LANCASTER BOMBER. WWII Aircraft that Changed The War. Powered By 4 Merlin Engines | Documentary

The Avro Lancaster was a British Second World War heavy bomber, key to winning the war in Europe against Nazi Germany. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three aircraft being four-engined heavy bombers adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.
It was powered by 4 Rolls-Royce Merlin XX V-12 liquid-cooled piston engines, producing 1,280 hp (950 kW) each.
The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a medium bomber for "worldwide use" which could carry a torpedo internally, and make shallow dive-bombing attacks. Originally developed as an evolution of the Manchester (which had proved troublesome in service and was retired in 1942), the Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlins and in one of the versions, Bristol Hercules engines. It first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942 and as the strategic bombing offensive over Europe gathered momentum, it was the main aircraft for the night-time bombing campaigns that followed. As increasing numbers of the type were produced, it became the principal heavy bomber used by the RAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving within the RAF, overshadowing the Halifax and Stirling, two other commonly used bombers
A long, unobstructed bomb bay meant that the Lancaster could take the largest bombs used by the RAF, including the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg), 8,000 lb (3,600 kg), and 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) blockbusters, loads often supplemented with smaller bombs or incendiaries. The "Lanc", as it was known colloquially, became one of the most heavily used of the Second World War night bombers, "delivering 608,612 long tons (618,378,000 kg) of bombs in 156,000 sorties".The versatility of the Lancaster was such that it was chosen to equip the 617 Squadron and was modified to carry the Upkeep "bouncing bomb" designed by Barnes Wallis for Operation Chastise, the attack on German Ruhr valley dams. Although the Lancaster was primarily a night bomber, it excelled in many other roles, including daylight precision bombing, for which some Lancasters were adapted to carry the 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) Tallboy and then the 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) Grand Slam earthquake bombs (also designed by Wallis). This was the largest payload of any bomber in the war.
General characteristics
Crew: 7: pilot, flight engineer, navigator, bomb aimer/nose gunner, wireless operator, mid-upper and rear gunners
Length: 69 ft 4 in (21.13 m)
Wingspan: 102 ft 0 in (31.09 m)
Height: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Wing area: 1,297 sq ft (120.5 m2)
Airfoil: root: NACA 23018; tip: NACA 23012
Empty weight: 36,900 lb (16,738 kg)
Gross weight: 55,000 lb (24,948 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 68,000 lb (30,844 kg)
Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce Merlin XX V-12 liquid-cooled piston engines, 1,280 hp (950 kW) each
Propellers: 3-bladed
Performance
Maximum speed: 282 mph (454 km/h, 245 kn) at 63,000 lb (28,576 kg) and 13,000 ft (3,962 m) altitude
Cruise speed: 200 mph (320 km/h, 170 kn)
Range: 2,530 mi (4,070 km, 2,200 nmi)
Service ceiling: 21,400 ft (6,500 m) at 63,000 lb (29,000 kg)
Rate of climb: 720 ft/min (3.7 m/s) at 63,000 lb (29,000 kg) and 9,200 ft (2,800 m) altitude
Armament
Guns: Two 0.303-inch (7.7 mm) Browning Mark II machine guns in the nose turret, two 0.303-inch Browning Mark II machine guns in the upper turret, and four 0.303-inch Browning Mark II machine guns in the rear turret. (Early aircraft had two Brownings in a ventral turret aimed from within the aircraft via a periscope.)
Bombs: Maximum normal bomb load of 14,000 lb (6,400 kg) of bombs
Avionics
H2S radar in later variants
T1154 and R1155 radios
Gee
Monica
various other nav-aids and countermeasures
#aircraft #lancaster #bomber

[@Dronescapes]

Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes, and their stories, and missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes

[@SaltyPirate71]

You might want to revisit your thumbnail. It says "Lancister Bomber".

[@Dronescapes]

@SaltyPirate71 Rampant dyslexia. thank you! 👍🙏

[@jonboy9912]

I turned 68 yesterday 11.11.2024 so I never knew the War, but I was raised by a family that did, Mum and her sisters were in the NAAFI, Dad serviced the Lancaster as well as other aircraft and Uncles fought in the Army and Artillery all over Europe, Africa, Italy and Germany and we never lost one! They were the best generation and I remember sitting next to them listening in awe but they all had restraint never discussed detail and instilled in me the horror of War without telling me of the horrors they saw! They are all gone now but I carry them all with me every minute of every day and I hope they all found peace and I will find them again. Brave men and women facing down a threat that would have engulfed us all. New threats are all around us and I doubt we have the same bravery and resolve today but overall I hope we do not have to test that ever again. Thanks for making and posting this evocative video.

[@FrankWilkinson-ig6co]

We were also lucky as a family, all the male members came back safely, WONDERFUL. Many Happy years.

[@hughgrant4778]

These young men were more than heroes. They gave their lives and changed the world. Sent chills down my spine. Absolutely brilliant documentary!

[@philnewton3096]

Why the romantic music?

[@clah399]

The unity of the British at this time was amazing. It was this unity and working together that won the war. My old Dad was a mechanic on these planes.

[@mspicer3262]

My grandfather flew on the Lancaster Mk. X, with 405 Sqn (Pathfinders). He was shot down on his 26th birthday, while supporting breakout operations from Normandy. It was his 66th operational sortie, and he was the PFF Master Bomber on his last three. Their last mission when they were shot down, both he and the pilot won their second DFC's, for freeing the tail-gunner before bailing out of the plane. The award was made by the King at Buckingham Palace in March of 1946. All of his medals, and dress uniform, are on permanent display at the Elgin Museum, in St Thomas, Ontario.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him

[@silgen]

Respect.

[@deanaskin3975]

Wow. What was the call sign of the Lanc he was on? My dad was a Leading Air Craftsman on 405 Sqdn.

