Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 257, Group 257)

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 R5482, Mk.I

s/n R5482

Avro

R 5482

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5483, Mk.I

s/n R5483

Avro

R 5483

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant David Arthur Claydon 2024-04-04

1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Peter James Maher 2024-04-22

Lancaster R5484, Mk.I

s/n R5484

Avro

R 5484

Merlin

Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-K) Mar 1942. Transferred to No, 83 Sqn (OL-V) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Pilzen 16/17 Apr 1943. 67 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1943-04-16 to 1943-04-17

83 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wyton

83 Squadron (Strike To Defend), Pathfinder Force, RAF Wyton. Lancaster BI aircraft R 5484 OL-V was shot down by night fighter pilot Oberfeldwebel Kurt Karsten of the 7/NJG 4, flying a Bf 110 from Juvincourt airfield during an operation against the Skoda Works in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The Lancaster crashed onto the house of Madame Chedeville, in the centre of Pontavert, Aisne, France

Flying Officer GA McNichol (RCAF) was killed in action

Flight Lieutenant HH Beaupre DFC (RCAF), Warrant Officer 1st Class CE Hobbs (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant TW Lewis DFC & Bar (RCAF)(USA), Flight Sergeant GS MacFarlane (RAF), Warrant Officer GC Mott (RAF) and Sergeant HR Willis (RAF) survived and were taken as Prisoners of War

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

General Research of Crashes-France 39-45

General Aviation safety Network

General 83 SQUADRON

1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Harold Beaupre DFC 2023-11-16

1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Charles Erskine Hobbs 2025-01-05

1943-April-17 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Thomas William Lewis DFC & Bar 2023-05-15

1943-April-17 PoW RAF Flight Sergeant George Stanley MacFarlane 2023-05-15

1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Glen Alexander McNichol 2023-11-28

1943-April-17 PoW RAF Warrant Officer George Christopher Mott 2023-05-15

1943-April-17 PoW RAF Sergeant Henry Richard Willis 2023-05-15

Lancaster R5485, Mk.I

s/n R5485

Avro

R 5485

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Bombing Revigny-Sur-Ornain France 1944-07-19 to 1944-07-19

467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England

467 Australia Squadron. Lancaster R5485 was on a mission to bomb the railway yards at Revigny, France. Homeward-bound, the aircraft was intercepted by a German night fighter. Taken Prisoner of War was RCAF Fg/O E.F.G. Haddlesey. Casualties included RAAF members Flying Officer T.E.W. Davis and Flt. Sgt. C.F. Allen. The remainder of the crew evaded capture: Flying Officer M.W. Edgerley, F/S's D.V. Kelly and L.W. McGowan, and Sgt. W.F. Marshall.

1944-July-19 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Ernest Francis George Haddlesey DFC 2022-07-28

Lancaster R5486, Mk.I

s/n R5486

Avro

R 5486

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5487, Mk.I

s/n R5487

Avro

R 5487

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-V) 28 Feb 1942. Took part in the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Hamburg 26/27 Jul 1942. 174 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-26 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Peter Doyle 2024-10-28

1942-July-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Archibald McMurchy 2021-08-17

Lancaster R5488, Mk.I

s/n R5488

Avro

R 5488

Merlin

First with No. 97 Sqn (OF-F). This aircraft was part of the daylight Augsburg Raid of 17 Apr 1942, captained by Flying Officer Rodley. It returned safely from that operation. The aircraft was transferred to No. 61 Sqn (QR-F) May 1942, and participated in the 1000-bomber raid on Cologne 30/31 May 1942 and the subsequent 1000-bomber operations to Essen andBremen. Missing on Gardening operation 3/4 Jul 1942. 123 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-04 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert Lorne Storey 2023-08-28

Lancaster R5489, Mk.I

s/n R5489

Avro

R 5489

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5490, Mk.I

s/n R5490

Avro

R 5490

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5491, Mk.I

s/n R5491

Avro

R 5491

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5492, Mk.I

s/n R5492

Avro

R 5492

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5493, Mk.I

s/n R5493

Avro

R 5493

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5494, Mk.I

s/n R5494

Avro

R 5494

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5495, Mk.I

s/n R5495

Avro

R 5495

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Lawton 2022-01-22

Lancaster R5496, Mk.I

s/n R5496

Avro

R 5496

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5497, Mk.I

s/n R5497

Avro

R 5497

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-December-18 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Edward Bunt 2024-11-23

1942-December-18 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Robert Stewart Donald 2024-10-26

Lancaster R5498, Mk.I

s/n R5498

Avro

R 5498

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5499, Mk.I

s/n R5499

Avro

R 5499

Merlin

With No. 207 Sqn (EM-O) Conversion Flight, then on Gardening operations. Lost on Gardening operation 10/11 Aug 1942. 176 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Milton Wilbur Atkins 2024-11-03

1942-August-11 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Garfield Speir 2021-10-02

Lancaster R5500, Mk.I

s/n R5500

Avro

R 5500

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5501, Mk.I

s/n R5501

Avro

R 5501

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5502, Mk.I

s/n R5502

Avro

R 5502

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5503, Mk.I

s/n R5503

Avro

R 5503

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5504, Mk.I

s/n R5504

Avro

R 5504

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5505, Mk.I

s/n R5505

Avro

R 5505

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5506, Mk.I

s/n R5506

Avro

R 5506

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5507, Mk.I

s/n R5507

Avro

R 5507

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5508, Mk.I

s/n R5508

Avro

R 5508

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5509, Mk.I

s/n R5509

Avro

R 5509

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5510, Mk.I

s/n R5510

Avro

R 5510

Merlin

With No. 44 Sqn (KM-A). Shot down in the daylight mission over Augsburg 17 Apr 1942. The aircraft was piloted by Flying Officer A.J. Garwell DFM
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Douglas Haig McAlpine 2024-06-17

Lancaster R5511, Mk.I

s/n R5511

Avro

R 5511

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5512, Mk.I

s/n R5512

Avro

R 5512

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-C) Mar 1942. Missing (crashed near Amsterdam) on operation to Duisburg 20/21 Dec 1942. 359 operational hours. [Robertson gives the aircraft damaged and SOC 21 Dec 1942, which is incompatible with the data in RAF Commands]
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Milton Alexander Harper 2021-08-09

