Lancaster (Total: 7,377, Canadian: 172, Group 170)

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

unvetted Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF120

s/n RF120

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 120

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF121

s/n RF121

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 121

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF122

s/n RF122

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 122

Merlin

Known Units: 630 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF123

s/n RF123

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 123

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF124

s/n RF124

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 124

Merlin

Known Units: 630 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF125

s/n RF125

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 125

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF126

s/n RF126

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 126

Merlin

Known Units: 189 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF127

s/n RF127

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 127

Merlin

Known Units: 75 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF128

s/n RF128

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 128

Merlin

Known Units:

Operated by No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*V". Flew this units 2000th four-engine mission on 21 March 1945.
b.

On 1945-03-20, Squadron Leader A. Ross Dawson, the Chief Technical Officer at Skipton on Swale, was photographed for a publicity photo showing An Easter Egg for Hitler which was a 4000lb bomb used in 424 Sqdn bombing raid that evening. 424 Sqdn V Victor is identified in the Operations record Books as RF1128 Captained by Flight Lieutenant Thomas DFC. Ross did not mention the photograph in his diary but did write:

Ops came through at about noon for a late takeoff tonight . . . 15 from 424 & 17 from 433 on an oil refinery at Heide. There was another intruder warning during takeoff which was a little scary since it would just need one of these 4000 pounders to get hit & go off & we would have no aerodrome or personnel left since all the other kites would probably go to. We had no troubles although we could see bombs flashing & felt the odd explosion in the distance. It looked like they were over in the vicinity of Wombleton and Scarborough.

Diary of A Ross Dawson, courtesy CWM

An Easter Egg for Hitler- Ross Dawson in the centre

last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF129

s/n RF129

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 129

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF130

s/n RF130

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 130

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF131

s/n RF131

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 131

Merlin

Known Units: 227 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF132

s/n RF132

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 132

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF133

s/n RF133

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 133

Merlin

Known Units: 218 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF134

s/n RF134

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 134

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF135

s/n RF135

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 135

Merlin

Known Units: 100 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF136

s/n RF136

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 136

Merlin

Known Units: 550 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF137

s/n RF137

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 137

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF138

s/n RF138

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 138

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF139

s/n RF139

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 139

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF140

s/n RF140

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 140

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF141

s/n RF141

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 141

Merlin

Known Units: 463 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF142

s/n RF142

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 142

Merlin

Known Units: 138 Sqn;138 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF143

s/n RF143

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 143

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF144

s/n RF144

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 144

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF145

s/n RF145

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 145

Merlin

Known Units: 625 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF146

s/n RF146

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 146

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF147

s/n RF147

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 147

Merlin

Known Units: 218 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF148

s/n RF148

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 148

Merlin

Known Units: 424 Sqn

Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*A", from February 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF149

s/n RF149

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 149

Merlin

Known Units: 433 Sqn

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded BM*A. Used on operations in 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF150

s/n RF150

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 150

Merlin

Known Units: 424 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

1945-April-05 Accident Crash Crashed near High Wycombe, returning from mission to Merseburg 2019-08-20

Bombing Merseburg Germany 1945-04-05 to 1945-04-05

(B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale

The crew of Lancaster aircraft RF 150 were homeward bound from night operations to Meresburg, Germany when they crashed near High Wycombe at Widdeston Park, Buckinghamshire, England. Flying Officer J.W. Watson, P/Os S.M.Thomson, J. Rochford, P/Os S.J. Robinson, C.K. Howes, E.T. Ashdown, and C.N. Armstrong were killed.

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Curwood Neville Armstrong 2024-11-03

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Edward Thomas Ashdown 2024-11-03

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Charles Keith Howes 2023-01-13

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stewart James Olson Robinson 2023-01-13

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph Rochford 2023-01-13

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Stuart Mclean Thomson 2023-01-13

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Joseph William Watson 2023-01-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF151

s/n RF151

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 151

Merlin

Known Units: 189 Sqn;106 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF152

s/n RF152

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 152

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF153

s/n RF153

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 153

Merlin

Known Units: 49 Sqn

To No. 50 Sqn, then No. 49 Sqn (EA-K). Missing on mission to Lutzkendorf 14/15 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-March-15 Evader RCAF Flight Sergeant G Keith Corrigan 2024-04-23

1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Joseph Noel McPhee 2024-04-22

1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Edward Gordon Coke Richards 2024-05-01

1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Graeme Alastair Robinson 2024-05-01

1945-March-15 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Raymond Franklin Thompson 2024-05-03

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF154

s/n RF154

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 154

Merlin

Known Units: ;166

last update: 2025-August-13

1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer HF 'Bud' Churchward 2024-02-21

1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer LF "Lefty" Etherington 2023-08-22

1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flying Officer JL "Chuck" Goddard 2021-05-14

