The "City of Lincoln" (PA474)  [@ RAF Coningsby]

One of only two Lancaster's remaining in air worthy condition out of the 7377 that were built, the other being in Canada. Built in Chester in mid 1945 and was earmarked for the "Tiger Force" in the Far East. However, the war with Japan ended before it could take part in any hostilities. It was therefore assigned to Photographic Reconnaissance duties with 82 Squadron in East and South Africa. While operating with 82 Squadron the turrets were removed.

The "City of Lincoln" (PA474)  [@ RAF Waddington 2002]

On return to the United Kingdom it was loaned to Flight Refuelling Ltd at Tarrant Rushton to be used as a pilotless drone. However, before the conversion started, the Air Ministry decided to use a Lincoln aircraft instead and so it was transferred to the Royal College of Aeronautics where it was used for trials on the Handley Page Laminar Flow wing. The trial wings were mounted vertically on the upper rear fuselage. In 1964 it was adopted by the Air Historical Branch (AHB) for future display in the proposed RAF Museum at Hendon and was flown to Wroughton where it was painted in a camouflage paint scheme, though without squadron markings. During this period the Lancaster also took part in two films, 'Operation Crossbow' and 'The Guns of Navarone'. Later in 1964 it was moved to RAF Henlow in preparation for display at the RAF Museum. The first unit to be equipped with Lancasters was 44 Squadron and in 1965 the Commanding Officer of this unit, which was now flying Vulcans from RAF Waddington, sought permission from the AHB for the Lancaster to be transferred to the care of the Squadron. An inspection found that the aircraft was structurally sound and permission was granted for it to make a single flight from Henlow to Waddington.

The "City of Lincoln" (PA474)  [@ RAF Waddington 2002]

At Waddington it was given the markings 'KM-B' commemorating John Nettleton VC and the aircraft he flew on the Augsburg raid on 17 April 1942. A restoration programme then began that would take several years to complete. By 1966 work was progressing well and both the front and rear turrets were in place. Permission to fly the Lancaster regularly was granted in 1967, although restoration continued. The aircraft eventually joined the BBMF in November 1973. 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 it in 1975, the same year that the aircraft was adopted by the City of Lincoln. During the winter of 1995/96 the Lancaster received a brand new main spar which will extend the flying life well into the new millennium.