Nanton Museum

1. Avro Lancaster FM159, built at Victory Aircraft at Malton Ontario Canada in early 1945. Built too late to see active service, she was flown into storage with number 32 Maintenance Unit in England. After the end of hostilities in Europe, she was flown back to Canada for preparation for “Tiger Force” to fight in the Pacific War. These plans were canceled with the dropping of the Atomic bomb and the subsequent surrender of the Japanese.
Towards the end of 1945, FM159 was flown into storage at Fort Macleod Alberta to await a decision on her future. Do to her very low airframe hours, she was reactivated with the RCAF in 1953 and was flown out to Ontario that same year to undergo conversion into a Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Initially taken on strength with 103 Rescue unit based out of Greenwood Nova Scotia and later with 407 Squadron based out of Comox, British Columbia,she served her squadrons well until 1959 when she was flown to Vulcan for disposal.
Three local gentlemen from Nanton, Alberta, decided that an aircraft would make a fitting memorial to the aircrews killed in action as well as becoming a tourist attraction. After hearing that there were Lancaster’s being broken up at Vulcan, George White contacted Crown Assets to inquire as to the possibility of acquiring a “Lanc” for display. With the help of Fred Garrett and Howie Armstrong, Lancaster FM159 was purchased from Vulcan and towed across farmers fields and up onto the highway to the town of Nanton. Over the years, vandals and the weather started to take their toll on the aircraft despite the efforts of local service clubs and individuals.
In 1986 a group calling themselves The Nanton Lancaster Society was formed to better look after the bomber and its future. When a windstorm tore the port elevator from the tail, the decision was made to begin fundraising for construction of a building to house the aircraft. With donations from thousands of people worldwide and loans from the Province and the town, a building was completed in 1991 and the aircraft was finally rolled indoors where restoration to ground running condition is underway.
In 1991, the Nanton Lancaster Society dedicated Lancaster FM159 to Ian Bazelgette V.C 635 Squadron. The aircraft now carries the markings of his aircraft F2-T.
2. Nose mock-up used for filming. The nose art was painted by Matthew Ferguson. Note the “shell holes” simulating battle damage.
3. Another view of the nose of FM159.
4. Some of our BAES tour group helping to lift the Lancaster rear turret. From left: John Maddocks, Ian McAllister, Jeff, Colin Burgess, the resident Nanton aircraft engineer.
5. Bristol Blenheim IV replica based on Bolingbroke 9989 donated by Harry and Anne Whereatt of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. It served with #3 Bombing and Gunnery School at MacDonald, Manitoba as part of the BCATP. In 1946 almost 150 Bolingbrokes were sold as surplus out of the MacDonald base. This aircraft was purchased by Mr. Whereatt from a farmer in southern Manitoba and then towed to his home near Assiniboia.
As the museum’s primary focus is to honour those associated with Bomber Command during World War II, this aircraft has been restored as a Bomber Command Blenheim IV. On August 12, 2000 it was dedicated to the memory of P/O Barry A. Davidson, a Calgary pilot who was shot down, probably by anti-aircraft fire, while flying 18 Sqn Blenheim IV R3662 on July 6, 1940. P/O Davidson and his two crewmembers, Sgt J. Gilmour and Sgt R. J. Fisk, had taken off from West Raynham to attack aerodromes in France. All three were captured and became prisoners of war.
6. Fleet Fawn Mk II 264, donated to the Nanton Lancaster Society by Mr. Oakman in 1990
Fleet Fawn Mk II (c/n 123) was delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force on July 7th, 1938. It was designated as serial 264 and assigned to 115F Squadron. After serving throughout the war it was “struck-off-strength” on December 3rd, 1945.
Ernie Oakman of Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan purchased the aircraft together with Fawn serial 220 putting one in the loft of his barn for safekeeping and the other in his yard for his children to play in. Eventually both aircraft became the property of Harry Whereatt of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Serial 264 was returned to Ernie in trade for the remains of a Hawker Hurricane; Serial 220 was restored to flying condition by Mr. Whereatt and is now the property of the Reynolds Air Museum Wetaskawin.
7. Avro CF-100 Canuck 18152 JF-152 and Lockheed CT-133 Silver Star 133616.
8. Bolingbroke interior