Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 157, Group 156)

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

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Lancaster JA672, Mk.III

s/n JA672

Avro

JA 672

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA673, Mk.III

s/n JA673

Avro

JA 673

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA674, Mk.III

s/n JA674

Avro

JA 674

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA675, Mk.III

s/n JA675

Avro

JA 675

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Bombing Milan Italy 1943-08-15 to 1943-08-15

467 () () 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.

1943-August-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Alexander Mcdougall Grange 2023-10-18

Lancaster JA676, Mk.III

s/n JA676

Avro

JA 676

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA677, Mk.III

s/n JA677

Avro

JA 677

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA678, Mk.III

s/n JA678

Avro

JA 678

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA679, Mk.III

s/n JA679

Avro

JA 679

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-July-16 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Francis Sidney Finlay 2021-06-18

1943-July-16 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Wilbur Jordan McCoombes 2023-09-12

1943-July-16 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant John Frank Merchant 2023-09-17

Lancaster JA680, Mk.III

s/n JA680

Avro

JA 680

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA681, Mk.III

s/n JA681

Avro

JA 681

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA682, Mk.III

s/n JA682

Avro

JA 682

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-August-13 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Edward Saunders Baker 2024-11-28

Lancaster JA683, Mk.III

s/n JA683

Avro

JA 683

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA684, Mk.III

s/n JA684

Avro

JA 684

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA685, Mk.III

s/n JA685

Avro

JA 685

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA686, Mk.III

s/n JA686

Avro

JA 686

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-November-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Trevor Hillier 2021-04-09

Lancaster JA687, Mk.III

s/n JA687

Avro

JA 687

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA688, Mk.III

s/n JA688

Avro

JA 688

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA689, Mk.III

s/n JA689

Avro

JA 689

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA690, Mk.III

s/n JA690

Avro

JA 690

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-July-08 Evader RCAF Flying Officer R B Atkinson 2024-11-03

1944-July-08 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant W F Best 2024-11-12

Lancaster JA691, Mk.III

s/n JA691

Avro

JA 691

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA692, Mk.III

s/n JA692

Avro

JA 692

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA693, Mk.III

s/n JA693

Avro

JA 693

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA694, Mk.III

s/n JA694

Avro

JA 694

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA695, Mk.III

s/n JA695

Avro

JA 695

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA696, Mk.III

s/n JA696

Avro

JA 696

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA697, Mk.III

s/n JA697

Avro

JA 697

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA698, Mk.III

s/n JA698

Avro

JA 698

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA699, Mk.III

s/n JA699

Avro

JA 699

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA700, Mk.III

s/n JA700

Avro

JA 700

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA701, Mk.III

s/n JA701

Avro

JA 701

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA702, Mk.III

s/n JA702

Avro

JA 702

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA703, Mk.III

s/n JA703

Avro

JA 703

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Ewart Stiver 2024-07-09

Lancaster JA704, Mk.III

s/n JA704

Avro

JA 704

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA705, Mk.III

s/n JA705

Avro

JA 705

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA706, Mk.III

s/n JA706

Avro

JA 706

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-October-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Bligh Eaton 2022-07-26

Lancaster JA707, Mk.III

s/n JA707

Avro

JA 707

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA708, Mk.III

s/n JA708

Avro

JA 708

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA709, Mk.III

s/n JA709

Avro

JA 709

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-July-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John William Crowley 2024-07-22

1943-July-27 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Everett Victor Lee 2024-07-22

Lancaster JA710, Mk.III

s/n JA710

Avro

JA 710

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA711, Mk.III

s/n JA711

Avro

JA 711

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-January-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Willard Lawrence Doran 2024-10-26

Lancaster JA712, Mk.III

s/n JA712

Avro

JA 712

Merlin

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-February-05

1944-May-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas Edward Flanagan 2023-08-08

1944-May-28 Evader RCAF Sergeant E J Molnar 2021-04-30

1944-May-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Elvin Curtis Purney 2023-08-08

