History of Lancaster FM159

Avro Lancaster FM159 was built at Victory Aircraft at Malton Ontario Canada in early 1945. Built too late to see active service, she was flown into storage with number 32 Maintenece Unit in England. After the end of hostilities in Europe, she was flown back to Canada for preparation for "Tiger Force" to fight in the Pacific War.These plans were canceled with the dropping of the Atomic bomb and the subsequent surrender of the Japanese.

 Towards the end of 1945, FM159 was flown into storage at Fort Macleod Alberta to await a decision on her future. Do to her very low airframe hours, she was reactivated with the RCAF in 1953 and was flown out to Ontario that same year to undergo conversion into a Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Initially Taken on strength with 103 Rescue unit based out of Greenwood Nova Scotia and later with 407 Squadron based out of Comox British Columbia,she served her squadrons well until 1959 when she was flown to Vulcan for disposal.

Three local Gentlemen from Nanton Alberta decided that an aircraft would make a fitting memorial to the aircrews killed in action as well as becoming a tourist attraction. After hearing that there were Lancaster's being destroyed at Vulcan, George White contacted Crown Assets to inquire as to the possibility of acquiring a "Lanc" for display. With the help of Fred Garrett and Howie Armstrong, lancaster FM159 was purchased from Vulcan and towed across farmers fields and up onto the highway to the town of Nanton.Over the years, vandals and the weather started to take their toll on the aircraft despite the efforts of local service clubs and individuals.

In 1986 a group calling themselves The Nanton Lancaster Society was formed to better look after the bomber and its future.When a windstorm tore the port elevator from the tail, the decision was made to begin fundraising for construction of a building to house the aircraft. With donations from thousands of people worldwide and loans from the Province and the town, a building was completed in 1991 and the aircraft was finally rolled indoors where restoration to ground running condition is underway.
In 1991, the Nanton Lancaster Society dedicated Lancaster FM159 to Ian Bazelgette V.C 635 Squadron. The aircraft now carries the markings of his aircraft F2-T.

In 2005 the Lancaster was rolled out of the hangar for her first engine runup in over 30years! The Lancaster was a bit reluctant to start at first  but once a couple of minor problems were sorted out, her number three engine coughed into life with the usual puff of smoke. As more runs were undertaken the glorious sound of the erlin reverberated around the town of Nanton!

In 2006, the summer event centered on the unveilng of the Bomber command memorial to all the Canadians who lost their lives with Bomber command. The lancaster was centre of attention and their was not a dry eye in the crowd as her merlin was started up and ground run to the delight of the crowd!

In 2007 work began to restore the number 4 merlin engine ti ground run. Work is just about complete on this with a setback with an unidentified noise coming from the engine which turned out to be a bad starter motor. This has now been rectified and engine runs will commence in the spring of 2008!

Updated March 4 2004