The Avro Lancaster has endured as a legendary icon of British strategic airpower from the Second World War, the ultimate aerial asset. Tough, rugged and able to perform effectively at high altitudes, the Lancaster fitted the RAF’s need for a heavy, high-altitude bomber.

From the initial risky daylight-bombing missions over Europe to the fire-bombing of German cities, the Dambuster Raids to the sinking of the Tirpitz, the Lancaster helped to profoundly secure victory for the Allies in the Second World War.

In An Illustrated History of the Avro Lancaster, Mark A. Chambers tells the fascinating story of Avro’s aircraft design philosophy and development, as well as its glorious combat record and operational history in the post-war era, using a wealth of photographs.