Avro Lancasters were designed for a one pilot operation. The operational lifespan of pilots was so short in 1942 that the RAF could no longer afford to lose two each time an aircraft was destroyed. The Flight Engineer sat on a drop-down seat to the right of the pilot (far left) and managed the engines and aircraft systems. He could fly the aircraft if the pilot became incapacitated.
Perhaps the most famous Lancaster is PO-S (S-Sugar) which survived the war after completing 137 sorties. The second highest number achieved. It was chosen for preservation by Bomber Command and can be viewed at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon. Her squadron designator PO shows that she was a 467 squadron aircraft although she joined the squadron after Teddy’s aircraft, PO-K, was lost. A total of 7,377 Lancasters were built of which 3,249 were lost in action. 35 aircraft completed 100 sorties and one completed 139. Only two remain airworthy—one in the UK and one in Canada.
Sugar’s luck made her famous during the war and there are many photos.
These two show her being loaded with fuel and bombs for a night time raid.
These two show her being loaded with fuel and bombs for a night time raid.
This is the photo that was used in the Daily Express on 31st March 1943. It was taken as the crews prepare for a night raid on Berlin. Teddy and his skipper, ‘Des’ Desmond, are comparing oranges while the mid-gunner, Keith Cazaly looks for something else.
In his next letter home, Teddy had to reassure his mother, Muriel, that Kitty hadn’t felt mistreated during it’s flight!
Teddy is here referring to a diphtheria outbreak at Bottesford, which is chronicled in Vince Holyoak’s book. Although it restricted movement outside the aerodrome, it didn’t stop the flying. There was an official instruction that, if captured, airmen should inform the Germans that they may be carriers. But unofficially it was decided that it might be best to keep that information quiet in case the Germans sought a quick solution to the problem!
This picture shows the Brazilian-born station commander of Bottesford, Wing Commander Cosme Gomm DSO DFC. On his left is John Desmond who was Teddy’s pilot and the commander of PO-K. On Gomm’s right is Ray Raphael who took over the command of Bottesford when Gomm was killed. He was himself killed just two days later during the infamous Peenemunde raid on the V1 launch sites.
Lancaster in Colour
This YouTube video is a compilation of colour clips of Lancasters in action.
Much of it is wartime footage, some from movies and some is of preserved aircraft.
But it’s all Lancasters!
This YouTube video is a compilation of colour clips of Lancasters in action.
Much of it is wartime footage, some from movies and some is of preserved aircraft.
But it’s all Lancasters!
Air gunners were easily identified by their cumbersome Taylor Buoyancy Suits. There was no heating in the gun turrets so the suits were electrically heated. They were also buoyant in the event of ditching.
This picture from Vince Holyoak’s collection shows K-Kitty’s rear gunner, John Ryalls, being helped into his suit prior to a sortie.
This picture from Vince Holyoak’s collection shows K-Kitty’s rear gunner, John Ryalls, being helped into his suit prior to a sortie.
Teddy’s letter home after the Hamburg raid reveals a change of mood. The excitement of St. Nazaire is replaced by a realisation of the danger and the risks of flying over enemy territory.
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