Lancaster JA713, Mk.III

s/n JA713

Avro

JA 713

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA714, Mk.III

s/n JA714

Avro

JA 714

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-October-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Parmenas Cameron 2023-12-11

1943-October-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Clifford Wallace McFarlane 2021-09-23

1943-October-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Albert Vernon Snook 2021-07-25

Lancaster JA715, Mk.III

s/n JA715

Avro

JA 715

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA716, Mk.III

s/n JA716

Avro

JA 716

Merlin

With No. 97 Sqn (OF-V). Missing on operation to Nuremberg 10/11 Aug 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1945-April-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Samuel Smart Ramsden 2021-08-11

Lancaster JA717, Mk.III

s/n JA717

Avro

JA 717

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA718, Mk.III

s/n JA718

Avro

JA 718

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-January-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Stanley Melville Liddle 2021-08-13

Lancaster JA843, Mk.III

s/n JA843

Avro

JA 843

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA844, Mk.III

s/n JA844

Avro

JA 844

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA845, Mk.III

s/n JA845

Avro

JA 845

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA846, Mk.III

s/n JA846

Avro

JA 846

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA847, Mk.III

s/n JA847

Avro

JA 847

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Frank Bower MiD 2024-11-16

1943-December-02 KIA RAF Sergeant Andrew Christie Leitch 2025-02-04

1943-December-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Reginald Willis McManaman MiD 2025-02-04

Lancaster JA848, Mk.III

s/n JA848

Avro

JA 848

Merlin

Delivered to No. 619 Sqn 7 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 31 Aug/1 Sep 1943. 131 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Graham Westwood Bower 2024-11-16

1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Paul Antoine Musso 2025-02-04

Lancaster JA849, Mk.III

s/n JA849

Avro

JA 849

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-28 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Kanelakos 2021-06-05

Lancaster JA850, Mk.III

s/n JA850

Avro

JA 850

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-August-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Alexander Balcombe 2024-11-05

1943-August-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Warren O'Hara 2024-03-12

Lancaster JA851, Mk.III

s/n JA851

Avro

JA 851

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA852, Mk.III

s/n JA852

Avro

JA 852

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA853, Mk.III

s/n JA853

Avro

JA 853

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA854, Mk.III

s/n JA854

Avro

JA 854

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frank Edward Lewis DFC 2022-01-23

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Basil Edward Lindsay 2021-08-13

Lancaster JA855, Mk.III

s/n JA855

Avro

JA 855

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA856, Mk.III

s/n JA856

Avro

JA 856

Merlin

Delivered to No. 460 (Australian) Sqn Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Munich 2/3 Oct 1943. 160 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Munich Germany 1943-10-02 to 1943-10-02

460 () 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).

1943-October-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Francis Sheehan 2024-06-28

Lancaster JA857, Mk.III

s/n JA857

Avro

JA 857

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1945-March-08 KIA RAF Flying Officer William James Havell 2021-08-09

Lancaster JA858, Mk.III

s/n JA858

Avro

JA 858

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA859, Mk.III

s/n JA859

Avro

JA 859

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA860, Mk.III

s/n JA860

Avro

JA 860

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA861, Mk.III

s/n JA861

Avro

JA 861

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA862, Mk.III

s/n JA862

Avro

JA 862

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA863, Mk.III

s/n JA863

Avro

JA 863

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA864, Mk.III

s/n JA864

Avro

JA 864

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA865, Mk.III

s/n JA865

Avro

JA 865

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA866, Mk.III

s/n JA866

Avro

JA 866

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-July-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Russell Edward May 2021-08-16

Lancaster JA867, Mk.III

s/n JA867

Avro

JA 867

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Max Gennis 2024-04-13

1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Glen Benson Loney 2024-04-22

Lancaster JA868, Mk.III

s/n JA868

Avro

JA 868

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA869, Mk.III

s/n JA869

Avro

JA 869

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA870, Mk.III

s/n JA870

Avro

JA 870

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA871, Mk.III

s/n JA871

Avro

JA 871

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-August-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Donald Kain 2021-08-11

Lancaster JA872, Mk.III

s/n JA872

Avro

JA 872

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA873, Mk.III

s/n JA873

Avro

JA 873

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA874, Mk.III

s/n JA874

Avro

JA 874

Merlin

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-February-05

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.

