Episode 68 – Unveiling The Captain’s Fancy

Speakers: Phil Furner, Michael Frawley, Ron Mayhill DFC, Group Captain Mike Longstaff, Squadron Leader Stuart Hight, Squadron Leader Dr. Jonathan Pote MBE (rtd)

Host: Dave Homewood

Duration: 53 minutes, 36 seconds

Topic: The New Zealand Bomber Command Association has recently had the Avro Lancaster bomber at MOTAT, which the NZBCA looks after, re-marked with the cods, serial and nose art of the famous No. 75 (NZ) Squadron Lancaster NE181 “The Captain’s Fancy”. That aircraft flew over 100 operations over enemy territory (it’s thought to have completed 107 ops).

This episode is a recording of the proceedings during the official unveiling of the aircraft in its new markings. There were over twenty Bomber Command veterans present, and family of the aircrew members who flew in ‘The Captain’s Fancy’. Also present was the RNZAF’s Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Mike Yardley, among other Air Force and Museum VIP’s.

Quick Links:

• The Wings Over New Zealand Aviation Forum thread about bombers that achieved 100 or more operations, which sparked the idea for this change in markings on our New Zealand Lancaster

• Photos of the process of this nose art and new markings being applied on the Wings Over New Zealand Aviation Forum

• Photos of this event on the New Zealand Bomber Command Association’s Facebook page

• The New Zealand Bomber Command Association’s Facebook page

• The New Zealand Bomber Command Association’s website

• The Museum of Transport and Technologys website