Avro Lancaster, 1945–1965: In British, Canadian and French Military Service

The Avro Lancaster, such a stalwart of the skies during the Second World War, also enjoyed an interesting and surprisingly colourful post-war career. It is this era that the authors have chosen to focus on by profiling the type across its many variants.Split into three primary sections, this book offers a concise yet informative history of the Lancaster’s post-war operational career (from 1945-1965) charting the course of the various alterations and improvements that occurred during this time and including a selection of contemporary photographs with detailed captions. A 16-page section…

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RAF stained glass window at Scampton Church

The Ministry of Defence have announced that they intend to decommission RAF Scampton in 2022. Whether this happens or not, a project to commission a stunning RAF stained glass window at Scampton Church to mark 100 years’ relationship between RAF Scampton and Scampton Church (1918 – 2018), and thereby also create a lasting memory to all who served in squadrons at the base, both in peacetime, during the two world wars and the cold war, is now up and running. RAF and aviation organisations have agreed to be non-funding community…

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408 Helicopter Squadron readies for Iraq mission

CH-146 Griffon from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron kicks up dust at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, located in the Mojave Desert in California, during Exercise Striking Bat. The squadron is practicing flying operations and helicopter maintenance in an austere and challenging desert environment, similar to what they will face during their upcoming deployment to Iraq. Photo: Corporal Desiree T. Bourdon, DND RCAF Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, from Edmonton, Alberta, are completing their training for an upcoming deployment to Iraq. Operating…

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Memorial to 408 Squadron LL720 Unveiled

Relatives, representatives of Wings to Victory, the Assistant Military Attaché from the Embassy and Aircrew Remembrance Society from UK unveiled the Lancaster LL720 memorial at Paal, The Netherlands on Saturday November 9th, 2019. There was an honour guard, pipes and drums as well as a band that played both the Dutch and Canadian national anthems. Seven relatives spoke a word of thanks and laid flowers. The Mayor of Hulst and two relatives of crew members (Dramnitzki and Bonneville) unveiled the stone by removing the Canadian flag that was covering it.…

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Sgt Robert “Scott” Hanna

Scott lost a short but heroic battle with cancer on November 2, 2019. Gone to soon but never forgotten. Predeceased by his mother Arlene Hanna, Scott leaves behind his wife Dawn Parlby, stepchildren Kendall DeVries (Kyle Petrik) and Gabrielle Parlby, his father David Hanna (Doreen Todd), sister Dawn (Mark) Kuzemski, nephew Cole Pethybridge, niece Lara Pethybridge, and favorite Aunt Faye Acton. Scott devoted most of his life to the Royal Canadian Airforce. He spent 39 years in service to his country as an AVN technician, recruiter and too many other…

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