F/Os H.B. McIntyre, L.H. Mahler, M.J. Martin, P/Os T.A. Stone, A.M. Fostey, A.L.J St.Pierre, and FS A.E.S. Kiff were all killed.
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Allan Martin Fostey 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Alan Edward Sidney Kiff 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Laurence Herman Mahler 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Maurice James Martin 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hubert Bates McIntyre 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Armand Leon Joseph St Pierre 2022-08-30
1945-February-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Allen Stone 2022-08-30 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND919
s/n ND919
m/d 683
Avro
ND 919
Merlin
Known Units: 75
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND923
s/n ND923
m/d 683
Avro
ND 923
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND924
s/n ND924
m/d 683
Avro
ND 924
Merlin
Known Units: 635 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND926
s/n ND926
m/d 683
Avro
ND 926
Merlin
Known Units: 622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND931
s/n ND931
m/d 683
Avro
ND 931
Merlin
Known Units: 582
Delivered to No. 582 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 23/24 Jul 1944. 158 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND932
s/n ND932
m/d 683
Avro
ND 932
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-U) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Heilbronn 4/5 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Heilbronn Germany 1944-12-04 to 1944-12-04
619 (B) Sqn (RAF) Strubby
Took off from Strubby at 16:42 in Lancaster Mk III (Sqn code PG-O Bomber Command) on an operation to Heilbronn Germany.
Claim by Lt Peter Spoden Stab II/NJG6 - 20-30km South West of Heilbronn: 2,500m at 19:42. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Hit as aircraft was approaching the target, the Marshalling Yard at Heidelberg. Starboard rudder was shot off. Crashed 60 miles from target.In Enemy Hands - Capadian Prisoners of War 1939-45
Killed: Flying Officer Stanley Victor Chambers RCAF J/88244 pilot KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Collective grave 4. F. 15-19. Flight Sergeant John Douglas Galliard RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 4. F. 15-19. Sergeant Archie Pascoe RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery grave 4. F. 14. Flight Sergeant Robert Prunkle RCAF R/202987 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 4. F. 15-19. Sergeant Charles John Reed RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 4. F. 15-19. Pilot Officer Ira Walter Shantz RCAF J/91118 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 4. F. 15-19.
Those who perished were initially buried in Unterriexingen Cemetery. Reinterred 16 August 1948
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Stanley Victor Chambers 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Douglas Galliard 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Gordon Hursell Goudy 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Archie Pascoe 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Prunkle 2024-10-06
1944-December-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Reed,Charles John Reed 2024-10-07
1944-December-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ira Walter Shantz 2024-10-06 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND935
s/n ND935
m/d 683
Avro
ND 935
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-Z) Apr 1944. Was damaged on Jun 22 1944, possibly on operation to Wasseling. Repaired and given Sqn Code PG*K, it was lost on an operation to Stuttgart 25/26 Jul 1944. 168 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND950
s/n ND950
m/d 683
Avro
ND 950
Merlin
Known Units: 635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND951
s/n ND951
m/d 683
Avro
ND 951
Merlin
Known Units: ;9
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND952
s/n ND952
m/d 683
Avro
ND 952
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-E2) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Vierzon railway junction 30 Jun/1 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND954
s/n ND954
m/d 683
Avro
ND 954
Merlin
Known Units: 57 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND955
s/n ND955
m/d 683
Avro
ND 955
Merlin
Known Units: 15 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND956
s/n ND956
m/d 683
Avro
ND 956
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Apr 1944. Shot down near Utrecht on mission to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND960
s/n ND960
m/d 683
Avro
ND 960
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Shot down by a night-fighter and impacted between Emtekaer and Naleke, 7 km SW of Gelsted Denmark.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND961
s/n ND961
m/d 683
Avro
ND 961
Merlin
Known Units: 97
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 97 Sqn (OF-N) May 1944. Missing on operation to Ladbergen (Dortmund-Ems Canal) 7/8 Feb 1945. The aircraft collided with Lancaster PB 181 of No. 83 Sqn.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND963
s/n ND963
m/d 683
Avro
ND 963
Merlin
Known Units: 83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND964
s/n ND964
m/d 683
Avro
ND 964
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-K2) Apr 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND967
s/n ND967
m/d 683
Avro
ND 967
Merlin
Known Units: 460;429
Served with No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*O".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND969
s/n ND969
m/d 683
Avro
ND 969
Merlin
Known Units: 582
With No. 582 Sqn (6O-F). Missing on operation to Russelsheim 12/13 Aug 1944. 222 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Russelsheim Germany 1944-08-12 to 1944-08-13
582 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Little Staughton
582 Pathfinder Squadron RAF (Praevolamus designates) RAF Little Staughton. The crew of Lancaster BIII aircraft ND 969 6O-F was intercepted and shot down by a night fighter on their 44th mission, returning from an operation against targets in Russelsheim, Germany
The Lancaster was probably shot down by Fw Erwin Egeler of the 12/NJG1 and and crashed near Papiermuhle, Dhron Bernkastel, Germany
FS RT Broad (RAFVR), FS WRC Parfitt (RAFVR) and FS K Archibald (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flight Lieutenant EJ Trotter DFC,DFM,CD,CM (RCAF), Squadron Leader BM Mathers DFC (RAF)(Australia) and FS J Rawcliffe (RAFVR) survived and all were taken as Prisoners of War
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Lancaster ND969 [Archive] - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces...
Lancaster ND969 - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum
RAF Pathfinder Crew, 1944, 582 Squadron, Little Straughton - ...
1944-August-13 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Kenneth "Archie" Archibald 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Thomas "Corny" Broad 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 PoW RAF Squadron Leader Barcroft Melrose Mathers DFC 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Walter Robert Charles Parfitt 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Bernard Arthur Pullin DFC 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 PoW RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Rawcliffe 2022-11-23
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Elmer John Trotter DFC,DFM,CD,CM 2022-11-23 Lancaster Mk.III serial ND973
s/n ND973
m/d 683
Avro
ND 973
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (as KM-A) in May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 June 1944. 107 Operational Hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND975
s/n ND975
m/d 683
Avro
ND 975
Merlin
Known Units: 625
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND976
s/n ND976
m/d 683
Avro
ND 976
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-R) May 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND980
s/n ND980
m/d 683
Avro
ND 980
Merlin
Known Units: 405;1668HCU
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*W". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. To No. 1668HCU.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND982
s/n ND982
m/d 683
Avro
ND 982
Merlin
Known Units: 405;630
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*E". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. To No. 460 Sqn. Missing with No. 630 Squadron Koningsburg, 29/30 May 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND986
s/n ND986
m/d 683
Avro
ND 986
Merlin
Known Units: 619 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND987
s/n ND987
m/d 683
Avro
ND 987
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND993
s/n ND993
m/d 683
Avro
ND 993
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 12/13 Jul 1944. 154 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial ND994
s/n ND994
m/d 683
Avro
ND 994
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-F2) May 1944. Missing on operation to Reigny 14/15 Jul 1944. 167 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stanley John Kozlowski 2023-12-15
1944-July-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Edwin Linklater 2023-12-15
1944-July-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Mackenzie Mackintosh 2023-12-15
1944-July-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William John McCollum 2023-12-15
1944-July-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Robert Sims 2023-12-15 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE114
s/n NE114
m/d 683
Avro
NE 114
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to 116 Sqn (AS-S) 6 May 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 Jun 1944. 29 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE117
s/n NE117
m/d 683
Avro
NE 117
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 207 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE118
s/n NE118
m/d 683
Avro
NE 118
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE119
s/n NE119
m/d 683
Avro
NE 119
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Shot down during mission to Misburg, 15/16 March 1945. All crew bailed out, pilot Flight Lieutenant Laing suffered fatal injuries on landing, 3 crew shot after landing, 3 crew POW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Misburg Germany 1945-03-15 to 1945-03-15
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force Lancaster III aircraft NE 119 LQ-P was shot down at Bad Grund, Germany, on March 15, 1945, during a night attack against Misburg, Germany. Flight Lieutenant LN Laing (RCAF) appears to have parachuted into trees, released his harness and fell about thirty feet, sustaining fatal injuries. Of six others who baled out, three were shot FS FJ Marsh (RCAF) was captured in the vicinity of the crash and was shot by the Gestapo on March 15, 1945. 1945. Sergeant R Morris (RAF) was killed on March 15, 1945. Flying Officer DG Smith (RCAF) was an Evader and was shot by the Gestapo on March 17, 1945. Three aircrew survived as Prisoners of War, Flying Officer IW Bonter, (RCAF), Flying Officer RM Hyde, (RCAF), FS JR Crisp, (RCAF). Flying Officer Bonter was on loan from 432 Squadron.1945-March-16 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Misburg 2019-08-20
1945-March-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Ian Wesley Bonter 2023-10-21
1945-March-15 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant James R Crisp 2024-05-16
1945-March-15 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Raymond M Hyde 2025-01-28
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Norman Laing MiD 2025-01-28
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis Joseph Marsh 2025-01-28
1945-March-15 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Morris 2025-01-28
1945-March-15 Evader Murdered RCAF Flying Officer Donald George Smith 2025-01-28 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE125
s/n NE125
m/d 683
Avro
NE 125
Merlin
Known Units: ;49
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-05-22 to 1944-05-23
49 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Fiskerton
49 Squadron (Cave Canem) RAF Fiskerton. Lancaster III aircraft NE 125 EA-K was coned by searchlights and shot down by a combination of flak battery 2/Flakschienw Abt 269 (o) Werfer 24 and night fighter pilot Oberleutnant Karl-Heinz Seeler of 5/JG302 during operations against targets in Brunswick, Germany. The Lancaster crashed in a peat-bog 1km South of Hagen, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Flying Officer William George Wesley Johnson (RCAF), Flying Officer Frederic Allan Newell Clifton (RAFVR), Flying Officer Francis Edward Sinden (RAFVR), Sergeant Norman Myer Goldberg (RAFVR), Sergeant Ernest George Jones (RAFVR), Pilot Officer Philip Rodney Graves-Hook (RAFVR), and Flight Sergeant George Henry Little (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 June by Theo Boiten, page 19
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Frederic Allan Newell Clifton 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Norman Myer Goldberg 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Philip Rodney Graves-Hook 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William George Wesley Johnson 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ernest George Jones 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant George Henry Little 2025-01-15
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Francis Edward Sinden 2025-01-15 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE126
s/n NE126
m/d 683
Avro
NE 126
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Combat 1944-09-12 to 1944-09-12
7 (PFF) Sqn (RAF) RAF Oakington
ctum) Pathfinder Force, RAF Oakington. Lancaster B III aircraft NE126 failed to return from a raid on targets in Hamburg, Germany, crashing at Damscheld about 3 km WSW of Oberwesel, a small town on the West bank of the Rhine 6 km NNW of Bacharach, GermanyThe entire crew was lost, cause of loss not determined
Flight Lieutenant KI Aalborg (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant RJL Banks (RAFVR), Pilot Officer H Easthope (RAFVR), Pilot Officer D Mapleson (RAFVR), Pilot Officer AD Price (RAFVR), Pilot Officer AC Scott (RAFVR) and Flight Lieutenant RV Stoneman (RAFVR) were all killed in action
During the flight to the target, Lancaster NE126 was apparently struck by fire from another unidentified Lancaster and suffered damage to both the starboard mainplane and starboard outer engine, which may have been a factor in it's loss
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
No.7 Bomber Squadron RAF in World War II - Tom Docherty - ...
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Robert James Lloyd Banks 2023-02-04
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Hiram Easthope 2023-02-04
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Dennis Mapleson 2023-02-04
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Arthur Daniel Price 2023-02-04
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Arthur Charles Scott 2023-02-04
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Robert Victor Stoneman 2023-02-04
1944-September-13 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Karl Inge Aalborg 2025-11-12 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE127
s/n NE127
m/d 683
Avro
NE 127
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 16 May 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 22/23 May 1944. 7 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Brunswick Germany 1944-05-23 to 1944-05-23
57 (B) Sqn (RAF) East Kirkby
Took off from East Kirkby at 22:23 in Lancaster Mk III (Sqn code: DX-J Bomber Command).
Crashed Dorkwerd, Groningen
225 Lancasters and 10 Mosquitoes of 1 and 5 Groups. 13 Lancasters lost, 5·5 per cent of the force.
This raid was a failure. The weather forecast had predicted a clear target but the marker aircraft found a complete covering of cloud. There was also interference on the Master Bomber's radio communications. The 5 Group method could not cope with these conditions and most of the bombing fell in the country areas around Brunswick. The city records show only a few bombs and there were no casualties. A reconnaissance aircraft flying through this area an hour later found it completely free of cloud.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
This bomber team was downed by a Luftwaffe night-fighter in the night of Monday 22nd / Tuesday 23rd of May 1944, at 00.16 hrs. local time, during an RAF air raid on Braunschweig (Brunswick), in Central North Germany; it was hit by gunfire, given by Uffz. Herbert Meyer + aircrew (of unit 8. / NJG. 1 - started from "˜Fliegerhorst' Leeuwarden), and caught fire immediately and fell down, out of control. Then it exploded soon in mid air - because the crew couldn't drop their bomb load ! - and the remains of the craft and the killed crew came down nearby Dorkwerd village, situated NW of Groningen city, in the Province of Groningen, in the NE part of the Netherlands; only two men survived, of which one fell in a local water, without using his parachute ! (he was badly wounded, had many burns)
This aircraft, equipped with H2S radar (in a "˜bulge' under its fuselage) etc., was in fact brand new (!), was delivered to No. 57 Sqdn. on Tuesday the 16th of May 1944, thus circa 1 week earlier; it had flown only about 7 hours ! The Luftwaffe "˜Flugzeugführer' (= pilot), Uffz. Herbert Meyer, who claimed this "˜victory', was only 20 years old; born on 14 Aug. 1923, at Marienwerder, in today's Kwidzyn town, in Pommeren / Poland. This was his first "˜confirmed kill', and wireless supported by the "˜Jäger Leit Offizier' (JLO) of the coastal radar and air control station "˜Schlei' on Schiermonnik-oog Island, in occupied Holland; this Luftwaffe station "˜shadowed' constandly the RAF bomber with her Würzburg radar, after it was detected first with her long distance Wassermann M radar (range about 300 km.)source: Reearched / collected / compiled by Willem de Jong, Menaam village, Friesland / Netherlands.
1944-May-23 KIA RAF Sergeant Arthur Meakin Armin 2025-01-21
1944-May-23 PoW RCAF Sergeant Paul Ivor Dalseg 2025-01-21
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Henley,Francis Norman Henley 2025-02-04
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Abraham Gordon Lodge 2025-01-21
1944-May-23 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Manson 2025-01-21
1944-May-23 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Sydney Morris 2025-01-21
1944-May-23 PoW RCAF Sergeant Norman G Wharf 2025-01-21 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE128
s/n NE128
m/d 683
Avro
NE 128
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn (EA-J) from No. 32 MU May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944. 80 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE134
s/n NE134
m/d 683
Avro
NE 134
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 11 May 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 22/23 May 1944. Uncertainty of the Sqn Code. CASPIR has PH-D, Mason has PH-O.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE136
s/n NE136
m/d 683
Avro
NE 136
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-L) May 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny 14/15 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE144
s/n NE144
m/d 683
Avro
NE 144
Merlin
Known Units: ;460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-08-28 to 1944-08-28
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster NE144 was on an operation against Stettin, Germany, when it was shot down by a German night fighter which shot away the elevator controls and trims, set fire to the H2s and 6000 rounds of ammunition, and disabled part of the electrical equipment and intercom. Pilot Flight Lieutenant K.W. Humpfries ordered the crew to put on parachutes and to try to put out the fire. Next he dropped the bomb load and turned towards base. Upon discovering that the elevator controls were gone, he headed for Sweden, controlling the Lancaster by use of the throttles. Mid-upper gunner Sergeant Dennis Fallon and W/Op Flying Officer Ronald K. Stratford DFM was told to get the badly wounded rear gunner out of his turret. They were losing height all the time and when down to 3000 ft the crew were ordered to take up ditching positions. Fallon and Stratford had got Aviet out of the turret, but refused to leave him in the aft fuselage and choose to stay with him. The ditching at approx. 01:00 hours north of the island of Anholt was successful, but the tail broke off and went down. Humpfries was thrown about 20 metres out in front of the Lancaster and when he swam back, he found Navigator Flying Officer T.B. MacNeill, Bomb Aimer Sergeant G.D. Walsh and Flt. Engr. Sergeant S.R. Wild sitting on the Lancaster with the dinghy out. The three men in the tail had gone down with it.
Casualties included RAFVR Flying Officer R.K. Stratford (DFM)(air gunner), and Sgt's. P.B. Aviet (air gunner) and D. Fallon (air gunner). Taken Prisoners of War were RCAF Flying Officer J.B. MacNeill (navigator); RAAF Flying Officer K.W. Humphries (pilot); and RAF Sgt's. G.D. Walsh (bomb aimer) and S.R. Wild (flight engineer).
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE149
s/n NE149
m/d 683
Avro
NE 149
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn (WP-A) May 1944. Missing on operation to Dreux, France 10/11 Jun 1944. 31 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE151
s/n NE151
m/d 683
Avro
NE 151
Merlin
Known Units: 619 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE163
s/n NE163
m/d 683
Avro
NE 163
Merlin
Known Units: 460;626
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE164
s/n NE164
m/d 683
Avro
NE 164
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Shot down in France prior to arrival at target Stuttgartlast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-28 to 1944-07-29
550 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Stn North Killingholme
Shot Down By A Night Fighter At Ottrott 2 Miles West of Obernai Returning From A Raid on Stuttgart, 4 of the Crew Survived, 1 of Whom Evaded
Pilot Officer Harry Jones died in the crash and Sergeant Idwal Williams (both RAF) died as a result of his parachute jump.
The others landed safely and had to consider their chances of evading capture. Sergeant Don Hunter, Sergeant James Drury and Sergeant Roy Barton (all RAF) were captured quickly and taken in charge of the Feld Gendarmerie and the Luftwaffe. Flight Sergeant Fred Habgood was captured in Niederhaslach which is approximately10 kilometres NNW of the crash site Oliver Clutton-Brock, Footprints ..., however other sources say that he was helped by people of Ottrott who were then denounced and taken to the nearby concentration camp at Natzweiler-Stuthof. Sergeant Fred Habgood was hung at Natzweiler-Stuthof and his body was never found. In a trial held at Wuppertal in 1946, five men were found guilty of the crime, two of whom were executed on the 11th of October.
Habgood's identification bracelet was found in 2018 near the concentration camp site. See the story on Habgood's page.
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
Search for France-Crashes 39-45
28/29.07.1944 550 Squadron Lancaster III NE 164 Fg Off Harry Jones RAF...
