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 RF120, Mk.I/III

s/n RF120

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 120

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF121, Mk.I/III

s/n RF121

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 121

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF122, Mk.I/III

s/n RF122

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 122

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF123, Mk.I/III

s/n RF123

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 123

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF124, Mk.I/III

s/n RF124

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 124

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF125, Mk.I/III

s/n RF125

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 125

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF126, Mk.I/III

s/n RF126

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 126

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF127, Mk.I/III

s/n RF127

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 127

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF128, Mk.I/III

s/n RF128

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 128

Merlin

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.

last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF129, Mk.I/III

s/n RF129

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 129

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF130, Mk.I/III

s/n RF130

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 130

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF131, Mk.I/III

s/n RF131

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 131

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF132, Mk.I/III

s/n RF132

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 132

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF133, Mk.I/III

s/n RF133

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 133

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF134, Mk.I/III

s/n RF134

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 134

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF135, Mk.I/III

s/n RF135

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 135

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF136, Mk.I/III

s/n RF136

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 136

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF137, Mk.I/III

s/n RF137

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 137

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF138, Mk.I/III

s/n RF138

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 138

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF139, Mk.I/III

s/n RF139

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 139

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF140, Mk.I/III

s/n RF140

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 140

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF141, Mk.I/III

s/n RF141

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 141

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF142, Mk.I/III

s/n RF142

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 142

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF143, Mk.I/III

s/n RF143

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 143

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF144, Mk.I/III

s/n RF144

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 144

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF145, Mk.I/III

s/n RF145

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 145

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF146, Mk.I/III

s/n RF146

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 146

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF147, Mk.I/III

s/n RF147

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 147

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF148, Mk.I/III

s/n RF148

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 148

Merlin

Operated by No. 424 Squadron, RCAF, coded "QB*A", from February 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF149, Mk.I/III

s/n RF149

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 149

Merlin

Operated by No. 433 Squadron, RCAF from February 1945, coded BM*A. Used on operations in 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF150, Mk.I/III

s/n RF150

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 150

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

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 RF151, Mk.I/III

s/n RF151

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 151

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF152, Mk.I/III

s/n RF152

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 152

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF153, Mk.I/III

s/n RF153

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 153

Merlin

To No. 50 Sqn, then No. 49 Sqn (EA-K). Missing on mission to Lutzkendorf 14/15 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

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 RF154, Mk.I/III

s/n RF154

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 154

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

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 RF155, Mk.I/III

s/n RF155

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 155

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF156, Mk.I/III

s/n RF156

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 156

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF157, Mk.I/III

s/n RF157

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 157

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF158, Mk.I/III

s/n RF158

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 158

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF159, Mk.I/III

s/n RF159

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 159

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF160, Mk.I/III

s/n RF160

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 160

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF161, Mk.I/III

s/n RF161

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 161

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF163,

s/n RF163

RF 163

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF175, Mk.I/III

s/n RF175

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 175

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF176, Mk.I/III

s/n RF176

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 176

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF177, Mk.I/III

s/n RF177

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 177

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF178, Mk.I/III

s/n RF178

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 178

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF179, Mk.I/III

s/n RF179

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 179

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF180, Mk.I/III

s/n RF180

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 180

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF181, Mk.I/III

s/n RF181

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 181

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

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

Lancaster RF182, Mk.I/III

s/n RF182

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 182

Merlin

Delivered to No. 12 Sqn (PH-P) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Lutzkendorf 4/5 Apr 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

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

General Royal Air Force Serial and Image Database

General 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 RF183, Mk.I/III

s/n RF183

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 183

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF184, Mk.I/III

s/n RF184

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 184

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF185, Mk.I/III

s/n RF185

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 185

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF186, Mk.I/III

s/n RF186

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 186

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF187, Mk.I/III

s/n RF187

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 187

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF188, Mk.I/III

s/n RF188

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 188

Merlin

Delivered to No. 12Sqn (PH-U) Mar 1945. Missing on operation to Nuremberg 16/17 Mar 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

