Of the 7,377 Lancasters built, over half were lost in bombing ops or training accidents. And of the 125,000 people who served in Bomber Command as a whole, just over 55,000 were killed.
How many Lancaster bombers shot down?
The Avro Lancaster is a British four-engine heavy bomber used by the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces during World War II. Of the 7,377 aircraft built, 3,736 were lost during the War (3,249 in action and 487 in ground accidents).
What was the life expectancy of a Lancaster bomber crew?
The Lancaster was one of the most dangerous places to be in the entire war – the life expectancy of a new recruit was just two weeks.
How many surviving Lancaster bombers are there?
There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world – 7,377 were built. Lancaster PA474 was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester on 31 May 1945, just after VE day.
How many died in Bomber Command?
55,573 killed
Casualties. Bomber Command crews suffered an extremely high casualty rate: 55,573 killed out of a total of 125,000 aircrew (a 44.4 percent death rate), a further 8,403 were wounded in action and 9,838 became prisoners of war.
What was the life expectancy of a B-17 crew?
Nothing in the peacetime lives of thousands of young Americans had prepared them for the violence that lay ahead. Although such statistics were not circulated among Army Air Forces crews, the average life expectancy of an Eighth Air Force B-17 in late 1943 was 11 missions.
What was the life expectancy of a ww2 pilot?
The average life expectancy of a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain was just four weeks. Despite this alarming figure, aspiring fighter pilots continued to join the RAF throughout the conflict, supporting the efforts of ground troops and defending their country.
Did Lancaster bombers have toilets?
During World War 2, large bomber aircraft, such as the American Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the British Avro Lancaster, carried chemical toilets (basically a bucket with seat and cover, see bucket toilet); in British use, they were called “Elsans” after the company that manufactured them.
What plane shot down the most planes in WW2?
It is accurate to state that the P-38 did shoot down more Japanese aircraft than any other USAAF plane with 1,857, with the P-40 running a close second at 1,633.5.
What was the life expectancy of a tail gunner?
The Rear-Turret Gunners were in the most vulnerable position on the Plane. The life expectancy of a WW2 Rear-gunner varied but was never high, mostly about just 5-Sorties.
Was the Lancaster bomber better than the B 17?
Lancaster had far better payload, far better range and smaller crew. B-17 had better ceiling, better defensive armament and more rugged construction.
Are any Lancaster bombers still flying?
Today, 17 Lancasters survive around the world, but only two are in flying condition. The Museum’s Lancaster Mk. X was built at Victory Aircraft, Malton in July 1945 and was later converted to a RCAF 10MR configuration.
Can a Lancaster bomber fly on one engine?
There are so many stories of a Lancaster coming back in with just one engine and still being able to land. Pilots and crews loved it for that.
Which pilot has the most kills in ww2?
While serving in Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War II, Erich Hartmann flew more than 1,400 missions in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, enabling him to score an astonishing 352 kills. How did Hartmann get so good at dominating the skies over the Eastern Front?
What pilot has the most kills in one day?
Emil Lang
Emil Lang shot down 18 Soviet fighters on 3 November 1943, the most kills on a single day by any pilot in history. August Lambert shot down 17 Soviet aircraft on a single day in 1944. Hubert Strassl shot down 15 Soviet aircraft on 5 July 1943 near Orel. Wilhelm Batz claimed 15 Soviet aircraft shot down on 31 May 1944.
What pilot has the most air kills?
Erich Hartmann
Erich Hartmann is the most successful fighter pilot of all times – with 352 kills. A number that will never be surpassed. His nickname „Bubi“ means „little boy“ – and it’s easy to find out why he was called like that. He was also called „The black devil“.
How cold did it get in a B-17?
The planes were unheated and open to the outside air. The crew wore electrically heated suits and heavy gloves that provided some protection against temperatures that could dip to 60 degrees below zero.
What is the oldest bomber still in service?
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) since the 1950s.
How many tail gunners died in WW2?
Some claim that as many as 20,000 Air Gunners were killed during WW2.
What were the odds of surviving ww2?
Approximately 16 million Americans wore the uniform in WWII, and 290,000 died in combat. So, just under 2%. Another 115,000 died non-combat deaths, so now you’re up to 4%. The odds change, of course, depending on where – or if – you saw combat.
How many hours did ww2 pilots train?
On average it took between 18 months to two years (200-320 flying hours). The pathway taken to becoming a pilot also changed during the course of the war.