The Avro Lancaster

The Avro Lancaster was one of the most important weapons of WW II. This legendary bomber first saw action in 1942. Powered by 4 Merlin engines, it could deliver a huge payload and was the only aircraft to carry the Tallboy and Grand Slam earthquake bombs as well as the Upkeep 'bouncing' bomb on Operation Chastise-the famous Dam Busters raid. At the height of production, over 1.1 million men and women were employed making 'Lancs', more service personnel were involved flying and maintaining them than any other British aircraft, ever. Mainly operational as a Night Bomber over Nazi Germany, the Lancaster was supremely adaptable and they were used on anti-submarine patrols, photo-reconnaissance missions, as aerial refuelling tankers and post-war, transatlantic passenger airliners. Lancaster's completed an average of 21 bombing missions before being lost and the average age of their 7 man crews was 22 years.

The cheapest new copy of The Avro Lancaster is £18.90 at LoveReading. Prices checked 10 Nov 2026

More by Mike Lepine

More by Mike Lepine