SHINING SWORD: The Tale of Legendary Lancaster Bomber-ME746

This is the tale of Avro Lancaster Bomber Serial No. ME746 nicknamed ‘Roger Squared.' One of 7,377 Lancaster's built that would go on to reach legendary status after attaining the rare distinction of becoming a 'Ton-Up Lanc.' Attaining an astounding 126 operational sorties in its service on RAF Bomber Command's No. 166 Squadron. This remarkable bomber impacted the lives of all she encountered from her humble beginnings to the groundcrews that ensured she was fit to fly, to the aircrews that flew her over heavily contested enemy skies, and the path to her final end. We think of machines as inanimate objects but defying any reasonable explanation the collective spirit of everyone that interacted with this bomber breathed life into her. All outward appearances would lead one to believe she had become one with the world around her.
Describing the Lancaster Bomber, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris called it RAF Bomber Command’s ‘Shining Sword’ and ME746 was one among the many that helped turn the tide of war into the Allies favor, earning the old girl high praise for her valiant deeds and faithful service.
A follow-up companion piece to ‘Undaunted They Flew’ it traces the aircraft’s origins from cradle-to-grave. Assembled at the Metropolitan-Vickers Ltd. plant at Moseley Road Works, Manchester she would be allocated to 166 Squadron, RAF Kirmington, Lincolnshire. She was a survivor, as the oldest Lancaster on the Squadron the painted bombs on her fuselage steadily grew in number. Consistently demonstrating the highly desirable attributes of reliability and durability she embodied what was expected of a heavy bomber conducting aerial warfare. She symbolized the spirit of 166 Squadron’s mascot the ‘English Bulldog’ and motto “Tenacity”.
Defying staggering odds, those that flew her knew each time they had diced with death and somehow lived to tell the tale. Convinced she either had a guardian angel watching over her, lady luck on her side, or blessed by Almighty God. Her end would culminate in what can best be described as a charmed and illustrious existence.