When Victor met Lancaster

The current 'tour' of the UK by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Lancaster  Bomber FM213, restored as  KB726, in honour of Flt Lt Andy Mynarski VC RCAF prompted a memory from 1988 when this historic aircraft first flew again in the capable hands of Sqn Ldr Tony Banfield. Ex-Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Commanding Officer.

Tony Banfield has a Victor connection, he flew Mk1 Victor Tankers with No 214 Sqn at RAF Marham in Norfolk and later flew Lancaster PA474 the BBMF as well as an illustrious career with the AAEE at RAF Boscombe Down.

At the time of the first post-restoration flight of FM213, Tony was the only current pilot to have 2 Lancasters in his logbook.

Tony is perhaps more famous for advertising flying jackets for Aviation Leathercraft and this advert has been seen in magazines for many years.