By Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial
The Avro Lancaster B1, known with affection as "G for George", has a remarkable history.
"G for George" flew ninety operational missions over Germany and occupied Europe during the height of the bomber offensive. From the time it was built in 1942 until its retirement from active service in 1944, the bomber was flown by No. 460 Squadron RAAF (when in Britain).
G For George Avro Lancaster (1942) by Metropolitan Vickers LtdAustralian War Memorial
"George", marked AR-G, was regarded as a "lucky" aircraft, returning from eighty nine bombing operations over Europe during 1942-44. However over thirty of its former crew members were killed when flying other aircraft.
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This aircraft was ordered in 1940 in a batch of 400 Lancaster B Mk I and Mk III aircraft. It was delivered to 460 Squadron RAAF on 27 October 1942 and assigned the call sign 'G' for George. While in service with the squadron, it flew some 90 operations with 27 crews.
The aircraft normally carries a crew of seven: Pilot, Navigator, Wireless Operator, Bomb Aimer, Flight Engineer, Mid-Upper Gunner and Rear Gunner.
Seen here is the interior of the aircraft cockpit, usually not accessible by visitors to the Memorial.
G For George Avro Lancaster (1942) by Metropolitan Vickers LtdAustralian War Memorial
When G for George retired from service after this raid it had completed more operations than almost any other aircraft in RAF Bomber Command.
G For George Avro Lancaster (1942) by Metropolitan Vickers LtdAustralian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial's Anzac Hall shows some of the Memorial’s most significant large objects, telling the compelling stories of Australia’s servicemen and women.
G For George Avro Lancaster (1942) by Metropolitan Vickers LtdAustralian War Memorial
The plane has always been one of the most popular exhibits at the Australian War Memorial. After undergoing extensive restoration at the Australian War Memorial's Treloar Conservation workshops, it went back on display in Anzac Hall in "Striking by night", a permanent exhibition featuring a dramatic sound and light show that re-creates a night bombing operation over Berlin in December 1943.
