The lettering and colouring implies that it was an early paint job. As R5482 did serve with 97 Squadron for quite a while, it seems to be just a transportation picture rather than anything untoward.
Shame we can't make out the serial but it is either HK541 or SW244 - tested for possible deployment against Japan
This aircraft participated in the first Lancaster operations by both 97 and 101 Squadrons. It was involved in an accident on April 5 1942 when with 97 Squadron and is pictured on a Queen Mary trailer being moved to a repair facility. I believe it only participated in one operation with 97 Squadron being transferred to 101 Squadron when repairs were completed from the April accident. From 97 Squadron Orbs. 20 March 1942 – Gardening in “Nectarine” Area (Bomb load six mines each) now flying Lancasters R5482 C F/L Mackid, P/O Underwood, P/O Tree, Sgts Marshall, McDermott, Bennett, Day. Up 1433 Down 1753. Flew along coast of Ameland, weather poor all way, low cloud. Flew low along the beach at Ameland, machine-gunned buildings, hotel and party of soldiers. Successfully planted. Sighted Me109 and immediately climbed into cloud and set course for home. Very satisfactory trip.
Definitely an RAF Fort under the nose but perhaps a transport of some sort under the bomb bay? My first thought was York as it looks like a twin rudder but the scale is wrong. Hudson or variant perhaps? Hmm, maybe not portly enough.
Sorry Kyt, only just saw your query. I can't remember where I found it, if i come across it again I will let you know. I don't think its photo shopped.
Hi folks, I have moved the posts that followed Bransey's message to a new thread. A fascinating subject that may have got lost amongst all these lovely photos of Lancs: http://ww2chat.com/forums/war-air/3784-new-zealand-fliers.html
That is a Lancaster MK10 carrying a Ryan Firebee drone - possibly Lancaster KB851? Haven't looked in THE book
The Teledyne-Ryan Firebee drone was acquired by the RCAF to provide training for interceptor crews probably in anticipation of the procurement of the CF-105 Arrow interceptor. At the same time, two Lancaster Mk 10 aircraft were reactivated from storage to act as "mother" ships for the drones. The Lancaster modifications were carried out by Fairey Aviation and included fitting of Firebee launch racks under each wing along with the associated electrical wiring and control units. The Lancasters were then operated by the Central Experimental Proving Establishment and the drones were primarily planned for testing and evaluating of then present and proposed future weapons systems. After release from the launch aircraft, the Firebees under remote control could climb to 40,00 feet in approximately 10 minutes and could be made to perform any maneuver of which contemporary high performance aircraft were capable. An airborne duration of 1 hr 20 minutes was typical. The drones could also be fitted with wingtip mounted radar reflector pods to ensure optimum radar energy reflection. Assuming the drone was not shot down, recovery was then effected by means of a two-stage parachute, which had a built-in flotation system. Refurbishment and re-use for up to 15 operational flights was possible.
