{"product_id":"raf-avro-lancaster-b-ii-ds834-115-squadron-combat-loss-relic-display","title":"RAF Avro Lancaster B.II (DS834) 115 Squadron Combat Loss Relic Display","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwn and preserve this extremely rare piece of Avro Lancaster B.II (Mark II) of 115 Squadron RAF combined in this 11x17-inch (artwork size) wall-hanging display combined with Ron Cole's original and stunning artwork of this aircraft prior to its loss to a German night fighter flown by Leutnant Otto Fries of 5.\/NJG 1. Each signed \u0026amp; numbered 1 - 75.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvro Lancaster B.II DS834, coded KO-F, served with No. 115 Squadron RAF and was built by Armstrong Whitworth at Whitley, Coventry. It belonged to the comparatively rare Bristol Hercules-powered branch of the Lancaster family. Although the standard Lancaster used four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the rapid expansion of British aircraft production created concern that Merlin supplies might become insufficient. The engine was also essential to aircraft such as the Spitfire, Hurricane and Mosquito, while British factories remained vulnerable to German bombing. The Lancaster II therefore emerged primarily as insurance against an anticipated Merlin shortage, rather than simply as a response to an existing shortage that had stopped production. By adapting the Lancaster to an alternative engine, the RAF could continue receiving heavy bombers if Merlin deliveries were interrupted. The first Hercules-powered prototype flew on 26 November 1941.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLancaster II development history:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bristol Hercules was a supercharged, fourteen-cylinder radial engine, with its cylinders arranged in two rows and employing Bristol’s distinctive sleeve-valve system. Unlike the liquid-cooled Merlin, it relied on air cooling, eliminating the extensive coolant plumbing and radiators and giving the Lancaster II its characteristic rounded engine cowlings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0241\/1737\/files\/1000032449.jpg?v=1794596638\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnly 300 production Lancaster IIs were built by Armstrong Whitworth. As British Merlin output increased and American-built Packard Merlins became available in substantial numbers, the feared supply crisis receded, and further radial-engined Lancaster production became unnecessary. No. 115 Squadron replaced its Wellingtons with Lancaster IIs in March 1943 and moved to RAF Witchford that November, placing DS834 in the squadron’s operations during the winter bombing offensive. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e115 Squadron history:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn 29 December 1943, DS834 departed Witchford at 17:28 for Berlin, carrying a 4,000-pound bomb and a substantial load of incendiaries. Its participation in the 712-aircraft operation is documented: the force comprised 457 Lancasters, 252 Halifaxes and three Mosquitos. The approach passed south of the Ruhr and near Leipzig, while diversionary attacks sought to confuse German night-fighter control. Berlin was cloud-covered, requiring reliance on aerial target markers. After bombing the capital, DS834 began its homeward journey but was intercepted near Tungelroy by a night fighter flown by Leutnant Otto Fries of 5.\/NJG 1. Accounts describe a prolonged engagement and vigorous corkscrew evasive maneuvers before a wing caught fire and the aircraft broke apart. It crashed near Nelehof Farm, south of Weert in the Netherlands, late that evening, during the operation conventionally dated 29\/30 December 1943.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe crash site of this Lancaster has been known since the war and countless shallow excavations have taken place over the years, though today the site has been described as 'clean'. A well-marked and well-preserved section of manifold pipe originated from this site (see images) and it is the source of the relics combined with these displays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0241\/1737\/files\/Lanc-2-REL-COA.jpg?v=1794598952\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAny relics from the rare B.II variant of the famous Lancaster are seldom encountered in any condition, and the aircraft type is extinct. This is therefore a unique opportunity to collect a verified piece of RAF and World War II history, and within a stunning presentation with full history and provenance!      \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cole's Aircraft","offers":[{"title":"17 x 11 Framed Display","offer_id":67697159176441,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0241\/1737\/files\/Lancaster-BII-VIRT-2.jpg?v=1794599562","url":"https:\/\/roncole.net\/products\/raf-avro-lancaster-b-ii-ds834-115-squadron-combat-loss-relic-display","provider":"Cole's Aircraft","version":"1.0","type":"link"}