And Then There Were Two... the Remaining Lancasters
After WW II, about 230 Lancasters served with the RCAF in several roles including, Arctic reconnaissance, maritime patrol and as a bomber. The Lancaster was ceremonially retired from the RCAF at Downsview (Toronto) in April 1964.
Of the 7377 Lancasters that were built in Britain and Canada during WW2, just 17 survive worldwide today. Only two are airworthy:
PA474 is stationed at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, England and is operated by the RAF’s ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’, and aerial display group. This aircraft, nicknamed 'Thumper' was delivered too late in the war to have ever been put into battle. For a time, this Lancaster flew the markings of 550’s Squadron’s own Phantom of the Ruhr.
FM213 is located at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and like the UK Lancaster, never saw combat. This Lancaster, nicknamed ‘Vera’ is currently marked KB726 in honour of P/O Andrew Mynarksi, who flew with RCAF’s No. 19 “Moose” Squadron. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is the only place in the world where the public can purchase a seat on board this amazing aircraft.
Andrew Mynarski was posthumously awarded won the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry, on June 13, 1944, when his Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter. As the bomber fell, he attempted to free the tail gunner trapped in the rear turret of the blazing and out of control aircraft. The tail gunner miraculously survived the crash, but Mynarski died from his burns.
In August 2014, 'Vera' flew across the Atlantic via Labrador, Greenland and Iceland to to join its English counterpart for a series of appearances around the United Kingdom, encountering engine failure and an emergency landing along the way. This historic reunion is commemorated in the documentary film "Reunion of Giants."
A third Lancaster is on its way to taking flight... Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 ‘Just Jane’ is under restoration at the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Center at the former RAF East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, England. Restorers hope 'Just Jane' will take to the air in 2020! For the latest updates, visit https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/news/lancaster-nx611-return-to-flight/.
Of the 7377 Lancasters that were built in Britain and Canada during WW2, just 17 survive worldwide today. Only two are airworthy:
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| PA474, The 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight' Lancaster with the markings of 550 Squadron's Phantom of the Ruhr. Source: 550 Squadron Website |
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| FM213 'Vera' Source: The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum |
Andrew Mynarski was posthumously awarded won the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry, on June 13, 1944, when his Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter. As the bomber fell, he attempted to free the tail gunner trapped in the rear turret of the blazing and out of control aircraft. The tail gunner miraculously survived the crash, but Mynarski died from his burns.
In August 2014, 'Vera' flew across the Atlantic via Labrador, Greenland and Iceland to to join its English counterpart for a series of appearances around the United Kingdom, encountering engine failure and an emergency landing along the way. This historic reunion is commemorated in the documentary film "Reunion of Giants."
A third Lancaster is on its way to taking flight... Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 ‘Just Jane’ is under restoration at the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Center at the former RAF East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, England. Restorers hope 'Just Jane' will take to the air in 2020! For the latest updates, visit https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/news/lancaster-nx611-return-to-flight/.
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