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 RF189, Mk.I/III

s/n RF189

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 189

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF190, Mk.I/III

s/n RF190

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 190

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF191, Mk.I/III

s/n RF191

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 191

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF192, Mk.I/III

s/n RF192

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 192

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF193, Mk.I/III

s/n RF193

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 193

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF194, Mk.I/III

s/n RF194

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 194

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF195, Mk.I/III

s/n RF195

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 195

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF196, Mk.I/III

s/n RF196

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 196

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF197, Mk.I/III

s/n RF197

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 197

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF198, Mk.I/III

s/n RF198

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 198

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF199, Mk.I/III

s/n RF199

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 199

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF200, Mk.I/III

s/n RF200

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 200

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF201, Mk.I/III

s/n RF201

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 201

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF202, Mk.I/III

s/n RF202

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 202

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF203, Mk.I/III

s/n RF203

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 203

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF204, Mk.I/III

s/n RF204

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 204

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF205, Mk.I/III

s/n RF205

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 205

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF206, Mk.I/III

s/n RF206

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 206

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF207, Mk.I/III

s/n RF207

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 207

Merlin

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*S from March 1945. Used on operations, 1945.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF208, Mk.I/III

s/n RF208

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 208

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF209, Mk.I/III

s/n RF209

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 209

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF210, Mk.I/III

s/n RF210

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 210

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF211, Mk.I/III

s/n RF211

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 211

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF212, Mk.I/III

s/n RF212

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 212

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF213, Mk.I/III

s/n RF213

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 213

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF214, Mk.I/III

s/n RF214

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 214

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF215, Mk.I/III

s/n RF215

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 215

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF216, Mk.I/III

s/n RF216

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 216

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF229, Mk.I/III

s/n RF229

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 229

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF230, Mk.I/III

s/n RF230

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 230

Merlin

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-February-05

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 RF231, Mk.I/III

s/n RF231

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 231

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF232, Mk.I/III

s/n RF232

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 232

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF233, Mk.I/III

s/n RF233

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 233

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF234, Mk.I/III

s/n RF234

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 234

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF235, Mk.I/III

s/n RF235

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 235

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF236, Mk.I/III

s/n RF236

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 236

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF237, Mk.I/III

s/n RF237

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 237

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF238, Mk.I/III

s/n RF238

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 238

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF239, Mk.I/III

s/n RF239

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 239

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF240, Mk.I/III

s/n RF240

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 240

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF241, Mk.I/III

s/n RF241

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 241

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF242, Mk.I/III

s/n RF242

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 242

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF243, Mk.I/III

s/n RF243

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 243

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF244, Mk.I/III

s/n RF244

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 244

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF245, Mk.I/III

s/n RF245

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 245

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF246, Mk.I/III

s/n RF246

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 246

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF247, Mk.I/III

s/n RF247

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 247

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF248, Mk.I/III

s/n RF248

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 248

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF249, Mk.I/III

s/n RF249

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 249

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF250, Mk.I/III

s/n RF250

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 250

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF251, Mk.I/III

s/n RF251

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 251

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF252, Mk.I/III

s/n RF252

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 252

Merlin

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*G .
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF253, Mk.I/III

s/n RF253

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 253

Merlin

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*W .
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RF254, Mk.I/III

s/n RF254

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 254

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF255, Mk.I/III

s/n RF255

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 255

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF256, Mk.I/III

s/n RF256

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 256

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF257, Mk.I/III

s/n RF257

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 257

Merlin

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*W .
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RF258, Mk.I/III

s/n RF258

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 258

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF259, Mk.I/III

s/n RF259

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 259

Merlin

Operated by No. 429 Squadron, RCAF, coded AL*H .
last update: 2025-February-05

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

Lancaster RF260, Mk.I/III

s/n RF260

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 260

Merlin

Operated by No. 427 Squadron, RCAF, coded "ZL*Z". Also with No. 424 (B) Squadron, RCAF.
last update: 2025-February-05