[@mspicer3262]

@@deanaskin3975 REALLY? I pretty sure the plane was called "Y 4 Yorker", but I'll have to see if my aunt remembers more precisely,

[@1Pureblood606]

Can't imagine the ordeal. I wonder if the generation today would have the chutzpahs to not leave their brother behind . Mad respect for your granddad and all the others who put their lives on the line .

[@poopoosplatter99]

My grandfather was a tail gunner and backup pilot on a Lancaster bomber. The RCAF pushed redundancy on their planes in the event that someone was wounded or killed. Their crew flew many night missions dropping supplies for the French Resistance. One night they must have been ratted out, and the Germans lit them up with spotlights as they came in barely above the trees. 88's and other anti-air systems opened up on them, firing almost flat trajectory as the bombers were barely above the trees. His plane made it out, but when they got back to British airspace, he unbuckled and went to get out of his gun port, he noticed an 88mm sized hole on one side of the fuselage about 18" behind him, and another 88mm sized hole directly across from it. It was either a dud, or it didn't explode until after it exited the plane. Had it gone off it would have killed him instantly, blown the tail off the plane, and the rest of the crew would have died within a second or two hitting the ground with no chance to parachute out. I'll never forget him telling me that story....and he had a smile on his face and was laughing about it while he told me. Man, I miss him.

[@sammycarlosbaraza1789]

Cheers to the Avro Lancaster Bomber. I came to love this bomber from what I read in WW2 comic books, novels and viewed movies. I wish to salute all the engineers, factory workers, the flight crews and ground crews who brought this magnificent bomber to life. Your effort and sacrifice shall always be remembered for generations to come. Cheers

[@albaird3258]

My father was a navigator in the Lanc. During his 23rd mission over Germany. His aircraft was attacked by 109's on their way home. Half his crew was killed with the exception of pilot and copilot. My father was badly burnt. The plane was forced down in the English channel. Luckily a special boat crew seen them come down. All three of them lived. My father would never take his shirt off in public. But he praised that shot up aircraft. For holding together as long as it did. My highest regard to the people at Avro. For building it right.

[@jonathanryan5860]

Thank you, a fitting memorial to the thousands of, very young Men, who didn't return. In this modern World, it can sometimes be difficult to balance, what is now history, the feelings, and emotions of living in War. Not just a war, but the second conflict for so many. Thanks again for maintaining that balance.

[@leebasham1107]

Bomber command has never been properly acknowledged for the outstanding contribution they made in allied victory. For their sacrifices and bravery I say thank you.

[@FrankWilkinson-ig6co]

Agree.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Nothing but the utmost respect for these airmen. Salute from a gratefull Dutchman.

[@davidyoung5114]

My father flew on more than 60 missions over occupied Europe during the War as a mid-upper gunner on a Lancaster Pathfinder, the most dangerous assignment of all. They had to fly ahead of the waves of bombers to mark out the target area with flares, get out of the way of the first wave, go back in to mark the next target with more flares, get out of the way of the second wave, then go back in a third time to take pictures of the result of the raid. Only then could they head back home. R.I.P. Wilfred G. Young, D.F.C.

[@normannokes9513]

The constant alertness of stressed pilots saved so many crews. Reading Bomber Battle for Berlin by John Searby mentions an 83 squadron pilot observing a high degree of flak with the force ahead. He was unhappy with latest course given by navigator and insisted on immediate confirmation. The wind speed had increased considerably driving the less alert pilots over a flak zone and possible destruction. a most fortunate crew.

[@robertlyon8876]

I spent 44 years flying in the airlines and when I broke in there were still quite a few of the Captains I flew with had flown Lancasters on ops in Europe . Loved the war stories and miss those old aviators long gone now .

[@Dronescapes]

👍

[@grahambell96]

The last generation of real men....

[@stoopingfalcon891]

The bravery of the men that flew the Lancaster can never be overestimated.

[@Dronescapes]

Indeed

[@jonboy9912]

I agree but the bravery of all those who flew to war was enormous and the 55,000 who died must never be forgotten.

[@daviddenham1511]

Err..underestimated

[@catlady8324]

@@daviddenham1511 Exactly! That’s not how that goes. 🤦‍♀️

[@Sherwoody]

I’ve been in the Lanc at the Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. A beautiful piece of history and lovingly cared for.

[@stoopingfalcon891]

Another fascinating storyline from the people who were THERE.

[@Loren_Vosser]

I was born almost 20 years after the war ended. I grew up with relatives who had all served in WW2. I had a headmaster Mr Jeffrey Starett who had been the rear gunner in a Wellington bomber. I found this out when at 8 years old i told him that I had made a model of a Wellington he asked me to bring it to school. That day he explained to me and my class what he done during the war i will never forget that day. Ever since i have always grateful to all those who served in WW2 and I've slways been interested in the air war over Europe. God bless alll those who fought and died and a special thank you to Roy Chadwick who made it possible for the RAF to fight back when the Nazis and their allies seemed to be winning on all fronts. RIP 🙏 to all those who fought and died without whom i would never have been born.

[@mothmagic1]

The thing that puts aircrew losses in perspective is that fighter command lost 544 during the Battle of Britain, Bomber Command lost that many in one night more than once.

[@martinnevey7258]

Really!.....your right that really does put it into perspective....what a fantastic generation they were....I have more respect than I have words...

[@didierdenice7456]

Yes, I wish I could read and hear the comments of all those who didn't survive ! The Lancaster was a wonderful bomber... but the design was so cramped inside that it didn't give much chance for the crew to survive and bail out once the aircraft was hit contrary to the De Haviland Halifax bomber or the American B17 and B24. The Lancaster was a good "flying coffin"... but it was Bomber Harris' least concern. Only the bomb load mattered to him, not the survivability rate of the crew. 🤔 You have to be in your early 20's and daredevil to want to fly in those narrow metallic cages full of aviation fuel and explosives Reasonable mature men and fathers of 40 years of age would have rightfully refused to do so !