1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Arthur Mortimer 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5513, Mk.I

s/n R5513

Avro

R 5513

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-April-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Granville Donoghue 2024-10-26

Lancaster R5514, Mk.I

s/n R5514

Avro

R 5514

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5515, Mk.I

s/n R5515

Avro

R 5515

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5516, Mk.I

s/n R5516

Avro

R 5516

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5517, Mk.I

s/n R5517

Avro

R 5517

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 2 May 1942. Missing on operation toEmden 22/23 Jun 1942 . 67 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-June-23 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William Donald McCulloch 2021-08-17

1942-June-23 KIA RCAF Squadron Leader Ian George Armour McNaughton 2021-09-28

Lancaster R5537, Mk.I

s/n R5537

Avro

R 5537

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-24 KIA RAF Flying Officer Gilbert Campbell Hooey DFC 2021-08-10

Lancaster R5538, Mk.I

s/n R5538

Avro

R 5538

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5539, Mk.I

s/n R5539

Avro

R 5539

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5540, Mk.I

s/n R5540

Avro

R 5540

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5541, Mk.I

s/n R5541

Avro

R 5541

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5542, Mk.I

s/n R5542

Avro

R 5542

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5543, Mk.I

s/n R5543

Avro

R 5543

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn, Luffenham Apr 1942. Missing on Atlantic patrol, 20 Aug 1942.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Emmett Madson 2023-08-01

1942-August-20 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Thompson Lawrie Wilson 2023-08-01

Lancaster R5544, Mk.I

s/n R5544

Avro

R 5544

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5545, Mk.I

s/n R5545

Avro

R 5545

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5546, Mk.I

s/n R5546

Avro

R 5546

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5547, Mk.I

s/n R5547

Avro

R 5547

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5548, Mk.I

s/n R5548

Avro

R 5548

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5549, Mk.I

s/n R5549

Avro

R 5549

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5550, Mk.I

s/n R5550

Avro

R 5550

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5551, Mk.I

s/n R5551

Avro

R 5551

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97, no operations. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-V) May1942. Took part in numerous operations, including the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1943. It dropped the first 8,000 lb bomb on Turin (operation flown by W/C G.P. Gibson). Missing on operation to Oberhausen 14/15 Jun 1943. 365 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-June-15 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Douglas Stewart Brown 2024-11-21

1943-June-15 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Robert Staples Pegg 2025-03-09

Lancaster R5552, Mk.I

s/n R5552

Avro

R 5552

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-December-20 KIA RCAF Sergeant David Bernard 2024-11-11

Lancaster R5553, Mk.I

s/n R5553

Avro

R 5553

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5554, Mk.I

s/n R5554

Avro

R 5554

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5555, Mk.I

s/n R5555

Avro

R 5555

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5556, Mk.I

s/n R5556

Avro

R 5556

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-March-12 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Edward Hannay 2021-08-09

Lancaster R5557, Mk.I

s/n R5557

Avro

R 5557

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-May-08 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Mado Henry Donald MacDonald 2021-09-02

Lancaster R5558, Mk.I

s/n R5558

Avro

R 5558

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-J) Apr 1942. Crashed in the North Sea near Wells, Norfolk after operation to Duisburg on 14-Jul 1942. 61 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-14 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Allan Jeremiah McPhee 2021-09-28

Lancaster R5559, Mk.I

s/n R5559

Avro

R 5559

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5560, Mk.I

s/n R5560

Avro

R 5560

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5561, Mk.I

s/n R5561

Avro

R 5561

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Apr 1942. Missing on the 1000-bomber raid on Cologne 30/31 May 1942. 37 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-May-31 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Hamilton Charles 2024-02-05

1942-May-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Jack Douglas Patey 2021-09-29

Lancaster R5562, Mk.I

s/n R5562

Avro

R 5562

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 26 Apr 1942. Participated in the 1000-bomber raids on Cologne and Essen. Missing on operation to Essen 3/4 Jun 1942. 64 operational hours. There appears to be discrepancies in the sources. Mason gives the date of loss as 24/25 Aug 1942 and Robertson gives 1 Jul 1942.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-June-03 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Winston Armstrong 2024-11-03

1942-June-03 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Chesin Howell 2021-04-15

1942-June-03 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Elwood Raymond Seibold 2021-10-02

Lancaster R5563, Mk.I

s/n R5563

Avro

R 5563

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 26 Apr 1942. Missing on search from German blockade runner off the Spanish coast 19/20 Aug 1942. 45 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Robert Jackson 2021-09-22

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer Charles Percival Shriner 2021-07-30

Lancaster R5564, Mk.I

s/n R5564

Avro

R 5564

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5565, Mk.I

s/n R5565

Avro

R 5565

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5566, Mk.I

s/n R5566

Avro

R 5566

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5567, Mk.I

s/n R5567

Avro

R 5567

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5568, Mk.I

s/n R5568

Avro

R 5568

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5569, Mk.I

s/n R5569

Avro

R 5569

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-D) 1 May 1942. Passed to No. 83 Sqn (OL-E) and then back to No. 97 Sqn (OF-X). Crashed on return from operation to ?Genoa 14 Nov 1942. 134 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-November-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Keith Paterson Mercer 2021-08-16

1942-November-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Archie Edward Shelson 2021-07-30

Lancaster R5570, Mk.I

s/n R5570

Avro

R 5570

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-December-08 KIA RAF Sergeant Walter Howard Ellis 2021-05-16

Lancaster R5571, Mk.I

s/n R5571

Avro

R 5571

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Ernest Herbert Coone 2024-04-08

1942-June-02 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Joseph Keough 2021-08-12

Lancaster R5572, Mk.I

s/n R5572

Avro

R 5572

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-F)15 May 1942. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-M) Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 25/26 Jun 1943. 424 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-06-26 to 1943-06-26

(B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Syerston

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-F)15 May 1942. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-M) Apr 1943. Missing on operation to Gelsenkirchen 25/26 Jun 1943. 424 operational hours.

