Two Lancasters “Thumper & Vera”

These images of the Battle Britain Memorial Flights Lancaster 1 PA474 representing KC-A “Thumper” of No 617 Sqn and the Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Lancaster X KB726 VR-A representing an aircraft of No 419 Sqn RCAF. The Lancaster is dedicated to the memory of P/O Andrew Mynarski and is referred to as the “Mynarski Memorial Lancaster”. It is painted in the colours of his aircraft KB726 – VR-A, which flew with RCAF No. 419 (Moose) Squadron. Andrew Mynarski won the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry, on June 13, 1944, when his Lancaster was shot down in flames, by a German night fighter. As the bomber fell, he attempted to free the tail gunner trapped in the rear turret of the blazing and out of control aircraft. The tail gunner miraculously survived the crash and lived to tell the story, but sadly Andrew Mynarski died from his severe burns. In 2014 the Canadian Lancaster crossed the Atlantic to display togethr. The only remaining airworthy Lancasters it was a sight not to be missed.

These images were taken at Prestwick on September 7th 2014, the pairs only planned visit to Scotland, the occasion for me was truly unforgettable