goshikisen wrote:
p51 wrote:
Does anyone know when the last time two Lancs flew together?
According to a CBC story on the Lanc's Atlantic crossing:
The last time Lancasters flew together was 50 years ago over Toronto, at RCAF Station Downsview. The RCAF flew a special formation of three of the bombers in April 1964 to mark their retirement from service.I wonder if FM213 was part of that formation.
Yes. 1 May 1964 a ceremony at RCAF Downsview marked the full retirement of the Lancaster from service with a fly past of the last 3: KB796, FM104 & FM213.
KB796 has changed hands several times and suffered damage during a hangar collapse in 1987. It is now in the hands of Kermit Weeks' Planes of Fame with intention of restoration to flight along with parts from other survivors.
FM104 was bought by the City of Toronto, repainted in camouflage and set on a pedestal in Coronation Park, Toronto. After 36 years of neglect, bird invasion and vandalism, it was removed and is currently being restores for static display by the Canadian Air and Space Museum. Sadly, the single pedestal display mount proved a bad idea as structural damage was considerable.
FM213 was bought by the Royal Canadian Legion and set on display in Goderich, Ontario. Bought by CWHM in 1977, restored and flying since 1988.