Lancaster KB882 – Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada
Greetings to you all,
As Peter has been hinting, I have been involved in the initial stages of what is certain to be a very long road. Having stated this, there has been more progress and attention given to this WW2 combat veteran and long serving post war RCAF Lancaster in the past year than over the previous 40.
I have met with City of Edmundston officials several times since 2004. Prior to these meetings, many (and I mean MANY) local residents and elected persons had absolutely no idea what a national treasure they had sitting neglected in their very own backyard.
KB882 served overseas during WW2, completing several operational bombing missions with her 428 Squadron crews. Upon her return to Canada in 1945, she went into long term storage until 1952 when the old kite was modified into a Mk.10 AR configuration. KB882 served with 408 Squadron from 1952 until retired in 1964. Bought by the now defunct AFA Wing in Edmundston for $1500.00, she was FLOWN from CFB Trenton, ON to Fredricton, NB…they had to wait because the runway at the new airport had not cured. KB882 was flown to her present location and has remained ever since, just off the tarmac. All four RR Merlin engines are in place and nearly complete – I recently learned that several engineers from the local paper mill actually started one of her engines in 1974/75. At that time there was still over 300 gallons of fuel remaining in the tanks!
Now for the important part of this story – two of KB882’s original war-time crew members are still living in Canada. I have spoken to one of them as well as the pilot’s widow. She very much wants to see this A/C preserved for future generations. My research into post WW2 RCAF use of the Lancaster has allowed me the great honour of speaking to and interviewing flight and ground crews who served in, on and around them for several decades.
I spent one week in Edmundston in November cleaning the entire aircraft from nose to tail. With the assistance of two local volunteers and one City official, we removed all remaining equipment (plus four bags of garbage), cleaned, photographed, inventoried and then stored everything that was possible. We succeeded (inspite of the freezing temperature and snow) in removing port starboard engine cover to make a brief inspection of that big, beautiful Merlin.
So, yes, it is true! Another Canadian built Mk.X Avro Lancaster is now taking its first steps towards indoor preservation. Since KB882 served for an additional 12 post war years, we believe she will be restored in her current livery – to honour all RCAF crews. In addition to the airframe restoration, there is a very good chance that all four of the Rolls Royce Merlins will be restored to ground running or full taxi condition. But let us not exclude the ultimate dream, flight.
Please visit my website for more information.
Sincerely,
Troy R. Kirkby
Windsor, Nova Scotia
Canada
http://www.lancaster-kb882.freeservers.com
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