Lancaster RF261, Mk.I/III

s/n RF261

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 261

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF262, Mk.I/III

s/n RF262

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 262

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF263, Mk.I/III

s/n RF263

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 263

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF264, Mk.I/III

s/n RF264

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 264

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF265, Mk.I/III

s/n RF265

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 265

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF266, Mk.I/III

s/n RF266

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 266

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF267, Mk.I/III

s/n RF267

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 267

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF268, Mk.I/III

s/n RF268

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 268

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF269, Mk.I/III

s/n RF269

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 269

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF270, Mk.I/III

s/n RF270

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 270

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF271, Mk.I/III

s/n RF271

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 271

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF272, Mk.I/III

s/n RF272

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 272

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF273, Mk.I/III

s/n RF273

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 273

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF279,

s/n RF279

RF 279

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF286, Mk.I/III

s/n RF286

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 286

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF287, Mk.I/III

s/n RF287

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 287

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF288, Mk.I/III

s/n RF288

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 288

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF289, Mk.I/III

s/n RF289

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 289

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF290, Mk.I/III

s/n RF290

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 290

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF291, Mk.I/III

s/n RF291

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 291

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF292, Mk.I/III

s/n RF292

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 292

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF293, Mk.I/III

s/n RF293

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 293

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF294, Mk.I/III

s/n RF294

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 294

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF295, Mk.I/III

s/n RF295

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 295

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF296, Mk.I/III

s/n RF296

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 296

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF297, Mk.I/III

s/n RF297

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 297

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF298, Mk.I/III

s/n RF298

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 298

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF299, Mk.I/III

s/n RF299

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 299

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF300, Mk.I/III

s/n RF300

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 300

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF301, Mk.I/III

s/n RF301

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 301

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF302, Mk.I/III

s/n RF302

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 302

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF303, Mk.I/III

s/n RF303

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 303

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF304, Mk.I/III

s/n RF304

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 304

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF305, Mk.I/III

s/n RF305

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 305

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF306, Mk.I/III

s/n RF306

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 306

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF307, Mk.I/III

s/n RF307

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 307

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF308, Mk.I/III

s/n RF308

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 308

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF309, Mk.I/III

s/n RF309

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 309

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF310, Mk.I/III

s/n RF310

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 310

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF311, Mk.I/III

s/n RF311

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 311

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF312, Mk.I/III

s/n RF312

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 312

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF313, Mk.I/III

s/n RF313

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 313

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF314, Mk.I/III

s/n RF314

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 314

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF315, Mk.I/III

s/n RF315

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 315

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF316, Mk.I/III

s/n RF316

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 316

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF317, Mk.I/III

s/n RF317

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 317

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF318, Mk.I/III

s/n RF318

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 318

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF319, Mk.I/III

s/n RF319

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 319

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF320, Mk.I/III

s/n RF320

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 320

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF321, Mk.I/III

s/n RF321

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 321

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF322, Mk.I/III

s/n RF322

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 322

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF323, Mk.I/III

s/n RF323

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 323

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF324, Mk.I/III

s/n RF324

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 324

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF325, Mk.I/III

s/n RF325

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 325

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

Lancaster RF326, Mk.I/III

s/n RF326

Armstrong Whitworth

RF 326

Merlin

last update: 2025-April-19

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 RF120, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF121, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF122, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF123, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF124, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF125, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF126, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF127, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF128, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF129, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF130, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF131, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF132, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF133, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF134, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF135, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF136, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF137, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF138, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF139, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF140, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF141, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF142, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF143, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF144, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF145, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF146, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF147, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF148, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF149, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF150, Mk.I/III

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

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

Lancaster RF151, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF152, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF153, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF154, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF155, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF156, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF157, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF158, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF159, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF160, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF161, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF163,

Lancaster RF175, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF176, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF177, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF178, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF179, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF180, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF181, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF182, Mk.I/III

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

12 (B) Sqn (RAF) RAF Wickenby

Lancaster RF183, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF184, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF185, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF186, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF187, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF188, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF189, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF190, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF191, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF192, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF193, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF194, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF195, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF196, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF197, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF198, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF199, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF200, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF201, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF202, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF203, Mk.I/III

Lancaster RF204, Mk.I/III

Avro Lancaster