1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Edward Whitby Henry Browne 2025-03-03

1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Stanley Cowgill 2025-03-03

1943-June-26 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Eric Winks Davidson 2025-03-05

1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant John Albert Francis 2025-03-03

1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Cecil Horace Sinclair 2024-09-06

1943-June-26 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Lawson Frederick Sparling 2024-09-06

1943-June-26 KIA RAF Sergeant John Gareth Vaughan Williams 2025-03-03

Lancaster R5573, Mk.I

s/n R5573

Avro

R 5573

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn May 1942. Took part in the 1000- bomber raids on Cologne and Essen, and was the first squadron to drop 8000-pound bombs. Missing on operation to Cologne 8/9 Jul 1943. 477 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-July-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Kenneth Hector McLean 2023-08-22

1943-July-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Hugh McLeod 2021-09-28

Lancaster R5574, Mk.I

s/n R5574

Avro

R 5574

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5575, Mk.I

s/n R5575

Avro

R 5575

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-January-18 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Henry Craig Beebe 2025-01-07

Lancaster R5576, Mk.I

s/n R5576

Avro

R 5576

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn May 1942. In the No. 106 Sqn Conversion Flight. Crashed on take-off 21 Jul 1942.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Beattie Carlyle 2024-01-05

1942-July-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Graham Gibson 2021-08-07

1942-July-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer George Robert Hanna 2021-09-30

1942-July-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Edward Stuart Walker 2021-07-12

Lancaster R5603, Mk.I

s/n R5603

Avro

R 5603

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Albert Firman 2022-08-13

1942-August-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ian Andrew James MacQueen 2021-09-23

Lancaster R5604, Mk.I

s/n R5604

Avro

R 5604

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5605, Mk.I

s/n R5605

Avro

R 5605

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn Jun 1942. Missing on search of the Bay of Biscay for a German blockade runner, 19 Aug 1942. 105 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Austin Shepherd 2021-07-30

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Edmund Sheppard 2021-07-30

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class George Hilliard Smith 2021-07-26

1942-August-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Hermann John Taylor 2021-07-20

Lancaster R5606, Mk.I

s/n R5606

Avro

R 5606

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5607, Mk.I

s/n R5607

Avro

R 5607

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-X). To Royal Aircraft Establishment Jun-Jul 1942 for trials of anti-shipping weapon. Then returned to No 97 Sqn with same squadron code. Was used to carry 8,000 lb bombs on operations. Failed to return from mission to Essen 12/13 Mar 1943. 251 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Donald Cameron Plaunt 2021-05-14

1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alexander John Smith 2022-01-16

1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Alfred Jean Louis Viau 2021-07-13

Lancaster R5608, Mk.I

s/n R5608

Avro

R 5608

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5609, Mk.I

s/n R5609

Avro

R 5609

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5610, Mk.I

s/n R5610

Avro

R 5610

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5611, Mk.I

s/n R5611

Avro

R 5611

Merlin

Originally with Royal Aircraft Establishment, Fernborough from May-Sept 1942. Then to No. 106 Sqn. Missing on operation to Pilzen 13/14 May 1943. 239 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Wilton Hiram Hill 2022-11-22

1943-May-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Douglas Seldon Mitchell 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5612, Mk.I

s/n R5612

Avro

R 5612

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5613, Mk.I

s/n R5613

Avro

R 5613

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5614, Mk.I

s/n R5614

Avro

R 5614

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5615, Mk.I

s/n R5615

Avro

R 5615

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-28 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Paul Walter Gregory 2021-04-09

1942-June-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Henry Kinch 2021-08-12

1942-June-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William James Ruddy 2021-08-06

Lancaster R5616, Mk.I

s/n R5616

Avro

R 5616

Merlin

Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-J, later EM-D) 19 May 1942. Missing on gardening operation 16/17 Aug 1942. 147 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-17 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Andrew McLean 2023-08-28

1942-August-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Dennis John Quinlan 2023-08-28

Lancaster R5617, Mk.I

s/n R5617

Avro

R 5617

Merlin

Delivered to No. 207 Sqn 19 May 1942. Crashed on hillside near Tavistock, Devon25 May 1942. The aircraft had flown no operations.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-May-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Richard Lewis Mellish 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5618, Mk.I

s/n R5618

Avro

R 5618

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5619, Mk.I

s/n R5619

Avro

R 5619

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-July-26 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Herbert Boyd Barber 2024-12-15

Lancaster R5620, Mk.I

s/n R5620

Avro

R 5620

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5621, Mk.I

s/n R5621

Avro

R 5621

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5622, Mk.I

s/n R5622

Avro

R 5622

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-A) 23 May 1942. Later re-coded OL-U, and then OL-C. Took part in the 1000-bomber raid on Essen 1/2 Jun 1942. Squadron moved to PFF Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Plzen 16/17 Apr 1943. 247 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Norman Milton McLellan 2021-08-17

1943-April-17 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Alex Podolsky 2023-07-15

Lancaster R5623, Mk.I

s/n R5623

Avro

R 5623

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Clifford Howard John Byrd 2024-11-27

1942-August-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Lloyd Truman Goodfellow 2024-05-26

Lancaster R5624, Mk.I

s/n R5624

Avro

R 5624

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5625, Mk.I

s/n R5625

Avro

R 5625

Merlin

Originally with No. 83 Sqn (OL-O). Started with the 1000- bomber raid on Cologne. Was given new code letters (OL-D) in Dec 1942, then was transferred to No. 50 Sqn, but no operations were flown before returning to No. 83 Sqn. Transferred to No. 622 Sqn (GI-B). Lost on daylight mission to Lisieux 9 Jul 1944. 535 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-July-09 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Richard White 2021-10-02

Lancaster R5626, Mk.I

s/n R5626

Avro

R 5626

Merlin

Started with No. 83 Sqn (Ol-O, later OL-M). On loan to No. 50 Sqn Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 3/4 Apr 1943. 273 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-April-03 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Leo Neil McArthur 2024-10-31

Lancaster R5627, Mk.I

s/n R5627

Avro

R 5627

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-04 KIA RAF Flying Officer Ronald Earle Archibald 2024-11-02