[@Dav1Gv]

In memory of my wife's cousin who completed one tour for which he was awarded the DFC but was killed about a third of the way through is second. She remembers on leave after the first tour when he came for tea his hands were shaking so much he couldn't avoid spilling a lot of it. It took a lot of nerve for him to do what he did. RIP and thank you very much.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him

[@johncillis3431]

The Lancaster, and the Mosquito, were amazing aircraft made by amazing designers, flown by amazing pilots, and maintained by dedicated ground crew. I've only seen US WWII era B17s, P38s and P51s, but hearing the rumble of those engines reminds me of what our British allies felt about their fleet of aircraft, also including the Hurricanes and Spitfires. Right before June 6th, 1984 I was flying to London on TWA out of JFK, and happened to be seated next to US Vets going to meet British and Canadian vets in Normandy for the 40th anniversary of the invasion, and also the German friends they had made who were conscripted to fight that day. They spoke with memory of their comrades in arms, and also respect for the air power that backed that massive invasion, and they made my four hour JFK layover seem like mere minutes. I last visited London in '17 and always loved the vibe of the city and what it meant for the free world--that we have a right to exist, even if persecuted for our beliefs about freedom, and freedom sometimes comes at a high price in its defense. Out of these WWII heavy bombers came our civilian air fleet, first with DC6's, DC7's, Lockheed Constellations, and later Electras, DeHaviland Comets, and British Aerospace and Boeing jets.

[@hermannseidl-schulz2689]

THE Lancaster Bomber with 4 Merlin Motors was a GIGANTIC construction!

[@Jack-bs6zb]

Adding to your list, the Vickers Viking was the civilian derivative of the Wellington.

[@suefinch1238]

My dad was the pilot of Helzapopping and Just Jane. He survived the war.

[@08Barclay]

Remembering my cousin, tail gunner 20 year old PO A.E. West, RCAF, fatally wounded over Stuttgart July 29, 1944. Died 4.5 hrs later while being transferred from base hospital to Ipswich . Only member of his crew killed that night. He did it right, calling the break 3 times, evading German night fighter attacks. He was flying out of East Kirkby with 57 Sq, RAF. I visited the base, and “Bert’s” grave in Brookwoods , in 2006. First West to get over there, since the war. Rest in Peace, until we meet on the other side. 🙏🏻

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him

[@miketwomey4923]

Huge respect from Wisconsin in the USA...

[@StihlmaddArborist]

My Grandfather flew 5 missions out of East Kirby with 57 squadron then being transferred to 189 squadron for the rest of the tour. ( C for Charlie nickname - Spookie). they wouldn't have known each other as my Grandfather did not start flying with 57 squadron until October 7th 1944. much respect for your cousins service.

[@MarktheMole]

Canada saved Britain twice - in both world wars at our most critically dangerous moments, long before the US entered - with food, timber, ammunition, and the very best fighting personnel

[@clinthowe7629]

Awesome! probably one of the greatest aircraft of WW2.

[@nigelmartin2254]

My uncle learnt to fly at Barton Aerodrome in North Manchester in 1937. When war was declared, he flew Wellington bombers. Later in the war, he flew Lancaster bombers. He had three Merlin engines disabled over Germany after "doing the business". With one functioning engine, he made it to the English Channel because it was insufficient to return to airbase. One weeks "Survivors Leave" was granted. He then migrated to Mosquitoes over the Mediterranean. The power and agility was such that it was a fighter as much as it was a bomber. After the war, he made a living with aerial photography, flying out of Ringway Airport - now named Manchester Airport.

[@johnrideout7124]

Best Low flying Lancaster gag was......co-piot to pilot...."Lift 'er up a bit Skipper, I need to put the wheels down"!!!

[@dorothyramser7805]

They conquered extreme fear, well aware of their slim chances of survival, climbed into bombers and did their duty for their country. Lest we forget. Heroes every single one.

[@Lorijenken]

I get to see a rebuilt one fly over my town up here in Canada once a few weeks. I still get goosebumps!

[@nigeh5326]

I was amazed that Canada sent its Lancaster over to us in the UK a few years back. A gesture very much appreciated here in the UK. Thank you Canada 🇨🇦

[@samrodian919]

Yes that's Vera. There's a picture of her in flight in this video. Also the video of aircrew arriving and climbing into the Lancaster NH611 dips Just Jane the Lancaster being restored to .airworthy condition at the Lincolnshire Heritage Aviation Museum at East Kirkby Just north of Lincoln. See Neville Wheeldon's weekly visits to the museum and video of the ongoing 10 year plan to restore Just Jane. They are now in the sixth year.

[@1Pureblood606]

So you're near Hamilton then. Great air museum, been many times . One of my pages of the Arrow is there.

[@maryjeanjones7569]

Several hundred Lancaster Bombers were built in Hamilton, Ontario during WW2. 20,350 Spitfires were built in Canada between 1938 and 1949.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

. @maryjeanjones7569 The Lancs were built at the Avro Canada plant in Malton, Ontario, fitted with the Packard licence-built Merlin engines then flown to England via Labrador, Greenland, and Iceland.

[@C64SX]

My grandfather saw one of these girls flying over his house in Sweden, in August of 1944. The plane was on fire and going down, hard. He got on his bicycle and rode to the crash site. When he finally arrived (it was quite a way away) there was nothing that could be done to help, the crew probably died instantly in the crash and the following fire. He found a small part of the wrecked aircraft and brought it home. It was his son, my father, who many years ago showed the piece to me and told me the story. I still have it in my garage, a very small part from an important and horrible time in our world history. The aircraft had over 120 missions under her wings, ED588 was her ID. Remember and honour the brave men of the crews, and do the same for all the victims, on both sides, of these horrible wars.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless them

[@concise707]

The Crew (all KIA): Name Rank Ser No Date Age Sqn Role BYSOUTH, Raymond Walter Sgt 1867078 30-08-1944 19 50 Air Gnr CAMPBELL, William Robert Sgt 1853822 30-08-1944 50 Air Gnr CARVER, Anthony Hugh F/O 176877 30-08-1944 50 Pilot CLIFFORD, Ronald Henry Sgt 220679 30-08-1944 50 Flt Eng MACDONALD, Donald Alastair F/S R/176939 30-08-1944 23 50 Bomb Aimer (Canadian) MUTCH, Ernest Sgt 1850302 30-08-1944 20 50 Wireless Op PLOWMAN, Frederick George Sgt 1522065 30-08-1944 33 50 Navigator The target was Konigsberg. ED588 was shot down over Sweden by a night fighter which had followed the bombers across the Baltic. Rest in peace - your duty is done......

