With the RAF night time bomber fleets comprising of more than 150 aircraft plus, all flying in close proximity for enemy night fighter protection, the threat of bomber collision was ever present.
Taking off from airfields across Southern Britain, RAF bombers would form up over the English Channel into closely packed columns for their flight to the night's target.
While a moonless night was considered a bonus for bomber crews trying sneak past the Luftwaffe's circling night fighters, it was also a mixed blessing, as it made forming up and maintaining a tight formation much more difficult in the total darkness. Throw in adverse weather conditions and it almost became impossible and only further increased the possibility of a bomber collision.
The German night-fighter ground controllers, were scanning up and down the frequencies to detect bomber 'chatter' to which they could then guide one of their fighters to. With the maintaining of radio silence critical to crew safety, The Avro Lancaster along with many of the other heavy British bombers were equiped with a small white morse code light just aft of the Rear Upper Gun Turret.
The Lancaster's pilot or Flight Engineer would operate one of the four Morse Code Sender Keys in the main cockpit to communicate to other bombers in the darkness. This was particularly useful for Lancasters trying to form up or for a striken Lancaster to indicate distress and often enable others to sheppard it home.
* Please note that this original Recovery Curios Aircraft Display is also available in a Super Detailed, Large Scale 1/48 version with some astounding and simply awesome detail. Click on the ‘1/48 Scale Model Option' at the top of this page to order.
This Avro Lancaster Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
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Your Avro Lancaster Morse Code Communication Light, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
The heavily detailed scale model is available with wheels & flaps up or down and bomb bays open or closed. Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 6 - 8 weeks approx plus postage.
Did you fly, crew or maintain an Avro Lancaster or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.