1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Douglas William Warwick 2022-08-19

Lancaster JA875, Mk.III

s/n JA875

Avro

JA 875

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Gregory Ross Bourdon 2025-02-03

Lancaster JA876, Mk.III

s/n JA876

Avro

JA 876

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA892, Mk.III

s/n JA892

Avro

JA 892

Merlin

Delivered to No. 49 Sqn 11 Jul 1943. Missing on the raid to Peenemunde 17/18 Aug 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-August-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Isidore Wallner 2024-05-03

Lancaster JA893, Mk.III

s/n JA893

Avro

JA 893

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA894, Mk.III

s/n JA894

Avro

JA 894

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA895, Mk.III

s/n JA895

Avro

JA 895

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA896, Mk.III

s/n JA896

Avro

JA 896

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA897, Mk.III

s/n JA897

Avro

JA 897

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA898, Mk.III

s/n JA898

Avro

JA 898

Merlin

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-February-05

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.

1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer George Henry Coles 2024-04-29

1943-September-16 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Lloyd Mieyette 2022-08-23

Lancaster JA899, Mk. III

s/n JA899

A.V. Roe & Co. Ltd.

JA 899

With 50 Squadron from July 1943. Survived many trips in the Battle of Berlin. Finally Missing at Prouville, France
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-June-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Vladimar Zulinov 2023-10-22

Lancaster JA899, Mk.III

s/n JA899

Avro

JA 899

Merlin

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-February-05

1944-June-25 Evader RCAF Sergeant D E Casselman 2024-01-17

1944-June-25 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd Gordon Peters 2023-08-01

1944-June-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Harold Thompson Rogers 2023-12-15

Lancaster JA900, Mk.III

s/n JA900

Avro

JA 900

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn July 1943. Lost on the Peenemunde raid 17/18 Aug 1943. 95 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-August-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Urquhart 2024-05-03

Lancaster JA901, Mk.III

s/n JA901

Avro

JA 901

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA902, Mk.III

s/n JA902

Avro

JA 902

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA903, Mk.III

s/n JA903

Avro

JA 903

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA904, Mk.III

s/n JA904

Avro

JA 904

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA905, Mk.III

s/n JA905

Avro

JA 905

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA906, Mk.III

s/n JA906

Avro

JA 906

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA907, Mk.III

s/n JA907

Avro

JA 907

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA908, Mk.III

s/n JA908

Avro

JA 908

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA909, Mk.III

s/n JA909

Avro

JA 909

Merlin

First delivered to No. 156 Squadron, RAF. Then to No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*O". Later to No. 467 Squadron, RAAF. Crashed on 4 June 1945 while with 467 Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-05

1945-June-04 Accident Crash Crashed near Winthorpe, while with No. 467 Sdn. 2019-08-20

Lancaster JA910, Mk.III

s/n JA910

Avro

JA 910

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-September-30 PoW RCAF Sergeant B M Quinn 2023-09-25

Lancaster JA911, Mk.III

s/n JA911

Avro

JA 911

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA912, Mk.III

s/n JA912

Avro

JA 912

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA913, Mk.III

s/n JA913

Avro

JA 913

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-G) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 26/27 Nov 1943. 200 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-November-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Kenneth George Davis DFM 2024-09-29

1943-November-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Robert Grant Millar 2021-08-16

Lancaster JA914, Mk.III

s/n JA914

Avro

JA 914

Merlin

Delivered to No. 57 Sqn (DX-Obar) Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Sep 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Edward Grindley 2021-08-09

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Mitchell Porteous 2024-05-01