[@karlbmiles]

With any luck, some (or all) bailed out before the crash.

[@paulwilson7622]

Excelent footage, some I have never seen. In my 68 years, I am constantly amazed that these young men did what they did almost nightly. My father flew bombers, but not Lancs. I almost despair when I see a number of modern youth who probably cannot even find Maccas wothout a GPS, and they owe their very existence to these young men. 54,000 airmen died in bomber command RIP, and thank you for your sacrifice

[@samrodian919]

Actually even more than that gave their lives, I think the total was 55,573 is the official figure of the 120,000 men of bomber command. Yes, RIP them all, they did their job, so that us who came after might live free and still English speaking.

[@usernamesreprise4068]

I also despair at the complete and utter disrespect todays feckless "woke" youth show towards the very people who ensured that THEY could be here today, millions of our young men in all the armed forces of the Empire and our allies, who willingly sacrificed THEIR tomorrows for these disrespectful imbecile's todays ! they make me ashamed to even be related to them. RIP ALL the brave men and women, who went through, and sacrificed so much for the future's of people they would never even know. .................. at the going down of the sun, and in the morning , we WILL remember them.

[@concise707]

​​​You are absolutely correct with your figure above, but they were the aircrew lost on operations only. The International Bomber Command Centre at Canwick, Lincoln currently immortalises 57,861 men and women of Bomber Command who gave their lives for us. This number includes those aircrew lost in training accidents and groundcrew (eg armourers) who also died in the Service of the Nation in Bomber Command; and it's not finished yet, the total will exceed 70,000 by the time the project is complete. 😢

[@Martin-ke1ik]

My grandad was a Lancaster rear gunner. One of the lucky ones who survived.

[@larryjenkinson4789]

Mine was too 👍

[@desertmandan123]

In a word......brilliant. True men, each and everyone of them.

[@pjb5757]

As a teenager and a member of the ATC in the mid 1980s I was lucky enough to be given a tour of the City of Lincoln Lancaster in the BBMF. I can still vividly remember that, this is my favorite WW2 aircraft - a truly amazing aircraft. As a cadet I also met a Lancaster pilot and I was amazed at the stories he told. I have a great deal of respect for all the aircrew during WW2, they were all far braver than me.

[@darkknight1340]

I'm sure that had you been called upon to perform a job such as those Lancaster crews,you would have been just as brave.

[@jameswebb4593]

Whenever you hear Hamburg mentioned the focus is always the human death toll . Never about the damage to German industry which was of the primary importance. German evaluation after the raid. 183 large factories destroyed , 4118 small factories destroyed . Other losses included 580 industrial concerns destroyed or damaged . Hitler himself said that more raids on that scale would stop Germany being able to continue the fight . One major problem during the night raids was " Creepback " this was due to later arrivals dropping their bombs on the first markers or large fires the crews sighted. To overcome this Pathfinders would mark many miles beyond the actual target . Another problem was the variety of aircraft that took part in a large raid . Though Lancasters would by 1944 make up the majority , several hundred Halifax's , Stirlings and Wellington's could also be involved. Those aircraft performance figures had to be calculated in the planning to stop lower bombers being hit from those higher. The Lancaster was a bad plane to escape from , far more aircrews managed to bale out of a Halifax .

[@None-zc5vg]

The Lanc had a narrow 'emergency exit ' in the nose that was almost too narrow for anyone wearing a parachute to get out through it. Nothing was done to increase its width during the whole production run of the plane.

[@marknichol3254]

They actually removed the pilots escape hatch

[@richarddyasonihc]

There are many strong themes which run through this video, so I shall only comment on the relationship between people and complex & specialised pieces of machinery.. As a pilot, every time you take an aeroplane from its hanger, & carry out what usually takes about half an hour, inspecting & checking all the operational by the time you climb in to the cockpit, you have touched and felt so much of your conveyance, that there is a sort of bonding which feels personal. When you accelerate down the runway, and the craft leaves the ground behind, this feeling becomes quite strong - you feel just as responsible toward your aeroplane, as to yourself yo ensure that the return is as kind and gentle for the aircraft, as it is for you & your passengers!

[@BrassLock]

This bond occurs between all manner of machines and people, from Adventure Motorcyclists of the female variety (Noraly "Itchy Boots") through to racing drivers and Steam Train Engineers. There's a sense of camaraderie, that together they'll overcome danger and adversity.

[@lancelot1953]

Excellent production DroneScapes. Gentlemen, it is easy to criticize the thinking of the past as hindsight is always "20/20"! Nazi leadership started indiscriminate city-bombing (starting in the Spanish Civil War) continuing in Europe especially against England during the Blitz era. "Unfortunately" for the Germans, they did not have nor foresee the need/resources for a long range/heavy bomber. At the time, bombing specific targets was ineffective if not useless - area bombing (better term than "carpet" bombing) was the only option to improve effectiveness (if any) and decrease the losses. "Punishing/killing civilians" was less of an issue as "trying" to destroy if not interfere with war-support industrial production (Ruhr Valley, Hamburg shipyards, etc.). In the beginning of the war, Bomber Command was also the only way to interfere to the German onslaught on its enemies as England (and its Commonwealth allies) were retreating on all fronts. Finally, the bombing campaign against the Axis was very effective in diverting resources such as manpower, AA guns, fighters, etc. from the front for the defense of the Reich. Let us remember that the extermination machine (trains, concentration camps, Gestapo...) was still functioning very cruelly by the Nazi leadership - it had to be stopped! I lost three uncles in WW II, only one of which was a "career" military (US Naval Academy, class '37), the other volunteers and paid the ultimate price for democracy. Let us not forget that we are "free" to criticize our ancestors because of the sacrifice that THEY made for us to be "free". May Peace be with you all, Ciao, L (Veteran)

[@chriscorker5634]

What a brave generation of very young men. Thoughts to them and those that didn't make it home. Great post.