1944-July-29 PoW RAF Flt. Sergeant Roy Barton Cumberlidge 2024-10-21
1944-July-29 Evader RCAF Flying Officer William Lawrence Pepperell Dinney 2024-10-21
1944-July-29 PoW RAF Sergeant James Roy Drury 2024-10-21
1944-July-29 PoW Executed RAFVR Flight Sergeant Frederic Harold Habgood 2025-07-01
1944-July-29 PoW RAF Sergeant Donald Hunter 2024-05-26
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Harry John Jones 2024-05-26
1944-July-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Idwal Williams 2024-05-26 Lancaster Mk.III serial NE166
s/n NE166
m/d 683
Avro
NE 166
Merlin
Known Units: 582
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE169
s/n NE169
m/d 683
Avro
NE 169
Merlin
Known Units: 582
Delivered to No. 582 Sqn 27 May 1944. Missing on operation to Wizernes 5/6 Jul 1944. 75 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE170
s/n NE170
m/d 683
Avro
NE 170
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-I) from No. 32 MU 21 May 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Agenville 31 Aug 1944. 266 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE171
s/n NE171
m/d 683
Avro
NE 171
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-Y2) 17 May 1944. Missing on mission to Aachen 24/25 May 1944. 17 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE173
s/n NE173
m/d 683
Avro
NE 173
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 17 May 1944. Missing on operation to Vire 6/7 Jun 1944. May have had as little as 8 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE174
s/n NE174
m/d 683
Avro
NE 174
Merlin
Known Units: 460
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn May 1944. Missing on operation to Orleans, France 4/5 Jul 1944. 30 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Orleans France 1944-07-04 to 1944-07-05
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft NE 174 was missing during night operations over Orleans, France. Aircraft had been delivered to 460 Squadron in May 1944, and when lost, had only 30 operational hours. Casualties included RCAF Pilot Officer L. McLean (air gunner); RAAF Pilot Officer J.A. Solomon (pilot), Flt. Sgt. C.K. Mollett (bomb aimer), W/O I.H. Clark (wireless operator / air gunner); RAFVR Flt. Sgt. D.V. Joy (navigator), Sgt. G.C.R. Micklefield (flight engineer), and Sgt. F.D. Wills (air gunner).Lancaster Mk.III serial NE175
s/n NE175
m/d 683
Avro
NE 175
Merlin
Known Units: 35
Delivered to No. 35 Sqn (TL-R) May 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 24/25 Jul 1944. 115 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial NE180
s/n NE180
m/d 683
Avro
NE 180
Merlin
Known Units: 405;635
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*C. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Later No. 635 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF913
s/n NF913
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 913
Merlin
Known Units: 103
With No. 103 Sqn (PM-H). Missing on operation to Dessau 7/8 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF915
s/n NF915
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 915
Merlin
Known Units: 622
Delivered to No. 622 Sqn (GI-U) 18 Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Bonn 24/25 Dec 1944.
Claim by Hptm Werner Baake Stab I/NJG1 - North of Leuchefeuer at 18:50. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten) Crashed at Grevenbroich.
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial NF919
s/n NF919
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 919
Merlin
Known Units: 50
With No. 50 Sqn. Missing on operation to Darmstadt 11/12 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF920
s/n NF920
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 920
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn (KC-E). Took part in the attack on battleship Tirpitz from Russian base at Yagodnik 11/12 Sep 1944. On the second attack on Tirpitz on 29 October 1944, it was damaged by flak and crashed in Sweden.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Tromso Fjord 1944-10-29 to 1944-10-29
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Milltown
The aircraft, 617 Squadron (Apres moi, le deluge) Lancaster I NF 920 KC-E nicknamed "Easy Elsie" piloted by Flying Officer DW Carey DFC RAAF, departed from RAF Milltown, Scotland
at 01:14, to attack the battleship Tirpitz which had been moved from Alten Fjord
to Tromso Fjord in Norway
after the partially successful attack by 617 and 9 Squadrons on September 11, 1944 (Operation Paravane). On this operation (Operation Obviate) the target was covered in cloud, and despite making several bombing runs, none of the crews could get a satisfactory view of the target. Thus, none of the bombers scored a hit on the battleship, although there was one near miss. After six runs over the target, NF 920 was badly damaged by flak and in no condition to make it back to Scotland, so the crew flew it through the mountains to neutral Sweden and force-landed in a bog near Porjus, Lapland
. Flying Officer Carey was injured but the rest of the crew were unharmed and they all survived to became Interned Prisoners.
There was one Canadian on board, Bomb Aimer, Pilot Officer Douglas Hayden MacLennan (RCAF). The Pilot, Flying Officer Daniel William Carey DFC (RAAF), Rear Air-Gunner, Flying Officer Gerald Augustine Andrew Witherick DFM (RAFVR), Navigator, Pilot Officer Alexander Millar McKie DFM (RAFVR), Flight Engineer, Flight Sergeant LW Franks (RAFVR) and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, Flight Sergeant Arthur Ernest Young (RAFVR). There were only six aircrew aboard as the top turret had been removed to lessen the overall weight of the aircraft and improve its range.
This aircrew were returned safe to the UK, flown from Stockholm to Leuchers, Scotland 1944-11-07 on a B.O.A.C. Dakota C47
Avro Lancaster The Definitive Record (2nd Edition) by Harry Holmes, pages 101, 219
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
Lancaster Easy Elsie - You Tube
Lancaster Bomber Easy Elsie Plane Crash site - YouTube
Easy Elsie the Lancaster bomber that crashed in Swedish swam...
An Avro Lancaster Easy Elsie bomber that crash-landed in a Swedish swam...
1944-October-29 Interned RAAF Flying Officer Daniel William Carey DFC 2025-11-10
1944-October-29 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant L W Franks 2025-11-10
1944-October-29 Interned RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Hayden MacLennan 2025-11-11
1944-October-29 Interned RAFVR Pilot Officer Alexander Millar McKie DFM 2025-11-10
1944-October-29 Interned RAFVR Flying Officer Gerald Augustine Andrew Witherick DFM 2025-11-10
1944-October-29 Interned RAFVR Flight Sergeant Arthur Ernest Young 2025-11-10 Lancaster Mk.I serial NF921
s/n NF921
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 921
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 13 Aug 1944. Missing from operation to Koningsburg 29/30 Aug 1944. 33 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Louis De Vere Conolly 2024-03-27
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stanley Robert Frith 2021-08-06
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Garnet Carlysle Holseth 2021-09-21
1944-August-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Eugene Clifford Van Blarcom 2022-01-14 Lancaster Mk.I serial NF923
s/n NF923
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 923
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn (AJ-M) 13 Aug 1944. Took part in the Tirpitz raid of 14 Sep 1944, from Yagodnik in the USSR (Operation Paravane). Missing on operation to the Dortmund-Ems Canal 23/24 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Ladbergen (Dortmund-Ems Canal) 1944-09-23 to 1944-09-24
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Woodhall Spa
The aircraft (KC-M), piloted by Flight Lieutenant GS Stout, DFC,RAF was returning to its base at Woodhall Spa
from an abortive sortie to the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen (they could not bomb because cloud obscured the target markers)
. It was attacked by a night fighter, which knocked out three of the engines and started a fire. unable to jettison their Tallboy bomb, the crew abandoned the aircraft and it crashed close to the town of Lochem, the Netherlands
. Two of the crew (Flight Lieutenant Stout and Flying Officer CEM Graham, MID, RAF) were killed, and a third (Pilot Officer AW Benting,RAF) died of his wounds on September 25.
There was one Canadian in the crew, Flying Officer WA Rupert, who successfully evaded. Of the other crew members, all in the RAF, Flying Officer RN Petch DFC and Flight Sergeant FL Whittaker evaded, and Flying Officer RJ Allen was taken prisoner.
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF925
s/n NF925
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 925
Merlin
Known Units: 300;12
Originally with No. 300 (Polish) Sqn. Transferred to No. 12 Sqn (PH-P) Sep 1944. Missing from Operation to Kleve 7/8 Feb 1945. (Robertson says crashed & burned on this date)last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Thomas Collins 2024-04-29
1945-February-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hubert Joseph Macmillan 2021-08-17
1945-February-07 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Hogarth Somerville 2021-07-25
1945-February-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Wilfred Charles Wilson 2021-07-07
1945-February-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Arthur Wood 2022-01-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial NF928
s/n NF928
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 928
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF936
s/n NF936
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 936
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-F) 16 Aug 1944. Equipped with ABC equipment. Missing on operation to Bochum 4/5 Nov 1944. 142 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF937
s/n NF937
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 937
Merlin
Known Units: 9 Sqn
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-L) 16 Aug 1944. Missing on a daylight operation to Attenbeken, Netherlands 14 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF964
s/n NF964
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 964
Merlin
Known Units: 622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF974
s/n NF974
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 974
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 12/13 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NF996
s/n NF996
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NF 996
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-J2) 20 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Chemnitz 14/15 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG114
s/n NG114
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 114
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn (AS-S) 3 Sep 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Harpenerweg 24 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG131
s/n NG131
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 131
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
SOE 1944-12-17 to 1944-12-17
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) Ludford Magna
Took off from Ludford Magna at 15:28 in Lancaster Mk I (Sqn code SR-W Bomber Command) on an operation Ulm Germany to on ABC duties.
101 Squadron Lancasters were in 1943 equipped with a top secret radio jamming system codenamed "Airborne Cigar" (ABC) operated by an eighth crew member who could understand German, some with German or Jewish backgrounds known as "special operators" commonly abbreviated to "spec ops" or "SO". They sat in a curtained off area towards the rear of the aircraft and located and jammed German fighter controller's broadcasts, occasionally posing as controllers to spread disinformation. The aircraft fitted with the system were distinctive due to the two large vertical antennae rising from the middle of the fuselage. Deliberately breaking the standing operating procedure of radio silence to conduct the jamming made the aircraft highly vulnerable to being tracked and attacked, which resulted in 101 Squadron having the highest casualty rate of any RAF squadron.(Source Wikipedia)
Claimed by an unkown crew 4/NJG5 - South outskirts of Ulm (CU 63): 3,300m at 19:40. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten) Crashed 7km NNE of Ulm
The crew were initially buried in a collective grave at Albeck Cemetery. Reinterred 30 September 1948. (CWGC)Killed: Pilot Officer Frank Coulson RCAF J/91041 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Pilot Officer Edmund Alfred John Davies RCAF J/95220 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Pilot Officer George Edward Deatherage RCAF J/92211 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Pilot Officer Raymond Ervin Hine RCAF J/91198 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Flying Officer Donald George Henry Ireland RCAF J/88130 pilot KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Flying Officer James Cameron Munro RCAF J/36591 KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Sergeant Harold John Black RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32. Sergeant Ernest John Hartman RAF KIA Durnbach War Cemetery Coll. grave 8. E. 28-32.
The crew were initially buried in a collective grave at Albeck Cemetery. Reinterred 30 September 1948. (CWGC)
1944-December-17 KIA RAF Sergeant Harold John Black 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank Coulson 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edmund Alfred John Davies 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Edward Deatherage 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RAF Sergeant Ernest John Hartman 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Raymond Ervin Hine 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald George Henry Ireland 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Cameron Munro 2024-11-25 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG133
s/n NG133
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 133
Merlin
Known Units: 550
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Duisburg Germany 1944-10-14 to 1944-10-14
550 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF North Killingholme
550 Squadron (Per Ignem Vincimus) RAF North Killingholme. Lancaster BI aircraft NG 133 BQ-F2 was struck by heavy flak and exploded, crashing near Baerl, Germany on the River Rhine during a daylight operation against targets in Duisburg, Germany
The pilot, Flying Officer A Abrams (RCAF) was thrown clear in the explosion and survived to become a Prisoner of War
Pilot Officer JW Brown (RCAF), Flight Sergeant PL Brooker (RAFVR), Sergeant KW Nettleton (RAFVR), Sergeant KR Salton (RAFVR), Sergeant AP Soper (RAFVR) and Flight Sergeant RF Veness (RAFVR) were all killed action
550 Squadron Lancaster bomber PD 319 BQ-G and the entire crew was also lost on this operation
1944-October-14 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Alec Abrams 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Philip Leonard Brooker 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John William Brown 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth William Nettleton 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Kenneth Ronald Salton 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Percy Soper 2024-07-28
1944-October-14 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Raymond Frank Veness 2024-07-28 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG143
s/n NG143
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 143
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 16 Sep 1944. Lost on mining operation 16 Oct 1944. 57 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG164
s/n NG164
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 164
Merlin
Known Units: 150
Claim by Oblt Fritz E Krause 3/NJG11 - Over target. Muhlheim-Oberhausen: 5,400m at 18:50. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1945 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Those who perished were initially buried in isolated collective grave near Eschenbrueck. Reinterred 2 December 1947. (CWGC) (Source John Jones)
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial NG170
s/n NG170
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 170
Merlin
Known Units: 227
Delivered to No. 227 Sqn (9J-S) 23 Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Ladbergen 3/4 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG177
s/n NG177
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 177
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 27 Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 14/15 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Angus Wharing Holmes 2021-08-10
1945-March-15 KIA RAFVR Eric Leslie Howard 2022-07-12
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Frank James Ling 2021-08-13
1945-March-15 KIA RAFVR Herbert Cecil Lomax 2022-07-12
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Bruce Millman 2021-08-16
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bruce Wells Rutland 2021-08-05
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ralph Lindsay Thompson 2021-07-20 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG179
s/n NG179
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 179
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG183
s/n NG183
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 183
Merlin
Known Units: 576;166
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn. No. 166 Sqn 15 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 20/21 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flt. Sergeant William Joseph Doherty 2024-10-24
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant David Walter Hill 2021-08-10
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Emmett Kearney 2021-08-12
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Allan Neal 2021-08-17
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Sydney Alexander Tafler 2021-07-20 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG184
s/n NG184
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 184
Merlin
Known Units: 153
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG185
s/n NG185
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 185
Merlin
Known Units: 153 Sqn
Originally with No. 166 Sqn, then transferred to No. 153 Sqn (P4-A) 7 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG186
s/n NG186
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 186
Merlin
Known Units: 195
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG190
s/n NG190
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 190
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Duisburg 14 Oct 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-14 KIA RAF Sergeant Thomas Allanson 2025-11-05
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Glenn Crawford Bellamy 2025-11-05
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Ross Eugene Brouillette 2023-10-20
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Greene 2025-11-05
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Lindsay 2025-11-05
1944-October-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alfred Alexander Picard 2025-11-05
1944-October-14 KIA RAF Sergeant Arthur Scammell 2025-11-05 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG202
s/n NG202
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 202
Merlin
Known Units: 170
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG204
s/n NG204
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 204
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 18 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Ladbergen 3/4 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG219
s/n NG219
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 219
Merlin
Known Units: 195
Delivered to No. 195 Sqn (A4-T) 10 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Solingen 4 Nov 1944. 32 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG229
s/n NG229
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 229
Merlin
Known Units: 7
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG232
s/n NG232
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 232
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*H".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG233
s/n NG233
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 233
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*E". Failed to return from mine laying operation over Kattegat on 13 March 1945. Reported as shot down over North Sea, at 54.44.38N 10.08.20E in evening. All 7 crew killed, one body washed up on 30 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Paul Farrell 2021-08-06
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Daniel William Hodge 2021-08-10
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Alexander Kennedy 2022-01-24
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Clyde Pierson 2021-08-14
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Vincent Plante 2023-08-28
1945-March-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Howard Wilson 2021-07-07 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG239
s/n NG239
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 239
Merlin
Known Units: 625
With No. 625 Sqn. Apparently seen with wheels down, Wanne-Eickel on a daylight raid 9 Nov 1944last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward John Brown 2024-08-05
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Allan Bruce 2024-08-05
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vincent Daniel Campbell 2024-08-05
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lindsay Leonard Guthrie 2024-08-05
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Gordon Marler 2024-08-05
1944-November-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Earl Duncan Wilmot 2024-08-05 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG240
s/n NG240
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 240
Merlin
Known Units: 624
Delivered to No. 624 Sqn (CF-F2) 21 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Chemnitz 5/6 Mar 1945. Crashed near Klasterec nad Ohri, Czechoslovakia.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG252
s/n NG252
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 252
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-R) Oct 1944. Crashed and burnt on take-off from Bardney 1 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG267
s/n NG267
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 267
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn 27 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund 20/21 Feb 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Ferry Flight Dortmund Germany 1945-02-20 to 1945-02-21
625 (B) Sqn (RAF) Kelstern
On the night of Tuesday 20th February 1945 Bomber Command operated a total of 1,283 sorties: The main force was split into four major attacks: 528 aircraft assigned to attack Dortmund, 173 aircraft to Dusseldorf, 128 aircraft to attack Monheim and 165 aircraft assigned to attack the Mittelland Canal near Gravenhorst (Later aborted by the Master Bomber because of cloud) Minor operations that night consisted of 289 aircraft: a total of 91 aircraft on a Diversionary Sweep across the North Sea, 66 aircraft to attack Berlin, 65 aircraft to carry out Radio Counter Measures, 45 aircraft on Patrol and 16 aircraft assigned to attack Mannheim and six aircraft on Resistance Work. From the night's operations there were a total of 25 aircraft (1.95%): 12 Lancaster aircraft (2.23%) from the attack on Dortmund, four Lancasters and four Halifaxes (4.62%) from the attack on Dusseldorf, two Halifax aircraft from the attack on Monheim (1.56%) and a single Liberator from No.223 Squadron (1.54%) on Bomber Support Duty carrying out Radio Counter Measures. From these 25 aircraft there were a total of 156 casualties; 85 airmen died (54.48%) died, six injured and 65 became Prisoners of War. The casualties came from 21 Bomber Squadrons flying out of 21 airfields operating in five Bomber Groups.
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Raymond Dart 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Arthur Dickson 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Oliver Harding 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Patrick Maloney DFC 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer William George Pearce 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Harry Percival Shephard 2024-10-20
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Briar Sibbald Thompson 2024-10-20 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG276
s/n NG276
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 276
Merlin
Known Units: ;103
Hit by Flak of 14 Flak Division over Merseburg. Aircraft exploded and crashed into North East district of Merseburg at 20:30. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Pilot: J/35279 Fg Off Harry William Johnson RCAF - Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery Plot 6 Row J Grave 23. Fg Off Johnson was initially buried with four members of his crew in an unmarked collective grave Merseburg Military Cemetery. Reinterred 3 July 1947.
last update: 2025-November-19Lancaster Mk.I serial NG277
s/n NG277
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 277
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*G".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG279
s/n NG279
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 279
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*O".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG280
s/n NG280
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 280
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*U".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG281
s/n NG281
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 281
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*X". Attacked by German jets during daylight raid on Hamburg on 31 March 1945, mid upper gunner claiming one jet damaged.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG286
s/n NG286
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 286
Merlin
Known Units: 207;619
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Feb 1945. Transferred to No. 619 Sqn. Missing on operation to Harburg 7/8 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG287
s/n NG287
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 287
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn 1 Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Misburg 15/16 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG290
s/n NG290
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 290
Merlin
Known Units: 550;166
Started with No. 550 Sqn, then to No. 166 Sqn . Missing on operation to Munich 7/8 Jan 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Verne Douglas Elliott 2024-05-26
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Arthur Humberstone 2024-05-29
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Garwood Mackay 2024-06-05
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Kenneth McLean 2024-06-20
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Young James Soper 2024-06-28
1945-January-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Eldon Wells 2024-07-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG302
s/n NG302
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 302
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG325
s/n NG325
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 325
Merlin
Known Units: 189
Delivered to No. 189 Sqn Nov 1944. Attacked by German intruder and crashed at East Rudham 4 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Ladbergen Germany 1945-03-03 to 1945-03-04
189 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Fulbeck
Took off from Fulbeck at 18:37 in Lancaster Mk I NG-325 CA-H to bomb the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ladbergen Germany.
