Type: Bomber aircraft

Make: Metropolitan-Vickers Ltd

Model: Avro Lancaster Mk I

Serial number: W4783

Squadron code: AR-G

Call sign: G for George / G George

Service: 460 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Conflict: Second World War

Missions: 89

1942: Built

1942-44: Military service

1944-45: Civilian service

1950s: Acquired by the Australian War Memorial (RELAWM31788)

The most popular aircraft held in the Australian War Memorial's National Collection is the fully restored Avro Lancaster Mk I, 'G for George. Over the decades, the service, conservation, and display of 'G for George' has captured the attention of millions and has played an important role in helping to shape our understanding of Australia's military history.

This bomber was flown by No. 460 Squadron RAAF on 89 operational missions over Europe during the height of the bombing offensive of 1942–44. A true workhorse, 'G for George' continued to serve Australia long after the war.  On its retirement from combat duty, 'George' was flown to Australia, where it played a major role in raising War Bonds during a round-Australia publicity trip.

During the 1950s, the Australian War Memorial acquired the aircraft and put it on display. In the late 1990s the 'George' underwent significant conservation treatment - an exercise that was immeasurably valuable from an historic, scientific, and cultural perspective.

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Learn more about the conservation of 'G for George' at the Australian War Memorial (external website).

Please note: all links listed below are to external websites.

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Immerse yourself in the 360-degree immersive experience of ‘G for George’, as part of the Australian War Memorial’s online exhibition On Closer Inspection.

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Watch a Last Post Ceremony and commemorate the service of airmen who served with ‘G for George’

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Learn more about the navigation maps and log from ‘G for George’ – used during the Nurembeg bombing raid on 30-31 March 1944.

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Take a look at these key items, held in the Australian War Memorial’s National Collection to discover more of the story:

View logbook of Pilot Officer KJ Godwin, 460 Squadron, RAAF.

View leather flying helmet of Flight Lieutenant HL Britton, 46 Squadron, RAAF.

View war savings certificate, a Commonwealth initiative promoted by ‘G for George’ during WWII.

View artwork Bomber crew by Stella Bowen, depicting members of 460 Squadron.

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For more details about 'G for George':

• Australian War Memorial, online exhibition Big Things In Store - https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/exhibitions/bigthingsinstore/lancaster
  

For more details about 460 Squadron:

• Australian War Memorial encyclopedia, "460 Squadron" - https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U59445

REFERENCES

Images: Australian War Memorial VIC1751, P10384.001, RELAWM31788

Information compiled primarily from references on the Australian War Memorial's website.