Lancaster R5628, Mk.I

s/n R5628

Avro

R 5628

Merlin

Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-Q) May 1942. Took part in the 1000-bomber raids on Cologne (30/31 May 1942) and Essen (1/2 Jun 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie 10 Sep 1942. 105 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harold Bjorn Einarson 2021-08-06

1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Donald Wingrove Ross 2023-08-30

Lancaster R5629, Mk.I

s/n R5629

Avro

R 5629

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-May-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Oliver Mansell Cornish 2024-04-22

Lancaster R5630, Mk.I

s/n R5630

Avro

R 5630

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5631, Mk.I

s/n R5631

Avro

R 5631

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5632, Mk.I

s/n R5632

Avro

R 5632

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-July-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Timothy Clayton Blair 2024-11-13

1942-July-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Charles Chiasson 2025-01-24

Lancaster R5633, Mk.I

s/n R5633

Avro

R 5633

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-13 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Bernard Anthony Brophy 2024-11-20

Lancaster R5634, Mk.I

s/n R5634

Avro

R 5634

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5635, Mk.I

s/n R5635

Avro

R 5635

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5636, Mk.I

s/n R5636

Avro

R 5636

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Thomas Harry Clarke 2024-02-29

Lancaster R5637, Mk.I

s/n R5637

Avro

R 5637

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5638, Mk.I

s/n R5638

Avro

R 5638

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 7 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Dusseldorf 11 Sep 1942. 118 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-September-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Walter Mowbray Andrews 2024-11-02

1942-September-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer John Frederick Nicolle 2021-08-17

Lancaster R5639, Mk.I

s/n R5639

Avro

R 5639

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5640, Mk.I

s/n R5640

Avro

R 5640

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5658, Mk.I

s/n R5658

Avro

R 5658

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5659, Mk.I

s/n R5659

Avro

R 5659

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-June-09 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Kennedy Ford 2022-08-17

Lancaster R5660, Mk.I

s/n R5660

Avro

R 5660

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5661, Mk.I

s/n R5661

Avro

R 5661

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5662, Mk.I

s/n R5662

Avro

R 5662

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Mackay Atkinson 2024-11-03

Lancaster R5663, Mk.I

s/n R5663

Avro

R 5663

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 7 Jun 1942. Missing on Gardening sortie in the Denmark Strait 3/4 July 1942. 41 flying hours
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-04 KIA RCAF Sergeant Bruce Morgan 2023-08-05

1942-July-04 Interned RCAF Flight Sergeant George E Williams 2021-05-29

Lancaster R5664, Mk.I

s/n R5664

Avro

R 5664

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5665, Mk.I

s/n R5665

Avro

R 5665

Merlin

Flew with No. 44 Sqn (KM-A) Jun-Oct 1942. Transferred to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-D). Missing on operation to Remschied, Germany 30/31 Jul 1943. 487 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-July-31 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer James Delbert Golds 2021-05-14

1943-July-31 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Kenneth Maxime Reid 2021-08-10

Lancaster R5666, Mk.I

s/n R5666

Avro

R 5666

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-December-18 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Harry Brown 2024-11-21

1942-December-18 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Edward Herbert Bundy 2024-11-23

1942-December-18 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class George Thomas Graham 2021-05-19

Lancaster R5667, Mk.I

s/n R5667

Avro

R 5667

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5668, Mk.I

s/n R5668

Avro

R 5668

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5669, Mk.I

s/n R5669

Avro

R 5669

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5670, Mk.I

s/n R5670

Avro

R 5670

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-R) 11 Jun 1942. Aircraft crashed and burnt at Waterbeach on return from Genoa 7 Nov 1942. 168 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-November-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Eric William MacDonald 2021-08-16

1942-November-07 KIA RCAF Sergeant Franklin Thomas Sabourin 2021-08-04

Lancaster R5671, Mk.I

s/n R5671

Avro

R 5671

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5672, Mk.I

s/n R5672

Avro

R 5672

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5673, Mk.I

s/n R5673

Avro

R 5673

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-L) 15 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Genoa 6/7 Nov 1942. Said to have collided with another Lancaster, possibly R 5566 over the target. 135 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-November-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class Vaughan Ross Long 2021-08-13

1942-November-07 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Maurice Luther Roberts 2021-08-08

Lancaster R5674, Mk.I

s/n R5674

Avro

R 5674

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5675, Mk.I

s/n R5675

Avro

R 5675

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-H) 16 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Bremen, 27/28 Jun 1942. 10 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-June-27 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Harry Shrybman 2023-08-06

1942-June-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Chapman Weir 2021-07-10

Lancaster R5676, Mk.I

s/n R5676

Avro

R 5676

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-February-12 KIFA RCAF Sergeant Gerald William (Bunny) Kennedy 2021-08-12

Lancaster R5677, Mk.I

s/n R5677

Avro

R 5677

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-May-30 KIA RCAF Sergeant Louis Thomas Delorme 2024-10-12

Lancaster R5678, Mk.I

s/n R5678

Avro

R 5678

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Daniel O'Leary Cooney 2024-04-08

Lancaster R5679, Mk.I

s/n R5679

Avro

R 5679

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-September-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Alvin Duffield 2024-10-29

1942-September-25 KIA RCAF Sergeant William Young Emerslund 2023-08-30

Lancaster R5680, Mk.I

s/n R5680

Avro

R 5680

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-January-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer David Macleod Crozier DFM 2024-05-22

Lancaster R5681, Mk.I

s/n R5681

Avro

R 5681

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5682, Mk.I

s/n R5682

Avro

R 5682

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn (QR-R) 20 Jun 1942. Missing on operation to Bremen 4/5 Sep 1942. 131 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-September-05 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Philip James Bridgeman 2024-11-18

1942-September-05 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Francis Cooper 2024-06-27

1942-September-05 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Neal Douglas Mullins 2023-07-29

Lancaster R5683, Mk.I

s/n R5683

Avro

R 5683

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Bombing Duisburg Germany 1942-07-26 to 1942-07-26

106 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Coningsby

106 Squadron (Pro Libertate) RAF Coningsby. Lancaster I aircraft R 5683 ZN-? had just taken off outbound for Duisburg, Germany when it exploded in mid-air and crashed on the mud flats near Butterwick, 4 miles ENE of Boston, Lincolnshire, England

Pilot Officer RB Smith (RCAF), FS G Appleyard DFM (RAFVR), FS M Darvill DFM (RAFVR), Sergeant RL Beaddie (RAF), Sergeant LW Young (RAF), Sergeant JD Davie (RAFVR), and Sergeant JW Grimwade (RAAF) were all killed in action

General Aviation Safety Network

General R5683

General Allied Losses and Incidents: All Commands

General Lancaster I R5683 [Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database]...