From Operations Record Book: "LADBERGEN. Aircraft believed shot down by enemy intruder, crashed near EAST RUDHAM Railway Station, Norfolk at 00:10 hrs. on 4th March 1945. Pilot and all members of the crew killed. Aircraft believed to have bombed primary."
1945-March-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Norman Benson 2025-01-15
1945-March-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Marquis Roland Bullock 2024-07-08
1945-March-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Frederick Caley 2024-07-09
1945-March-04 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Howard Geoffrey Harrison 2025-03-24
1945-March-04 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert William McCormack 2025-03-24
1945-March-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Joseph Nelson 2024-07-09
1945-March-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Sidney James Reid 2024-07-09 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG327
s/n NG327
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 327
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 28 Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Gravenhorst 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG331
s/n NG331
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 331
Merlin
Known Units: 550
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG332
s/n NG332
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 332
Merlin
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Sqn. Shot down by American AA fire over Namur 1 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG335
s/n NG335
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 335
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn (P4-V) Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Zeitz, Germany, 16/17 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clyde Willis Byers 2025-04-02
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Robert King Crow 2025-04-02
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Michael Frank 2021-08-06
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Cleaveland Irving 2021-08-11
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Charles Shilliday 2021-10-02 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG343
s/n NG343
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 343
Merlin
Known Units: 434;429
Operated by No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded WL*U. With No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*J". Used on operations, 1944 and / or 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG344
s/n NG344
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 344
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*U.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG345
s/n NG345
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 345
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*V. Used on operations, 1945. Failed to return from operation over Hamburg on 31 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lucien Joseph Almasse Campeau 2023-12-17
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Herbert Fisher 2022-08-13
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Edwin Milton Hooker 2021-08-10
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Reginald Roy Jones 2023-08-29
1945-March-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Joseph Henri Roger Robert Ledoux 2021-03-09
1945-March-31 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant J A J C Rancourt 2023-09-25 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG346
s/n NG346
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 346
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*N". Lost while on a mission to Dessau on 8 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dessau Germany 1945-03-07 to 1945-03-07
424 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-0n-Swale
526 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 18 Lancasters lost, 3·4 per cent of the force.
This was another devastating raid on a new target in Eastern Germany with the usual town centre, residential, industrial and railway areas all being hit. Few further details are available.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft NG 346 was shot down and crashed one mile south of Katlenhardt, Germany during a night trip to Dessau, Germany. FS.s G.W. Laut, P.W. Davies, J.W. Allan, D. Bellantino, P/O. J.A. Bellamy, and FS. P.Y. Yanai (RAF) were killed. One Canadian, F/O. Lighthall, was taken Prisoner Of War.
1945-March-08 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on Dessau. 2019-08-20
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph William Allan 2025-07-24
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Alwin Bellamy 2024-09-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Dominico Bellantino 2024-09-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Paul Wright Davies 2024-09-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Weston Laut 2024-09-13
1945-March-07 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Dow Lighthall 2024-09-13 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG347
s/n NG347
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 347
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*P". Named "Piccadilly Princess".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG348
s/n NG348
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 348
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*Q".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG363
s/n NG363
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 363
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn (BQ-P) 5 Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Munich 7/8 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank William Bradley 2024-11-16
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles John Clarke 2024-05-17
1945-January-07 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Lawrence Coldwell 2024-03-14
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lucien Andrew Joseph Gauthier 2025-02-18
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Edward Miell 2025-02-18 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG389
s/n NG389
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 389
Merlin
Known Units: 1666HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG396
s/n NG396
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 396
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG400
s/n NG400
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 400
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, in 1945, coded "QB*R".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG435
s/n NG435
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 435
Merlin
Known Units: ;24 OTU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG441
s/n NG441
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 441
Merlin
Known Units: 433;424
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*L". Also with No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*L".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG446
s/n NG446
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 446
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*J".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG447
s/n NG447
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 447
Merlin
Known Units: 622
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG451
s/n NG451
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 451
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*E".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG455
s/n NG455
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 455
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Ladbergen Germany 1945-02-08 to 1945-02-08
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England
467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster NG455 was involved in a bombing raid against the Dortmund-Ems Kanal near Ladbergen, Germany. While homeward-bound, the aircraft was shot down by a German fighter. Casualties included W/C J.K. Douglas (RAAF), and P/O's J.B. Nanscawen (RAAF) and H.M.S. Stuart (RAAF). Prisoners of War were Flying Officer L.W.E. Baines (RCAF) and Flt. Sgt. B.O. Bean (RAAF). Flying Officer J.A. Strickland (RAAF) evaded capture.Lancaster Mk.I serial NG456
s/n NG456
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 456
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*D".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG457
s/n NG457
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 457
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*C", and "QB*H". Not clear which code marked when lost. Shot down and crashed near Dabringhausen while on a mission to Dessau on 8 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dessau Germany 1945-03-07 to 1945-03-07
424 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale
526 Lancasters and 5 Mosquitoes of I, 3, 6 and 8 Groups. 18 Lancasters lost, 3·4 per cent of the force.
This was another devastating raid on a new target in Eastern Germany with the usual town centre, residential, industrial and railway areas all being hit. Few further details are available.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster aircraft NG 457 missing during a night operation against Dessau, Germany. F/Os D.A.Standfield, T.L. Foley, D.W. Robinson, T.S. Lawrence, Sergeant J. Klem, and FS S. Rosu were killed. One Canadian, Sergeant Seaman, was either an Evader or was taken Prisoner of War.
1945-March-08 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on Dessau. 2019-08-20
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Lynn Foley 2023-01-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Klem 2023-01-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Selborne Lawrence 2023-01-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald William Burroughs Robinson 2023-01-13
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Sam Rosu 2023-01-13
1945-March-07 PoW RCAF Sergeant K F Seaman 2023-09-29
1945-March-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Arthur Standfield 2023-01-13 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG458
s/n NG458
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 458
Merlin
Known Units: 424
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Chemnitz Germany 1945-03-05 to 1945-03-05
433 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale
Thunderclap
760 aircraft - 498 Lancasters, 256 Halifaxes, 6 Mosquitoes - to continue Operation Thunderclap. The operation started badly when 9 aircraft of 6 Group crashed near their bases soon after taking off in icy conditions. 426 Squadron, at Linton-on-Ousc, lost 3 out of their 14 Halifaxes taking part in the raid in this way, with only I man surviving. 1 of the Halifaxes crashed in York, killing some civilians. 22 further aircraft were lost in the main operation - 14 Lancasters and 8 I·Ialifaxes
The city of Karl-Marx-Stadt was unable to supply any local details but it Is known that the centre and the south of the city suffered severe fire damage. Several important factories were situated in the fire area and the Siegmar factory, which made tank engines, was destroyed.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
Lancaster BI aircraft NG 458 QB-H failed to return from night operations over Chemnitz, Germany. It is believed that the Lancaster crashed and exploded after a mid-air collision with an escorting fighter
On 1945-03-06, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 424/433 Sqns at Skipton on Swale, wrote in his diary:
Chemnitz was the target last night & unfortunately we lost Flight Lieutenant Don Ross in "H" of 424. It sure is too bad since he was a swell guy & of course went though Riverdale Collegiate with me at home."
Flying Officer FE Seaby (RCAF) and Sergeant AK Rayner (RAFVR) were killed in action and are buried in Germany
Flying Officer HM Weaver (RCAF), Flying Officer AV Cash (RCAF)(USA), Flight Lieutenant DA Ross (RCAF) and Pilot Officer JM Atchison (RCAF) were missing, presumed killed in action. These aircrew have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial
FS CJ Antonek was the sole survivor of his crew and was taken Prisoner of War
Book- The Mystery of Frankenberg's Canadian Airman by Peter Hessel
RAF losses 5./6. March 1945 [Archive] - Luftwaffe and Allied Air...
1945-March-06 Failed to Return Failed to return from raid on Chemnitz. 2019-08-20
1945-March-05 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Casimir J Antonek 2023-11-03
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Melford Atchison 2024-11-03
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Alfred Valentine Cash 2024-01-17
1945-March-05 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Kemp Rayner 2023-01-13
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Donald Alexander Ross 2023-11-03
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Francis Edward Seaby 2024-05-01
1945-March-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Howard McElroy Weaver 2023-11-03 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG459
s/n NG459
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 459
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*K".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG460
s/n NG460
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 460
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*A. Used on operations in 1945. On operation 1/2 Feb 1945, the aircraft was hit by flak. Returning to base, the aircraft was flying at around 3,000 feet when the pilot ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft probably fearing he was losing control, two of the crew made good their escape and landed safely. Before anyone else could get clear the aircraft crashed at 23.20hrs into a field near Throstle Nest Farm, between Asenby and Cundall, to the north east of Dishforth. The remaining five members of the crew died as a result of the accident.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1945-02-01 to 1945-02-01
433 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton on Swale
On 1945-02-01, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 424/433 Sqns at Skipton on Swale, wrote in his diary:
Warning: The following material contains graphic content that may not be suitable for all readers.
". . . Got prepared for 7 Lancs from each sqdn toting no less than 1 -4000 pounder &14 five hundred pound incendiaries all the way to Ludwigshafen . . . when they returned poor old Squadron Leader Stinson was missing in 433 A Able. We had seen flames of a crash in the distance but hadn't figured out it was one of ours. Nonetheless it was Stinson who had piled in over near Dalton in a terrific smash-up. Two of the crew bailed out in time but the other 5 bought it. Fri Feb 2: Got up bright and early to rush over and investigate this latest crash. What a horrible mess it was. It looked like he was in a power dive when he went into the deck at about a 30 degree angle & there sure wasn't much left. Three of the 4 engines were buried in the mud out-of-sight with only the tip of one prop blade showing. The fourth engine had been torn out & was burst open along side. Part of the kite had skidded forward & set fire to a farmer's haystack which was still burning when I got there. It was a pretty grisly sight . . . They had enough parts together to make up approximately four bodies but one is still missing in the wreckage somewhere. The only explanation about why it piled in was from the story of the two crew members who bailed out. They were badly shot up with flak over the target & it is thought his controls must have suddenly given way.
Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM
Crash site of NG460 Skipton on Swale 1945-02-01
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG484
s/n NG484
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 484
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*L.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG488
s/n NG488
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 488
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn 1 Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Misburg, 15/16 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG492
s/n NG492
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 492
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Jan 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1945-03-17 to 1945-03-17
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) Elsham Wolds
231 Lancasters of I Group and 46 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitoes of 8 Group. 21 Lancasters, all from I Group, lost, 8·7 per cent of the Lancaster force and 10·4 per cent of the I Group aircraft involved. Most of these losses were due to German night fighters, which found the bomber stream on its way to the target.
The local report (from Dr Erich Mulzer) states that the southern and south-western districts were hit as well as the ruins of the Altstadt which was destroyed in a previous raid. A serious 'fire area' was established in the Steinbuhl district. The main railway station was also on fire and the city's gasworks were so badly damaged thal they did not resume production before the end of the war. There are no figures for property damage and the only casualty figure given is 529 dead. This was the last heavy Bomber Command raid on Nuremberg.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Alan Davies 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John Grant 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Rowland Ira Parks 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arthur Lloyd Stepharnoff 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Harry Kenneth Stott 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Wilfred Whitehead 2025-11-03
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Robert Wilkinson 2025-11-03 Lancaster Mk.I serial NG496
s/n NG496
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 496
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*N. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG497
s/n NG497
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 497
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*E". With No. 434 (B) Squadron, coded "WL*P", when damaged by a night fighter on 21 February 1945. Mid upper gunner Flight Sergeant J.H. Taggert and WOP Pilot Officer H.A. Davey killed. Aircraft survived the war, returned to RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG498
s/n NG498
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 498
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*T".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NG503
s/n NG503
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
NG 503
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn 13 Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Wurzburg 16/17 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Thomas Edison Farrow 2024-05-26
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Dennison Johnston 2024-06-01
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Charles Wylie McBride 2024-06-17
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Mino 2024-06-20
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lloyd Tilley 2024-07-10 Lancaster Mk.I serial NN695
s/n NN695
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 695
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN696
s/n NN696
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 696
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn from No. 32 MU 24 May 1944. Missing on operation to Wesseling 21/22 Jun 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN697
s/n NN697
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 697
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-R) 25 May 1944. Missing on operation to Etampes, France 9/10 Jun 1944. 25 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN700
s/n NN700
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 700
Merlin
Known Units: 15
Delivered to No. 15 Sqn (LS-Q) 15 July 1944. Missing on operation to Rocquecourt 7/8 Aug 1944. 58 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN701
s/n NN701
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 701
Merlin
Known Units: 57;429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*T. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN705
s/n NN705
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 705
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-O) from No. 32 MU. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Russelsheim 26 Aug 1944. 22 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN706
s/n NN706
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 706
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn 18 Aug 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Dortmund 15 Nov 1944. 168 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN711
s/n NN711
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 711
Merlin
Known Units: 576
At 1851 hours on the night of 23 September 1944, Lancaster NN711 took off from Elsham Wolds, detailed to bomb Neuss, Germany. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after takeoff and it failed to return to base. The aircraft crashed at 2020 hours about 1km south east of Kapellen on the southern outskirts of Moers, Germany, and all the crew members were killed.The crew members of NN711 were:
Sergeant Charles John Brady (R/170692) (RCAF) (Air Bomber)
Flying Officer Stanley Frederick Durrant (151718) (RAFVR) (Pilot)
Flying Officer James Johnstone (153834) (RAFVR) (Navigator)
Sergeant James Gordon Mackey (R/216220) (RCAF) (Air Gunner)
Flight Sergeant James Robert McIntyre (426653) (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sergeant Ronald Ernest Pearce (1880404) (RAFVR) (Flight Engineer)
Sergeant David Spowart (1567579) (RAFVR) (Air Gunner)
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN712
s/n NN712
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 712
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-A) 2 Sep 1944. Missing on operation to Zeitz 16/17 Jan 1945. 19 Operationslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN745
s/n NN745
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 745
Merlin
Known Units: 75
With No. 75 (NZ) Sqn 4 Nov 1944. Departed from Mepal for operations in the Oslo Fjord (Onions Area). Lost without trace 20 Nov 1944. 17 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN750
s/n NN750
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 750
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn 7 Nov 1944. Crashed at Manston on returning from operation to Bonn 28 Dec 1944last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN758
s/n NN758
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 758
Merlin
Known Units: 103
With 103 Sqn. Damaged 20/21 Feb 1945. Missing from operation to Nuremburg 16/17 Mar 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1945-03-16 to 1945-03-17
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Elsham Wolds
103 Squadron (Noli me tangere) RAF Elsham Wolds. Lancaster I aircraft NN 758 PM-S was shot down by night fighter pilot Feldwebel Joseph Brunner of 10/NJG6, crashing two miles north of Laichingen, Germany during a night operation against targets in Nuremberg, Germany
Only one crew member survived the loss of this aircraft
Flight Lieutenant Alastair Clarence Watt (RCAF), Flight Sergeant William Henry Fetherston (RCAF), Pilot Officer Albert Edward Wotherspoon (RCAF), Flight Sergeant George William Blackshaw (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant James Stanley Hickey (RAFVR) and Sergeant James Frederick Jackson (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Flight Sergeant Albert Charles Bellisle (RCAF) bailed out and survived to be taken as Prisoner of War
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1945 1 January - 3 May by Theo Boiten, page 83
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Charles Bellisle 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant George William Blackshaw 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Henry Fetherston 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant James Stanley Hickey 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Frederick Jackson 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Alastair Clarence Watt 2025-02-12
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Edward Wotherspoon 2025-02-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial NN766
s/n NN766
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 766
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn 11 Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Munich 7/8 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Fletcher Campbell 2024-01-25
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Meyer Greenstein 2024-01-25
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Millard Henderson Horne 2025-09-16
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ralph James Lougheed 2024-01-25
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William John McArthur 2024-01-25
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Joseph McAulay 2024-01-25 Lancaster Mk.I serial NN772
s/n NN772
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 772
Merlin
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn (JI-C2) 3 Jan 1945. Missing on operation to Wiesbaden 2/3 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN779
s/n NN779
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 779
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*J. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NN785
s/n NN785
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 785
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn 3 Feb 1945. Missing on raid to Dortmund 20/21 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant W H Holman 2023-08-26
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant A D Kall 2023-08-29
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edric Stephen Neil 2021-08-17
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class V S Reynolds 2023-09-26
1945-February-21 PoW RCAF Flying Officer R C Taylor 2023-10-02 Lancaster Mk.I serial NN803
s/n NN803
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NN 803
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn (P4-O) 3 Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Chemnitz 14/15 Feb 1945last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Joseph Anthony Caryi 2024-04-04
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lorne Albert MacDonald 2024-04-22
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Clement Robert Mills 2021-08-16
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ross Samuel Stanzel 2022-01-03
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 John Howard Wilson 2024-11-01 Lancaster Mk.I serial NX548
s/n NX548
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 548
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*J". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX549
s/n NX549
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 549
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*U". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX550
s/n NX550
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 550
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*V". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX551
s/n NX551
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 551
Merlin
Known Units: 427;424
Operated by No. 427 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*G". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX552
s/n NX552
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 552
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*S". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX553
s/n NX553
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 553
Merlin
Known Units: 427;424
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*H". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX554
s/n NX554
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 554
Merlin
Known Units: 427;424
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*F". Named "Fannin Fanny". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF. Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX555
s/n NX555
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 555
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*R. Used on operations, 1945. Named "Namely Repulsive". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX584
s/n NX584
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 584
Merlin
Known Units: 463
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial NX587
s/n NX587
m/d 683
Austin Motors
NX 587
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, in 1945, coded "QB*N".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA158
s/n PA158
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 158
Merlin
Known Units: 90
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA162
s/n PA162
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 162
Merlin
Known Units: 61
Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Troissy-St-Maximin 3 Aug 1944. 51 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA173
s/n PA173
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 173
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Model discrepancy: recorded as Mk. I in CASPIR file and in Lancaster File reference text, also RAF Form 78; shown as Mk. III in 576 Squadron webpage (see CASPIR record for Chisick, M J/36938) - attachments. It is also shown as Mk. I by Mason and by Robertson.Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-Q2) 17 Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Munich 7/8 Jan 1945
last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1945-01-07 to 1945-01-07
576 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Fiskerton
