Lancaster EE182 at Moran, Michigan, U.S.A.

[David Layne]

Jim Hendershott of Utah sent me these pictures. Jim tells me that in 1943 when he was 9 and living on the Upper Penninular of Michigan Lancaster EE182 landed at Moran, Michigan.

According to Jim the pilot Flt/Lt W.O. Ross informed the curious onlookers that he was lost and requested fuel. Apparently on attempting to get airborne Ross ran off the end of the runway. He was subsequently towed back to the end of the runway and made a successful take off.

From what I have found out EE182 served with 101 &103 Squadrons before going to the U.S.A. in July 1943. She participated in cold weather trials in Canada from January 1944 through to 1947.

Can anyone add to this story and come up with a little more on Ross?

[Kyt]

I think the name and rank is wrong. There is no W O Ross listed in the LG - as a F/Lt he should have atleast one mention.

And the dates correspond with the following details:

At the end of his second tour, when he was commissioned as a pilot officer, Ross was selected to take a Lancaster to America for trials, the first time the four-engine bomber had visited the country.

The aircraft had additional fuel tanks fitted and on June 28 (1943) he left Prestwick for Gander on Newfoundland before flying on to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, where he and his crew spent eight weeks on experimental trials with the USAAF.

That would be Nicky Ross, who was with 103 at the time (and those are clearly 103 markings)

Flt Lt Nicky Ross - Telegraph

[David Layne]

Thanks Kyt. Curious as to the tarp on the mid upper turret.

[Kyt]

That was common feature when flying non-op or ferrying - to protect the perspex, and keep out the elements because of the gaps after the guns had been removed.. You can just make out that the rear turret is covered too.

[David Layne]

Also behind the spinners.

[Kyt]

I was wondering about that because that just looks its been draped over the cowling

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Kyt

I was wondering about that because that just looks its been draped over the cowling

Looks to me to be protecting the area between the propellor hub and the front casing of the engine which will be exposed. It's possible the exhaust stacks were too hot to cover the whole engine.

[Ferhilt]

Its definitely bunched up, could just be prepping for the tow.

Any idea what the experimental trials were for?

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Ferhilt

Its definitely bunched up, could just be prepping for the tow.

Any idea what the experimental trials were for?

I understand they dropped bren gun carriers by parachute from different altitudes.

[Nostalgair]

Hi All,

It's an interesting shot. The top one almost lends itself to a 'caption competition'.

Thanks for sharing David.

Cheers

Owen