The Lancaster bomber

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/fmcI3-dPBkY

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/MF5_hvE4WEA

[67hardtop]

Ive always loved the lancaster bomber. I used to draw them as a kid in school. All over my work, my books, every bit of paper that had a spot on it. I used to love buying the old war picture books especially the ones with planes in them. Loved them.

Cheers Rod

[JDNSW]

Like Rod I have always admired the Lancaster, and admired it more when I read of its design history (designed as a twin engined Manchester bomber it became four engined when the planned engine flopped). Unlike most aircraft of the time it was designed for easy manufacture and repair, which is a large part of its success.

One of the features that always fascinated me about it is that it was built for single pilot (plus F/E) operation, even at that time unusual for a four engined aircraft.

(Although Qantas' first international aircraft, the DH86 is another example - Qantas had their cockpits redesigned for two pilot operation, a lead followed by most customers.)

John

[bob10]

Yes, I was wondering about the single pilot. Seems odd. But it must have worked.

[Dark61]

I used to go to the Biggin Hill air show as a kid. You could sit on a patch of land outside the airport right at the end of the runway. Having the Lanc take off not far above your head with those 4 Merlins running was a hell of a thing.
Cheers,
D

[jon3950]

I used to go to the Biggin Hill air show as a kid. You could sit on a patch of land outside the airport right at the end of the runway. Having the Lanc take off not far above your head with those 4 Merlins running was a hell of a thing.
Cheers,
D

There aren't many things in this world that beat the sound of a Merlin. 4 Merlins is one of them.

Cheers,
Jon

[EastFreo]

I also loved these as a kid. Managed to talk parents into getting me a bigger scale Airfix model which I made and had hanging from my ceiling for years.

Might have to go to a hobby shop and buy another for my son (at least that is what I will tell the wife)!

[Mk1_Oz]

My Grandfather was a rear gunner in a Lanc having transfered from ground crew towards the end of the war - brave fello!! Wish I had spent more time talking to him about his experiences....

[jon3950]

My Grandfather was a rear gunner in a Lanc having transfered from ground crew towards the end of the war - brave fello!! Wish I had spent more time talking to him about his experiences....

My father was a pilot and flew Lancs in 186 & 617sqns. My mother was originally engaged to a rear gunner on the Dam Buster raid who didn't come back. Lancs are in our family DNA.

Have only had the pleasure of seeing one fly once, about 15 years ago in Liverpool - the BBMF one obviously. Didn't muck around, low level passes along the Mersey, absolutely mind blowing. Beautiful aircraft.

Cheers,
Jon

[JDNSW]

My father was a pilot and flew Lancs in 186 & 617sqns. My mother was originally engaged to a rear gunner on the Dam Buster raid who didn't come back. Lancs are in our family DNA.

Have only had the pleasure of seeing one fly once, about 15 years ago in Liverpool - the BBMF one obviously. Didn't muck around, low level passes along the Mersey, absolutely mind blowing. Beautiful aircraft.

Cheers,
Jon

A cousin of mine was ground crew on Lancasters, I can't remember where (same generation as me but much older, been dead for years). What he remembered was having to hose out the tail gunner from the tail gun position when the planes returned from missions.

John

[EastFreo]

A few years ago I was with my a Mum in an antique shop when we found a silver salver that was engraved with some words to the effect of a grateful squadron to its Leader for getting them through the Second World War.

I won't name him (as he had a big write up in the papers here and UK when he passed) but we were family friends and we thought perhaps it had been stolen.

Anyway my Mum bought it and contacted the family to ensure it would be returned. Turned out however that they had sold it among the deceased estate items and didn't want it.

Personally I couldn't believe it. Piece of family history lost. At least we have it and can let our kids know who this brave gentlemen was.