576 Squadron RAF (Carpe diem) RAF Fiskerton. Lancaster I aircraft PA 173 UL-Q2 failed to return from an operation to Munich Germany 1945-01-7/8. The cause of loss and crash location were not determinedThree aircrew were missing, presumed killed in action: Pilot Officer Albert Spencer Blair Campton (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Wilfred Glenn McClelland (RCAF) and Flying Officer Edward Lewis Saslove (RCAF)
Four aircrew survived to become Prisoners of War: Flying Officer Maxwell Chisick (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Robert Frederick Hood (RCAF), Flying Officer Gwynfor Davies (RAFVR) and Sergeant Raymond Hoyle (RAFVR)
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Albert Spencer Blair Campton 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Maxwell 'Max' Chisick 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 PoW RAF Flying Officer Gwynfor Davies 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Frederick Hood 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 PoW RAF Sergeant Raymond Hoyle 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Wilfred Glenn McClelland 2024-12-19
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Lewis Saslove 2024-12-19 Lancaster Mk.I serial PA174
s/n PA174
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 174
Merlin
Known Units: 626
With No. 626 Sqn (UM-G). Crashed in poor visibility and burned at Clacton on return from Essen 23 Oct 1944last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Howard Armstrong 2024-11-03
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Vincent Collingwood 2024-04-29
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Alan McKendry 2021-08-17
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Sergeant Desmond Roderick Smith 2021-07-28
1944-October-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Allan Tweter 2021-07-14 Lancaster Mk.I serial PA189
s/n PA189
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 189
Merlin
Known Units: 100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Zeitz, Germany 16/17 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Merton Chapman 2024-04-04
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James David Gibbons 2024-04-13
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Malcolm Stalker McMaster 2024-04-22
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Quigley 2024-05-01
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ray Calvin Roller 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.I serial PA190
s/n PA190
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 190
Merlin
Known Units: 12;626
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 6 Dec 1944, Transferred to No. 626 Sqn Jan 1945. Missing on daylight operation to Nordhausen 3 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA219
s/n PA219
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 219
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*M" and "BM*W". Failed to return from operation over Bonn on 5 February 1945. May have collided with Lancaster KB787 of 419 Squadron.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing 1945-02-04 to 1945-02-04
433 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton on Swale
On 1945-02-04, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 424/433 Sqns at Skipton on Swale, wrote in his diary:
"Got 8 from 424 & 6 from 422 away on ops again tonight on Bonn . . .Everything went well on take-off but our horrible Sunday luck came through again & Flight Lieutenant Mara in "M" Mike of 433 sqdn didn't come back tonight " we found out later he had a midair collision over France & the M/U gunner was found over there near St. Vith wandering around in a daze with amnesia & not knowing what had happened or how he got there. Apparently he was the only one to escape with his life"
1945-February-05 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Bonn 2019-08-20
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Carl Herbert Howald 2023-08-22
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Neil Arbuthnot Hurst 2023-08-22
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Neil Duncan Mara DFC 2023-08-22
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wilfred Laurier Melbourne 2023-08-22
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Brian Terence Sheeran 2023-08-23
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arnold Jeffers Tyrrell 2023-08-23
1945-February-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William George Whitton 2023-08-23 Lancaster Mk.I serial PA223
s/n PA223
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 223
Merlin
Known Units: 50
To No. 50 Sqn 12 Jan 1945. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 2/3 Feb 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA225
s/n PA225
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 225
Merlin
Known Units: 434;429;433
First used by No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*O". Then to No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*G and "AL*H". Used on operations, 1945. Later to No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, then to No. 22 MU (RAF).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA226
s/n PA226
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 226
Merlin
Known Units: 433;434;429
Delivered to No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*X". Also with No. 434 Squadron, RCAF, coded "WL*X". Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*H". Returned to base with severe right wing damage while with this unit, date unknown. During the evening of 10th February 1945 this 434 Squadron aircraft was to be flown on a night flying training exercise. At 19.30hrs this aircraft was being taxied from it's dispersal pan onto the perimeter track under instruction from a ground marshaller, but whom had no torches, when this aircraft collided with Lancaster PA225 that was already taxying along the perimeter track prior to taking off. Both aircraft sustained minor damage.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA234
s/n PA234
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 234
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 6 Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA259
s/n PA259
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 259
Merlin
Known Units: 227
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA260
s/n PA260
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 260
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*Q". Named "Get Up Them Stairs Queenie". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA263
s/n PA263
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 263
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*E. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA265
s/n PA265
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 265
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA271
s/n PA271
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 271
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*W". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA272
s/n PA272
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 272
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*C".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA273
s/n PA273
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 273
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*R".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA274
s/n PA274
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 274
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*F".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA286
s/n PA286
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 286
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, in 1945, coded "QB*H".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA323
s/n PA323
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 323
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*F. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA324
s/n PA324
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 324
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*K".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA326
s/n PA326
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 326
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*W".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA327
s/n PA327
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 327
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*U".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PA337
s/n PA337
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PA 337
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*X".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA964
s/n PA964
m/d 683
Avro
PA 964
Merlin
Known Units: 7
Delivered to No. 32 MU 20 May 1944. To No. 7 Sqn (MG-K) 24 May 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Buer 6/7 Oct 1944. 244 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA968
s/n PA968
m/d 683
Avro
PA 968
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn 21 May 1944. Missing on operation to Donges, France 24/25 Jul 1944. 169 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gordon Frank Finch 2024-02-06
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant Norman Gronbeck 2024-02-06
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clement Burton Haaland 2024-02-06
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Lyle Nelson 2024-02-06
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Stafford John Sullivan 2024-02-06 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA970
s/n PA970
m/d 683
Avro
PA 970
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*Y and "LQ*X". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Missing over le Havre 8 Sept 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Flt. Lieutenant Ross Bernard Baroni 2024-12-21
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant R (Benny Benabo 2025-09-18
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 G J Darcy 2024-08-29
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Waclas Kuviak 2024-12-23
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Wing Commander Howard Allan Morrison 2024-12-23
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant Linton Wilson Queale 2024-12-23
1944-September-08 Evader RCAF Flight Lieutenant Reginald Arthur Swartz 2024-12-23 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA972
s/n PA972
m/d 683
Avro
PA 972
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*D. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Crashed on take-off.25 July 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA974
s/n PA974
m/d 683
Avro
PA 974
Merlin
Known Units: 97
With No. 97 Sqn (OF-B). Missing on operation to Munster 23/24 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA977
s/n PA977
m/d 683
Avro
PA 977
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*T and "LQ*D". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Bingen on 23 December 1944. Set on fire by night fighter, tail and one engine separated before it crashed in flames into a farm field near Wiersdorf.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bingen Germany 1944-12-22 to 1944-12-22
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducirnus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PA 977 missing during a night raid against Bingen, Germany. Took off from Gransden Lodge at 15:49 in Lancaster Mk III (Sqn code LQ-D Bomber Command) on an operation to Bingen Germany.
Claim by Oblt Peter Spoden 6/NJG6 - Kylburg area North of Trier (QO 7):4,000m at 18:59. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 5 - Theo Boiten) shot down and burned as it came down. Hit the ground and flipped over. The tail and one engine came off before it hit. Crashed at Wiersdorf Fell 60-70 yards behind a farm in Western Germany not far from the Luxembourg border. Flying Officer f Biggs RCAF was captured on 22 December 1944 at Bingen.
Killed: Flying Officer Harry Denis Davy RCAF J/35523 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery grave 8. E. 22; Pilot Officer James Frederick Devitt RCAF C/92768 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery grave 8. E. 21; Flight Sergeant Joseph Barney Rynski RCAF R/148282 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery grave 8. E. 20.; Flying Officer Joseph Tite DFC RCAF J/28523 pilot KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery grave 8. E. 19.
POWs: Flight Sergeant Jean Charles Horace Mathieu RCAF R/54717 POW Stalag 9C Muhlhausen; Flight Sergeant Gerald Thomas Haase RCAF Dulag Luft Frankfurt Stalag XIII-D Nuremburg-Langwasser/Stalag VII-A Moosburg/PoW Number? Escaped whilst on a forced march from Bittsburg to Geroldstein. Recaptured by Hitler Youth North of Strasbourg (No food or clothing); Flying Officer Herbert Darrell Biggs RCAF Stalag XII Limburg/Dulag Luft Frankfurt Stalag XIII-D Nuremburg-Langwasser/Stalag VII Moosburg-A/PoW Number?
1944-December-23 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Bingen 2019-08-20
1944-December-22 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Herbert Darrell Biggs 2024-11-28
1944-December-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harry Dennis Davy 2024-10-17
1944-December-22 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Frederick Devitt 2024-10-17
1944-December-22 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Gerald Thomas Haase 2024-11-28
1944-December-22 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Jean Charles Horace Mathieu 2024-11-28
1944-December-22 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Barney Rynski 2024-10-17
1944-December-22 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Tite DFC 2024-11-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA980
s/n PA980
m/d 683
Avro
PA 980
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Served with No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*E". 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Crashed near Reims, during raid on Metz.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Metz France 1944-06-28 to 1944-06-29
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Normandy
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PA 980 failed to return from a night trip to Metz, Flight SergeantGeorge Edwin MOORE (R/197236); Sergeant;John Mcdonald SHAW (1050043);Prisoners of War for Lancaster PA980;-;Plt Off;Elwood Williams STRINGHAM (J/86072);Other occupants of PA980 - Fg Offr L R STEIN () Evader; Flt Sgt J W SHURVELL () Evader; Plt Offr F A SMITTEN () Evader; Sgt. E E THORN () Evader
1944-June-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Edwin Moore 2023-02-18
1944-June-29 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant J W Shurvell 2022-08-29
1944-June-29 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer F A Smitten 2022-08-29
1944-June-29 Evader RCAF Flying Officer L E Stein 2022-08-29
1944-June-29 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Elwood Williams Stringham 2023-08-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA981
s/n PA981
m/d 683
Avro
PA 981
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*K. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Wanne-Eickel.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Wanne-Eickel Germany 1944-09-12 to 1944-09-12
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PA 981 was shot down at Monchen-Gladbach, Germany during operations against Wanne-Eickel, Germany. Flying Officer V. Crawford and Pilot Officer G.R. DyeIle were also killed. Three Canadians, F/Os A. Sovran, C.J. Robinson, Sergeant Clarke, and one of the crew, not Canadian, were taken Prisoners of War.
1944-September-12 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Karl William Clarke 2024-02-28
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Vincent Crawford 2024-05-14
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gyles Raymond Dyelle 2024-10-31
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Glen Hardy 2022-08-29
1944-September-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Clifford John Robinson 2025-05-25
1944-September-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Americo Sovran 2023-08-08 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA982
s/n PA982
m/d 683
Avro
PA 982
Merlin
Known Units: 156;405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*D", "LQ*E", "LQ*U" and "LQ*X". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA984
s/n PA984
m/d 683
Avro
PA 984
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny, France 14/15 Jul 1944. 52 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA988
s/n PA988
m/d 683
Avro
PA 988
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Stettin.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-08-16 to 1944-08-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
461 Lancasters to attack the port and industrial areas. 5 Lancasters lost.
Bomber Command claimed an accurate attack, with much damage in the port and factory area. A German report states that I ,508 houses and 29 industrial premises were destroyed and 1,000 houses and 26 industrial premises badly damaged. 5 ships in the harbour (totalling 5,000 tons) were sunk and 8 ships (15,000 tons) were seriously damaged. I, I 50 people were killed and I ,654 were injured; 33 of the dead and 72 of the injured were German soldiers.source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft PA 988 LQ-P was damaged by heavy flak over the target and later shot down attacked by night-fighter pilot Feldwebel Klaus Moller of 12/NJG3 returning from night operations to Stettin, Germany. The Lancaster crashed near Allindemagle on the island of Sjaelland, Denmark. Pilot Officer Musgrave bailed out but was killed in action when his parachute failed to open. Of the other six Canadians, Flying Officer Albert Bruce Durfee (RCAF) and Sergeant James Leo Umscheid (RCAF) survued but were captured and taken as Prisoners of War, Pilot Officer Bruce "Bud" Hesketh Walter, (RCAF) Flying Officer Ross Charles Wiens (RCAF), Flying Officer Alfred Bruce Durfee (RCAF), W/O Ralph Henry Rafter (RCAF), Flight Sergeant Alfred Charles Denis Budd (RCAF), and Sergeant James Leo Umscheid (RCAF) survived evaded, making their way to Sweden and later back safely to the United Kingdom . Pilot Officer Walter and Warrant Officer Rafter returned to the UK aboard Mosquito G-AGKO operated by civilian British Overseas Airways Corporation ("The Ball Bearing Run") from Stockholm to Leuchers, Scotland
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4, 24 July - 15 October by Theo Boiten, page 45
Avro Lancaster The Definitive Record (2nd Edition) by Harry Holmes, pages144,228
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
Lancaster III PA988 crashed near Allindemagle on the island of Sjaellan...
1944-August-17 Evader RCAF Sergeant Alfred Charles Denis Budd 2025-11-11
1944-August-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Albert Bruce Durfee 2025-11-09
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Philip Arthur Musgrave 2025-11-11
1944-August-17 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Ralph Henry Rafter 2025-11-11
1944-August-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James Leo Umscheid 2025-11-09
1944-August-17 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Bruce "Bud" Hesketh Walter 2025-11-09
1944-August-17 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Ross Charles Wiens 2025-11-11 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA989
s/n PA989
m/d 683
Avro
PA 989
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-U2) 27 May 1944. Missing on operation to Russelsheim 25/26 Aug 1944. 207 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA992
s/n PA992
m/d 683
Avro
PA 992
Merlin
Known Units: 630
To 630 Sqn May 1944 (LE-Y). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 24/25 Jul 1944. 106 Operational hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1944-07-24 to 1944-07-25
630 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF East Kirkby
630 Squadron RAF (Nocturna Mors) RAF East Kirkby. Lancaster BIII aircraft PA 992 LE-Y missing during night operations over Stuttgart, Germany, possibly shot down by a night fighter. The bomber crashed between Tramont-Bay (Meurthe-et-Moselle) and Tramont-Lassus, France
Rear Air Gunner Pilot Officer RW Lough (RCAF) and Mid-Upper Air Gunner Technical Sergeant JB Kiesow (USAAF) were killed in action
Flying Officer AS Woolf (RAFVR) survived, injured and was taken to a POW hospital in northern France
Flying Officer EK Wood (RCAF), Sergeant TW Tanner (RAFVR), Sergeant RA Toogood (RAFVR and Flying Officer W Adams (USAAF) survived and all avoided capture as Evaders
1944-July-25 Evader USAAF Lieutenant William Adams 2023-04-13
1944-July-25 KIA USAAF Technical Sergeant John Birney Kiesow 2023-04-12
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ross William Lough 2023-04-13
1944-July-25 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Trevor William Tanner 2023-04-13
1944-July-25 Evader RAFVR Sergeant Reginald Arthur "George" Toogood 2023-04-13
1944-July-25 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Edward Kennison Wood 2023-04-13
1944-July-25 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer Arthur Sidney "Red" Woolf 2023-04-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA994
s/n PA994
m/d 683
Avro
PA 994
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-H) 30 May 1944. Missing on operation to Konigsberg 29/30 Aug 1944. 265 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Konigsberg Germany 1944-08-29 to 1944-08-30
50 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Skellingthorpe
Crash location Pionersky Russia
- Fg Off J H Horspool RAF KIA
- Sergeant R W Myers RAF KIA
- Sergeant W G Owen RAF KIA
- WO H Dixon RAF KIA
- Sergeant J Fawkes RAF KIA
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA995
s/n PA995
m/d 683
Avro
PA 995
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA996
s/n PA996
m/d 683
Avro
PA 996
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-J) May 1944. Missing on operation to St. Leu d'Esserent, France 7/8 Jul 1944. 94 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Douglas Bishop 2024-11-12
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick Randall Hopkins 2025-01-21
1944-July-08 Evader RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Fraser Laidlaw 2025-01-21
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Stanley Arcadie Motriuk 2025-01-21
1944-July-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Peter Oliver Kenneth Noren 2025-01-21 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA998
s/n PA998
m/d 683
Avro
PA 998
Merlin
Known Units: 61
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander John Anderson 2024-11-02
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Eric Rodger Church 2024-02-21
1944-August-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer S A Fleming 2023-08-22
1944-August-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frank Kohut 2021-10-08
1944-August-26 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer W E Lewis 2023-09-05 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PA999
s/n PA999
m/d 683
Avro
PA 999
Merlin
Known Units: 103
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB112
s/n PB112
m/d 683
Avro
PB 112
Merlin
Known Units: 15;195
Delivered to No. No. 15 Sqn (LS-K) then transferred to No. 195 Sqn (JE-H). Missing from daylight operation to Witten, Germany 12 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-December-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Richard Barry 2024-11-09
1944-December-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Douglas Cyril Cullum 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 PoW RCAF Sergeant Joseph Aaron Friedman 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Mark Goldwater 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Tait Roth 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Norman Richard Waring 2024-11-13
1944-December-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Bernard White 2024-11-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB115
s/n PB115
m/d 683
Avro
PB 115
Merlin
Known Units: 15 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB117
s/n PB117
m/d 683
Avro
PB 117
Merlin
Known Units: 460;100
Delivered to No. 460 Sqn (AR-T). Transferred to No. 100 Sqn (HD-W) Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremburg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB120
s/n PB120
m/d 683
Avro
PB 120
Merlin
Known Units: 582
Delivered to No. 582 Sqn (6O-P). Lost on daylight mission to Cologne 23 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-December-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Harry Austin 2024-11-04
1944-December-23 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant J MacLennan 2023-09-07
1944-December-23 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant R E Pearce 2023-09-23
1944-December-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Arndt Walther Reif 2021-08-10
1944-December-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Peter Uzelman 2021-10-02 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB121
s/n PB121
m/d 683
Avro
PB 121
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB127
s/n PB127
m/d 683
Avro
PB 127
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB129
s/n PB129
m/d 683
Avro
PB 129
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*A. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from daylight operation against coastal guns at Cap Griz Nez area on 26 September 1944. Received a direct hit from flak while approaching the target, port inner engine caught fire and aircraft entered steep dive. Only 3 crew bailed out, rest killed when aircraft struck ground and exploded.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cap Gris-Nez France 1944-09-26 to 1944-09-26
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*A. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. Failed to return from daylight operation against coastal guns at Cap Griz Nez area on 26 September 1944. Received a direct hit from flak while approaching the target, port inner engine caught fire and aircraft entered steep dive. Only 3 crew bailed out
,Pilot Officer Frederick John Alec FREY (J/85493) Air Gunner; Flight Lieutenant Wilfred GODDARD (145387) Navigator; Flying Officer Charles Edwin LAISHLEY (158131) Wireless Op; Wing Commander Charles William PALMER (J/15818) Pilot; Flying Officer Wilfred George F. PEACOCK (J/18009) Air Bomber; killed when aircraft struck ground and exploded. Crashed in Allied held territory two of the survivors escaping serious injury while Canadian, Flight Lieutenant Anderson a veteran Squadron member whose DFM had been Gazetted 11 June 1943 was taken Prisoner of War on November 23, 1942, and required Hospital treatment
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB130
s/n PB130
m/d 683
Avro
PB 130
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing from daylight operation to Amaye-sur-Seulles (battle area) 30 Jul 1944. 63 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert William Burdell Carey 2024-01-04
1944-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Morrow Conly 2024-03-25
1944-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George John Imrie 2023-09-12
1944-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Maurice Lonie 2023-09-12
1944-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford Arnold Thompson 2023-09-12 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB131
s/n PB131
m/d 683
Avro
PB 131
Merlin
Known Units: 115
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB143
s/n PB143
m/d 683
Avro
PB 143
Merlin
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB147
s/n PB147
m/d 683
Avro
PB 147
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-C) 12 Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 132 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB172
s/n PB172
m/d 683
Avro
PB 172
Merlin
Known Units: 300;100
Delivered to No. 100 Sqn Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944. 102 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Steve Lawrence Krawchuk 2024-06-04
1944-July-29 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer William Archibald MacDonald 2023-10-10
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Conrad William Martens 2024-06-17
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hewitt Harold Robinson Reid 2024-06-22
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Wilfred James Smith 2024-06-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB174
s/n PB174
m/d 683
Avro
PB 174
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Bottrop on 20/21 July 1944. From Henk Welting in Holland: "Lancaster PB174 was hit (direct in the bombbay ??) by Bf 110-G4, Serial G9+MD, Werke Nr. 720410 of Stab III./NJG1, flown by Hptm Martin Drewis, 01.15 hrs. The Lancaster exploded and crashed on land of Mr Koopman, Weustboerweg at Reutem. Crew were buried at Tubbergen 24-7-1944. Debris of the exploding Lancaster hit the attacking Bf 110 and the night fighter also crashed a minute or so later at the Loomsweg at Reutum, community Tubbergen."last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bottrop Germany 1944-07-20 to 1944-07-21
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Battle of Normandy
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. Failed to return from operation over Bottrop on 20/21 July 1944. From Henk Welting in Holland: "Lancaster PB174 was hit (direct in the bomb bay ??) by Bf 110-G4, Serial G9+MD, Werke Nr. 720410 of Stab III./NJG1, flown by Hptm Martin Drewis, 01.15 hrs. The Lancaster exploded and crashed on land of Mr Koopman, Weustboerweg at Reutem. Crew were buried at Tubbergen 24-7-1944. Debris of the exploding Lancaster hit the attacking Bf 110 and the night fighter also crashed a minute or so later at the Loomsweg at Reutum, community Tubbergen."
Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph BRITTS (J/88665) Wireless Op; Sergeant Thomas DAVENPORT 1354430) Air Gunner; Pilot Officer Vernon Fairbank DODDS (J/89743) Air Bomber; Sergeant Patrick Neil GILBERT (1582850) Flight Engi; Flying Officer Joseph John Raymond JOHNSON (J/24921) Navigator; Flying Officer Anthony Gerard McCARTHY (169703) Air Bomber; Flight Lieutenant James Denholm VIRTUE (J/7905) Pilot; All killed
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph Britts 2025-06-29
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vernon Fairbanks Dodds 2025-06-29
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph John Raymond Johnson 2025-06-29
1944-July-21 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Michael Stanley Stoyko 2025-06-29
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant James Denholm Virtue 2025-06-29 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB177
s/n PB177
m/d 683
Avro
PB 177
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Delivered to No. 32 MU then to No. 156 Sqn (GT-L) Jun 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Calais, France 24 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB178
s/n PB178
m/d 683
Avro
PB 178
Merlin
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB183
s/n PB183
m/d 683
Avro
PB 183
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*B, "LQ*C" and "LQ*E". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Dresden 14 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dresden Germany 1945-02-13 to 1945-02-14
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PB 183 failed to return from a night raid against Dresden, Germany. F/Os D.B. Olson, J.A. Kaucharik, R.A. French, F.M. Gordon, E.W. Connolly, and F/Ls J. Armitt and J.K.Knights DFC were killed. One Canadian, Flight Lieutenant Frederick was taken Prisoner of War. This was an eight-man crew, an extra bomb aimer was on board to gain experience. The Dresden target had been suggested by the Russians and Bomber Command agreed to set up an operation. There was no flak or enemy fighter aircraft anywhere near Dresden and many veteran fliers who knew what to expect knew something was wrong. Dresden had almost escaped all bombing raids up to this point in the war, it was a,large city of civilians plus thousands of refugees escaping the Russian advance. After the raid Bomber Command realized they had been suckered by the Russians into murdering over 100,00 innocent civilians and refugees.
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Armitt 2024-11-02
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Earl Wellington Connolly 2024-05-17
1945-February-14 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Merle Omer Frederick 2022-08-30
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Alfred French 2024-05-26
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Fred Merrill Gordon 2024-05-26
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Anthony Kaucharik 2024-06-01
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Kingsley Knights DFC 2022-08-30
1945-February-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Brant Olson 2022-08-30 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB184
s/n PB184
m/d 683
Avro
PB 184
Merlin
Known Units: 582 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB185
s/n PB185
m/d 683
Avro
PB 185
Merlin
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
1944-July-25 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Kenneth Beers 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Sergeant Alfred Bertram Ernest Booth 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Sergeant Cyril Brown 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Flying Officer Arnold George Burgess 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Flt Sergeant Thomas Derek Jones 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Flying Officer Thomas James Middleton MiD 2025-10-18
1944-July-25 KIA RAF Sergeant Richard Winson Stafford 2025-10-18 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB186
s/n PB186
m/d 683
Avro
PB 186
Merlin
Known Units: 156
With No. 156 Sqn (GT-A and GT-G). Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB195
s/n PB195
m/d 683
Avro
PB 195
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 49 Sqn Jun 1944. Lost on operation to Creil 4/5 Jul 1944. 9 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB198
s/n PB198
m/d 683
Avro
PB 198
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Stuttgart 28/29 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Laverne Eitel 2024-03-12
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Myron Fetchison 2024-03-12
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hugh Donald Hilts 2024-03-12
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Joseph Wilfrid Jean Paul Huot 2024-03-12
1944-July-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Donald Morton 2024-03-12 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB202
s/n PB202
m/d 683
Avro
PB 202
Merlin
Known Units: 582
From No. 32 MU to No. 582 Sqn (6O-E) Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB203
s/n PB203
m/d 683
Avro
PB 203
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn from No. 32 MU Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Darmstadt 11/12 Sep 1944. 207 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-September-12 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant John Alfred Kiteley 2021-03-14
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Paul Raymond Murray Mavaut DFC 2021-08-16
1944-September-12 PoW RCAF Flying Officer R L Montador 2023-09-17
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lawrence Ross Van Horne 2022-01-14 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB206
s/n PB206
m/d 683
Avro
PB 206
Merlin
Known Units: 44
Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-Q) Jun 1944. Missing on Gardening sortie 15/16 Jun 1944. 43 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB208
s/n PB208
m/d 683
Avro
PB 208
Merlin
Known Units: 619
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB210
s/n PB210
m/d 683
Avro
PB 210
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-V) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 2/3 Feb 1945.[Mason gives Sqn code as PG-U]
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB229
s/n PB229
m/d 683
Avro
PB 229
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*H and "LQ*X". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Munich on 8 January 1945, may have collided over target with Lancaster PB173 of 635 Squadron, RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Munich Germany 1945-01-07 to 1945-01-07
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*X". Failed to return from operation over Munich on 8 January 1945, Collided in the air with a 635 Sqdn Lancaster (PB173) crashing at Unterpfallenhofen 19 km SSE from the centre of Nuremburg
Flying Officer James ALLAN (J/36317); Flight Sergeant Douglas Harold BROWN (R/214565) Air Gunner; Flight Sergeant Robert Andrew QUINN (R/166920) Flight Engi; Pilot Officer Norman Lester William SCOTT (J/92782); Flight Lieutenant Leslie Garwood SPARLING (J/28709) Pilot; Flying Officer Lawrence William SPLATT (J/35536); Pilot Officer Daniel VERI (J/95485) Air Gunner. All KiIlled
1945-January-08 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Munich 2019-08-20
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Allan 2024-11-02
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas Harold Brown 2025-03-09
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Andrew Quinn 2025-03-09
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Lester William Scott 2025-03-09
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Leslie Garwood Sparling 2025-03-09
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Lawrence William Splatt 2025-03-09
1945-January-07 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Daniel Veri 2025-03-09 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB231
s/n PB231
m/d 683
Avro
PB 231
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny 18/19 Jul 1944. 44 flying hourslast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB233
s/n PB233
m/d 683
Avro
PB 233
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*O. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. 3 crew bailed out over occupied Europe on 26 August 1944, after pilot gave bail out order. Aircraft returned to the UK, one POW and 2 killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Russelsheim Germany 1944-08-25 to 1944-08-26
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster BIII aircraft PB 233 LQ-O was returning from a raid against targets in Russelheim, Germany, when it was attacked by a night fighter that shot up the rear fuselage, the tail plane, and the starboard mainplane with cannon fire. The Lancaster returned to the UK safely but three of the crew had bailed out over enemy territory contrary to the captain's instructions. Flight Lieutenant HD Brown (RCAF) and FS KA Abbs (RAF) survived to be taken as Prisoners of War, but Pilot Officer RB Nairn (RCAF) was missing, presumed killed in action
Pilot Officer Nairn has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
Flight Lieutenant WJL Weiker (RCAF), Flying Officer JS McDowell DFC (RCAF),Warrant Officer MJ Martin (RCAF) and Sergeant EJ New (RAF) survived and returned to RAF Gransden Lodge. The only other casualty wasWarrant Officer Martin with an ankle injury
1944-August-26 PoW RAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Arthur Abbs 2024-11-01
1944-August-26 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Donald Henry Brown 2024-11-21
1944-August-26 Survived RCAF Pilot Officer Maurice James Martin 2025-03-09
1944-August-26 Survived RCAF Flying Officer James Stewart McDowell DFC 2025-03-09
1944-August-26 Survived RAF Pilot Officer Edwin James New 2025-03-09
1944-August-26 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Jacob Louis Weicker DFC & Bar 2022-06-08
1944-August-26 Survived RCAF Flight Lieutenant William James Louis Weiker 2022-11-15 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB239
s/n PB239
m/d 683
Avro
PB 239
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*D. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Kiel 17 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stettin Germany 1944-08-16 to 1944-08-17
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, Crashed in the sea off the W coast of Denmark. following bombing mission to Kiel
Pilot Officer Forast Deloise BILLINGSLEY (J/89270) Wireless Op; Flight Lieutenant John Samuel BRUCE (86600); Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Boyd CALHOUN (J/23966) Bomb Aimer; Pilot Officer Joseph William CARTER (J/88790); Flying Officer Charles Harold FISHER (J/19844) Pilot; Sergeant Eric Noel JOLLY (1871640) Flight Engi; Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Donovan KEMP (J/12962) Air Bomber; Flying Officer Kenneth Albert NORDHEIMER (J/26606) Air Gunner. All killed.
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Forast Deloise Billingsley 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RAF Flt Lieutenant John Samuel Bruce 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Maxwell Boyd Calhoun DFC 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph William Carter 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Harold Fisher DFC 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RAF Sergeant Eric Noel Jolly 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Donovan Kemp 2025-11-13
1944-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Albert Nordheimer 2025-11-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB240
s/n PB240
m/d 683
Avro
PB 240
Merlin
Known Units: 156;83
Appears to have originally been with No. 156 Sqn, then moved to No. 83 Sqn via No. 32 MU in Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 12/13 Aug 1944. 41 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB241
s/n PB241
m/d 683
Avro
PB 241
Merlin
Known Units: 7
Delivered to No. 7 Sqn (MG-X) Jul 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Scholven-Buer 6 Oct 1944. 159 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-06 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Gerard Beaune 2024-06-10
1944-October-06 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Archibald Cattanach Davidson 2024-09-04
1944-October-06 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick Gordon Etheridge 2024-06-10
1944-October-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Alexander MacWilliam 2024-09-04
1944-October-06 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Ivy Roy Milligan DFC 2024-06-10 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB244
s/n PB244
m/d 683
Avro
PB 244
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn from No. 32 MU Jul 1944. Missing from a daylight operation to L'Isle Adam 18 Aug 1944. 170 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Cameron 2024-06-11
1944-August-18 Evader RCAF Flying Officer W F Jones 2024-06-12
1944-August-18 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Arthur Frederick Kemp 2024-06-12
1944-August-18 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Joseph Shearstone 2024-06-12
1944-August-18 Evader RCAF Sergeant J W Stirling 2024-06-12 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB245
s/n PB245
m/d 683
Avro
PB 245
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Revigny-sur-Ornain 18/19 Jul 1944. 41 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB247
s/n PB247
m/d 683
Avro
PB 247
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn from No. 32 MU Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 12/13 Aug 1944. 85 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB249
s/n PB249
m/d 683
Avro
PB 249
Merlin
Known Units: 635;83
To No. 32 MU then to No.635 Sqn for short period, then No. 83 Sqn (OL-C). Missing on operation to Konigsburg 29/30 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB253
s/n PB253
m/d 683
Avro
PB 253
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB256
s/n PB256
m/d 683
Avro
PB 256
Merlin
Known Units: 101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB258
s/n PB258
m/d 683
Avro
PB 258
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-V) from No. 32 MU Jul 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Brunswick 12/13 Aug 1944. 55 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John French Andrews 2025-08-28
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Gene Mitchell Atyeo 2025-08-28
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer David Henry Balchin 2025-08-28
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Blake Latimer Patterson 2025-08-28
1944-August-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Clement Fred Robert Pearce 2025-08-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB265
s/n PB265
m/d 683
Avro
PB 265
Merlin
Known Units: 576
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB267
s/n PB267
m/d 683
Avro
PB 267
Merlin
Known Units: 582;405;1656HCU;1653HCU
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*H. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB288
s/n PB288
m/d 683
Avro
PB 288
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*D. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB295
s/n PB295
m/d 683
Avro
PB 295
Merlin
Known Units: 49;207
Originally with No. 49 Sqn, then transferred to No. 207 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Gravenhorst 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 John Gardiner 2025-10-12
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Maurice Emerson Granbois 2025-10-12
1945-February-21 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 1 C O Huntley 2025-10-12
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Campbell MacNicoll 2025-10-12
1945-February-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Andrew Anthony Swihura 2025-10-12 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB303
s/n PB303
m/d 683
Avro
PB 303
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-R) Jul 1944. Missing on daylight mission to Homburg 1 Nov 1944. 291 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB304
s/n PB304
m/d 683
Avro
PB 304
Merlin
Known Units: 106
With No. 106 Sqn. Crashed at Pendleton in daylight on return from operation to Cahagnes, Normandy 30 Jul 1944. 47 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB306
s/n PB306
m/d 683
Avro
PB 306
Merlin
Known Units: 467
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Karlsruhe Germany 1945-02-02 to 1945-02-02
467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington
467 Squadron RAAF (Recidite Adversarius Atque Ferociter) RAF Waddington. Lancaster III aircraft PB 306 PO-J was likely shot down by night fighter pilot Hptm Helmuth Schulte of Stab II/NJG6 over Karlsdorf, Germany on an operation against targets in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Lancaster crashed at Hohenwettersbach South-East of Karlsruhe with the loss of the entire crew
Flight Lieutenant N S C Colley (RAF), Flying Officer J M Inkster (RAAF), Pilot Officer A H Pearce (RAAF), Warrant Officer B F Weber (RAAF), Flight Sergeant F E Everatt (RAAF), Flight Sergeant F J Bean (RAAF), Flight Sergeant P J Carter (RAAF) and Sergeant D G Howdle (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
02/03rd February 1945 467 Squadron Lancaster III PB306 Fl/Lt...
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Jack Bean 2023-11-26
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Phillip John Carter 2024-01-13
1945-February-02 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Noel Sidney Caesar Colley 2024-03-20
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Flight Sergeant Frank Edgar Everatt 2023-11-26
1945-February-02 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Dennis George Howdle 2023-11-26
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Flying Officer James Magnus Inkster 2023-11-26
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Allan Harry Pearce 2023-11-26
1945-February-02 KIA RAAF Warrant Officer Bertram Forbes Weber 2023-11-26 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB343
s/n PB343
m/d 683
Avro
PB 343
Merlin
Known Units: 35
Delivered to No. 35 Sqn from No. 32 MU Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Hanover 5/6 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB346
s/n PB346
m/d 683
Avro
PB 346
Merlin
Known Units: ;619;44
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB353
s/n PB353
m/d 683
Avro
PB 353
Merlin
Known Units: 49
Delivered to No. 49 Sqn from No. 32 MU Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Bremen 6/7 Oct 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB356
s/n PB356
m/d 683
Avro
PB 356
Merlin
Known Units: 619
Delivered to No. 619 Sqn (PG-G) 27 Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Harburg 11/12 Nov 1944. 257 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB357
s/n PB357
m/d 683
Avro
PB 357
Merlin
Known Units: 7
To No. 7 Sqn from No. 32 MU. Crashed on 16 Sep 1944, but was repaired. Missing on operation to Duisburg 14/15 Oct 1944. 80 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB362
s/n PB362
m/d 683
Avro
PB 362
Merlin
Known Units: ;83
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB365
s/n PB365
m/d 683
Avro
PB 365
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Stettin 29/30 Aug 1944. 92 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB374
s/n PB374
m/d 683
Avro
PB 374
Merlin
Known Units: 49
From No. 32 MU to 49 Sqn (EA-N) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 8/9 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB384
s/n PB384
m/d 683
Avro
PB 384
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on Gardening sortie 16/17 Aug 1944. 49 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB400
s/n PB400
m/d 683
Avro
PB 400
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-J2) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Kiel 26/27 Aug 1944. 52 flying hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Allan Linklater 2021-08-13
1944-August-27 PoW RCAF Sergeant Joseph Edmund Edmund O'Farrell 2023-09-21
1944-August-27 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Russ E Rogers 2021-03-15
1944-August-27 PoW Murdered RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Leslie Howard Stevenson 2021-03-15
1944-August-27 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Keith Tate 2021-03-15
1944-August-27 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Milton Tucker 2023-08-14
1944-December-27 PoW Murdered RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Leslie Howard Stevenson 2021-07-22 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB401
s/n PB401
m/d 683
Avro
PB 401
Merlin
Known Units: 635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB402
s/n PB402
m/d 683
Avro
PB 402
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*M. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Zeitz on 16/17 January 1945, may have collided over Germany with KB850 of 434 Squadron. Crashed near Pfaffenhausen, pieces of wreckage reported still visible in 2006. All crew lost, including pilot Flight Lieutenant H.L. Payne (on his 16th mission) and w/op Flight Sergeant Joseph Bruggeman.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Zeitz Germany Braunkoll synthetic-oil plant 1945-01-16 to 1945-01-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
p405 City of Vancouver Sqn (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge, Lancaster III aircraft PB 402 LQ-M involved in a mid-air collision with 434 Sqn Lancaster KB 850 WL-O over Pfaffenhausen, Germany during a flight to mark the target on a night attack against the Braunkoll synthetic-oil plant at Zeitz, Germany. Both aircraft and aircrews were lost. Pilot Officer NLL Smith (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant HL Payne (RCAF), Flying Officer HE Novak (RCAF), Flying Officer DG McKay (RCAF), Pilot Officer JA Bruggeman (RCAF), Pilot Officer AB Miller (RCAF), Pilot Officer BR Cunliffe (RCAF), and Sergeant HA Marshall (RAFVR) were killed on Lancaster PB 402
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Aloysuis Bruggeman 2024-11-23
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Benjamin Robert Cunliffe 2024-05-27
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Gordon McKay 2025-03-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Allan Bernard Miller 2025-03-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Henry Eugene Novak 2025-03-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Harold Leslie Payne 2025-03-17
1945-January-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Norman Lawrence Lavek Smith 2025-03-17 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB403
s/n PB403
m/d 683
Avro
PB 403
Merlin
Known Units: 156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB411
s/n PB411
m/d 683
Avro
PB 411
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-Y2) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 4/5 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James William Churms 2024-04-04
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Hugh Johnson 2024-04-21
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold William Reid 2024-05-01
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Semeniuk 2024-05-01
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Matthew Frederick Easton Sergeant 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB413
s/n PB413
m/d 683
Avro
PB 413
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*K and "LQ*O". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Crash landed at Gransden Lodge after raid on Oberhausen 02 November 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dusseldorf Germany 1944-11-02 to 1944-11-03
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Target - Dusseldorf, Germany. Lancaster aircraft PB 413 was badly shot up. Flight Sergeant E.E.Perini baled out It was his 32nd operation. A/C was returning from the target when Flight Lieutenant G.A. Martin (Air Bomber) took over the controls and made a crash landing one half mile south-east of the aerodrome at Debden, Essex, England on November 2, 1944. Flying Officer Hannah subsequently died of his wounds during surgery in hospital and was the only casualty.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB416
s/n PB416
m/d 683
Avro
PB 416
Merlin
Known Units: 617
Delivered to No. 617 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing over Norway 17 Sep 1944 on returning from Yagodnik, USSR, after the attack on the battleship Tirpitz (operation Paravane) mounted by Nos. 9 and 617 Squadrons on 11-15 September 1944. The aircraft carried "Johnnie Walker" mines in the attack.last update: 2025-November-19
Ferry Flight Tirpitz 1944-09-17 to 1944-09-17
617 (B) Sqn (RAF) Yagodnik, USSR
Battleship Tirpitz
The aircraft (KC-V), piloted by Flying Officer F. Levy, was returning to its base at Woodhall Spa, England
from the Russian base at Yagodnik
after having participated in the attack from Yagodnik on the battleship Tirpitz, in Alten Fjord, Norway
(Operation Paravane). It crashed on high ground in Norway, near the town of Nesbyen
. All on board were killed. There were 9 men on board, two being crew members from an aircraft that had crashed on the way to Yagodnik.
