Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 203, Group 200)

Avro Lancaster

Avro Lancaster Mk. X RCAF Serial FM 213
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

YouTube Lancaster Bomber

Wikipedia Wikipedia

unvetted Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV155

s/n DV155

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 155

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV156

s/n DV156

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 156

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV157

s/n DV157

PH RAF Roundel Z

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 157

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV158

s/n DV158

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 158

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn;12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV159

s/n DV159

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 159

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV160

s/n DV160

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 160

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV161

s/n DV161

WS RAF Roundel N

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 161

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn;9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV162

s/n DV162

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 162

Merlin

Known Units: 100

Delivered to No. 1667 CU then to No. 100 Sqn Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Kassel 22/23 Oct 1943
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV163

s/n DV163

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 163

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV164

s/n DV164

PH RAF Roundel W

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 164

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV165

s/n DV165

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 165

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV166

s/n DV166

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 166

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV167

s/n DV167

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 167

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV168

s/n DV168

PH RAF Roundel F

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 168

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV169

s/n DV169

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 169

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV170

s/n DV170

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 170

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV171

s/n DV171

PH RAF Roundel K

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 171

Merlin

Known Units: 463 Sqn;12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV172

s/n DV172

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 172

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV173

s/n DV173

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 173

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV174

s/n DV174

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 174

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV175

s/n DV175

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 175

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV176

s/n DV176

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 176

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV177

s/n DV177

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 177

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn;12 Sqn;626 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV178

s/n DV178

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 178

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV179

s/n DV179

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 179

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV180

s/n DV180

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 180

Merlin

Known Units: 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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV181

s/n DV181

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 181

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV182

s/n DV182

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 182

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV183

s/n DV183

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV184

s/n DV184

EM RAF Roundel O

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 184

Merlin

Known Units: 207 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV185

s/n DV185

PH RAF Roundel D

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 185

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV186

s/n DV186

QR RAF Roundel R

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-February-05

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)

unvetted Source Royal Air force Serial and Image Database

unvetted Source Aviation Safety Network

unvetted Source Lancaster DV186 (Bosc-Robert) - La Vespiere-Friardel on 16 August 194...

unvetted Source Norman association of aerial remembrance 39-45

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV187

s/n DV187

PH RAF Roundel A

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 187

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV188

s/n DV188

EM RAF Roundel J

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 188

Merlin

Known Units: 207 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV189

s/n DV189

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 189

Merlin

Known Units: 100 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV190

s/n DV190

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 190

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV191

s/n DV191

EM RAF Roundel Q

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 191

Merlin

Known Units: 207 Sqn;207 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV192

s/n DV192

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 192

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV193

s/n DV193

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 193

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27
   1945-August-29 Classified Instructional Classified as an Instructional Airframe 2019-08-21

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV194

s/n DV194

CF RAF Roundel F

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 194

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV195

s/n DV195

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 195

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV196

s/n DV196

ZN RAF Roundel K

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV197

s/n DV197

VN RAF Roundel T

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 197

Merlin

Known Units: 50 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV198

s/n DV198

WS RAF Roundel U

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 198

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV199

s/n DV199

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 199

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV200

s/n DV200

WB RAF Roundel S

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 200

Merlin

Known Units: 550 Sqn;12 Sqn; BCIS


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV201

s/n DV201

DX RAF Roundel M

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 201

Merlin

Known Units: 57 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV202

s/n DV202

PH RAF Roundel L

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 202

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV217

s/n DV217

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 217

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV218

s/n DV218

PH RAF Roundel S

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 218

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV219

s/n DV219

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 219

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV220

s/n DV220

AS RAF Roundel J

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 220

Merlin

Known Units: 166 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV221

s/n DV221

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 221

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV222

s/n DV222

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 222

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV223

s/n DV223

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 223

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV224

s/n DV224

PH RAF Roundel G

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 224

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

Delivered to No. 12 Sqn 25 (PH-G) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Hamburg 2/3 Aug 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV225

s/n DV225

PH RAF Roundel H

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 225

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV226

s/n DV226

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 226

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV227

s/n DV227

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV228

s/n DV228

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 228

Merlin

Known Units: ;61


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV229

s/n DV229

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 229

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV230

s/n DV230

SR RAF Roundel T

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV231

s/n DV231

SR RAF Roundel A

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 231

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV232

s/n DV232

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 232

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV233

s/n DV233

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 233

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV234

s/n DV234

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 234

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV235

s/n DV235

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 235

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV236

s/n DV236

SR RAF Roundel G

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 236

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV237

s/n DV237

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 237

Merlin

Known Units: ;467


last update: 2025-June-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.

