Avro Lancaster PA474 landing at DuxfordIn "Mickey the Moocher" guise, photographed during the Flying Legends air show at Duxford on 9 July 2005.
PA474 is one of only two Lancasters remaining in airworthy condition out of the 7377 that were built – the other being in Canada (and in which I have been privileged to fly). She was built in Chester in mid-1945 and was earmarked for the ‘Tiger Force' in the Far East. However, the war with Japan ended before she could take part in any hostilities. She was therefore assigned to Photographic Reconnaissance duties with 82 Squadron in East and South Africa. While operating with 82 Squadron, PA474 had her turrets removed and carried the identification letter 'M'.
The aircraft eventually joined the Battle of Britain Flight in November 1973 prompting the change of the Unit's name to the 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight'. Restoration work on various parts of the aircraft has continued ever since. A mid-upper turret was discovered in Argentina and was brought to Britain aboard HMS HAMPSHIRE and fitted to PA474 in 1975, the same year that the aircraft was adopted by the City of Lincoln. During the winter of 1995/6 PA474 received a brand new main spar, extending her life for the foreseeable future.
Picture added on 23 May 2008
Added by John McDonald. on 05 April 2009.