1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Geoffrey Appleyard DFM 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Robert Lovie Beaddie 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Montague Darvill DFM 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Douglas Davie 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RAAF Sergeant James William Grimwade 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Ray Branton Smith 2022-10-17

1942-July-26 KIA RAF Sergeant Leonard Walter Young 2022-10-17

Lancaster R5684, Mk.I

s/n R5684

Avro

R 5684

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5685, Mk.I

s/n R5685

Avro

R 5685

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-September-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Dan Crossland 2024-05-20

Lancaster R5686, Mk.I

s/n R5686

Avro

R 5686

Merlin

Originally with No. 207 Sqn (EM-T), then to No. 32 MU Dec 1942, then to No. 83 Sqn (OL-G) Mar 1943. Missing on operation to Munster 11/12 Jun 1943. 176 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Christian Godfrey Miller 2021-08-16

1943-June-12 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Arthur Nash 2021-08-17

Lancaster R5687, Mk.I

s/n R5687

Avro

R 5687

Merlin

To No. 44 Sqn then to No. 50 Sqn (VN-D) Mar 1942. Missing on operation to Hamburg 27/28 Jul 1943. 518 operational hours. This was the second raid of the Battle of Hamburg, Jul-Aug 1943. The aircraft was shot down by flak over Bremerhaven on the return from Hamburg and was the 13th down of 21 aircraft lost that night. The crew were on their 2nd operation (Middlebrook).
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-July-28 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Orton Minor 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5688, Mk.I

s/n R5688

Avro

R 5688

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5689, Mk.I

s/n R5689

Avro

R 5689

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-September-19 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James Reginald Gibbons 2022-09-10

Lancaster R5690, Mk.I

s/n R5690

Avro

R 5690

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5691, Mk.I

s/n R5691

Avro

R 5691

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5692, Mk.I

s/n R5692

Avro

R 5692

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5693, Mk.I

s/n R5693

Avro

R 5693

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5694, Mk.I

s/n R5694

Avro

R 5694

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5695, Mk.I

s/n R5695

Avro

R 5695

Merlin

Delivered to No. 39 MU Jun 1942. To No. 207 Sqn (EM-C) Sep 1942. Missing on operation to Haselunne AIrfield 25/26 Nov 1942. 128 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant James McGregor Allan 2024-11-02

1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Eugene Edward Chouiniere 2024-02-15

1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class James Louis Guichard 2021-08-09

1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph Parkyn 2021-08-18

1942-November-25 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William John Vandervoort 2021-07-13

Lancaster R5696, Mk.I

s/n R5696

Avro

R 5696

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn (OF-H) 29 Jun 1942. Missing on dusk operation to Danzig 11 Jul-1942. 7 flying hours
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-11 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alden Ernest Nickerson 2023-07-24

1942-July-11 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert John Westgate 2023-07-24

Lancaster R5697, Mk.I

s/n R5697

Avro

R 5697

Merlin

With No. 44 Sqn. Coded KM-H from Aug 1942 to Sep 1942. Was twice damaged and Re- coded KM-R. Missing from operation to Duisburg 20/21 Dec 1942. 248 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Gardner 2022-01-27

1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Daniel Wiberg 2021-07-08

Lancaster R5698, Mk.I

s/n R5698

Avro

R 5698

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5699, Mk.I

s/n R5699

Avro

R 5699

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5700, Mk.I

s/n R5700

Avro

R 5700

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn (ZN-G),Jun/Jul 1942. Stored at No. 5 MU Jan 1943 to Jun 1943. Then with No. 9 Sqn (WS-N). Missing on operation to Hanover 22/23 Sep 1943. 397 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-22 KIA RAAF Pilot Officer Edward Jeptha Crabtree 2024-05-10

1943-September-22 KIA RCAF Sergeant Dennis Everest 2022-05-16

1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Vincent Hirst-Gee 2022-05-16

1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant James Breeds Hood 2022-05-16

1943-September-22 KIA RAF Sergeant Victor James Lander 2022-05-16

1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Malcolm John MacRitchie 2022-05-16

1943-September-22 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Nelson Albert Noble 2021-08-17

1943-September-22 KIA RAFVR Sergeant George Alastair Sales 2022-05-16

Lancaster R5701, Mk.I

s/n R5701

Avro

R 5701

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5702, Mk.I

s/n R5702

Avro

R 5702

Merlin

Originally with No. 50 Sqn (VN-S). On operations from July 1942 to Nov 1942. On an operation to Hamburg, 9/10 Nov 1942 was hit by flak that killed the Warrant Officer and wounded the pilot and navigator. The aircraft crashed near Harwich but was later repaired. It then passed through the hands of Nos. 106, 460 (Australian),and 100 Sqn before ending up with No. 625 Sqn. Missing on operation to Berlin 15/16 Feb 1944. 147 operational hours; this low number for the age of the aircraft presumably means that it was out of action for a long time.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-February-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer Harry John Proskurniak 2023-08-03

Lancaster R5703, Mk.I

s/n R5703

Avro

R 5703

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Lloyd George Gallaway 2022-08-26