Lancaster JA915, Mk.III

s/n JA915

Avro

JA 915

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clifford Foderingham DFC 2021-11-04

1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Campbell Gordon DFC 2021-11-06

1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Horace Robert Ross 2021-08-06

1943-September-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Angus William Stewart DFM 2021-07-22

Lancaster JA916, Mk.III

s/n JA916

Avro

JA 916

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-September-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Earle George Dolby DFC 2024-10-24

1943-September-01 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John Kenneth McAvoy DFM 2021-06-20

Lancaster JA917, Mk.III

s/n JA917

Avro

JA 917

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-October-19 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Herman Peter Boness 2024-11-14

Lancaster JA918, Mk.III

s/n JA918

Avro

JA 918

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA919, Mk.III

s/n JA919

Avro

JA 919

Merlin

To No. 32 MU then to No. 156 Sqn. Missing on operation to Hanover 27/28 Sep 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-27 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Earle Morgan 2021-08-16

Lancaster JA920, Mk.III

s/n JA920

Avro

JA 920

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*E". Crashed on landing at Gransden Lodge, UK on 3 September 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-03 Accident Crash Crashed on landing Gransden Lodge, UK. 2019-08-20

Lancaster JA921, Mk.III

s/n JA921

Avro

JA 921

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thomas James Brewer 2024-11-18

Lancaster JA922, Mk.III

s/n JA922

Avro

JA 922

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA923, Mk.III

s/n JA923

Avro

JA 923

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA924, Mk.III

s/n JA924

Avro

JA 924

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*R". Failed to return from operation over Berlin on 31 January 1944.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

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 JA925, Mk.III

s/n JA925

Avro

JA 925

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-January-02 KIA RAF Squadron Leader Rowland Eden Fawcett DFC 2021-08-06

Lancaster JA926, Mk.III

s/n JA926

Avro

JA 926

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA927, Mk.III

s/n JA927

Avro

JA 927

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA928, Mk.III

s/n JA928

Avro

JA 928

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA929, Mk.III

s/n JA929

Avro

JA 929

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA930, Mk.III

s/n JA930

Avro

JA 930

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Fred Hugh Davis 2024-09-25

1943-September-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Austin Gardiner 2024-09-25

Lancaster JA931, Mk.III

s/n JA931

Avro

JA 931

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA932, Mk.III

s/n JA932

Avro

JA 932

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA933, Mk.III

s/n JA933

Avro

JA 933

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA934, Mk.III

s/n JA934

Avro

JA 934

Merlin

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-February-05

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

General 550 Squadron Lancaster III JA934 BQ-H Berlin February 1944

General Woodger Robert

General 550 Squadron and RAF North Killingholme Association

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 JA935, Mk.III

s/n JA935

Avro

JA 935

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA936, Mk.III

s/n JA936

Avro

JA 936

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Vincent Thomas Perdue 2021-08-16

Lancaster JA937, Mk.III

s/n JA937

Avro

JA 937

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-August-31 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Carl George Baker 2024-11-28

Lancaster JA938, Mk.III

s/n JA938

Avro

JA 938

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA939, Mk.III

s/n JA939

Avro

JA 939

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*C". Shot down by a night fighter on 23 November 1943 at 18:50 German time. Came down near Lorup, Germany.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-11-23 to 1943-11-23

405 (PFF) Sqn (RCAF) Gransden lodge

Battle of Berlin

No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*C". Shot down by a night fighter on 23 November 1943 at 18:50 German time. Came down near Lorup, Germany.

1943-November-23 PoW RAFVR Cyril William Cole DFC 2024-03-14

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

1943-November-23 KIA RAFVR Peter John Macintyre Scott 2022-07-27

Lancaster JA940, Mk.III

s/n JA940

Avro

JA 940

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA941, Mk.III

s/n JA941

Avro

JA 941

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA957, Mk.III

s/n JA957

Avro

JA 957

Merlin

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-February-05

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 Evader Sergeant J D Murrie 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 JA958, Mk.III

s/n JA958

Avro

JA 958

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn 26 Jul 1943. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 27/28 Aug 1943. 24 operational hours
last update: 2025-February-05

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.