There was one Canadian on board, Pilot Officer AF McNally. All of the others were in the RAF. They were, Flying Officers F Levy, CL Fox, JF Naylor and DC Shea DFC, Flight Sergeants EES Peck, GM McGuire, and DG Thomas, and Sergeant PW Groom. Naylor and Shea were from the crew of Squadron Leader DRC Wyness DFC.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB428
s/n PB428
m/d 683
Avro
PB 428
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 207 Sq. Aug/Sep 1944. Collided with Lancaster LM 648 of No. 44 Sqn in circuit of Spilsby on return from a mission to Harburg, 11 Nov 1944. 145 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB451
s/n PB451
m/d 683
Avro
PB 451
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*G and "LQ*C". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Witten 19 March 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Witten Germany 1945-03-19 to 1945-03-19
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PB 451 did not return from a night trip to Witten, Germany. Pilot Officer J.P. Adam, F/Os E. Hayes, R.S. Butterworth, J.E Peaker,Warrant Officer R.M. Baker, FS E.F. Perrault, Sergeants A. Kirkcaldy (RAF), and R.P. Smith (RAF) were all killed.
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Paul Hector Adam 2024-11-01
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Ralph Murray Baker 2024-11-05
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Stuart Butterworth 2024-11-27
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ernest Hayes 2025-04-01
1945-March-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Alexander Kirkcaldy 2025-04-01
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Ernest Peaker 2025-04-01
1945-March-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Francis Perrault 2025-04-01
1945-March-19 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Roy Peter Smith 2025-04-01 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB453
s/n PB453
m/d 683
Avro
PB 453
Merlin
Known Units: 635
To No. 32 MU then to No. 635 Sqn (F2-S) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Essen 12/13 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB456
s/n PB456
m/d 683
Avro
PB 456
Merlin
Known Units: 101
With No. 101 Sq. Equipped with ABC radio jamming gear. Crashed on training exercise over Stirling, Scotland. 13 Sep 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB461
s/n PB461
m/d 683
Avro
PB 461
Merlin
Known Units: ;97
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Politz Germany 1944-12-21 to 1944-12-21
(B) Sqn (RAF) Coningsby
97 Squadron (Achieve Your Aim), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft The aircraft was flying in formation with 189 Sqn Lancaster PB691 CA-D. 207 Lancasters and One Mosquito of 5 Group attacked the synthetic oil refinery at Politz near Stettin.
While cruising over the south part of Norway, the aircraft went out of control and crashed on the slope of a wooded hill. All seven crew members were killed. Cause of crash unknown. ORB reports weather at target was clear.
1944-December-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Thomas David Cremins 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Edward Joseph Hobbs 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Herbert Kendall 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Kevin Mannion 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanlet Baldwin Morgan 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Gorson Anthony O'neil Oliver 2024-11-28
1944-December-21 KIA RAAF Flying Officer William Robert Sinclair 2024-11-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB465
s/n PB465
m/d 683
Avro
PB 465
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Dortmund 29 Nov 1944. 236 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1944-11-29 to 1944-11-29
103 (B) Sqn (RAF) Elsham Wolds
On a daylight mission to Dortmund, Germany at the Cologne turning point, aircraft collided with Lancaster, PD313, 550Sqn. The starboard rudder controls were severed and the order to bail out was given. The Bomb aimer managed to escape through his hatch and the aircraft exploded immediately after he fell out. There were no other survivors.
Killed includes Cooke: Flight Sergeant James Alfred Goff RCAF R/194962 KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 8. C. 14. Warrant Officer Class 2 Francis Ignatius Roy Bruce Hill RCAF R/185307 KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 8. C. 13. Pilot Officer John Herbert Charles McCoubray RCAF J/95369 KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 8. C. 12. Pilot Officer Melvin Osborne Orr RCAF J/95460 KIA Rheinberg War Cemetery grave 2. K. 17. Sergeant Edward Walter McGrath RAF KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 8. C. 11.
POWs: Flight Sergeant G T Mortimer RAF POW (injured). Camp was not listed. Mortimer was commissioned during his time in captivity (F/O).
1944-November-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Jackson Chartis Cooke CGM 2024-09-30
1944-November-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Alfred Goff 2024-09-30
1944-November-29 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Ignatius Roy Bruce Hill 2024-09-30
1944-November-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Herbert Charles McCoubrey 2024-09-30
1944-November-29 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Edward Walter McGrath 2024-09-30
1944-November-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Melvin Osborne Orr 2024-09-30 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB477
s/n PB477
m/d 683
Avro
PB 477
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*B. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Nuremberg on 2 January 1945. May have been shot down by night fighter, or by flak. 2 crash sites reported: 3 km ENE of Nufringen and SSW of Nuremburg. Five crew killed, two PoW.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1945-01-02 to 1945-01-02
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*B. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. Failed to return from operation over Nuremberg on 2 January 1945. May have been shot down by night fighter, or by flak. 2 crash sites reported: 3 km ENE of Nufringen and SSW of Nuremburg
Squadron Leader Nathan CRAWFORD (J/12954) Navigator; Flight Lieutenant Eric Cecil DUKE (118147) Wireless Op; Pilot Officer Stanley Herbert FITZHENRY (410475); Flying Officer Gerald Edward GEEVES (J/19058) Air Gunner; Wing Commander Kenneth John LAWSON (82728) Pilot. (This was W/C Lawson's 93rd bombing mission)
Prisoners of War for Lancaster PB477 - Sergeant Sidney RHODES (1680670);W/O1 Dorland Gillies PLYLEY (R/108467)
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB485
s/n PB485
m/d 683
Avro
PB 485
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*X. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB510
s/n PB510
m/d 683
Avro
PB 510
Merlin
Known Units: 97
With 97 Sqn. Missing from operation to Darmstadt 11/12 Sep 1944. First operationlast update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB515
s/n PB515
m/d 683
Avro
PB 515
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Originally with No. 106 Sqn, then transferred to No. 153 Sqn. Collided with Lancaster NG 421 of No. 150 Sqn 2 Jan 1945 and crashed at Sudbrook, Lincs.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Maurice Vaughn Durling 2024-10-30
1945-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Jason Eberle 2021-08-05
1945-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Dunk Hoskins 2022-12-12
1945-January-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Herman Pogson 2023-05-23
1945-January-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Daniel Clifford Reid 2021-08-10 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB516
s/n PB516
m/d 683
Avro
PB 516
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*T. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from target marking operation over Misburg on 16 March 1945, crashed near the target, the Deurag oil plant, at Schloss Rothestein. May have collided over Bad Sooden-Allendorf, near the target, with Lancaster NG488 of No. 153 Squadron, RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Misburg Germany 1945-03-15 to 1945-03-15
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft PB 516 was lost during a night raid against Misburg, Germany. P/Os R.B. Jones, D.I. Galbraith, F.J. Miller, Flying Officer H.E. Wort, FS D.A. Holliday, Flying Officer C.A. Boulton, and Sergeant Leslie DOVASTON, RAF,(2216269) Flight Engi; Flight Lieutenant K.E. Parkhurst were all killed.1945-March-16 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Misburg 2019-08-20
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clive Arkoll Boulton 2024-11-15
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Irwin Galbraith 2025-02-02
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Andrew Holliday 2025-02-02
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Richard Barren Jones 2025-02-02
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis John Miller 2025-02-02
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Keith Edwin Parkhurst 2025-02-02
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Hardy Edward Wort 2025-02-02 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB517
s/n PB517
m/d 683
Avro
PB 517
Merlin
Known Units: 156
Originally with No. 7 Sqn, then to No. 156 Sqn Sep 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Hamburg 31 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB523
s/n PB523
m/d 683
Avro
PB 523
Merlin
Known Units: 35;582
Delivered from No. 32 MU to No. 35 Sqn Sep 1944. Transferred to No. 582 Sqn 18 Dec 1944. Missing on daylight raid on Cologne 23 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Cologne Germany 1944-12-23 to 1944-12-23
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Little Staughton
Lancaster PB523
Took off at from Little Staughton at 10:29 for an operation to Köln, Germany.
Out-bound crashed at Opitter (Limburg), 4 km SE of Bree Belgium.
The aircraft withstood a series of fighter attacks, but with the aircraft ablaze Flight Lieutenant Thomas was obliged to give the order to bale out. Four of his crew got out and survived; a fifth, the Flight Engineer Flt Sergeant Hobbs, also made it clear but his chute cruelly failed to open. Thomas stayed at the controls with one of the wounded gunners, Warrant Officer Tex Campbell RCAF. Neither made it home. Fg Off Vaughan RCAF was captured on 23 December 1944 near Krefeld. Fg Off William Ewart Vaughan RCAF - PoW/Dulag Luft Oberursel/Dulag Luft Wetzlar Stalag Luft 1 Barth Vogelsang/PoW Number? Plt Off Campbell was initially buried in Opitter Roman Catholic Cemetery Belgium. Reinterred 30 November 1945. Sergeant Fallon initially reported injured and POW was subsequently reported "Safe in the UK".
1944-December-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Frederick William Campbell 2024-12-14
1944-December-23 Survived RAFVR Sergeant G Fallon 2024-12-16
1944-December-23 PoW RAFVR Warrant Officer Class ll Herbert Fuller 2024-12-16
1944-December-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Vivian George Hobbs 2024-12-14
1944-December-23 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Peter Alfred Thomas DFC 2024-12-16
1944-December-23 PoW RCAF Flying Officer William Ewart Vaughan 2024-12-14
1944-December-23 PoW RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Ayton Richardson Whitaker 2024-12-16 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB525
s/n PB525
m/d 683
Avro
PB 525
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Buer 29 December 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Scholven Germany 1944-12-29 to 1944-12-29
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Gransden Lodge
405 Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus) Pathfinder Force, RAF Gransden Lodge. Lancaster III aircraft PB 525 LQ-P was lost without a trace performing Pathfinder duties during an operation against the synthetic-oil facilities at Scholven, Germany. The cause of loss and crash location are unknown to date
Flying Officer Howard Raymond Dryer (RCAF), Flying Officer Gerald Gordon Fox (RCAF), Pilot Officer Alan Wardell Haley (RCAF), Sergeant Thomas Raymond Harrigan (RCAF), Pilot Officer Ernest Richard Kaesemodel (RCAF), Pilot Officer Donald John MacFarlane (RCAF), Flying Officer James Murray Phillips (RCAF) and Flying Officer Frederick Harold Wilsher (RCAF) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Howard Raymond Dryer 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gerald Gordon Fox 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alan Wardell Haley 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant Thomas Raymond Harrigan 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ernest Richard Kaesemodel 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald John MacFarlane 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Murray Phillips 2025-02-06
1944-December-29 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Harold Wilsher 2025-02-06 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB527
s/n PB527
m/d 683
Avro
PB 527
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*K. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Failed to return from operation over Kiel 16 September 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Kiel Germany 1944-09-15 to 1944-09-16
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster III aircraft PB 527 lost during night operations over Kiel, Germany.
Flight Lieutenant Robert BROOK (174668); Pilot Officer Gordon James EDWARDS (177700); Flight Sergeant Alan William GOWDEY (1813553) Wireless Op; Flight Sergeant William Desmond LEAVESLEY (1575439); Flight Lieutenant Ronald Walter LONG (J/18760) Pilot; Warrant Officer Class II John RAIKE (R/127923); Sergeant Ronald Ivor YORK (1819034) All Killed
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB530
s/n PB530
m/d 683
Avro
PB 530
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*Q and "LQ*W". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Bombed Zeitz on 16/17 January 1945 as "LQ*W". Failed to return from operation over Dortmund, 21 February 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Dortmund Germany 1945-02-21 to 1945-02-21
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
Lancaster, took off from Gransden Lodge approximately 2200 hours. Set course, target Dortmund. Due on target at H plus 2 (approximately, i.e. about 0030 hours), 21 February 1945 as visual centrer (P.F.F.). Ran up on target through slight barrage flak. Dropped about one minute late (i.e. H plus 3) and waited for picture. Camera was turning over when hit by flak in port outer and No.2 starboard tank - both on fire. Ordered crew prepare bale out. About one minute later ordered crew bale out, having feathered and put out fire in port outer but tank fire was spreading rapidly. .All crew except Mid Upper Gunner and Rear Gunner baled out..
G.E. Bolland (killed, DFM gazetted 1 March 1946; left the aircraft by parachute but did not survive the descent); Squadron Leader H.F.Marcou, DFC, AFC, RCAF (injured); Flying Officer T.W.Downey (injured); Flying Officer R.O.Norse, RNZAF (injured); Flying Officer B.G.Smoker (injured); Flying Officer J.A. Lewis (injured); Flying Officer J.T.Ross. RCAF (POW); Technical Sergeant J.W.Verner, USAAF (injured). Survivors were confined in hospital due to injuries until liberation. No POW numbers.
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB555
s/n PB555
m/d 683
Avro
PB 555
Merlin
Known Units: 35;635;405;467
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*O. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB557
s/n PB557
m/d 683
Avro
PB 557
Merlin
Known Units: 460
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Chemnitz Germany 1945-03-06 to 1945-03-06
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster PB857 was on an operational raid on a oil refinery at Chemnitz, in the state of Saxony, Germany, when it was hit by flak and crashed near Pfieffe, Germany, where its bomb load exploded. Casualties included RAAF Sqn Leader J.C. Holmes (FDC) (pilot); RAAF Flying Officer I.S. Baudinette; RAAF Flying Officer D.G. Hudspeth; RAAF Flt. Sgt. T.T. Clarke; RAAF W/O E.O.T. Mayne; RAAF Flt. Lt. T.E.V. Morgan (DFM); RAFVR Flt. Sgt. R.E. Hayward (bomb aimer); and RAFVR Sgt. J. Young (flight engineer).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB568
s/n PB568
m/d 683
Avro
PB 568
Merlin
Known Units: 49
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB573
s/n PB573
m/d 683
Avro
PB 573
Merlin
Known Units: 170
Delivered to No. 170 Sqn (TC-H) Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB578
s/n PB578
m/d 683
Avro
PB 578
Merlin
Known Units: 156;1666HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB585
s/n PB585
m/d 683
Avro
PB 585
Merlin
Known Units: 635;405;467
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*P. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB588
s/n PB588
m/d 683
Avro
PB 588
Merlin
Known Units: 635;97
Delivered to No. 635 Sqn before No. 97 Sqn from No. 32 MU Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Horten 23/24 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB595
s/n PB595
m/d 683
Avro
PB 595
Merlin
Known Units: 170
Delivered to No. 170 Sqn (TC-J) Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Pforzheim 223/24 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-23 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Mackie Constable 2024-05-17
1945-February-23 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class S Hart 2023-08-24
1945-February-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ross John Hugh Johnstone 2024-06-01
1945-February-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Elmer Leliever 2024-06-05
1945-February-23 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant D Peletz 2023-09-23
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer R R Sommers 2023-10-01 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB614
s/n PB614
m/d 683
Avro
PB 614
Merlin
Known Units: 35;405;467;207
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*V. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB627
s/n PB627
m/d 683
Avro
PB 627
Merlin
Known Units: 7;635;405;1667HCU
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*J. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB628
s/n PB628
m/d 683
Avro
PB 628
Merlin
Known Units: 156;405;635;467
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*W and "LQ*J". Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB633
s/n PB633
m/d 683
Avro
PB 633
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn Oct 1944. Crashed after mid-air collision over Laon, France and crashed, 17 Dec 1944, probably on operation to Ulm, Germany.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Ulm Germany 1944-12-17 to 1944-12-17
153 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Kimington
Mid air collision with 156 Squadron PB675 GT-C. Crashed at Vienna-La-Ville at approximately at 21:15.
Pilot Officer J.L. Leckie, Flying Officer Schoop RCAF and Flying Officer G.D. Hetherington were killed. One of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. Three other Canadians in the crew, Flight Sergeant Taylor, Sergeants Pratt, and H. Cuthbertson, returned to their unit on Dec 28/44.
