G for George, Avro Lancaster Mk I Bomber
G for George, the Australian War Memorial's famous Lancaster was built in mid-1942 by Metropolitan Vickers limited in Manchester, England. George was delivered for operations to 460 squadron RAF based at Brighton in Yorkshire. Its first mission took place on the 6th of December 1942 against the German city of Mannheim.
G for George carried out some 90 bombing missions against Germany, Italy and occupied Europe including 15 raids against Berlin.
G for George is an incredible survivor of the worst part of the bomber offensive in the Second World War and remarkably no crew members were killed in the aircraft. Sadly, 80 crew members who flew in G for George were later killed in other aircraft.
The bomber's last mission was flown against Cologne on the 20th of April 1944. It was withdrawn from service the following day.
The Avro Lancaster was one of the most effective bombers of the Second World War. Introduced to the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command in 1942 the four-engined heavy bomber soon became a vital tool in the allies strategic bombing offensive over Europe.
The Lancaster was widely used as a night bomber taking part in area bombing over German towns and cities.
This city busting took a huge toll on both civilians and aircrew. By the end of the war 7,377 Lancasters had been made and had taken part in 156,000 sorties in almost every bombing raid over German occupied Europe. Incredibly half the aircraft made were lost during the war.
See collection items related to RAF Bomber Command
‘My great-uncle’s aircraft was shot down by a German night-fighter – I have always been aware of the story and felt an obligation to see G for George to pay my respects and marvel at the aircraft my great-uncle flew alongside on that mission.’Jack Chapman, nephew of Flight Engineer Sergeant Reginald Ernest Watson.
Jack Chapman's great uncle, Flight Engineer Sergeant Reginald Ernest Watson, was just 21 years old when he lost his life. On the night of 14 June 1943, No.460 Squadron took to the skies in a raid over Oberhausen, Germany. Out of the 22 aircrafts on the mission, three failed to return. Jack's great uncle was the youngest on board Landcaster LM324.
My family continue to pay our respects to the crew whenever we can to make sure they are never forgotten especially as your countrymen are a long way from home.
Ken Chapman, nephew of Flight Engineer Sergeant Reginald Ernest Watson
Shane Casey, Senior Curator, Australian War Memorial, shares the story behind the Lancaster bomber, G for George and takes viewers up close to this important object from our collection.
On Closer Inspection 360 degree experience
Explore the Lancaster and take a closer look at it inside and out. See archival photos and film, hear audio recordings, and uncover the stories behind one of the most famous bombers of all time.
Interview with Squadron Leader Tony Burcher, tail gunner and Dambuster.
Full interview available here
Robert (Bob) Murphy describes the experience of navigating a Lancaster Bomber and releasing bombs while under fire.
Full interview available here
Love letters from Bomber Command
In the midst of dangerous missions, Ron’s thoughts remained with a young woman in Canada.
Jean Ayre never forgot her first love, Bomber Command, navigator, Ronald Henry Etherton.
She carefully placed his letters in a box and kept them for the rest of her life. The collection of letters was donated to the Australian War Memorial by Jean’s daughter. The collection shows the development of a romantic relationship between two people in wartime, and records their hopes for the future.
Bale out over Germany
Len Davies was 19 years old when he was given the order to jump.
It was February 1945, and Len was serving as a rear gunner with Bomber Command when his Lancaster ran into trouble over Germany.
“One of the engines was crook on take-off,” he later recalled.
“It was the one that fed my turret, and I could feel it vibrating all the way. It blew up just as we got over the target, and we had to turn for home.
“By all the rules, it should have burnt through to the petrol tanks and blown the whole lot out of the sky.