General Royal air Force Serial and Image Database

General Crew: Robertson - RAF PATHFINDERS ARCHIVE

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 JA959, Mk.III

s/n JA959

Avro

JA 959

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA960, Mk.III

s/n JA960

Avro

JA 960

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA961, Mk.III

s/n JA961

Avro

JA 961

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA962, Mk.III

s/n JA962

Avro

JA 962

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA963, Mk.III

s/n JA963

Avro

JA 963

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-December-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Gordon James Little 2024-04-22

Lancaster JA964, Mk.III

s/n JA964

Avro

JA 964

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA965, Mk.III

s/n JA965

Avro

JA 965

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA966, Mk.III

s/n JA966

Avro

JA 966

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA967, Mk.III

s/n JA967

Avro

JA 967

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA968, Mk.III

s/n JA968

Avro

JA 968

Merlin

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-February-05

1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Frederick Castell Bertelsen 2024-11-12

1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer James Leigh Ritchie 2024-01-20

1944-May-04 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Glen Wood Allan Schwerdfeger 2021-04-16

Lancaster JA969, Mk.III

s/n JA969

Avro

JA 969

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA970, Mk.III

s/n JA970

Avro

JA 970

Merlin

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-February-05

1943-November-18 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Andrew Crawford Harding DFC 2024-05-26

1943-November-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Edwin Gilpin Millidge 2024-06-20

Lancaster JA971, Mk.III

s/n JA971

Avro

JA 971

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA972, Mk.III

s/n JA972

Avro

JA 972

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-D) Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Frankfurt 3/4 October 1943
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-October-04 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Albert James Ellis 2021-08-06

1943-October-04 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Garth Shearly Taylor 2021-07-20

Lancaster JA973, Mk.III

s/n JA973

Avro

JA 973

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA974, Mk.III

s/n JA974

Avro

JA 974

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*V". 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-February-05

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 JA975, Mk.III

s/n JA975

Avro

JA 975

Merlin

Delivered to No. 156 Sqn Aug 1943. Missing on operation to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Edward Walter Smith 2021-07-26

Lancaster JA976, Mk.III

s/n JA976

Avro

JA 976

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*S". 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-February-05

1944-April-28 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Montzen 2019-08-20

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

General Aviation Safety Network

General Lancaster at Webbekom I Aviationhistory.be I History Aircraft...

General "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 JA977, Mk.III

s/n JA977

Avro

JA 977

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-23 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Eugene Joseph Cooper 2024-04-09

Lancaster JA978, Mk.III

s/n JA978

Avro

JA 978

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster JA979, Mk.III

s/n JA979

Avro

JA 979

Merlin

Used by No. 405 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*T". 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-February-05

1943-November-05 Accident Crash crashed on approach Gransden Lodge 2019-08-20

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.

1943-November-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Bertram Hamilton Pringle 2022-07-27

Lancaster JA980, Mk.III

s/n JA980

Avro

JA 980

Merlin

Used by No. 405 Squadron, RCAF, coded "LQ*Z". Failed to return from operation over Hannover on 9 October 1943.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-October-09 Failed to Return failed to return from operation over Hannover 2019-08-20

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

General 405 Squadron Lancaster III JA980 LQ-Z Sq/Ldr. Schneider, Hanover...

