Lanc S for Sugar

[JDK]

Avro Lancaster S for Sugar.

Survives today, in the Bomber Command Hall at the RAF Museum.



The period caption reads 'S for Sugar - a grand old lady.

AVM Wrigley, S/L Winter, Duke of Gloucester, W/C Scott.'

(That's Air Vice Marshal Henry Neilson Wrigley, CBE, DFC (RAAF) Squadron Leader Winter, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Wing Commander Scott.)

The quote on the fuselage side is by a chap called Herman Goering, also known as 'Meyer'...

From an album in the RAF Museum collection.

Lancaster B I R5868 "S-Sugar"
The oldest surviving Lancaster flew 137 operations, originally as "Q-Queenie" with No. 83 Squadron RAF from RAF Scampton and then as "S-Sugar" with No. 463 and No. 467 RAAF Squadrons from RAF Waddington. This aircraft was the first RAF heavy bomber aircraft to complete 100 operations (going on to fly 137 sorties[15]) and is now on display at the RAF Museum, Hendon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Lancaster

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QEkBu5lDfAo&feature=related

[JimH]

two weeks ago

jimh

[Sean Curtiss]

The best is: "No Enemy Plane Will Fly Over The Reich Territory" Herman Goering

They had to begin a useless war just to satisfy their egos and mental disturbances (Goering was extremely egocentric, selfish and a coward in the end) and for what? It's much of what other dictators are doing today (take Hugo Chavez for example).

Mind everyone, but it's most satisfying when you see these aircrafts, the crew that piloted them and feel proud knowing that THEY DID the job of defeating who was against freedom and liberty. I hope that future generations never forget this.

[k5083]

The best is: "No Enemy Plane Will Fly Over The Reich Territory" Herman Goering

They had to begin a useless war just to satisfy their egos and mental disturbances (Goering was extremely egocentric, selfish and a coward in the end) and for what? It's much of what other dictators are doing today (take Hugo Chavez for example).

Mind everyone, but it's most satisfying when you see these aircrafts, the crew that piloted them and feel proud knowing that THEY DID the job of defeating who was against freedom and liberty. I hope that future generations never forget this.

I hope future generations have a more realistic notion of why wars start. It goes well beyond egotism and mental illness, and even freedom and liberty.

August

[Sean Curtiss]

I hope future generations have a more realistic notion of why wars start. It goes well beyond egotism and mental illness, and even freedom and liberty.

We could debate this subject endlessly, but I can't disagree on what you wrote.

[Robbo]

Here's some I prepared earlier:

[mustangdriver]

I am dying to go there and see this awesome aircraft eventually.

[Mudge]

Driver...make your trip to Hendon the same time you go to Duxford. Both are awesome.

Mudge the merciless

[Glyn]

[quote="Mudge"]Driver...make your trip to Hendon the same time you go to Duxford. Both are awesome.

Well, it would be CRIMINAL to miss the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Somerset.

[k5083]

Driver...make your trip to Hendon the same time you go to Duxford. Both are awesome.

Well, it would be CRIMINAL to miss the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, Somerset.

I have committed that crime! In my defense, Yeovilton is a bit harder to get to from the London area where most vacationers stay. I do intend make amends next visit to the UK. From photos I've seen, though, it appears that Yeovilton is a worthy rival to the worst US museums in terms of dark, crowded, and generally unfavorable viewing conditions for the aircraft.

August

[Mudge]

Yeovilton pictures, please. Well...maybe not. I just watched the video and the place does, in fact, look quite dreary and uninviting. No offense intended. Just my observation.

Mudge the intrigued

[k5083]

You're quite right Mudge. I do have a few of a friend's that I could post, though.

Besides the dreariness, I wish museums that display naval aircraft would resist the temptation to fold the wings and pack them tighter than on a carrier hangar deck!

August

[JDK]

How did we get from a W.W.II photo of a Lancaster to the FAA Museum?

Well, whatever. I have no professional connection to any of the museums, but I would say that while the RAF Museum (a magnificent collection (currently) poorly managed and curated) does the least with the most, the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton probably does the most with the least cash. It's remained near the top of my personal museum rating due to their ability to incorporate innovation within and around their displays, a intriguing collection of oddities and professional and helpful staff. They have on several occasions set the benchmark with world standard displays appearing there for the first time in the UK (the Concorde display, 'Leading Edge', the Corsair conservation exercise, and 'Carrier' interactive.) despite less resources than most other comparable museums.

Yes, it's as long way (in British terms) from anywhere else. Yes, it's dark in many areas. But it's d@mn good.

Regards,

[gregv]

Was S Sugar ever repainted post-war service, or is she still in her last original coat of paint?

I remember seeing her back in 1984, and thinking how big it seemed; until I stood under the Vulcan, that is, and marveled at the expanse of aircraft above me in all directions....


greg v.

[daveymac82c]

Another question regarding the Lanc, and GregV I hope I don't get in the way of people answering your question....

But,

I've always noticed the big black bump on the bottom of the Lancaster's fuselage just aft the bombay, but never really understood what it housed. Can someone explain to me it's purpose? Electronics? Nav Aids?

And how come they chose to never put a belly turret in that position? Was it because night raids didn't require too much protection from underneath?

Cheers,

David McIntosh