Windsor’s Lancaster Memorial FM212

Windsor’s Lancaster Memorial FM212

• One of 430 Lancasters produced in Canada, it was built in July 1945 by Victory Aircraft in Malton (Toronto)
• “FM212” is the manufacturer’s serial number for this particular aircraft
• Too late to see wartime service, FM212 was test flown then placed in storage.  It was later modified to become the first Canadian-built Mark 10P (photographic) prototype.  The gun turrets were deleted, and specialized camera and navigation equipment was installed, as well as two 400 gal. auxiliary fuel tanks in the bomb bay for extra range
• Taken on strength by 413 Photo Squadron RCAF in 1947 before being transferred to 408 Squadron at Rockcliffe (Ottawa) in 1949
• Performed a variety of roles including photomapping, reconnaissance, search & rescue, ice patrol, aircrew training and navigation exercises, etc.   The photomapping was its predominant role however, and it utilized the new Shoran technology to accurately photograph the high Arctic areas to produce maps which until that time had been non-existent
• Wore several different paint schemes and markings during its service life such as “AK A”, “MN 212”  and finally just “212”
• Logged 8,069.5 hours before being retired in 1962.  Even today it is among the highest time Lancasters in the world
• With public concern growing about the scrapping of the last Lancaster Bombers, and the need for a local Memorial, a delegation consisting of Harry Brumpton, Cec Southward, Al Phillips and Ernie Waddell went to Dunnville, Ontario to select a Lancaster from the several that were stored there.   They selected FM212 because it was the only Lancaster stored indoors
• A “Lancaster for Windsor” committee was formed headed by Wing Commander Joseph Mencel, and included many members of the Air Force Club of Windsor
• FM212 was purchased as a Memorial by the City of Windsor for $1,250 in 1964.  Although airworthy, it was cost prohibitive to fly it to Windsor, so it was sent by barge from Dunnville, Ont. to Dieppe Park Gardens in August of that same year
• Upon arrival at Dieppe Park, the wings and engines were re-installed by Parks employees and the aircraft placed on temporary display                    
• The Lancaster remained in Dieppe Park through the autumn of 1964 and public tours were conducted for 50 cents per person.   The money raised was used to pay for construction of the pedestal and other associated costs
• Towed to Jackson Park in Feb. 1965 and installed on the pedestal soon afterwards
• Dedicated on July 4, 1965 to the approximately 400 airmen from this area that died in WWII
• Maintained by Windsor’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation until a co-operative maintenance program began with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association in Sept. of 1993
• Beginning in 1995, periodic inspections were carried out by an aeronautical engineering firm, which identified several areas of concern about the aircraft’s structure.  It is also commonly recognized that a general deterioration of the aircraft as a whole has occurred over the years
• Out of the 7,377 Lancasters built worldwide seventeen still exist, eight of which are in Canada, including Windsor’s Lancaster FM212
• Learn more by visiting the website:  www.lancasterfm212.freeservers.com