[@Dronescapes]

Well said and thank you

[@larryjenkinson4789]

My dad at 28 was the oldest in his crew, the rest being between 19 and 22.

[@Dronescapes]

@@larryjenkinson4789 Bless him Larry

[@larryjenkinson4789]

@@Dronescapes apparently at 5ft 10 1/4 he was the tallest rear gunner with 61 squadron at the time, according to Derek Brammer

[@gilesellis8002]

it would make today's Generation pull their socks up

[@ronaldgribbons5425]

My Uncle Renee was an instructor for the first couple of years before going over to England in 1944 he had 13 missions over Germany 🇨🇦

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him, Ronald

[@Attribytes]

My father (RIP) was an RAF Flight Engineer on a Lancaster seconded to the RAAF 'Goose Squadron'. Got shot down on his 18th raid, and spent the rest of the war in Germany.

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

Thank you for sharing Adam. My Grandfather (Australian) was a radio operator flying in Lancaster's. I don't have the squadron info unfortunately. He survived the war. And like so many he was never the same when he got home I was told.

[@Attribytes]

I remember my dad never talked about it much ... I learned more from his log books! Much respect to your grandfather for coming over to fight in the war.

[@josephdillard9907]

19:58 Boy aren't we missing that today? The national pride of a homogeneous society, the love and respect for each other, the trust in each other, the confidence that we are all working toward the same goal, and toward the betterment of our own people and our own futures. In no Western nation does that exist anymore, in no Western nation is that even allowed to exist anymore, and we are all suffering for it, in a hundred different ways.

[@firsttheycame0211]

100% correct.....sadly

[@daddykool3290]

I had an uncle who was a tail gunner in the Lancaster during WW2. He was one of the few who survived the war. I believe this was the most dangerous position in this beautiful aircraft. This does not take away from any job or sacrifice these aviators made.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him

[@stevekiberd3474]

My Grandad was the same. I never got tired of his stories. He use to say that the crew always had what they called lucky clothing. My Grandads was a silk scarf and he would never fly without it. He also they had a routine that they would never break before each mission.

[@drwatsonca6945]

Yes my cousins husband used to say he was a tail gunner on a milk truck. That was the only thing he would say about it.

[@poopoosplatter99]

Same with mine (my grandfather). Man, I miss him a whole lot

[@stevekiberd3474]

@@poopoosplatter99 I miss mine so much too. I could listen to his stories over and over again.

[@mentonish]

I remember the Lancaster flying overhead returning to RAF Lyneham

[@robertmiller2173]

The thing is it could carry a 22,000lb bomb load! As a New Zealander, and as boys did in the 1960's we loved everything British, yes the Hurricane, Spitfire, Lancaster, Wellington and the Sunderland. Many Kiwis flew with the RAF! But as I grew older and after I had made a 1/72 Airfix model of each of these wonderful aircraft, I then made one of the Halifax (Yes the Bridesmaid but a fine aircraft indeed) and then I made one of the Stirling to almost complete my collection. The Halifax was also a great aircraft but not as good as the Lanc. However the Stirling was a dog of an aircraft and that is being unfair to dogs; the Stirling looked great but its short wings gave it away; after reading its History it ended up as a major disappointment. I have a friend who's father was a pilot of a Stirling in WW2, he and his father came from the High Country of Central Otago! The Stirling wasn't something you crowed about. Then add the the Mossie and the Beaufighter! The Lancaster looked great and was great; with its 22,000 lb bomb. God Bless them all with a 50% mortality rate that equals the U Boats losses.

[@rickgeorge3739]

My Grandad flew 75 Missions in the Lancaster... the last 50 Pathfinders.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him

[@lawrenceiverson1924]

My 1st skipper when I started fishing . , Jack Secord , Piloted Lancs .Had some good stories !!!

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍

[@petermallia558]

I wonder if people know that the big and beautiful girls of the bomber fleet the amazing Lancaster bomber, was also on standby to drop the first Atomic bomb if the US hadn't had the modified crew and B-9 ready in time. Awesome aircraft, absolutely beautiful. I feel lucky to be alive or even exist, as if it wasn't for those young men, my grandfather wouldn't have came from Malta and met my grandmother, who was brought from Scotland to Derbyshire during the war, sorry hen after move to London, where as I said met my grandfather, and so I wouldn't even exist, if not for the great sacrifice of those brave young men. My great grandfather was in the Malta regiment, ans was posthumously awarded for his bravery for bring down a BF-109 from a anti air gum emplacement at Valetta harbour after the original gunner was injured by the same aircraft. 🇬🇧

[@dukecraig2402]

It was a great bomber but that's a myth about it being "on standby" to drop the Atomic Bomb, it wasn't capable of doing it for a variety of reasons, it's single stage supercharger engine's wouldn't be capable of it flying high enough or fast enough to escape the blast being the biggest reason, it's bomb bay would have been impossible to arm the bomb in after take off meaning it would have had to be armed before take off, being armed after take off was a requirement that disqualified all other bombers in existence from being able to deliver the bomb along with a host of other reasons that the Lancaster couldn't have delivered the bomb, it's a myth that they were on standby to do it or even considered for it that comes from people taking things in Gen Leslie Groves book completely out of context. The fact is the B29 was the only bomber in the world capable of doing it at the time, no other bombers could lift that much that high and fast, even the B29's that did it weren't regular one's, they were specially built "Silverplate" (code name) versions. To give you an idea of how much a B29 could lift, although never used in combat there was a modified one that carried and test dropped two of the 20,000 lb bombs that modified Lancaster's could only carry one of, and it carried those two over 15,000 ft higher than the Lancaster's could with just one. But as we all know that B29 came with a terrible price being developed, not only in money but in human lives, at the time it was the most advanced machine in the world and the break neck pace it was pushed through during development cost a lot of lives, but when it comes to it possibly "not being ready to drop the bomb" that's kind of an exaggeration, they were flying bombing missions a year and a half before the bomb was dropped and the specially modified Silverplate version was dropping dummy Atomic Bombs on practice runs long before the first bomb was test detonated in the desert.

