RAF BBMF Lane gets new markings

摘要

The Raf Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster B.I, PA474, received new markings at the beginning of September. It now represents DV385 Thumper Mk III of 617 Sqn. The nose-art features the cartoon rabbit - from the 1942 Walt Disney cartoon Bambi - holding a foaming pint of beer. The artwork was painted by Clive Denny from Audley End-based Vintage Fabrics, in the Eastern Airways Hangar at Humberside Airport. Fittingly, DV385 was delivered to 617 Sqn at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, in November 1943 (the base is now the home of the RAF BBMF). The bomber flew a total of 50 "ops", of which 37 were successful. The bomb symbols include one with a "D" for Operation Taxable, the "spoof" D-Day chaff mission on June 5/6,1944 (see March 2011 Aeroplane). There is also one swastika denoting a kill against a German fighter.