The History of Windsor’s Lancaster

 

     Out of the 430 Lancaster’s built and produced in Canada by Victory Aircraft in Malton Ontario, the Windsor icon, serial number FM212, came out of the factory in July of 1945, too late for wartime service. The gun turrets were removed and the aircraft was modified to become the first Canadian built photographic prototype with specialized camera and navigation equipment. FM 212 was utilized with the newest technology available to photomap the high arctic areas that at the time were non-existent. It performed a many other different services such as, reconnaissance, search and rescue, ice patrol and aircrew training, thus FM 212 became the “highest time flown” Lancaster in the world with a total of 8,069.5 hours.

   With public concern around the scrapping of the Lancaster Bombers and the need for a memorial, a delegation from Windsor went to Dunnville Ontario to select a Lancaster out of several that were stored there. FM 212 was selected because it was the only one that was kept indoors. A committee was struck up and FM212 was purchased for the sum of $1,250 in 1964. It was at the time very airworthy; however it was cost prohibitive to fly it into Windsor. FM212 was sent by barge from Dunnville Ontario. Its wings and engines were disassembled from the aircraft for the journey and was unloaded to Dieppe Park Gardens where crowds were allowed to tour the aircraft to raise funds for the final resting place in Jackson Park. In February of 1965 it was eventually towed from Dieppe to Jackson Park where on the 4th of July, 1965 it was dedicated to the airmen from the Windsor area, who flew the immense aircraft and committed their lives to the Freedom we now enjoy.

   It was not until 1993 that a maintenance program began with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association of Windsor that it was given a second chance for preservation. The years outside had taken a toll on the aircraft structure and maintenance had now become a very serious issue. Beginning in 1995 periodic inspections were carried out and identified several areas that were of vital concern as the deterioration over the years had taken a serious toll on the structure of the aircraft.

   On May 26, 2005 FM212 was gently lifted down from the pedestal where it was proudly displayed and was taken on a journey to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association hanger at Windsor Airport. The very dedicated individuals there have been working diligently to restore FM212 to flying condition. It has been and will continue to be a laborious job, yet the volunteers continue to happily restore an icon that represents the honor and dignity for the ones who gave their lives for the Freedoms we have today. It is not an easy task nor is it inexpensive. Over the years FM212 has suffered many indignities and restoring the damage has been an uphill battle, yet CH2A has been there working long hard hours searching and repairing many missing and damaged areas on the airframe.

   It’s no secret it takes cash, and lots of it. You can log on to our Click N’ Print page to send them a donation through our show to preserve the rich history and the memory of the servicemen who made sure we can have the choices and freedom that we enjoy to this day. It is a project that deserves support and we can’t wait for the day when it rolls out finally finished.