General [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

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 JA981, Mk.III

s/n JA981

Avro

JA 981

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Serial Range (clickable)	Count	Manufacturer	Location
L7527-L7584	43	Avro	Manchester UK
R5482-R5917	257	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
W4102-W5012	407	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
BT308-BT308	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DG595-DG595	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DS601-DS852	200	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
DT810-DT810	1	Avro	Manchester UK
DV155-DV407	200	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
ED303-ED999	537	Avro	Manchester UK
EE105-EE202	83	Avro	Manchester UK
FM100-FM229	130	Victory Aircraft	Malton CA
HK535-HK806	200	Vickers-Armstrongs	Castle Bromwich UK
JA672-JA981	156	Avro	Manchester UK
JB113-JB748	394	Avro	Manchester UK
KB700-KB999	300	Victory Aircraft	Malton CA
LL617-LL977	291	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
LM100-LM756	509	Avro	Yeadon UK
ME295-ME868	450	Avro	Yeadon UK
ND324-ND996	541	Avro	Manchester UK
NE112-NE181	59	Avro	Manchester UK
NF906-NF999	82	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
NG113-NG503	318	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
NN694-NN816	100	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
NX548-NX794	200	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
PA158-PA999	271	Vickers-Armstrongs	Chester UK
PB112-PB998	691	Avro	Manchester UK
PD112-PD444	228	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
PP663-PP792	100	Vickers-Armstrongs	Castle Bromwich UK
RA500-RA806	121	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
RE115-RE226	87	Avro	Yeadon UK
RF120-RF326	170	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
RT670-RT699	30	Austin Motors	Longbridge UK
SW243-SW377	118	Metropolitan-Vickers	Manchester UK
TW647-TW929	90	Armstrong Whitworth	Coventry UK
TX263-TX273	11	Avro	Yeadon UK
Total ....	7,377

Click to open:

Avro Type 683 Lancaster

General Characteristics
Crew:	7 (typical)
Length:	69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Wingspan:	102 ft 0 in (31.09 m)
Height:	20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Wing area:	1,300 sq ft (120 m2)
Aerofoil:	Root: NACA 23018. Tip: NACA 23012
Empty weight:	36,900 lb (16,738 kg)
Max takeoff weight:	72,000 lb (32,657 kg)
Fuel capacity:	2,154 imp gal (9,792 L)

Powerplants:	Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X: 4 x Rolls-Royce, Packard or Ford UK built Merlin XX, 22, 24, 28, 85 or 224 liquid-cooled V-12 piston engines with power output between 1,280 hp (954 kW) and 1,635 hp (1,219 kW) each Lancaster Mk.II: 4 x Bristol Hercules Mk.VI or XVI air-cooled 14-cylinder radial piston engines with power output of 1,615 hp (1,204 kW) each

Propellers:	Lancaster Mk.I, III, VI, VII & X: 3-bladed de Havilland, Hamilton Standard or Nash Kelvinator Hydromatic constant-speed fully feathering metal bladed propellers, 13 ft (3.96 m) diameter Lancaster Mk.II: Rotol electric constant-speed fully feathering wooden bladed propellers, 13 ft (3.96 m) diameter
Performance:
Maximum speed:	Lancaster Mk.I, II, III, VII & X: 287 mph (461 km/h) Lancaster Mk.VI: 315 mph (507 km/h) Cruising speed: 207 mph (333 km/h) Range: 2,530 mi (4,073 km) Service ceiling: 23,500 ft (7,162 m)
Armament:
Standard:	Two 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns in: Nash and Thompson FN5 nose and FN50/150 mid-upper turrets, four 0.303-inch Browning Mark II machine guns in Nash and Thompson FN20/120/121 rear turret

Alternative/additional:	Nash and Thompson FN64 ventral turret with two 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns Glenn Martin 250CE electrically operated mid-upper turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (Lancaster Mk.VII and late production Lancaster Mk. X only) Nash and Thompson FN82 rear turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (Lancaster Mk.VII &late production Lancaster Mk.I only) Rose Brothers Type R rear turret with two 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine guns (late production Lancaster Mk.I & III only) Ventral 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mk.II machine gun in a free mount (Lancaster Type 464 only) Ventral 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) Browning AN/M2 machine gun in a free mount ARI 5559 A.G.L.T. 'Village Inn' Mk.I: Radar guided gun laying system (incorporating Infrared IFF recognition system) fitted to FN121 rear turret with four 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns

Bomb loads:	Typical: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) consisting of varying combinations of 2,000 lb AP, 2,000 lb HC, 4,000 lb HC, 8,000 lb HC, 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb bombs, or various sizes of incendiary bombs installed in Small Bomb Containers or Cluster Projectiles 1 x 12,000lb (5,443 kg) HC bomb 6 x 1,850 lb (839 kg) Parachute Anti-Shipping Mines Specialized: 1 x 5,500 lb (2,494 kg) Capital Ship Bomb 12 x 500 lb (226 kg) JW 'Johnny Walker' Oscillating Mine 1 x 9,250 lb (4,195 kg) Vickers-Armstrongs Type 464 'Upkeep' revolving depth charge 1 x 12,000lb (5,443 kg) MC Vickers-Armstrongs 'Tallboy' deep penetration bomb 1 x 22,000 lb (9,979 kg) MC Vickers-Armstrongs 'Grand Slam' deep penetration bomb

Communication and navigation equipment:	TR9F: HF R/T radio transceiver TR1196: HF R/T radio transceiver TR1143/SCR522: VHF R/T radio transceiver T1154: Medium and High frequency W/T transmitter R1155: Medium and High frequency W/T & direction finding receiver ARI 5033/5083 GEE Mk.I/II: Radio navigation system ARI 5560/5564 H2S Mk.II/III: Radar navigation/target finding system TR3190/3160 Lucero Mk.I & II: H2S adapter to permit interrogation of radar navigation beacons, Eureka beacons & IFF ARI 5525/5597 GEE-H Mk.I/II: Radio navigation/target finding system AN/APN-4 LORAN: Long range radio navigation system ARI 5148/5514/5582 Oboe Mk.I & II: Radar bomb aiming system AN/AP1 (AYD): Low range radar altimeter SCR-718-C: High range radar altimeter Lorenz Standard Beam Approach: Runway blind approach system

Radio Countermeasures:	ARI 5000/5025/5640 IFF Mk.II & III: Friend or Foe radar identification system ARI 5171/5625/5672/5769 Mandrel: Freya and Wurzburg radar jamming system ARI 5538/5557 Boozer Mk.I & II: Passive radar warning receiver ARI 5122/5281 Monica Mk.I, III & V ('Lulu'): Active tail warning radar Fishpond: Fighter warning radar add-on to H2S Monica-Fishpond ('Fishcake'): Hybrid tail warning radar Tinsel/Special Tinsel: Night fighter radio control jamming system TR3549 Airborne Cigar (ABC): Night fighter radio control jamming system ARI 5549 Carpet II: Wurzburg radar jamming system

Coming Soon!

Ventral Turrets

As originally designed the Lancaster was provided with ventral defence in the form of a Nash and Thompson FN64 turret, which was fitted to some early production aircraft. However, in common with all other periscope sighted ventral turrets, the narrow viewing angle made it almost impossible for gunners to acquire and track targets, and the few turrets which were installed were soon removed from service.

The ventral .50 inch (50 calib) was approved as Lanc Mod.925 during February 1944, and was one of a number of unsuccessful measures taken to counter night fighter attacks from below.

The growth of the Luftwaffe night fighter force was followed by an increase in the in the number of attacks from below, exacerbated from August 1943 onward by the introduction of aircraft equipped with Schrage Musik upward firing 20mm cannon. A number of responses were considered by Bomber Command including a free mounted ventral .50 calibre Browning machine gun, which was approved on the Lancaster as Modification 925 during February 1944.

The modification was very basic, consisting of little more than an enlarged bicycle seat for the gunner and a simple free mounted gun with open sights which fired through the ventral turret/H2S aperture. On aircraft with bulged bomb doors the mounting (often unpainted) was incorporated into the fairing at the rear of the doors.