Lancaster R5724, Mk.I

s/n R5724

Avro

R 5724

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5725, Mk.I

s/n R5725

Avro

R 5725

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5726, Mk.I

s/n R5726

Avro

R 5726

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5727, Mk.I

s/n R5727

as/n TCA 100

m/d 683

Avro

R 5727

Merlin

Avro 683 Lancaster R5727 was flown to Canada in 1942, to be used as a pattern aircraft for Canadian Lancaster production at Victory Aircraft at Malton airport. After that use, it was registered CF-CMS, and converted into a Lancastrian transport aircraft.Fuel consumption flights between Moncton and Goose Bay was carried out by Captain M.B. Barclay of TCA.The aircraft was returned to the U.K. during May 1943 for further modifications to increase the range before being returned to Victory Aircraft at Malton where the camouflage was removed and ten passenger seats and three additional windows installed. Delivered to TCA as CF-CMS on June 7, 1943 and assigned fin # 100 for use by CGTAS service. First flight was July 22, 1943 under the command of Captain R.F. George of TCA.Later, "Old 100" was destroyed by fire following a crash on takeoff from Dorval on June 1, 1945 while engaged on engine trials of the new Merlin 85 engines. There were nocasualties.It was used by Trans-Canada Air Lines to operate the Canadian Government Trans-Atlantic Air Service (CGTAS) from July 1943. A further 8 Canadian Lancasters were converted on the production line into Lancastrians.

Bomber Command Museum of Canada & Trans-Canada Air Lines

last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster R5728, Mk.I

s/n R5728

Avro

R 5728

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-July-30 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Foster 2023-08-07

Lancaster R5729, Mk.I

s/n R5729

Avro

R 5729

Merlin

With No. 44 Sqn (KM-W). Was badly damaged by night fighter attack on operation to Duisburg 23/24 July 1942: it was claimed that the fighter was shot down. After repair, now coded KM-A, it continued on operations until being lost on a mission to Brunswick 14/15 Jan 1944.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Louis Curatolo 2024-06-02

1944-January-14 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant David Sinclair Mullin 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5730, Mk.I

s/n R5730

Avro

R 5730

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5731, Mk.I

s/n R5731

Avro

R 5731

Merlin

With No. 106 Sqn. Took part in the daylight raid to Le Creusot (Pilot was Flight Lieutenant J.V. Hopgood, aircraft was damaged from bombing the Montchanin power station at too low altitude). Crashed 8 Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Berlin 3/4 Mar 1943. 183 flying hours
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-March-03 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ralph Eric Wesley 2021-08-22

Lancaster R5732, Mk.I

s/n R5732

Avro

R 5732

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5733, Mk.I

s/n R5733

Avro

R 5733

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5734, Mk.I

s/n R5734

Avro

R 5734

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5735, Mk.I

s/n R5735

Avro

R 5735

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-16 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Herbert Alfred Chislett 2024-02-15

Lancaster R5736, Mk.I

s/n R5736

Avro

R 5736

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5737, Mk.I

s/n R5737

Avro

R 5737

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 15 Jul 1942. After several anti-U-boat patrols, it operated against Hamburg before being lost on an operation to Saarbrucken 29/30 Jul 1942. Robertson gives only 12 operational hours, whcih seems rather short for the number of lengthy operations undertaken.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant William Vincent McQuaid 2024-03-18

Lancaster R5738, Mk.I

s/n R5738

Avro

R 5738

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-January-09 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Donald Joseph Dell 2024-10-12

1943-January-09 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Wilbert Scott Hignell 2024-10-12

Lancaster R5739, Mk.I

s/n R5739

Avro

R 5739

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1944-February-20 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Frederick Lorne Chalmers 2024-04-04

Lancaster R5740, Mk.I

s/n R5740

Avro

R 5740

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5741, Mk.I

s/n R5741

Avro

R 5741

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-September-02 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Rhys Hallam Morgan 2023-08-28

1942-September-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Raymond Ben Walls 2021-07-10

Lancaster R5742, Mk.I

s/n R5742

Avro

R 5742

Merlin

Delivered to No. 106 Sqn 19 July 1942. Moved to No. 61 Sqn . Missing from operation to Nuremburg28/29 Aug 1942. 32 Operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leo Martin Cowan 2025-03-01

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Franciszek Janiszewski 2024-06-01

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Shearer Pattinson 2024-06-22

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer James Allister Wright 2024-07-12

Lancaster R5743, Mk.I

s/n R5743

Avro

R 5743

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5744, Mk.I

s/n R5744

Avro

R 5744

Merlin

Originally with No. 44 Sqn [Robertson gives No. 49 Sqn] Jul 1942, then to No. 9 Sqn (WS-E) Dec 1942. Missing on operation to Mannheim 5/6 Sep 1943. 526 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Thomas William Bradford 2024-11-16

1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant David Gordon Connor 2024-05-17

1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Chester Andith Davis 2025-02-18

1943-September-06 KIA RAF Flight Sergeant Reginald Arthur Knight 2025-02-18

1943-September-06 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant George Alexander Munro 2025-02-18

1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Robert Gilchrist Nelson 2025-02-18

1943-September-06 KIA RAFVR Sergeant John William Noble 2025-02-18

Lancaster R5745, Mk.I

s/n R5745

Avro

R 5745

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5746, Mk.I

s/n R5746

Avro

R 5746

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-August-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant John Manley Lowe 2023-11-28

Lancaster R5747, Mk.I

s/n R5747

Avro

R 5747

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5748, Mk.I

s/n R5748

Avro

R 5748

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-July-27 PoW RCAF Flight Lieutenant Henry Frederick Charles Humphries 2021-05-30

Lancaster R5749, Mk.I

s/n R5749

Avro

R 5749

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-March-12 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Blake Clampitt 2024-02-22

Lancaster R5750, Mk.I

s/n R5750

Avro

R 5750

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-February-18 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Bert Frost 2021-08-06

Lancaster R5751, Mk.I

s/n R5751

Avro

R 5751

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5752, Mk.I

s/n R5752

Avro

R 5752

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5753, Mk.I

s/n R5753

Avro

R 5753

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5754, Mk.I

s/n R5754

Avro

R 5754

Merlin

Delivered to No. 83 Sqn (OL-K) 25 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Berlin 29/30 Mar 1943. 258 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Desmond McCullagh 2021-08-17