Sergeant Leckie RCAF and Flying Officer Schoop RCAF, were initially buried in a collective grave at Vienna-La-Ville. Reinterred 21 May 1945.
Flying Officer Hetherington RCAF was initially buried in Champpiguel US Cemetery. Reinterred 21 May 1945
.
1944-December-17 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Davies. Edward Whelan Davies. Edward Whelan 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Donald Frederick Hetherington 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Lyle Leckie 2024-11-25
1944-December-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Harold Harrison Schopp 2024-11-25 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB634
s/n PB634
m/d 683
Avro
PB 634
Merlin
Known Units: 101
To No. 101 Sqn (SR-U) from No. 32 MU Oct 1944. Equipped with ABC radio jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Bonn 28/29 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Bonn Germany 1944-12-28 to 1944-12-28
101 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Ludford Magna
101 Squadron (Mons Agitat Molem), RAF Ludford Magna. ABC equipped Lancaster III aircraft PB 634 SR-U and its bomb load blew up in mid-air over Lengsdorf, Germany during a night raid against targets in Bonn, Germany, with the loss of the entire crew
The Lancaster was probably shot down by Fw Richard Richter 8NJG 2 and crashed close to the target area near Lengsdorf, 2 km SW of Bonn, Germany
Pilot Officer CM Buell (RCAF), Pilot Officer JB McGregor (RCAF), Pilot Officer BV Cobbett (RCAF), Pilot Officer CR Bradley (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant WK Parke (RCAF), Sergeant WG Classen (RAFVR), Flying Officer K Gibbs DFC (RAFVR) and Sergeant D King (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Sergeant King was the Special Duties Operator for the ABC equipment. Airborne Cigar (ABC) was a transmitter aboard aircraft developed by A&AEE (Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment), which jammed German fighter control frequencies, making it more difficult to vector night fighters to the area where the bombers were flying
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
Lancaster III PB634 SR-U 101 Sqn.
"Belgians Remember Them": RAF aircraft's crash sites: Province of ...
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Raymond Bradley 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Chester Merrill Buell 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant William George Classen 2024-02-29
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Bernard Victor Cobbett 2024-03-07
1944-December-28 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Kenneth Gibbs DFC 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald King 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Bruce McGregor 2022-11-14
1944-December-28 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Kelvin Parke 2022-11-14 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB635
s/n PB635
m/d 683
Avro
PB 635
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Originally with No. 576 Sqn (UL-C2), then transferred to No. 166 Sqn. Missing from operation to Nuremburg 2/3 Jan 1945last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB639
s/n PB639
m/d 683
Avro
PB 639
Merlin
Known Units: 153
With No. 166 Sqn then No. 153 Sqn. (P4-I). Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 2/3 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant Richard Elmer Fahselt 2021-08-06
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant Clifford Allan Lord 2021-08-13
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Maurice Allan McCann 2021-08-17
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Jamieson McCormack 2021-08-17
1944-November-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clifford Conrad Robertson 2021-08-08 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB643
s/n PB643
m/d 683
Avro
PB 643
Merlin
Known Units: 227 Sqn
Mk. I per Aviation Safety.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB646
s/n PB646
m/d 683
Avro
PB 646
Merlin
Known Units: 227
Delivered to No. 227 Sqn (9J-P) Oct 1944. Missing on raid to Giessen 6/7 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB648
s/n PB648
m/d 683
Avro
PB 648
Merlin
Known Units: 625;166
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Duren, 16 Nov 1944, with 166 Squadron. 67 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ralph William Carroll 2024-01-08
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Thomas Coles 2024-04-29
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Douglas Farrow 2021-08-06
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Edmund Leaman 2023-08-22
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Sergeant Ralph Robert Henry Schnaufer 2021-08-04
1944-November-16 KIA RCAF Sergeant Neil Lauretz Smith 2021-07-26 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB650
s/n PB650
m/d 683
Avro
PB 650
Merlin
Known Units: 405
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*U. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945. Lancaster aircraft PB650 was shot down at Deufringen, Germany during a night attack against Stuttgart, Germany 28 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Stuttgart Germany 1945-01-28 to 1945-01-28
405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden Lodge
405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Lancaster aircraft P6650 was shot down at Deufringen, Germany during a night attack against Stuttgart, Germany. F/Os F.H. Cummer, W.B. Turner, FSs G.A. Smith, J.N. Rae, E.R Savage and Sergeant W. McCabrey (RAF) were also killed; one Canadian, FS MacDougall, was taken Prisoner of War.
1945-January-29 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Stuttgart 2019-08-20
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Franklin Howard Cummer 2024-05-26
1945-January-28 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant D A MacDougall 2023-09-07
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John MacCauley Rae 2024-06-22
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edwin Robert Savage 2024-06-28
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gerald Albert Smith 2024-06-28
1945-January-28 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Brian Turner 2024-07-10 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB666
s/n PB666
m/d 683
Avro
PB 666
Merlin
Known Units: 227
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB671
s/n PB671
m/d 683
Avro
PB 671
Merlin
Known Units: 100;625;101
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB672
s/n PB672
m/d 683
Avro
PB 672
Merlin
Known Units: 227
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB675
s/n PB675
m/d 683
Avro
PB 675
Merlin
Known Units: 35;156
There seems to be a difference between different sources for this aircraft. Robertson gives it as coming from No. 32 MU to No. 35 then No. 156 Sqn. Aircraft missing on operation to Ulm 17/18 Dec 1944. This date is confirmed by the rafcommands website and the CASPIR data.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB678
s/n PB678
m/d 683
Avro
PB 678
Merlin
Known Units: 35
Delivered to No. 35 Sqn (TL-F) Oct 1944. Collided with Lancaster PB683 off North Foreland en route for Cologne on a daylight operation 23 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB681
s/n PB681
m/d 683
Avro
PB 681
Merlin
Known Units: 592;405;1667HCU
Operated by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded LQ*M. Based at Gransden Lodge, Bedfordshire. 405 Squadron flew with 8 Group, the “Pathfinders Force” from April 1943 to May 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB683
s/n PB683
m/d 683
Avro
PB 683
Merlin
Known Units: 35
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB687
s/n PB687
m/d 683
Avro
PB 687
Merlin
Known Units: 626
With 626 Sqn (UM-Q2). Missinng on a daylight operation to Osterfeld, 31 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Osterfeld Germany 1944-12-31 to 1944-12-31
626 (B) Sqn (RAF) Wickenby
Lancaster aircraft PB 687 was shot down by an enemy fighter aircraft during operations against Osterfield, Germany. Flying Officer W H Pogson and FS. K.H. Austin (RAF) were also killed. The crew were ordered to bail out and all the crew responded except FS. Casey. The four survivors, three Canadians and one not Canadian, jumped out of the front of the aircraft and were returned safely to the United Kingdom. The three casualties all jumped out of the rear of the aircraft.
Claim by Hptm Johannes Hager 6/NJG1 at 19:05. (Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1945 Part 5 - Theo Boiten)
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB691
s/n PB691
m/d 683
Avro
PB 691
Merlin
Known Units: 97;189
To No. 189 Sqn from No. 97 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Politz 21/22 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB692
s/n PB692
m/d 683
Avro
PB 692
Merlin
Known Units: 101
To No. 626 then to No. 101 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Gelsenkirchen, Germany 6 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Arthur John Bate 2025-09-29
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ian MacCallum Hamilton 2025-09-29
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Phil Leeds 2025-09-29
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Kester Mainprize 2025-09-29
1944-November-06 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Walter Norman Moore 2025-09-29 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB701
s/n PB701
m/d 683
Avro
PB 701
Merlin
Known Units: ;156
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB723
s/n PB723
m/d 683
Avro
PB 723
Merlin
Known Units: 227
Delivered to No. 227 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Gdynia (Gdansk) 18/19 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB725
s/n PB725
m/d 683
Avro
PB 725
Merlin
Known Units: ;61
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB745
s/n PB745
m/d 683
Avro
PB 745
Merlin
Known Units: 189
Delivered to No. 189 Sqn Nov 1944. Crashed and burnt on operation to Munich 27 Nov 1944. Aircraft crashed on take-off.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB768
s/n PB768
m/d 683
Avro
PB 768
Merlin
Known Units: 218
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB785
s/n PB785
m/d 683
Avro
PB 785
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-L2) Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Frank Edmond Dotten 2024-10-27
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Stanley Marks Gibb 2024-05-26
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Frederick Nicol 2024-06-22
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward James Peverley 2024-06-22
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Swallow Quinn 2024-06-22
1945-March-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Roland James Saundercook 2024-06-28 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB807
s/n PB807
m/d 683
Avro
PB 807
Merlin
Known Units: 460 Sqn
Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn (AR-H) Dec 1944. Missing on operation to Wiesbaden 2/3 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Wiesbaden Germany 1945-02-02 to 1945-02-02
460 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, Untied Kingdom
460 Australia Squadron (Strike And Return). Lancaster aircraft PB 807 was delivered to 460 Squadron in Dec 1944. The aircraft was on a night raid against Wiesbaden, Germany, when it crashed at Riedelbach, Germany. The cause of the crash is unknown. Casualties included RCAF Pilot Officer D.G. Russell (air gunner); RAAF Pilot Officer N.W. Everett (navigator), RAAF Flying Officer J. Macguire (pilot), and W/O D.B. May (wireless operator / air gunner); RAFVR Sgt's. R.B. Newton (flight engineer) and W.G. Potter (air gunner); and RAF Flt. Sgt. R.H. Whitecap (bomb aimer).Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB810
s/n PB810
m/d 683
Avro
PB 810
Merlin
Known Units: 1659HCU
Operated by No. 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit, 6 Group, RCAF, coded "RV*P".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB814
s/n PB814
m/d 683
Avro
PB 814
Merlin
Known Units: 207
Delivered to No. 207 Sqn Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Gravenhorst 21/22 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB840
s/n PB840
m/d 683
Avro
PB 840
Merlin
Known Units: 189
Delivered to No. 189 Sqn Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Karlsruhe 2/3 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB848
s/n PB848
m/d 683
Avro
PB 848
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB851
s/n PB851
m/d 683
Avro
PB 851
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB880
s/n PB880
m/d 683
Avro
PB 880
Merlin
Known Units: 630
Delivered to No. 630 Sqn (LE-B). Aircraft crashed in Sweden on return from operation to Politz 13/14 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB893
s/n PB893
m/d 683
Avro
PB 893
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*G.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB897
s/n PB897
m/d 683
Avro
PB 897
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*B.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB899
s/n PB899
m/d 683
Avro
PB 899
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Failed to return from minelaying operation in the Kadet Channel 15 February1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Minelaying Bay of Pomerania 1945-02-14 to 1945-02-15
424 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale
424 Tiger Squadron (Castigandos Castigamus) RAF Skipton-on-Swale. Lancaster BIII aircraft PB 800 QB-A and crew were lost without a trace while on a GARDENING (sea-mining) operation over the Bay of Pomerania in the Baltic Sea. No cause of loss or crash location was determined at the time but later research found a night fighter claim in the "Nightfighter War Diaries" Volume 2 by Dr Theo Boiten and Roderick MacKenzie for this aircraft from Oblt Herbert Koch of 1/NGJ 3
Flight Lieutenant FC Aldworth (RCAF), Pilot Officer GS Guthrie (RCAF), Pilot Officer KA Miller (RCAF), Flight Sergeant KC McMurchy (RCAF), Flying Officer EE Reaney (RCAF), Pilot Officer V Smith (RCAF) and Pilot Officer LF Davis (RAFVR) were all missing, presumed killed in action
The missing have no known grave and all are commemorated on the Runnymede War Memorial
On 1945-02-14, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer with 424/433 Sqds at Skipton on Swale, wrote in his diary: "Well as I expected the target last night was in direct aid of the Russians. Dresden got a real pounding apparently with a big follow-up attack by the Americans. Apparently these are some of the tactics decided upon at the "Big Three" conference a week ago in the Crimea between Churchill, Roosevelt & Stalin. Today we got 4 away on bombing from 424. Chemintz near Dresden was the target . . . 424 had one early return with duff H2S & we also lost "A" of 424 [PB899] - Flight Lieutenant Aldworth who failed to show up."
[Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...
424 Squadron Lancaster I PB899 QB-A Fl/Lt Aldworth Oblt Herbert...
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Frank Carter Aldworth 2023-03-31
1945-February-15 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Lawrence Fortnam Davis 2024-09-29
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Scott Guthrie 2023-03-31
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Cameron McMurchy 2023-03-31
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Alexander Miller 2023-03-31
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Elias Eldon Reaney 2023-03-31
1945-February-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vernon Beverley (Babe) Smith 2023-03-31 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB903
s/n PB903
m/d 683
Avro
PB 903
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*F. Used on operations in 1945. Failed to return from operation over Leipzig on 10 April 1945, probably brought down by flak over the target.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Robert James Grisdale 2024-04-13
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Joseph Michael Hirak 2024-04-21
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Gordon McLeod 2024-04-22
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David William Roberts 2024-05-01
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Francis Gerald Seeley 2024-05-01
1945-April-10 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Isaac Buck Zierler 2024-05-01 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB906
s/n PB906
m/d 683
Avro
PB 906
Merlin
Known Units: 514
Delivered to No. 514 Sqn form No. 32 MU Jan 1945. Missing on operation to Wanne-Eickel16/17 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB908
s/n PB908
m/d 683
Avro
PB 908
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*C.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB921
s/n PB921
m/d 683
Avro
PB 921
Merlin
Known Units: 635
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial PB949
s/n PB949
m/d 683
Avro
PB 949
Merlin
Known Units: 635 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD205
s/n PD205
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 205
Merlin
Known Units: 9
Delivered to No. 9 Sqn (WS-H) Jun 1944. Missing on operation to Courtrai, France 20/21 Jul 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Roy Haywood Barnes 2024-11-09
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Douglas Walter Dagger 2024-10-31
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas Woodman Elliott 2024-12-21
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Lieutenant Graham Robert Garlick 2024-12-21
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank William Mills 2024-12-21
1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Howard Morriss 2024-12-21
1944-July-21 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Kenneth Charles Stuart 2024-12-21 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD209
s/n PD209
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 209
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*K and "AL*H". Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD210
s/n PD210
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 210
Merlin
Known Units: 207
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD214
s/n PD214
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 214
Merlin
Known Units: 106
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-D) 14 Jul 1944. MIssing on operation to Bremen 6/7 Oct 1944. 238 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD216
s/n PD216
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 216
Merlin
Known Units: 207
With No. 207 Sqn. Missing on operation to Darmstadt 25/26 Aug 1944. 128 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD221
s/n PD221
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 221
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn 15 Jul 1944. Missing on operation to Bostrop 3/4 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD222
s/n PD222
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 222
Merlin
Known Units: 44
With No. 44 Sqn (KM-U). Missing on daylight operation to Brest, France 14 Aug 1944. 68 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD224
s/n PD224
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 224
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Duisburg 14/15 Oct 1944. 89 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD227
s/n PD227
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 227
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn Aug 1944. The aircraft collided with Lancaster ME 806, 5 Aug 1944 but returned safely from a raid on Pauillac. ME 806 crashed into the sea. PD 227 collided with Hurricane LF 390 and crashed near Hemswell 12 Oct 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-October-12 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Derbyshire 2024-10-14
1944-October-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lyle William McChesnie 2021-08-17
1944-October-12 KIA RCAF Sergeant Gordon Russell McWhirter 2021-08-17
1944-October-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald James Rodgers 2021-08-08
1944-October-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Ross Stoneman 2021-07-22 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD260
s/n PD260
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 260
Merlin
Known Units: 166
Delivered to No. 166 Sqn 9 Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Brunswick 12/13 Aug 1944. 11 operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Harvey Culverson 2024-05-25
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lawrence Ward Davies 2024-09-15
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert John Sinclair 2024-09-15
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Reginald Smith 2024-09-15
1944-August-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Edward Squibb 2024-09-15 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD262
s/n PD262
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 262
Merlin
Known Units: 218
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD263
s/n PD263
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 263
Merlin
Known Units: 57
Delivered to No. 57 Sqn 11 Aug 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Heimback 11 Dec 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD265
s/n PD265
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 265
Merlin
Known Units: 514
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Hamburg Germany 1944-11-21 to 1944-11-21
514 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Waterbeach
160 Lancasters of 3 Group to attack the oil refinery. 3 Lancasters lost.
The bombing was scattered at first but then became very concentrated, culminating, according to the Bomber Command report, in 'a vast sheet of yellow flame followed by black smoke rising to a great height'. This was a very satisfactory raid after several previous attempts by Bomber Command to destroy this oil refinery.
source: The Bomber Command War Diaries, Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt
514 Sqn (Nil Obstare Potest). Lancaster I aircraft PD 265 JI-G lost on a daylight operation against Homburg, Germany.
Approaching Rhein-Preussen synthetic oil plant with intention of bombing it. Hit by flak leading to catastrophic loss of control. Pilot and Navigator apparently baled out as aircraft disintegrated. Aircraft impacted waterway surrounding Moers Guildhall. Remaining crew fatally injured.(Aviation Safety Network) Those who perished were initially buried in Lohmannshelde Forest Cemetery. Reinterred 26 June 1947. (CWGC) Flying Officer KH Barker (RCAF), Sergeant PA Gosnold (RAF), Sergeant RW Harding (RAF), Flying Officer P Slater (RAF) and Sergeant LP Coles (RAF) were killed. Flying Officer GC France (RAF) and Flying Officer FJ Eisberg (RAF) survived and were taken Prisoner of War.
1944-November-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Hubert Barker 2024-12-17
1944-November-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Peter Coles 2024-09-14
1944-November-21 PoW Flying Officer Frederick James Eisberg 2024-11-19
1944-November-21 PoW RAFVR Flying Officer Geoffrey Charles France 2024-09-14
1944-November-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Peter Andrew Gosnold 2024-09-14
1944-November-21 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald William Harding 2024-09-14
1944-November-21 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Peter Slater 2024-09-14 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD268
s/n PD268
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 268
Merlin
Known Units: 101 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD272
s/n PD272
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 272
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Mannheim 1 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD274
s/n PD274
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 274
Merlin
Known Units: 115
Delivered to No. 115 Sqn Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Russelsheim 26/27 Aug 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD275
s/n PD275
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 275
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
1945-March-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer James H 'Jim' Clarke DFC 2024-02-27
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Keith William Daymond 2024-10-06
1945-March-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Arthur William Hathaway 2024-10-06
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bertram Clarence Kerr 2024-10-06
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William John Malyon 2024-10-06
1945-March-16 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Neil McNicol 2024-10-06
1945-March-16 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Harry Woffenden 2024-10-06 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD276
s/n PD276
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 276
Merlin
Known Units: 115
To No. 115 Sqn 23 Aug 1944. Missing on daylight raid to Essen 25 Oct 1944. 113 Operational hours.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD283
s/n PD283
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 283
Merlin
Known Units: 630
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing LE G 1944-09-11 to 1944-09-12
630 (B) Sqn (RAF) East Kirkby
630 Squadron Lancaster I PD283 LE-G
There are two claims for this aircraft:- Ofw Heinrich Schmidt 2/NJG6 - 70km West of Darmstadt: 2,500m at 00:21.
