A slightly scuffed Lancaster BI that took an early bath just 2 miles from home, RAF Downham Market, in November 1942. Returning on 3 engines following an attack from a Ju88 night fighter, the game was up when she lost a second engine on final approach. With no alternative, the pilot executed a skillful wheels up landing, but couldn’t prevent the aircraft from sliding into an inconveniently sited river! The plane was declared a total loss, but since the driver was Squadron Leader John Nettleton VC, they decided to let him off!!
All 7 crew escaped unharmed.