4 x Rolls Royce Merlin 24 engined Avro Lancaster B MK. I (Special). The second example of a production MK. I airframe, fitted with a "saddle-tank" conversion, at Boscombe Down in April 1945 for tests. Later flew to the Far East. Scrapped 1946.
Over two million American servicemen passed through Britain during the Second World War. In 1944, at the height of activity, up to half a million were based there with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Their job was to man and maintain the vast fleets of aircraft needed to attack German cities and industry.
![Keystone Photo Shows: Gable talks, from behind a machine-gun, to Sgt. Gunner Phil Hulse, of Springfield, Mo., Right, and Sgt. Gunner Kenneth Huls, from Perkin, Oklahoma.’ On reverse: US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamp]. Print No: 268131.](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_mobile_2x/public/2018-06/1_132.jpg?itok=x2dtLEgi)