[@user-td8ls5mn5q]

Maybe most advanced piston engined bomber but not plane as the jet aircraft that the Brits had created where light years ahead off any piston engine plane and the Brits gave that technology along with the technology know how to create the nuclear bomb to the Americans in the first place as America didnt have a clue about such things before the Brits gave them the know how

[@2DeeGee]

AWESOME AIRCRAFT!!! Great outcome for the good guys!

[@simmo1024]

Not many Lancs left. Think there are a couple that are still flying, but that is it. There is a Lincoln at RAF Cosford (the Lancs post-war bigger brother) which is a sight to behold. Worth going to see if you are ever in the area.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

With FOUR Merlin engines to feed and care for, no wonder these maintenance nightmares vanished quickly after the war. They had little use at all after the war because they were cramped and slow and loud and, frankly, dangerous.

[@simmo1024]

​@@arthurfoyt6727 see Lancaster: The Biography - Tony Iveson. The destruction of the planes was wilful destruction of history. It wasn't about usability (though they seem to have stood up pretty well given the battering they got), it was political. That is why so few remained at all, and why they were scrapped at such speed.

[@primmakinsofis614]

@@arthurfoyt6727 The Lancaster and Lincoln soldiered on for several years after the end of the war, as did the B-29, until the first generation of jet-powered bombers became available. (Early jet bombers had a significantly shorter range that piston-engined bombers, which helped the latter hang on for few years.)

[@buckrogers2828]

@@arthurfoyt6727 Shackleton's Yorks Lincoln's Still flew on after end of the war inc Lancaster's between them for many years

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

Not so. The Lanc served as an anti-submarine patrol plane for several years in the RCAF. @@arthurfoyt6727

[@male272]

Amazingly preserved and working Lancaster at the Hamilton Warplanes Heritage Museum. I get to see it quite often pass by. There will be a 'squadron' of WW2 planes in flight over head from the museum on Saturday. The incoming growl is quite the sound.

[@garoldcarlisle5637]

Excellent. Very well done.

[@Dronescapes]

🙏

[@LOKI-vk5hx]

ROLLS ROYCE MERLIN V12 THE SOUND OF FREEDOM

[@cigknowles7542]

The words don't seem to say enough, but thank you so much to them all

[@johnrideout7124]

A German truck driver was complaining to a U.K. forklift operator about the time it was taking him to be unloaded. The tommy driver remarked that his father had often remarked at the speed he was un-loaded on his trips to Germany. Helmut said "Ya, vot vass he drivink" Tommy said "A Lancaster"......

[@roryobrien4401]

I dont think this is a forum for schoolboy jingoism. Get a life instead

[@c-57d55]

Very very well done documentary!

[@uncledan2u]

Used to enjoy reading Combat comics especially ones with Lancaster sorties. Now this. WoW from Malaysia 🇲🇾✌️

[@Dronescapes]

👍🙏

[@tomsmith2209]

Thank you for this video. I am very proud of these men and as far as I'm concerned they should get more recognition.

[@miketwomey4923]

The men's stories about the plane made it so real and powerful and i also loved Mr. Chadwick''s daughter talking about her dad. As an American I will always love the B-17 but this video gives me more respect for the Lank, I'm surprised that it only had a pilot and not a copilot too...

[@JACB006]

Thank you for making this video - “Lest we forget”.

[@worldtechuk3324]

Amazing story!

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍

[@dalj4362]

I see a Lancaster at an air show flying with Spitfires and Hurricanes. It was quite a sight and the sound!!!!!!

[@richmcintyre1178]

We lived in Burlington Ontario right on Lake Ontario and once in a while the only still flying Lanc in North America would fly by. We all knew the sound of those Merlin engines and would run down to our deck to wave as the plane flew by. It was a beautiful sight to see.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

Still flying.

[@finallydone8640]

I always remember being at the Eastbourne airshow years ago and standing next to a flight sergeant who flew on Lancs and we watched the Battle of Britain flight go over.He paused nostalgia in his eyes and said to me "You hear that sound of those Merlin engines thats the sound of freedom and never forget it"And I never have

[@wobby1516]

I thank all the brave chaps who gave up their lives, for my freedom from the jackboot. RIP. My dad was a member of the ground crew, like so many he never talked about this evil war.

[@toddmoss1689]

I’m surprised the video didn’t explore how the Lanc’s versatility was leveraged into being a Dambuster. No other aircraft at that time could’ve pulled off that raid.

[@tim7052]

...nor dropping Tallboy and Grandslam bombs with incredible precision. 👍

[@rappers5719]

My father was a rear gunner in Lancs and Short Sterling's. SOE.

[@christopherhinton6456]

a very humble man thankyou for saving this country from defeat.

[@TonyA4766]

Imagine the courage these men had willingly getting into those bombers knowing there’s was a 50% chance they weren’t coming back!!!

[@Dronescapes]

Well said Tony

[@peterluhoway3498]

My wife grandfather was inducted in war museum in Collingwood Ontario he flew the Lancaster bomber and received many awards for heroism his name was Emmerson Andrew my mom was born while he was fighting and he did a no no and him and his crew painted baby girl and her name Carolyn on the front of his plane

[@shimy333]

imagine taking to the sky everyday with 50% losses...

[@arthurfoyt6727]

And they knew that they MISSED their target most of the time. What a waste.