1943-March-30 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Alvin Harold Penner 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5755, Mk.I

s/n R5755

Avro

R 5755

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5756, Mk.I

s/n R5756

Avro

R 5756

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5757, Mk.I

s/n R5757

Avro

R 5757

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5758, Mk.I

s/n R5758

Avro

R 5758

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5759, Mk.I

s/n R5759

Avro

R 5759

Merlin

Delivered to No. 61 Sqn 1 Sep 1942. Missing from raid to Wismar 1/2 Oct 1942. 51 flying hours
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-October-01 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Harry Robert Williamson 2024-05-03

Lancaster R5760, Mk.I

s/n R5760

Avro

R 5760

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5761, Mk.I

s/n R5761

Avro

R 5761

Merlin

Delivered to No. 207 Sqn (EM-T) 26 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Duisburg 5/6 Aug 1942. 27 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-August-06 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class William James Aubrey Shapter 2021-08-01

Lancaster R5762, Mk.I

s/n R5762

Avro

R 5762

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-December-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Irvine Johnston 2021-10-04

Lancaster R5763, Mk.I

s/n R5763

Avro

R 5763

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5842, Mk.I

s/n R5842

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5842

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5843, Mk.I

s/n R5843

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5843

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5844, Mk.I

s/n R5844

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5844

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5845, Mk.I

s/n R5845

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5845

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5846, Mk.I

s/n R5846

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5846

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5847, Mk.I

s/n R5847

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5847

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5848, Mk.I

s/n R5848

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5848

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5849, Mk.I

s/n R5849

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5849

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5850, Mk.I

s/n R5850

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5850

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-February-19 KIFA RCAF Flight Sergeant Melvin Samuel Kahn 2021-08-11

Lancaster R5851, Mk.I

s/n R5851

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5851

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5852, Mk.I

s/n R5852

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5852

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5853, Mk.I

s/n R5853

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5853

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5854, Mk.I

s/n R5854

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5854

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5855, Mk.I

s/n R5855

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5855

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5856, Mk.I

s/n R5856

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5856

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5857, Mk.I

s/n R5857

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5857

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-November-07 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Robert Hasekian 2021-08-09

Lancaster R5858, Mk.I

s/n R5858

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5858

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5859, Mk.I

s/n R5859

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5859

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5860, Mk.I

s/n R5860

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5860

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5861, Mk.I

s/n R5861

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5861

Merlin

To No. 106 Sqn, Jun 11942. Missing on operation to Wilhelmshaven 8/9 Jul 1942. 41 Operational hours
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-July-08 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Robert Ward Woolner 2021-07-06

Lancaster R5862, Mk.I

s/n R5862

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5862

Merlin

Delivered to No. 44 Sqn (KM-V), then transferred to No. 1660 HCU, then to No. 166 Sqn (AS-N2). Missing on operation to Berlin 20/21 Jan 1944. 328 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-January-20 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie Walter Mattin 2024-04-22

1944-January-20 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Charles Herbert Rusk 2023-09-28

Lancaster R5863, Mk.I

s/n R5863

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5863

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5864, Mk.I

s/n R5864

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5864

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5865, Mk.I

s/n R5865

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5865

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5866, Mk.I

s/n R5866

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5866

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5867, Mk.I

s/n R5867

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5867

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-July-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Joseph Daniel Leo La Salle 2022-01-22

Lancaster R5868, Mk.I

s/n R5868

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5868

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5888, Mk.I

s/n R5888

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5888

Merlin

One of the first production batch from Metropolitan Vickers originally ordered as a Manchester Mk.1but completed as a Lancaster. Delivered to No. 61 Sqn, June 1942. Seconded to Coastal Command on anti-U-boat activities July-August 1942. Missing from operation to Dusseldorf 10/11 Sept 1942. 127 Operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-September-10 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Albert Cranston Yates 2021-10-02

Lancaster R5889, Mk.I

s/n R5889

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5889

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5890, Mk.I

s/n R5890

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5890

Merlin

Delivered to no. 49 Sqn 7 Jul 1942. Missing on operation to Essen 16/17 Sep 1942. 137 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1942-September-17 KIA RCAF Sergeant Aime Leon Caron 2024-01-06

1942-September-17 KIA RAF Pilot Officer Donald Beverley Moody 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5891, Mk.I

s/n R5891

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5891

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5892, Mk.I

s/n R5892

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5892

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5893, Mk.I

s/n R5893

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5893

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5894, Mk.I

s/n R5894

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5894

Merlin

Aircraft was delivered to No. 49 Sqn Jul or Aug 1942. Transferred to No. 9 Sqn (WS-U) Jan 1943, then to No. 57 Sqn Feb 1943. Hit an overhead HT cable on return from Berlin 1/2 Mar 1943 and crashed at Riseholm, near Scampton.
last update: 2025-February-05

Bombing Berlin Germany 1943-03-01 to 1943-03-02

157 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Scampton

57 Squadron RAF (Corpus Non Animum Muto) RAF Scampton. Lancaster BI aircraft R 5894 DX-T, back over England returning from an operation against targets in Berlin, Germany, flew into electrical power lines and crashed near Riseholme, Lincolnshire, 3 miles South-South-East of RAF Scampton. The aircraft and entire crew were lost in the crash

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

General Aviation Safety Network

General _Lincolnshire,_after_returning_from_a_raid,_February_1943._CH8806.jpg, File: The crew of an Avro Lancaster of No 57 Squadron RAF eat their...

General 1943 Lincolnshire aviation Incident Logs - BCAR.org.uk

1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Flying Officer John Fergus Greenan 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Burns Mallett 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Frank Cyril Edward Miller 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Frederick Warren Music 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Harold William Ricketts 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Ronald Harold Percival Roberts 2023-11-28

1943-March-02 KIA RAFVR Sergeant Herbert Henry Turkentine 2023-11-28

Lancaster R5895, Mk.I

s/n R5895

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5895

Merlin

Delivered to No. 97 Sqn Conversion Flight, then to No. 1660 Conversion Unit, then to No. 207 Sqn via No. 32 MU. Missing on mission to Magdeburg 21/22 Jan 1944. 381 operational hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-January-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Charles Travers 2024-05-03

Lancaster R5896, Mk.I

s/n R5896

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5896

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5897, Mk.I

s/n R5897

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5897

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Bombing Nuremberg Germany 1942-08-28 to 1942-08-29

49 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Scrampton

Aircraft R5897 lost during bombing mission to Nuremberg. Flight Sergeant Capton (RCAF), and Sergeant Breivis (American in RCAF) three RAF, and two RAAF crew members were also killed.