Non-H2S fitted aircraft were sporadically equipped with the gun from February 1944 onward, although a clear plan for installation appears to have been lacking. The quantity of aircraft which actually had the gun installed is unknown and photos of the mounting with a Browning actually installed are very rare.

Serious problems quickly became apparent, as noted in the following V Group monthly newsletter for April 1944:- "With the gunner strapped in his seat it is difficult to follow the gun round on the beam; it is difficult for the gunner to get his head down behind the sight as it tends to push the oxygen mask upwards on the gunners face; and also considerable vibration is experienced on the sight when the gun is fired."

These problems, plus the gradually more widespread introduction of H2S saw the gun fall out of use quite quickly, although it does appear to have been retained on some aircraft until war's end (most notably in 3 Group).

The quantity of aircraft which actually had the gun installed is unknown and photos of the mounting with a Browning actually installed are very rare.

Notice on these aircraft the extra position in the eight person crew of Mid-Under-Gunner.

CASPIR Resources

External Resources

Avro Lancaster Serial Groups Specifications

Lancaster JA672, Mk.III

Lancaster JA673, Mk.III

Lancaster JA674, Mk.III

Lancaster JA675, Mk.III

Bombing Milan Italy 1943-08-15 to 1943-08-15

467 () () RAF Bottesford, Lincolnshire, England

Lancaster JA676, Mk.III

Lancaster JA677, Mk.III

Lancaster JA678, Mk.III

Lancaster JA679, Mk.III

Lancaster JA680, Mk.III

Lancaster JA681, Mk.III

Lancaster JA682, Mk.III

Lancaster JA683, Mk.III

Lancaster JA684, Mk.III

Lancaster JA685, Mk.III

Lancaster JA686, Mk.III

Lancaster JA687, Mk.III

Lancaster JA688, Mk.III

Lancaster JA689, Mk.III

Lancaster JA690, Mk.III

Lancaster JA691, Mk.III

Lancaster JA692, Mk.III

Lancaster JA693, Mk.III

Lancaster JA694, Mk.III

Lancaster JA695, Mk.III

Lancaster JA696, Mk.III

Lancaster JA697, Mk.III

Lancaster JA698, Mk.III

Lancaster JA699, Mk.III

Lancaster JA700, Mk.III

Lancaster JA701, Mk.III

Lancaster JA702, Mk.III

Lancaster JA703, Mk.III

Lancaster JA704, Mk.III

Lancaster JA705, Mk.III

Lancaster JA706, Mk.III

Lancaster JA707, Mk.III

Lancaster JA708, Mk.III

Lancaster JA709, Mk.III

Lancaster JA710, Mk.III

Lancaster JA711, Mk.III

Lancaster JA712, Mk.III

Lancaster JA713, Mk.III

Lancaster JA714, Mk.III

Lancaster JA715, Mk.III

Lancaster JA716, Mk.III

Lancaster JA717, Mk.III

Lancaster JA718, Mk.III

Lancaster JA843, Mk.III

Lancaster JA844, Mk.III

Lancaster JA845, Mk.III

Lancaster JA846, Mk.III

Lancaster JA847, Mk.III

Lancaster JA848, Mk.III

Lancaster JA849, Mk.III

Lancaster JA850, Mk.III

Lancaster JA851, Mk.III

Lancaster JA852, Mk.III

Lancaster JA853, Mk.III

Lancaster JA854, Mk.III

Lancaster JA855, Mk.III

Lancaster JA856, Mk.III

Bombing Munich Germany 1943-10-02 to 1943-10-02

460 () Sqn (RAAF) RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England

Lancaster JA857, Mk.III

Lancaster JA858, Mk.III

Lancaster JA859, Mk.III

Lancaster JA860, Mk.III

Lancaster JA861, Mk.III

Lancaster JA862, Mk.III

Lancaster JA863, Mk.III

Lancaster JA864, Mk.III

Lancaster JA865, Mk.III

Lancaster JA866, Mk.III

Lancaster JA867, Mk.III

Lancaster JA868, Mk.III

Avro Lancaster