The Avro Lancaster was designed from the outset to build a bomber capable of reaching the heartland of the enemy. Put this together with Rolls Royce Merlin engines, and a superlative aircraft was born. No less than 59 Bomber Command units saw active service with the Lancaster, flying 156,000 sorties. Some 7377 aircraft were built by six factories producing five different variants of the Lancaster. Here is a typical wartime scene. Lancaster's from 35 Squadron are being prepared for yet another Pathfinder mission, with the ground crew busy servicing, rearming and refuelling the aircraft.
The Primary Edition is signed by a Lancaster pilot. Both the Artist Proofs and Remarque Editions are also signed by two additional pilots, including a 35 Squadron Pathfinder pilot.
Signatures:
Primary Edition
Flt. Lt. Phil AINLEY DFC - 57 Squadron pilot
Artist's Proofs & Remarques - add:
Flt. Lt. Joe PETRIE-ANDREWS DFC DFM - Pathfinder Force pilot
Sqn. Ldr. Lawrence “Benny” GOODMAN - 617 Squadron pilot