[@primmakinsofis614]

_imagine taking to the sky everyday with 50% losses..._ I don't know where people are getting that figure from. Some missions suffered heavy casualties, others did not. The benchmark for judging success in terms of casualties was 5%. If a mission suffered 5% losses or less, this was considered acceptable. If losses were over 5%, this was unsustainable in the longer term. The overall loss rate as reported in _The Bomber Command War Diaries_ by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt: Lancaster = 156,192 sorties -- 3,431 aircraft lost -- 2.20% Halifax = 82,773 sorties -- 1,884 aircraft lost -- 2.28% Wellington = 47,709 sorties -- 1,386 aircraft lost -- 2.92% Mosquito = 39,795 sorties -- 260 aircraft lost -- 0.65% Stirling = 18,440 sorties -- 625 aircraft lost -- 3.39%

[@primmakinsofis614]

@@arthurfoyt6727 _And they knew that they MISSED their target most of the time. What a waste._ And yet the campaign against the Ruhr from March through July 1943 resulted in German war production effectively stagnating for seven months afterwards, and Bomber Command attacks on German steel production from January 1943 through September 1944 resulted in steel production being nearly 13% below what it would otherwise have been. To say nothing of the huge number of Germans tasked with repairing bomb damage who could have been engaged in war production, or the large number of Germans in flak units who could have otherwise been used as infantry, or how five out of every six dual-purpose heavy artillery pieces built by Germany from 1942-44 were pointing skywards instead of shooting at Allied tanks and soldiers.

[@samrodian919]

@@primmakinsofis614 well said sir! Certainly before 1942 the accuracy of the bombing was shall we say no accuracy at all. But once Oboe and the Gee, then later H2S navigational aids came in then the accuracy of the bombing improved immensely. And the destruction of targets shown in some of these pictures in the video shows complete success. And yes tying up vast resources against the bombing offensive was very useful as you have pointed out. So the 55,573 lives given were NOT in vain, nor a waste.

[@concise707]

​@@primmakinsofis614The overall manpower loss rate of Bomber Command was the highest suffered by any Allied formation - bar none. It was 44.4%: Sources: The International Bomber Command Centre and numerous written studies of the Allied Strategic Bomber Offensive.

[@dankippert2677]

Can't imagine 50% losses what brave men

[@marcusbyron4195]

Love your videos so much! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@Dronescapes]

🙏

[@craigmoloney4486]

Lancaster crew loved their mount and rightly so but Halifax crews loved theirs too.

[@306champion]

Brilliant Doco, thankyou.

[@Teddokrato]

Always a mystery how Germany with its penchant for engineering Never perfected a 4 engine heavy version of Lancaster Instead threw vast resources on wonder weapons Thankfully it did .

[@Crashed131963]

The US alone could out produce 3 Germany's , that is without Russia and the UK added in Germany was always going to be outnumbered in everything.

[@DudeSees]

Humbling indeed!!

[@henrycharlesinniss7538]

I have heard of a yung man who flew this plane in 54 bombing missions as Flight Lieutenant in 61st Squadron of Pathfinder Force of the RAF. And he was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. 😊

[@larryjenkinson4789]

My dad was in 61 Squadron but it wasn't part of the pathfinders.

[@henrycharlesinniss7538]

@@larryjenkinson4789 Surely it was a man who knew how to overcome fear and wanted to do something to help stop the horror of war, my respects and thanks to your father.

[@Dronescapes]

Bless him Larry

[@larryjenkinson4789]

@@Dronescapes thank you 😊

[@R_McGeddon117]

The Lancaster was originally designated the aircraft to drop the a-bombs on Japan in 1945 as they were the only aircraft in the world at the time with a bomb bay big enough to accommodate them They were based in Hong Kong and every city in Japan was in range of them If you google the 'black Lancasters' you'll get a fascinating account of what happened and how US politics got in the way and ended up prolonging the war in the East

[@alastairbarkley6572]

By the end of the war, British industry could build a complete Lanc in ONE DAY. And at Ford's Willow Run plant, the Yanks could turn out a new B-24 Liberator in ONE HOUR! Both fantastic achievements - particularly since the production of Lancs and B-24s exceeded the availability of trained airmen to fly them.

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

I think you're confused. One B-24 an hour doesn't mean it took an hour to build one. It just means the assembly line disgorged completed B-24s at the rate of one per hour. But yes, Willow Run was an amazing achievement in the days of slide rules and no CAD and no CNC!

[@billbright1755]

Imagine if at that time more development of rockets and proximity fuse detonations would have been possible. Forerunners to present day surface to air missiles. Relatively cheap and very portable they would have been game changers.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Wonderful video. Many congratulations

[@moncaman1]

Excellent watch!!!!....💪😎🇭🇲🌎✌️...

[@robertjames6640]

My late adoptive father flew around 40 ops Befer being forced to crash land his Lancaster. The rear gunner and bomb Aimee died and the remainder of the crew survived with injuries and burns. He never flew again and was reluctant to speak of his times save for praising the bravery, friendship and camaraderie found in crews, ground crews and all others who kept the Lancaster pounding its way to winning.

[@mehmetalitekin4528]

Thanks! Nice channel, nice documentary.

[@Dronescapes]

Many thanks!

[@mehmetalitekin4528]

@@Dronescapes :)

[@jimderksen1653]

Many Canadians flew the Lancaster as well. I knew a pilot here in Alberta who flew one. We also have an air museum not far from where I live that has a functional Lancaster on display.

[@nffc07]

Yes, indeed. One of the best was Roger Coulombe. A.K.A The Berlin Kid. 12 Missions over Berlin and lived to tell the tale.

[@deanaskin3975]

Wow. There's flight footage of LQ-Q "Queenie" and LQ-H "Harry" RCAF 405 Sqdn in this doc. My dad was a LAC on 405 Sqdn ground crew. Gonna have to go through his old photos of 405 Lancs at dispersal. Wish he could see this doc, rest his soul. Passed in 2017.

