The Iconic Aviation Collection

Into the Cauldron

460 SQUADRON RAAF WAS RAISED AS AN AUSTRALIAN MANNED UNIT UNDER RAF CONTROL AS A PART OF THE BOMBER COMMAND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Avro Lancaster Mk. I, W4783 arrived on strength of 460 Squadron RAAF during October of 1942. It was assigned the code AR-G, and call sign ‘G’ for George. During the war AR-G was one of thousands of aircraft and personnel who flew night operations against European targets. No target could have been considered more hazardous than the German capital Berlin. ‘G’ for George first flew to Berlin on 16 January 1943. On the night of 3/4 September 1943 the target for 460 Squadron was again in the heart of Germany. At this stage ‘G’ was captained by F/Sgt Harold ‘Cherry’ Carter and the mission was his seventh. On this operation 460 Squadron committed a near maximum effort of twenty-four aircraft. Tragically three aircraft failed to return. 460 Squadron RAAF set an enviable record within Bomber Command during WWII, however, the efficiency and accolades came at a cost losing over 180 aircraft on operations and the highest number of casualties for an Australian squadron. ‘G’ for George completed 90 operations with the Australian unit during WWII and attained the second highest mission tally of all Lancasters. Remarkably it survived and was eventually flown back to Australia and is now exhibited at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.