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF155

s/n RF155

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 155

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF156

s/n RF156

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 156

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF157

s/n RF157

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 157

Merlin

Known Units: 75 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF158

s/n RF158

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 158

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF159

s/n RF159

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 159

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF160

s/n RF160

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 160

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF161

s/n RF161

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 161

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

s/n RF181

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 181

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Walter Gordon Brown 2024-11-22

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF182

s/n RF182

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 182

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-P) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 4/5 Apr 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

Bombing Lutzkendorf Germany 1945-04-04 to 1945-04-05

12 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby

12 Squadron (Leads The Field) RAF Wickenby. Lancaster BI aircraft RF 182 PH-P was lost, most likely to flak, during an operation to bomb a synthetic-oil refinery Lutzkendorf, Germany. The Lancaster crashed near the small town of Braunsbedra some 10 km South-West of Merseburg, Germany with the loss of the entire crew

Flight Lieutenant W Kroeker (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant C E Modeland (RCAF), Flight Lieutenant W D Smith (RCAF), Flying Officer G T Wood (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant C Brooks (RAFVR), Flight Sergeant J F Woodcherry (RAFVR) and Flying Officer C W G Biddlecombe (RAFVR) were all killed in action

Six members of this crew: Flight Lieutenant Kroeker, Flight Lieutenant Modeland, Flight Lieutenant Smith, Flying Officer Wood, Flight Sergeant Brooks and Flight Sergeant Woodcherry had previously been interned prisoners in Sweden after having survived the forced-landing of their 12 Squadron Lancaster BIII aircraft ND 324 PH-E 1944-01-06. They were returned safe, to the UK 1944-09-24

unvetted Source Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

unvetted Source RAF Wickenby's War Over Europe - Aircraft Airfields and Airshows

1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer Charles William George Biddlecombe 2023-11-20

1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant Cyril Brooks 2023-11-20

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Walter Kroeker 2024-04-22

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Clarence Edward Modeland 2024-04-23

1945-April-05 KIA RCAF Flight Lieutenant William Dalton Smith 2024-05-03

1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flying Officer George Thomas Wood 2023-11-20

1945-April-05 KIA RAFVR Flight Sergeant John Frederick Woodcherry 2023-11-20

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF183

s/n RF183

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 183

Merlin

Known Units: 35 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF184

s/n RF184

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 184

Merlin

Known Units: 90 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF185

s/n RF185

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 185

Merlin

Known Units: 90 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF186

s/n RF186

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 186

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF187

s/n RF187

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 187

Merlin

Known Units: 44 Sqn;12 Sqn;101 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF188

s/n RF188

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 188

Merlin

Known Units: 12 Sqn

Delivered to No. 12Sqn (PH-U) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Malcolm Melley Barker 2024-12-17

1945-March-16 PoW RCAF Flying Officer A R Hovis 2024-12-17

1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Keith Waring Mabee 2024-12-17

1945-March-16 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Leslie Elmer Rae 2024-12-17

1945-March-17 PoW RCAF Flight Sergeant T K Imperious 2024-12-17

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF189

s/n RF189

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 189

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF190

s/n RF190

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 190

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF191

s/n RF191

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 191

Merlin

Known Units: 460 Sqn;57 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF192

s/n RF192

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 192

Merlin

Known Units: 630 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF193

s/n RF193

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 193

Merlin

Known Units: 57 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF194

s/n RF194

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 194

Merlin

Known Units: 1659 HCU;106 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF195

s/n RF195

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 195

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF196

s/n RF196

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 196

Merlin

Known Units: 460 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF197

s/n RF197

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 197

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF198

s/n RF198

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 198

Merlin

Known Units: 189 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF199

s/n RF199

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 199

Merlin

Known Units: 170 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF200

s/n RF200

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 200

Merlin

Known Units: 576 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF201

s/n RF201

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 201

Merlin

Known Units: 61 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF202

s/n RF202

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 202

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF203

s/n RF203

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 203

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF204

s/n RF204

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 204

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF205

s/n RF205

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 205

Merlin

Known Units: 153 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF206

s/n RF206

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 206

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF207

s/n RF207

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 207

Merlin

Known Units: 429 Sqn

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*S from March 1945. Used on operations, 1945.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF208

s/n RF208

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 208

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF209

s/n RF209

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 209

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF210

s/n RF210

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 210

Merlin

Known Units: 203 Sqn;44 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF211

s/n RF211

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 211

Merlin

Known Units: 166 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF212

s/n RF212

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 212

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF213

s/n RF213

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 213

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF214

s/n RF214

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 214

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF215

s/n RF215

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 215

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF216

s/n RF216

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 216

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF229

s/n RF229

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 229

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF230

s/n RF230

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 230

Merlin

Known Units: ;514

With No. 514 Sqn. It was carrying returning POWs when it lost control after taking off from Juvincourt It crashed at Roye-Ami attempting to return to Juvincourt 9 May 1945. 31 killed.
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-May-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Orval Clare Evers 2023-10-11