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV238

s/n DV238

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 238

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV239

s/n DV239

QR RAF Roundel V

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 239

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-V) Aug 1943. Missing from mission to Hanover 8/9 Oct 1943. 118 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV240

s/n DV240

PO RAF Roundel D

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-February-05

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.

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV241

s/n DV241

PH RAF Roundel F

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 241

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV242

s/n DV242

EK RAF Roundel P

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 242

Merlin

Known Units: 1656 HCU


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV243

s/n DV243

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 243

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV245

s/n DV245

SR RAF Roundel S

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 245

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-S) in Sep-Oct 1943. This aircraft is one of the 35 known "Ton-Up" Lancasters. It flew 118 operations with No. 101 Squadron and was missing on its 119th, to Bremen on 22/23 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV246

s/n DV246

AJ RAF Roundel U

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 246

Merlin

Known Units: 617 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV247

s/n DV247

AS RAF Roundel F

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 247

Merlin

Known Units: 166 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV263

s/n DV263

KM RAF Roundel M

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 263

Merlin

Known Units: 44 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV264

s/n DV264

SR RAF Roundel L

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 264

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV265

s/n DV265

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 265

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV266

s/n DV266

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 266

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV267

s/n DV267

SR RAF Roundel K

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 267

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV268

s/n DV268

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 268

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV269

s/n DV269

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV270

s/n DV270

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 270

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV271

s/n DV271

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV272

s/n DV272

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 272

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV273

s/n DV273

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 273

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV274

s/n DV274

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 274

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV275

s/n DV275

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 275

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV276

s/n DV276

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 276

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV277

s/n DV277

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 277

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV278

s/n DV278

CF RAF Roundel U

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 278

Merlin

Known Units: 300 Sqn;625 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV279

s/n DV279

BQ RAF Roundel M

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 279

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV280

s/n DV280

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 280

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV281

s/n DV281

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 281

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn

Delivered to No. 626 Sqn (UM-D2) Feb 1944. Missing on raid to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Mailly-le-Camp France 1944-05-04 to 1944-05-04

(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 "ËœNazi' 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 "ËœPlumduff' calling for all mainstream Lancaster's to carry an instantaneously fused 4000lb "Ëœcookie' 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 "Ëœwindow' 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 "Ëœwindow' 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 "Ëœa 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 DV282

s/n DV282

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 282

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV283

s/n DV283

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 283

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV284

s/n DV284

WS RAF Roundel G

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 284

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV285

s/n DV285

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 285

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV286

s/n DV286

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 286

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV287

s/n DV287

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 287

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV288

s/n DV288

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 288

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV289

s/n DV289

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 289

Merlin

Known Units: 101

Delivered to No. 101 Sqn (SR-T) Oct 1943. Equipped with ABC jamming equipment. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 41 operational hours
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV290

s/n DV290

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV291

s/n DV291

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 291

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV292

s/n DV292

SR RAF Roundel Y

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 292

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV293

s/n DV293

WS RAF Roundel Y

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 293

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV294

s/n DV294

QR RAF Roundel K

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 294

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV295

s/n DV295

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 295

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV296

s/n DV296

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 296

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV297

s/n DV297

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 297

Merlin

Known Units: ;61

With No. 106 and later No. 61 Sqn. Lost on raid to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 86 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV298

s/n DV298

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 298

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV299

s/n DV299

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 299

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV300

s/n DV300

SR RAF Roundel W

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 300

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV301

s/n DV301

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV302

s/n DV302

SR RAF Roundel J

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 302

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV303

s/n DV303

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 303

Merlin

Known Units: ;101


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV304

s/n DV304

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV305

s/n DV305

BQ RAF Roundel Q

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 305

Merlin

Known Units: 550 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV306

s/n DV306

HW RAF Roundel N

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 306

Merlin

Known Units: 100 Sqn

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 hours
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV307

s/n DV307

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 307

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV308

s/n DV308

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV309

s/n DV309

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 309

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV310

s/n DV310

RV RAF Roundel L

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 310

Merlin

Known Units: 1659 HCU


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV311

s/n DV311

QR RAF Roundel P

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 311

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster serial DV321

s/n DV321

CF RAF Roundel U

DV 321

Known Units: 625 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster serial DV322

