A Lancaster of No.44 Squadron taxying at RAF Waddington in September 1942 (IWM neg PMA20625)

The best known and most successful British heavy bomber used by the RAF during the Second World War was the Avro Lancaster.

The Lancaster was the last of the wartime four-engined heavy bombers to enter RAF service.

Developed from the unsuccessful twin-engined Manchester bomber, Lancasters were delivered to Bomber Command in early 1942 and first flew into action on 3 March 1942. Lancasters took part in every major night attack on Germany and by May 1945 a total of 61 squadrons were equipped with the type.

Lancaster flying through flak over Hamburg, 30 January 1942

Normally capable of lifting a 14,000 lb (6.360 kg) bomb load, special versions equipping 617 Squadron carried a single 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) Grand Slam bomb for special targets. One of the most famous Lancaster operations was the 'Dam Busters' raid in May 1943, which destroyed the Mohne and Eder dams. Production of Lancasters ceased in 1946 when 7,366 had been built.

Duxford's Lancaster was built in Canada in 1944 and served with No.428 Squadron (Royal Canadian Air Force) in the UK during the War. The Lancaster was also one of many heavy bombers later converted for maritime reconnaissance duties during and after the Second World War.