[@garthbailey227]

My Dad also flew in Q 'Queenie', but on 419 Squadron out of Middleton-St- George, Durham in 1944/45. Until this documentary, I didn't know that the aircraft names would be the same on different squadrons. The Hamilton flying Lanc is numbered VR-A. VR is the 419 letters. VR-A is the Menarski Memorial Lanc;. Dad knew Menarski and Brophy, the tail gunner, who Menarski got the posthumous Victoria Cross for trying to save. Brophy survived the crash of the plane, but Menarski did not. The Menarski Memorial Lanc is one of two still airworthy. It came to Calgary, where I live, and I took my Dad to see it. My Dad was very quiet watching it land and take off - I sure it brought back many memories for him. He passed in 2014.

[@ashleighsr-z9159]

We Will Remember Them.

[@williamkennedy5492]

You knew the ex bomber "boys" when refuelling their aircraft they would always ask for "and a bit for mum " how much is a bit today, oh 1500kilos ! They were special people all of them. My favorite story is the ex Lanc navigator who when i said we've never been to that city in Germany before, he replied oh yes we have I dropped bombs on the bastards, Or the tail gunner that was a neighbour who once he knew i was in aviation he opened up and told me about his experience bombing Berlin and how you could see the fires burn for such a long time, I knew one pilot three tours on Lancs and Halifax aircraft plus special ops, that man is a hero they all were. As i turn 73 i think of those men and women who served our country it its time of need such very brave people all of them.

[@gibson617ajg]

I remember reading something similar about a British airline pilot in the 1970's approaching Frankfurt airport and asking ATC to repeat his instructions as he wasn't sure of the information given to him. The grumpy ATC asked him if he'd ever been to Frankfurt before. The pilot replied 'Yes, but it was dark and we didn't land'.

[@richardsteele6776]

Very well done.

[@adamwells515]

My Gramps was an air gunner on PO S (sugar). He did 47 ops. J H Rayns.

[@nigeh5326]

Let’s hope the idiots insulting the RAF and Allied aircrews by saying they weren’t as brave as the US crews don’t start their trash talk on here. Whether someone flew at night or in the day they were ALL heroes.

[@alanjm1234]

Absolutely. It disgusts me how people now condemn the bombing offensive. It definitely made an important contribution to allied victory. If nothing else, hundreds of thousands of flak guns and their crews had to be kept in Germany when they could have made a huge difference in Russia.

[@dukecraig2402]

​@@alanjm1234 The people who claim the bombing campaign didn't make a difference ignore facts in an attempt to present themselves as people who "know the real truth". You won't find a bigger authority on the subject than Germany's own Minister of Armorments Albert Speer, he said time and time again after the war that the Allied bombing campaign dramatically affected Germany's ability to wage war, there's also the countless German documents from during the war saying how it was affecting their manufacturing processes and abilities not to mention all the German fighter units moved to the west from the eastern front to deal with the bombers, and the fact that almost every single one of those German aces who racked up those ridiculously high scores in the east were shot down almost immediately after getting to the west, Gunter Raull is a perfect example, over 275 kills in the east making him the 3rd highest scoring ace of all time and once he was sent to the west he only scored 2 victories and was promptly shot out of the sky by Allied fighter pilots.

[@alastairbarkley6572]

American Command persisted with (suicidal) unescorted daylight bombing of Germany for FAR too long. The complex 'Box' defence tactic really didn't protect airman at all and the defensive armament of the 'Flying Fortress' just added weight and unneeded personnel to the aircraft. No surprise that up until the deployment of the long range P-51 Mustang, almost 900 USAAF aircrew in more than one hundred aircraft landed in neutral Sweden or Switzerland after 'technical difficulties' and 'navigation errors'. Faced with the appalling bomber losses in 8th and 9th Air Forces, it's understandable that some American flyers preferred internment for the rest of the war in neutral countries. I'm sure I would have, too.

[@roryobrien4401]

Unnecessary comment. I haven't seen anything derogatory.Choose your enemies

[@hiteck007]

Man those Merlin engines are absolute Music to my ears, love those engines. Even as a kid watching old war movies with Lancasters and other planes with awesome Massive Radials in them made it all worth while watching, not that I like war at all. Wars only happen when a MAD MAN GETS IN POWER EVERY SINGLE TIME, so I don't believe Democracy ever really works because the INSANE POWER MAD CRIMINALS always find a way to CIRCUMVENT IT. Anyway the drama continues to this day actually.

[@charleshultquist9233]

I don't understand why it wasn't designed with a retractable rear wheel. It would certainly have paid for itself it fuel efficiency and speed.

[@neilhaas]

❤😊👍🤗☺️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 thats amazing. Very interesting documentary.

[@andrewporrelli8268]

Also powerd by Hercules engines. 300 of which were made.

[@JLanc1982]

The greatest generation! 🙏🏼

[@edwardpate6128]

The Lancaster when paired with the American B-17 and B-24's meant that Germany never had a chance.

[@alastairbarkley6572]

The Lanc wasn't the only British heavy bomber. Those American B-17s and B24s were also paired with the Handley-Page Halifax and the Short Sterling

[@michaelproust7891]

The surprising thing about the 'canvas and fabric planes' is that they were not nearly as fragile as you would have thought, there is integral strength in a bi-plane wing and remember, fabric and resin is composite construction. It is amazing to learn that the modern aluminium monopanes don't seem to hold up to the turbulence that the biplanes had to endure dur to their inability to avoid storms.

[@PAKISTANARMSAMMUNATION]

THIS BIG SIZE AIR SHIP PERFORMED 107 TIMES BOMBING MISSION

[@Lee69111]

I wonder....how much would it cost to make a Lancaster from scratch this day and age :)

[@alfaromeo1819]

I found a surviver of London under bombs,when I was a child. Single in a big distant world always terrified by his past but with good moral.He loss all beloved persons whom love him...

[@bonniewoodworth9031]

My father was a tail end gunner. 419 moose squadron.

[@albertourrutia5090]

Tuve la fortuna de ver un Lancaster en el museo de la RAF en Londres