Avro Lancaster

Avro Lancaster Mk BI PA474 (cn VACH0052/D2973) The phantom of the Ruhr. Photo by Bruce Martin

The Lancaster first saw active service in 1942 and was one of the main bombers used by the RAF in World War II. Lancasters are probably best known as The Dam Busters for their attacks on German dams in the Ruhr Valley, dropping bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis.

Two flying examples of the Lancaster still exist, BI PA474 stationed at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire at The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and Lancaster B X FM213 in Canada which is known as "The Mynarski Memorial Lancaster" and operated by The Canadian War Heritage Museum.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight website

Avro Lancaster Bomber PA474 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight website

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum website

Avro Lancasters. Images courtesy of Bob Franklin, Bruce Martin, Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press, Ian Bracegirdle and Wayne Willday

East Kirkby Just Jane Armistice Event - Wednesday 11th November 2009

It was a poignant event on this special Armistice Day at East Kirkby Airfield. The Panton family as usual making all the visitors very welcome. With it being our first visit to East Kirkby we found the friendly family atmosphere and the welcome we received second to none. With the World War II buildings and artefacts on show at the museum it added to the sound of the four Merlin engines running up on Just Jane, who in the capable hands of Ex Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster pilot Ed Straw carried out two taxi runs during the day.

Images courtesy of Ross Cannon

East Kirkby Lancaster NX611 Just Jane official website