s/n DV322

DV 322

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster serial DV323

s/n DV323

DV 323

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV324

s/n DV324

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 324

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV325

s/n DV325

VN RAF Roundel B

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV326

s/n DV326

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 326

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV327

s/n DV327

WS RAF Roundel N

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 327

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV328

s/n DV328

PG RAF Roundel L

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 328

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV329

s/n DV329

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 329

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV330

s/n DV330

PG RAF Roundel O

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV331

s/n DV331

KM RAF Roundel Z

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 331

Merlin

Known Units: 44 Sqn;44 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV332

s/n DV332

WS RAF Roundel D

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 332

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV333

s/n DV333

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 333

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV334

s/n DV334

WS RAF Roundel C

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 334

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV335

s/n DV335

PG RAF Roundel H

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 335

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV336

s/n DV336

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 336

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV337

s/n DV337

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 337

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV338

s/n DV338

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 338

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV339

s/n DV339

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 339

Merlin

Known Units: ;61

Originally with No. 106 Sqn, transferred to No. 61 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin, 26/27 Nov 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV340

s/n DV340

WS RAF Roundel Q

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 340

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV341

s/n DV341

AR RAF Roundel C

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-February-05

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-11-18 to 1943-11-18

460 () 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 DV342

s/n DV342

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 342

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV343

s/n DV343

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 343

Merlin

Known Units: 460;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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV344

s/n DV344

QR RAF Roundel Z

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 344

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn;61 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV345

s/n DV345

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV359

s/n DV359

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 359

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV360

s/n DV360

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 360

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV361

s/n DV361

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 361

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV362

s/n DV362

CF RAF Roundel B

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 362

Merlin

Known Units: 625 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV363

s/n DV363

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV364

s/n DV364

CF RAF Roundel D

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 364

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV365

s/n DV365

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 365

Merlin

Known Units: 166 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV366

s/n DV366

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV367

s/n DV367

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV368

s/n DV368

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 368

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV369

s/n DV369

EM RAF Roundel D

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 369

Merlin

Known Units: 207 Sqn

Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-D) Nov 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944. 140 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV370

s/n DV370

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 370

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV371

s/n DV371

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV372

s/n DV372

PO RAF Roundel F

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 372

Merlin

Known Units: 467 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV373

s/n DV373

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 373

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV374

s/n DV374

JO RAF Roundel B

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 374

Merlin

Known Units: 463 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV375

s/n DV375

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 375

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV376

s/n DV376

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 376

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV377

s/n DV377

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 377

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV378

s/n DV378

PO RAF Roundel C

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-February-05

Bombing Berlin Germany 1944-01-30 to 1944-01-31

467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, England
Delivered to No. 467 Australia Squadron on 07 Nov 1943. Lancaster aircraft DV 378 suffered a direct hit from flak during operations over Berlin, Germany, 30/31 Jan 1944. Aircraft had 115 flying hours.

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV379

s/n DV379

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 379

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV380

s/n DV380

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 380

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV381

s/n DV381

PG RAF Roundel B

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 381

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV382

s/n DV382

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-February-05

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.

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV383

s/n DV383

EM RAF Roundel O

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 383

Merlin

Known Units: 207 Sqn;207 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV384

s/n DV384

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 384

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV385

s/n DV385

KC RAF Roundel T

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 385

Merlin

Known Units: 617 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV386

s/n DV386

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 386

Merlin

Known Units: 576 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV387

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV388

s/n DV388

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 388

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV389

s/n DV389

SR RAF Roundel P

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 389

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV390

s/n DV390

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 390

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV391

s/n DV391

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 391

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV392

s/n DV392

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 392

Merlin

Known Units:


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV393

s/n DV393

WS RAF Roundel K

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 393

Merlin

Known Units: 617 Sqn;9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV394

s/n DV394

KC RAF Roundel M

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-February-05

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 DV395

s/n DV395

WS RAF Roundel V

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 395

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV396

s/n DV396

WS RAF Roundel G

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 396

Merlin

Known Units: 9 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV397

s/n DV397

QR RAF Roundel W

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 397

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn;61 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV398

s/n DV398

KC RAF Roundel Z

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 398

Merlin

Known Units: ;617

The aircraft was delivered to 617 Squadron in December 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 399

Merlin

Known Units: ;61

With No. 61 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Dec 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV400

s/n DV400

QR RAF Roundel Y

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 400

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV401

s/n DV401

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 401

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV402

s/n DV402

AJ RAF Roundel X

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 402

Merlin

Known Units: 617 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV403

s/n DV403

AJ RAF Roundel G

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 KC-O and then KC-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-February-05

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

AS RAF Roundel Z

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-February-05

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV405

s/n DV405

AJ RAF Roundel J

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 405

Merlin

Known Units: 617 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV406

s/n DV406

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 406

Merlin

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial DV407

s/n DV407

Metropolitan-Vickers

DV 407

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn


last update: 2025-June-27