Hptm Kurt Fladrich 9/NJG4 - Hunsruck NE-N of Trier (RP - RO): 4,200m at 00:21.
Claim by Ofw Schmidt deleted from OKL/RLM NJG6. Confirmed Abschussubersicht rejected. Victory for Hptm Fladrich confirmed on 12 January 1945.
(Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 4 - Theo Boiten)
Crashed at Schmidthachenbach 12 km ENE of Idar-Oberstein.
The crew were intially buried in Schmidthachenbach Cemetery Communal Grave 12. Reinterred 14 May 1948.
source:John Jones London UK
1944-September-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald McMillan Boyd 2025-02-16
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Leslie Alfred Broomfield 2024-11-20
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Pilot Officer Robert Arthur Godwin Cranefield 2024-05-12
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Charles Robson Faulkner 2025-02-16
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Law Lawrie 2025-02-16
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Quinn,Ronald Charles Quinn 2025-02-16
1944-September-12 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Richard Riley 2025-02-16 Lancaster Mk.I serial PD292
s/n PD292
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 292
Merlin
Known Units: 50
Delivered to No. 50 Sqn (VN-H) Aug 1944. Missing on operation to Royan, France, 4/5 Jan 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD293
s/n PD293
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 293
Merlin
Known Units: 115
With No. 115 Sqn. Crashed into the sea while on a training flight for H2S 26 Nov 1944.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD294
s/n PD294
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 294
Merlin
Known Units: 50
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD320
s/n PD320
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 320
Merlin
Known Units: 550
Delivered to No. 550 Sqn Sep 1944. Missing on daylight operation to Dortmund 23 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD336
s/n PD336
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 336
Merlin
Known Units: 90
Delivered to No. 90 Sqn Sep 1944. Collided with Lancaster HK 610 over Bury St Edmunds 2 Feb 1945, but survived, but HK 610 crashed. The aircraft seems to have been airworthy, because it took part in operations against Wesel, where it was lost on 19 Feb 1945 (see bombercommandmuseumarchives).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD365
s/n PD365
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 365
Merlin
Known Units: 103;166
First with No. 103 Sqn. To No. 166 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Hildesheim 22 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD375
s/n PD375
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 375
Merlin
Known Units: 625
Delivered to No. 625 Sqn (CF-R) Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Chemnitz 5/6 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD378
s/n PD378
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 378
Merlin
Known Units: 153
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD380
s/n PD380
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 380
Merlin
Known Units: 153
Delivered to No. 153 Sqn Oct 1944. Missing on operation to Dortmund. 68 operational hours. The date of the operation seems in doubt. Mason gives 24 Nov 1944; Robertson gives 29 Nov. CASPIR data also gives 29 Nov, but RAF Commands website gives Nov 25 and Aviation Safety Net gives Nov 24.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD393
s/n PD393
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 393
Merlin
Known Units: 626
Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-N) Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD394
s/n PD394
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 394
Merlin
Known Units: ;166
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD403
s/n PD403
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 403
Merlin
Known Units: 576
Delivered to No. 576 Sqn (UL-F2) Nov 1944. Missing on operation to Chemnitz 5/6 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PD437
s/n PD437
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
PD 437
Merlin
Known Units: 1667HCU;1662HCU
With 1667 HCU, then 1662 HCU. Crashed near the village of Woodbeck 5/6 Mar 1945 after an engine fire.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial PP676
s/n PP676
m/d 683
Vickers-Armstrongs
PP 676
Merlin
Known Units: 1659HCU
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA500
s/n RA500
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 500
Merlin
Known Units: 103
Delivered to No. 103 Sqn (PM-N) Jan 1945. It suffered some damage 29 Jan 1945 and was lost on an operation to Dassau 7/8 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA504
s/n RA504
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 504
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*B and "QB*M". Crashed on take-off at Colerne on 27 November 1944, when it swung and struck a dispersal pen.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA505
s/n RA505
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 505
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*K and BM*R.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA507
s/n RA507
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 507
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded QB*S.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA508
s/n RA508
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 508
Merlin
Known Units: 106
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA509
s/n RA509
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 509
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*P.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA511
s/n RA511
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 511
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*Q.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA512
s/n RA512
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 512
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*S. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA513
s/n RA513
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 513
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded "BM*Y".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA523
s/n RA523
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 523
Merlin
Known Units: 101
Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (SR-I) Feb 1945. Missing on operation to Pforzheim 2/23 Feb 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Jack Kingswood Balcombe 2025-08-30
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Ralph Boyd 2025-08-30
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant Frank Ralph Fletcher 2025-08-30
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Norman William Ingeberg 2025-08-30
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Leo Francis Kennedy 2024-12-04
1945-February-24 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant W A McLenaghan 2025-08-30 Lancaster Mk.I serial RA534
s/n RA534
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 534
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*A". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA536
s/n RA536
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 536
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*N". Named "Natch". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA537
s/n RA537
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 537
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*P". Named "Fightin Pappy". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA538
s/n RA538
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 538
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*P" (or ZL*B?). Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA539
s/n RA539
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 539
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*O". Survived the war, returned to the RAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA544
s/n RA544
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 544
Merlin
Known Units: 150;153
To No. 150 Sqn then to No. 153 Sqn Mar 1945. Missing on mining sortie 4/5 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA546
s/n RA546
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 546
Merlin
Known Units: 227 Sqn
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA547
s/n RA547
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 547
Merlin
Known Units: ;550
Per 550 Squadron Association records:SOC 03 Sept 1947.
RA547 sustained 7 hits by 20mm calibre ammo following fighter attack (TBC) on Nuernburg raid of 16/17 Mar 1945.
Landed at Manston with the R/AG seriously wounded.
last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial RA571
s/n RA571
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
RA 571
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*D". Used on operations, 1945. Crashed on 5 November 1945 at Beamsley Beacon, Yorkshire. Entered bad weather during cross country training flight, struck high gorund. 4 killed, 4 survivors.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial RE153
s/n RE153
m/d 683
Avro
RE 153
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*V".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial RE155
s/n RE155
m/d 683
Avro
RE 155
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded "AL*X" and "AL*Y".last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.III serial RE160
s/n RE160
m/d 683
Avro
RE 160
Merlin
Known Units: 427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded ZL*G. Used to return British ex-POWs from Belgium, summer of 1945 (Operation Exodus).last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF148
s/n RF148
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 148
Merlin
Known Units: 424
Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*A", from February 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF149
s/n RF149
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 149
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded BM*A. Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF150
s/n RF150
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 150
Merlin
Known Units: 433;424
Crashed 3 miles west of High Wycombe 5 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Merseburg Germany 1945-04-05 to 1945-04-05
424 (B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale
The crew of Lancaster aircraft RF 150 were homeward bound from night operations to Meresburg, Germany when they crashed near High Wycombe at Widdeston Park, Buckinghamshire, England. Flying Officer J.W. Watson, P/Os S.M.Thomson, J. Rochford, P/Os S.J. Robinson, C.K. Howes, E.T. Ashdown, and C.N. Armstrong were killed.
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Curwood Neville Armstrong 2024-11-03
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Thomas Ashdown 2024-11-03
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Keith Howes 2023-01-13
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stewart James Olson Robinson 2023-01-13
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Rochford 2023-01-13
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stuart Mclean Thomson 2023-01-13
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph William Watson 2023-01-13 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF153
s/n RF153
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 153
Merlin
Known Units: 49
To No. 50 Sqn, then No. 49 Sqn (EA-K). Missing on mission to Lutzkendorf 14/15 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-15 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant G Keith Corrigan 2024-04-23
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Joseph Noel McPhee 2024-04-22
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Gordon Coke Richards 2024-05-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Graeme Alastair Robinson 2024-05-01
1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Franklin Thompson 2024-05-03 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF154
s/n RF154
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 154
Merlin
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF181
s/n RF181
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 181
Merlin
Known Units: 12
last update: 2025-November-27
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF182
s/n RF182
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 182
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-P) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 4/5 Apr 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Bombing Lutzkendorf Germany 1945-04-04 to 1945-04-05
12 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby
12 Squadron (Leads The Field) RAF Wickenby. Lancaster BI aircraft RF 182 PH-P was lost, most likely to flak, during an operation to bomb a synthetic-oil refinery Lutzkendorf, Germany. The Lancaster crashed near the small town of Braunsbedra some 10 km South-West of Merseburg, Germany with the loss of the entire crew
Flight Lieutenant W Kroeker (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant C E Modeland (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant W D Smith (RCAF), Flying Officer G T Wood (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant C Brooks (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant J F Woodcherry (RAFVR) and Flying Officer C W G Biddlecombe (RAFVR) were all killed in action
Six members of this crew: Flight Lieutenant Kroeker, Flight Lieutenant Modeland, Flight Lieutenant Smith, Flying Officer Wood, Flight Sergeant Brooks and Flight Sergeant Woodcherry had previously been interned prisoners in Sweden after having survived the forced-landing of their 12 Squadron Lancaster BIII aircraft ND 324 PH-E 1944-01-06. They were returned safe, to the UK 1944-09-24
Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database
RAF Wickenby's War Over Europe - Aircraft Airfields and Airshows
1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Charles William George Biddlecombe 2023-11-20
1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Cyril Brooks 2023-11-20
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Walter Kroeker 2024-04-22
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clarence Edward Modeland 2024-04-23
1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Dalton Smith 2024-05-03
1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer George Thomas Wood 2023-11-20
1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Frederick Woodcherry 2023-11-20 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF188
s/n RF188
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 188
Merlin
Known Units: 12
Delivered to No. 12Sqn (PH-U) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Malcolm Melley Barker 2024-12-17
1945-March-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer A R Hovis 2024-12-17
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Keith Waring Mabee 2024-12-17
1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Elmer Rae 2024-12-17
1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant T K Imperious 2024-12-17 Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF207
s/n RF207
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 207
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*S from March 1945. Used on operations, 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF230
s/n RF230
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 230
Merlin
Known Units: 514
With No. 514 Sqn. It was carrying returning POWs (Operation Exodus) when it lost control after taking off from Juvincourt. It crashed at Roye-Ami attempting to return to Juvincourt 9 May 1945. 31 killed.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF252
s/n RF252
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 252
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*G .last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF257
s/n RF257
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 257
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*W .last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF259
s/n RF259
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 259
Merlin
Known Units: 429
Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*H .last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF260
s/n RF260
m/d 683
Armstrong Whitworth
RF 260
Merlin
Known Units: 424;427
Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*Z". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial SW251
s/n SW251
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
SW 251
Merlin
Known Units: 44
last update: 2025-November-27
Bombing Karlsruhe Germany 1945-02-03 to 1945-02-03
44 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Spilsby
Extract from "The Georgetown Cenotaph Project" by John Desramaux
02/03 February 1945 ? OPS 7 - Karlsruhe GermanyTonight's target Karlsruhe, the capital of the province of Baden, was of particular importance at that time, as a transport centre, being situated on the main line from Western Germany to Italy, via Switzerland. It is also connected with the Rhine for water-borne traffic by the Stich Canal. The Deutsche Waffen and Munitions Werke A. G., an important small arms ammunition works, had a plant here which, because of the unfavourable proximity of Karlsruhe to the French frontier, had been partly closed during the early stages of the war but was now believed to be working at full capacity and employing several thousand workers.
The plan from Bomber Command tonight involves three German targets. Weisbaden, Germany is targeted for the one and only time it will be bombed. The second target are the Krupps synthetic oil plants at Wanne-Eickel and the third the town of Karlsruhe. The crews are briefed in the afternoon, and I am sure groans are heard about heading back into Germany for the second night in a row. The navigators stay behind after the briefing to get their flight plans in order as there is no room for error tonight.
The Karlsruhe OPS will be all 5 groups with 250 Lancasters and 11 Mosquitos ordered up including 16 Lancasters from 44 squadron. Most of this part of Germany is solid 10/10th cloud cover but are hoping for an improvement by 2300 hrs. It's not going to happen. The phase of the moon tonight, which is very important to bomber crews is not good with 3/4 moon visible by 2250 hrs. The conditions are cloudy at RAF Spilsby and a light mist is falling as the green flare is fired to let the crews know it time for take off. All 16 Lancasters lift off between 1944 hrs and 2021 hrs and start heading southeast over the channel and the enemy coast ahead. The Lancasters climb slowly as the are loaded with 7 1/2 hrs of fuel and 1 X 4000 lbs ?Cookie? and 2100 small X 4lb incendiaries sticks.
Tonight the Gallivan crew is aboard Lancaster Mk I SW251 KM-X which and has only been delivered to the squadron recently in December, fresh off the assembly line at Metropolitan Vickers at Mosley Road in Manchester. She has the squadron markings of KM-X as the previous KM-X PB373 was lost on OPS on December 4, 1944, and it was commonplace to recycle the letters as needed. SW251 performed her first OPS with 44 Squadron on January 1, 1945, and can not have more than 100 hrs total flying time since being built.
After a few zigzagging doglegs to try and confuse enemy radar the 44 Squadron crews are approaching Karlsruhe from the southwest about 3 hrs and 40 mins after take off. They find the whole area covered in overcast cloud of stratus and cumulus clouds that are topped at 14,000 ft and a nice bright 3/4 moon above. It appears the forecast of the predicted frontal passage was two hours late according to Flying Officer Thompson aboard PB4176 KM-R and according to Flight Lieutenant Hayler on ND-578 KM-Y ?the weather was very bad. Cloud tops higher than briefed causing aircraft to be unable to climb to correct bombing height in time, due to severe icing?. The extra weight of the ice on the airframe and wings made them too heavy to climb. In addition to all this the lower-level winds are stronger than forecast out of the west. The plan tonight is to drop the bombs from 15,000 to16,000ft while approaching from the west southwest and then descend below the cloud deck to 6,000 ft to escape any potential fighters. What all these poor lads do not know is they are flying into a hornet?s nest of German JU-88 and ME110 night fighters.
The 44 squadron bomber stream approaches the target all very close to 2330 hrs. The controller aboard one of the Mosquitoes orders them to bomb on the green markers. Some of the crews see the green markers and others can just see the glow of the markers in the clouds which make it very difficult for the bomb aimers to hit the target. The crew can also see the glow of the town lights through the clouds. All the crews including Gallivan are approaching Karlsruhe on a easterly heading of 090 DEG and speed of 160 to 170 MPH.
Waiting for 44 Squadron in the moonlight over Karlsruhe tonight is Luftwaffe Squadron Nachtjagdgeschwader 6 (Night Fighter Squadron 6) known as NJG6 based just 100 miles east at Kitzingen airfield. The squadron is equipped with the deadly Messerschmitt ME-110G fighter and JU88 both equipped with radar and "Schrage Musik" a 20 MM upwards firing cannon that can sneak up underneath an unsuspecting Lancaster and fire at its fuel tanks with devastating effect
.NJG6 Group Commander and German Ace is 28-year-old Gerhard ?Gend? Friedrich. Unfortunately, tonight he is flying his ME-110 over Karlsruhe, and he is about to shoot down two Lancasters. Gerhard will go on to shoot down 33 heavy bombers (all at night) and be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Another German Ace is also lurking in the darkness is Oberstleutnant Herbert Lutje who will survive the war with over 247 missions, 50 aircraft shot down including one tonight. Oberstleutnant Engelbert Heiner another German Ace and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipient is circling Karlsruhe. Strangely enough Heiner had been captured as a POW May 14, 1940, and sent to Canada to a POW camp and then involved in a prisoner exchange with the International Red Cross was returned to Germany and trained as a night fighter pilot. Another Ace and Knights Cross recipient Hauptmann Helmuth Schulte with 25 aircraft shot down is waiting. Finally, Oberfeldwebel Ludwig Schmidt will shoot down one Lancaster tonight as well.
Bomber Command Nightly Raid Reports from 02/03 February 1945 has the following postmortem: ?The fighter opposition over Karlsruhe was the worst our bombers have experienced in southGermany for a considerable time. E/A (enemy aircraft) were assembled near Karlsruhe nearly half anhour before the first markers fell on Karlsruhe and at last 4 Gruppen (squadrons) were within reach ofthe targets in time for the latter half of the raid which lasted 28 minutes. 7 attacks and 15 combatswere reported over Karlsruhe, nearly all with JU88's. The cloud below the bombers brightly illuminated the raid.?
Lancaster SW251 came to rest in two separate pieces as a result of a catastrophic explosion or inflight breakup. The tail section fell in the vicinity of Staffort and the remainder of aircraft fell a short distance away near Buchenau. The bomb aiming point, which on this OPS was very vague and not well defined, was Karlsruhe, 15 km west of the crash points. Most certainly SW251 was on it's bombing run or had just completed it's bomb drop (unless the bomb's got hung up). All of the 44 Squadron aircraft were at various altitudes between 18,000 and 14,000 ft and all on easterly heading between 103 DEG and 113 DEG and approaching from the west. SW251 was above the cloud layer that was reported based around 10,000 ft and in clear air (no clouds) on a moonlight night.
We know that there were up to 4 Gruppen (Squadron) of German night fighters with 4 German Aces operating in the area and they have claimed 8 confirmed ?kills? in the vicinity of Karlsruhe. I have found little information or comment on anti aircraft gun or FLAK activity this night and with an overcast sky with all the aircraft above the cloud layer how effective could this have been? To date there are reports that SW251 was hit by FLAK and that it was shot down by night fighters most certainly using the "schrage musik" techniques.
The front section would have plummeted fairly quickly and explains why the front section continued on for a fair distance to the east and the tail section would have fallen less quickly. The inflight breakup most probably was caused by a night fighter normally trained to fire at the Lancaster fuel tanks located in the wings or hit by FLAK in the same area. Less likely but possible would be a midair collision with another bomber or fighter but there is no evidence of this. Bombs being dropped from friendly bombers is possible but no evidence of this either
44 Rhodesia Squadron (Fulmina Regis lusta). Lancaster aircraft SW 251 lost from a night trip, a raid against Karlsruhe, Germany. FSs L.H. Beaumont, D.W. Johnson, E.C Dufresne, Flying Officer O.W. Armstrong, and Flight Lieutenant T.E. Gallivan, Sergeants A. Balloch and SJ Bowden RAFVR were killed.
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Oswald Walter Armstrong 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Albert Balloch 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Lawrence Herbert Beaumont 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Stanley Jarvis Bowden 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Charles Dufresne 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas Edward Gallivan 2025-10-12
1945-February-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Wilfred Johnson 2025-10-12 Lancaster Mk.I serial SW254
s/n SW254
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
SW 254
Merlin
Known Units: 1661HCU;619
Delivered to No. 1661 CU, then to 619 Sqn (PG-S) Dec 1944. Missing on opertaion to Leipzig 10/11 April 1945.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.I serial SW273
s/n SW273
m/d 683
Metropolitan-Vickers
SW 273
Merlin
Known Units: 433
Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF, coded BM*V and "BM*U". Used on operations in 1945.last update: 2025-November-19