Flight Sergeant EG Burton (RAF), Sergeants GA Swan (RAAF), JD Osbaldeston (RAF), K Newbury (RAAF), and EC Ibbotson (RAF) were also killed.

General Air Crew Remembered

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Sergeant John Breivis 2024-11-17

1942-August-29 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Leslie James Capton 2024-07-29

Lancaster R5898, Mk.I

s/n R5898

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5898

Merlin

Delivered to No. 49 Sqn Jul 1942. Transferred to No. 44 Sqn (KM-G) Jan 1943. Missing on operation to Duisburg 9/10 April 1943. 308 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1943-April-10 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 1st Class J W Wardlaw 2023-10-03

Lancaster R5899, Mk.I

s/n R5899

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5899

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-September-19 PoW RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class George Stirling Habkirk 2021-05-20

Lancaster R5900, Mk.I

s/n R5900

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5900

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5901, Mk.I

s/n R5901

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5901

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5902, Mk.I

s/n R5902

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5902

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5903, Mk.I

s/n R5903

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5903

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5904, Mk.I

s/n R5904

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5904

Merlin

First to No. 95 Sq, then to No. 1661CU Nov 1942, then to No. 15 Sq (LS-G). Missing on operation to Homburg 20/21 Jul 1944. 504 flying hours.
last update: 2025-February-05

1944-July-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2nd Class Fred Glen Oakes 2021-08-18

Lancaster R5905, Mk.I

s/n R5905

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5905

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5906, Mk.I

s/n R5906

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5906

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5907, Mk.I

s/n R5907

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5907

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5908, Mk.I

s/n R5908

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5908

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5909, Mk.I

s/n R5909

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5909

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5910, Mk.I

s/n R5910

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5910

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5911, Mk.I

s/n R5911

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5911

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-October-13 KIA RCAF Sergeant Richard Thomas Barber 2024-11-07

1942-October-13 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edwin Robert Bergquist 2024-11-11

1942-October-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer William James Hedley 2021-08-09

1942-October-13 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Donald Phillips Scott 2021-08-04

Lancaster R5912, Mk.I

s/n R5912

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5912

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5913, Mk.I

s/n R5913

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5913

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1943-February-28 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 Glen Howard Corrie 2024-09-01

1943-February-28 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Sylvester Danahy DFC 2024-09-01

Lancaster R5914, Mk.I

s/n R5914

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5914

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5915, Mk.I

s/n R5915

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5915

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

Lancaster R5916, Mk.I

s/n R5916

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5916

Merlin

last update: 2025-March-10

1942-November-08 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Kenneth Alex Mackenzie DFC 2021-08-16

Lancaster R5917, Mk.I

s/n R5917

Metropolitan-Vickers

R 5917

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 R5482, Mk.I

Lancaster R5483, Mk.I

Lancaster R5484, Mk.I

Bombing Pilsen Czechoslovakia 1943-04-16 to 1943-04-17

83 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wyton

Lancaster R5485, Mk.I

Bombing Revigny-Sur-Ornain France 1944-07-19 to 1944-07-19

467 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England

Lancaster R5486, Mk.I

Lancaster R5487, Mk.I

Lancaster R5488, Mk.I

Lancaster R5489, Mk.I

Lancaster R5490, Mk.I

Lancaster R5491, Mk.I

Lancaster R5492, Mk.I

Lancaster R5493, Mk.I

Lancaster R5494, Mk.I

Lancaster R5495, Mk.I

Lancaster R5496, Mk.I

Lancaster R5497, Mk.I

Lancaster R5498, Mk.I

Lancaster R5499, Mk.I

Lancaster R5500, Mk.I

Lancaster R5501, Mk.I

Lancaster R5502, Mk.I

Lancaster R5503, Mk.I

Lancaster R5504, Mk.I

Lancaster R5505, Mk.I

Lancaster R5506, Mk.I

Lancaster R5507, Mk.I

Lancaster R5508, Mk.I

Lancaster R5509, Mk.I

Lancaster R5510, Mk.I

Lancaster R5511, Mk.I

Lancaster R5512, Mk.I

Lancaster R5513, Mk.I

Lancaster R5514, Mk.I

Lancaster R5515, Mk.I

Lancaster R5516, Mk.I

Lancaster R5517, Mk.I

Lancaster R5537, Mk.I

Lancaster R5538, Mk.I

Lancaster R5539, Mk.I

Lancaster R5540, Mk.I

Lancaster R5541, Mk.I

Lancaster R5542, Mk.I

Lancaster R5543, Mk.I

Lancaster R5544, Mk.I

Lancaster R5545, Mk.I

Lancaster R5546, Mk.I

Lancaster R5547, Mk.I

Lancaster R5548, Mk.I

Lancaster R5549, Mk.I

Lancaster R5550, Mk.I

Lancaster R5551, Mk.I

Lancaster R5552, Mk.I

Lancaster R5553, Mk.I

Lancaster R5554, Mk.I

Lancaster R5555, Mk.I

Lancaster R5556, Mk.I

Lancaster R5557, Mk.I

Lancaster R5558, Mk.I

Lancaster R5559, Mk.I

Lancaster R5560, Mk.I

Lancaster R5561, Mk.I

Lancaster R5562, Mk.I

Lancaster R5563, Mk.I

Lancaster R5564, Mk.I

Lancaster R5565, Mk.I

Lancaster R5566, Mk.I

Lancaster R5567, Mk.I

Lancaster R5568, Mk.I

Lancaster R5569, Mk.I

Lancaster R5570, Mk.I

Lancaster R5571, Mk.I

Lancaster R5572, Mk.I

Bombing Gelsenkirchen Germany 1943-06-26 to 1943-06-26

Avro Lancaster