Avro Lancasters over Lincolnshire

Updated 17th August 2014 – Lincolnshire, England. The sounds of the Merlin engines filled the Lincolnshire countryside as Avro Lancasters belonging to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum joined up with the BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane after ‘Lanc’ V-RA’s arrival from Canada. The occasion marked the first time in some 50 years that multiple Lancasters were airborne together.

“The sound brought chills,” remarked one excited observer as she referred to the ground shaking reverberations. “Bloody marvelous!” exclaimed an older gent. Meanwhile Craige Harpham of Horncastle snapped images from his residence as the venerable two behemoths wheeled gracefully in the sky.

Canadian Lancaster making pass. Photo: Craige Harpham — Canadian Lancaster making pass.
Photo: Craige Harpham.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Lancaster completed a 3,700-mile journey from Canada to England via Iceland. A maintenance interlude is scheduled to take place in the BBMF’s hangar at RAF Coningsby. After qualifying for a certificate, the Canadian bomber will display throughout England during the Thwaites Lancaster Bomber Tour.

Lancasters on their hardstands. Photo: Craige Harpham — Lancasters on their hardstands.
Photo: Craige Harpham.

The iconic Avro Lancaster was a mainstay of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, and the aircraft were also produced in Canada by Victory Aircraft in the province of Ontario for Royal Canadian Air Force crews.

The Canadian Lancaster formates with BBMF Hurricane. Photo: Craige Haprham — The Canadian Lancaster formates with BBMF Hurricane.
Photo: Craige Haprham.

Lancasters and other Allied types, including Handley Page Halifaxes and Short Sterlings, regularly flew nocturnal missions over occupied Europe and the Nazi homeland. Despite heavy losses to Luftwaffe night fighters and anti-aircraft fire, British and Commonwealth aircrews kept the pressure on by night as the U.S. Army Air Force pounded targets during daylight.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, which is located at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, is offering guided tours on the following dates: 25 August 2014; 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 September 2014.

Three Avro Lancaster B.Is of 44 Squadron,based at Waddington, Lincolnshire, in 1942. Photo: RAF — Three Avro Lancaster B.Is of 44 Squadron,based at Waddington, Lincolnshire, in 1942.
Photo: RAF.

Notably, Bomber Command Museum of Canada hopes their Lancaster will be airworthy within a few years. That would present the possibility of 3 Lancasters someday cavorting amongst the clouds together.

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The author (John T. Stemple) thanks Annie Thomas and Craige Harpham for their gracious assistance.

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Sources, Suggested Readings & Viewings

Avro Lancaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Lancaster

Canadian Lancaster lands at RAF Coningsby

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Canadian-Lancaster-lands-RAF-Coningsby/story-22248203-detail/story.html#Ibs473DemtGmAk6b.99

Canadian Lancaster: Arriving today at RAF Coningsby for six-week display ‘season’

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Canadian-Lancaster-Arriving-today-RAF-Coningsby/story-22218627-detail/story.html#ixzz3AZSowuMl

Canadian Warplane Heritage

http://www.warplane.com/lancaster-2014-uk-tour.aspx