As night falls Lancaster bombers head out over Lincoln Cathedral
on yet another dangerous mission over enemy territory. The main
aircraft passing over Lincoln Cathedral is the now famous “Phantom
of the Ruhr”, which went on to complete an amazing 120 ops.
Ron Clark was the pilot on 25 of the 33 missions, 'Lish' Easby
was his Wireless Operator.
The Lancaster first entered service in 1941, normally with a
crew of seven whose average age was 22. With a top speed of 287mph
and ability to carry a massive bomb load of 22,000lbs, Lancasters
proved a formidable as well as reliable aircraft, one held in
the highest regard by its young, though highly motivated crews.
Despite increasingly capable aircraft like the Lancaster, a great
deal was asked of Bomber Command crews and their aircraft, resulting
in substantial losses. Of the 7373 Lancasters built 3677 were
lost. From the over 125,000 personnel involved in Bomber Command
during the war 55,573 were killed, 8,000 wounded and 10,000 became
prisoners of war.
The print is signed by Ron Clark |