Edmundston needs a home for it's Lancaster

[Ed Storey]

I think the Lancaster in Toronto was used for parts, perhaps in Hamilton or out to Alberta. The Sherman ended up in Beachwood Cemetery in Ottawa.

There used to be a Lancaster in Windsor, I am not sure were that one went. Great intentions when these old warbirds were first put on pedestals and on outdoor display, thankfully we are starting to realize this is not the best way to preserve aircraft for future generations to enjoy.

[meduffer]

The last time I saw the Toronto Lancaster it was still in the museum at Downsview Airport. They were using the hangers where they built Mosquitoes, Chipmunks and Beavers but due to some skulduggery they were evicted and the Ww2 hangers were torn down to make room for a hockey arena. The volunteers had made really good progress over the years but (don't quote me) I think their collection ended up in storage somewhere around Toronto (Pearson) International Airport. It also looks like the Windsor Lancaster is undercover too. On a sidenote, it was very cool that last summer the Lancaster in Hamilton flew all the way across the pond to the UK and back to tour with the British Lancaster.

http://www.casmuseum.org/gallery/view.php?gallery_id=13

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/sa...labour-of-love

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-...tour-1.2028602

Mike

[Ed Storey]

Here is an image of Lancaster 882 when it was being used as a platform for aerial photography.

[Ed Storey]

Here is an image of Lancasters lined up and ready to leave the UK to return to Canada.



PL-44319 An impressive aerial photograph of 12 Lancasters of the RCAF Bomber Group Ghost Squadron lined up nose to tail taken May 31st the day they left for Canada. 15 Canadian built Lancasters took off at one minute intervals from their Bomber Station at Middleton St. George Yorks the first of the Canadian Squadrons to leave the United Kingdom since VE Day. More will follow daily until all aircrew have gone.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

"Australian man wants to rescue Edmundston's Lancaster bomber - Exemption sought from Canadian Heritage law that requires significant cultural items to remain in Canada"

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-br...669533?cmp=rss

[Ed Storey]

A storied Canadian aircraft type with 11 sorties over Germany in WWII, you would think the preservation of this aircraft in Canada would be a 'no brainer'. Of course with a museum community firmly fixated on placing large artifacts outside to the mercy of the elements and a population who is woefully uniformed about the cultural significance of these large items; perhaps the answer is to let someone purchase this Lancaster and restore it to the glory it deserves.

If this was in Europe, that Lancaster would be in a warehouse with a team of dedicated people working to restore it because they understand historical significance and the stark reality that these machines are rare items worthy of saving. The Canadian answer appears to be to vacillate until there is nothing left to save.

Step up and do something or export it.

[Gordon Yeo]

If the Edmundston Lancaster's fate is to rot away and no one in Canada wants to step up and preserve it, for heavens sake give it to the Aussies. They help fly them in Bomber Command and wouldn't that be fabulous heritage preservation to have three flying, one each in the U.K , Canada and Australia.

The last Canadian Canso amphibian with war time record and the name of David Hornell V.C. in the log book was for sale and the Canadian Heritage people didn't think it was worth keeping in Canada. Surely a tired old Lancaster will not have any particular importance or be of any interest to them.

[Marc Montgomery]

http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2016/07/08/k...s-war-veteran/


You will note that in the CBC story, and in an earlier CBC story, the reporter said 882 took part in the DAmbusters raid.
unfortunately not true. That was 43, and 882 arrived in England in early 45.
also 12 missions (the 12th however was turned back over Europe due to weather, bombs dropped in the Channel)