THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AVRO LANCASTER

FOREWORD

There have been a number of books about the Lancaster Bomber and many more in which reference has been made to it. These in the main have concentrated on its operational use and the exploits of those who flew in it. Where the genesis of the aircraft has been covered, there has been a tendency to rely on previously published material, around which some legends have grown. This is not surprising in view of the secrecy surrounding not only the initiation of the Lancaster but also the early development of its predecessor the Manchester. Over the years this early secrecy has been supplemented by a serious fire at A.V. Roe's Chadderton factory where much archive material perished. In succeeding years, Company reorganisation has further served to dilute what remained.

In the light of these observations, the Manchester Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society has undertaken to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Lancaster's first flight on 9th January 1941 by researching and publishing the technical development of the aircraft from the Manchester, by drawing upon the records which survive and the recollections of those who participated in a memorable episode of aeronautical history.

It is to the memory of Roy Dobson, Roy Chadwick, and their teams that the book is dedicated. It is also a tribute to those who survive and have given so freely of their time to make its publication possible. It is said that history becomes that which is written down. It is my hope and belief that what is written here is beyond question and that it may prove to be worth the effort made in its preparation.

M. J. Taylor,

Chairman,

Manchester Branch