February 25, 2014 9.36 am This story is over 121 months old

Last two Lancasters to grace Lincolnshire skies

Lancaster duo: The last two airworthy Lancaster warplanes in the world are coming together in a series of Lincolnshire events this summer.
Photo: Sue Chafer

The last two airworthy Lancaster warplanes in the world are coming together in a series of Lincolnshire events this summer.

Throughout August 2014, the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Flight (RAF BBMF) based at RAF Coningsby will welcome the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM)’s prized Avro Lancaster.

The Canadian Lancaster will join the only other flightworthy Lancaster, which is owned by RAF BBMF, and participate in several events and activities while overseas.

The Canadian Avro Lancaster will make a Trans Atlantic crossing to take part in the summer events. Photo: RAF

The Canadian Avro Lancaster will make a Trans Atlantic crossing to take part in the summer events. Photo: RAF

The CWHM Lancaster will depart from Hamilton, Ontario on August 4 with plans to arrive in the UK on August 8.

The North Atlantic crossing will include en-route stops at Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, Narsarsuaq, Greenland, and Keflavik, Iceland, prior to arriving in the UK.

After a scheduled maintenance inspection, the CWHM and BBMF crews will complete a short training program in preparation for air displays and fly pasts which will begin on August 14.

The CWHM Lancaster will also conduct a limited number of UK Bomber Membership flights from Humberside Airport, flying over historic Lincolnshire for those with CWHM UK Bomber Memberships.

Officer Commanding the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Duncan Mason, said: “To see these two aircraft flying at events together will be a unique sight and also the opportunity to truly commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Lest We Forget.”

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Squadron Leader David G. Rohrer C.D., who is a current Lancaster pilot, stated that this Trans Atlantic crossing and visit to the BBMF and England is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event as it will not happen again.