1945-May-09 KIA RCAF Flying Officer Ray Bertram Hilchey 2023-10-11

1945-May-09 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Robert MacPherson Toms 2023-10-11

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF231

s/n RF231

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 231

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF232

s/n RF232

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 232

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF233

s/n RF233

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 233

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF234

s/n RF234

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 234

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF235

s/n RF235

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 235

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF236

s/n RF236

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 236

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF237

s/n RF237

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 237

Merlin

Known Units: 550 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF238

s/n RF238

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 238

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF239

s/n RF239

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 239

Merlin

Known Units: 619 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF240

s/n RF240

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 240

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF241

s/n RF241

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 241

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF242

s/n RF242

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 242

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF243

s/n RF243

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 243

Merlin

Known Units: 150 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF244

s/n RF244

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 244

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF245

s/n RF245

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 245

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF246

s/n RF246

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 246

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF247

s/n RF247

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 247

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF248

s/n RF248

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 248

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF249

s/n RF249

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 249

Merlin

Known Units: 50 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF250

s/n RF250

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 250

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF251

s/n RF251

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 251

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF252

s/n RF252

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 252

Merlin

Known Units: 429 Sqn

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*G .
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF253

s/n RF253

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 253

Merlin

Known Units:

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*W .
last update: 2025-July-30

1945-June-26 Accident Crash Crashed at Leeming, UK. 2019-08-20

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF254

s/n RF254

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 254

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF255

s/n RF255

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 255

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF256

s/n RF256

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 256

Merlin

Known Units: 626 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF257

s/n RF257

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 257

Merlin

Known Units: 429 Sqn

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*W .
last update: 2025-July-30

1946-January-10 Accident Crash Crashed on overshoot at Leeming, UK. 2019-08-20

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF258

s/n RF258

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 258

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF259

s/n RF259

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 259

Merlin

Known Units: 429 Sqn

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*H .
last update: 2025-July-30

1946-February-14 Accident Crash Crashed on take off at Leeming, UK. 2019-08-20

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF260

s/n RF260

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 260

Merlin

Known Units: 427 Sqn

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*Z". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.
last update: 2025-July-30

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF261

s/n RF261

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 261

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF262

s/n RF262

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 262

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF263

s/n RF263

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 263

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF264

s/n RF264

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 264

Merlin

Known Units: 101 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF265

s/n RF265

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 265

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF266

s/n RF266

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 266

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF267

s/n RF267

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 267

Merlin

Known Units: 50 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF268

s/n RF268

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 268

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF269

s/n RF269

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 269

Merlin

Known Units: 38 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF270

s/n RF270

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 270

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF271

s/n RF271

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 271

Merlin

Known Units: 6 OTU;236 OCU

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF272

s/n RF272

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 272

Merlin

Known Units: 279 Sqn

last update: 2025-August-13

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF273

s/n RF273

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 273

Merlin

Known Units: 300 Sqn

s/n RF326

m/d 683

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 326

Merlin

Known Units:

last update: 2025-August-13

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

{{storedairimage,ventralturret.jpeg,float:right;width:400px;margin-left:10px;,Orginal Ventral Turret. Discontinued early.}}

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.

{{storedairimage,2_DS707_7-6-44.jpg,width:400px;,Note: 50 cal gun pointing at 45°}}
{{storedairorigimage,Mod_925ventral50calMG-1.jpg,width:400px;,Original Drawings. Right click for larger view.}}
{{storedairimage,3 _W4766.jpg,width:400px;,W4766 from 61 Squadron}}

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.

{{clearfloat}} {{storedairorigimage,75SqnORBextractMarch1945.jpg,float:right;width:400px;margin-left:10px;,75 Squadron ORB March 1945}}

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 Mk.I/III serial RF120

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF121

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF122

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF123

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF124

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF125

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF126

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF127

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF128

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF129

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF130

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF131

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF132

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF133

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF134

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF135

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF136

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF137

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF138

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF139

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF140

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF141

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF142

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF143

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF144

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF145

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF146

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF147

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF148

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF149

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF150

Bombing Merseburg Germany 1945-04-05 to 1945-04-05

(B) Sqn (RCAF) Skipton-on-Swale

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF151

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF152

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF153

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF154

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF155

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF156

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF157

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF158

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF159

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF160

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF161

Lancaster serial RF163

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF175

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF176

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF177

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF178

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF179

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF180

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF181

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF182

Bombing Lutzkendorf Germany 1945-04-04 to 1945-04-05

12 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF183

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF184

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF185

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF186

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF187

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF188

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF189

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF190

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF191

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF192

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF193

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF194

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF195

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF196

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF197

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF198

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF199

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF200

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF201

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF202

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF203

Lancaster Mk.I/III serial RF204

Avro Lancaster