AV600-617 No 617 Squadron Avro Lancaster cover signed by Flight Lieutenant Ken Trent DFC* 617 Squadron is arguably the most famous Squadron in the world, formed in March 1943 for the specific aim of using the Bouncing Bomb invented by Barnes Wallis against the German Dams. Having succeeded in a raid, which many would have thought impossible, the Squadron continued to take part in the war as a specialised bombing unit, attacking the Dortmund Canal, sinking Tirpitz as well as destroying/damaging tunnels, U-boat pens and bunkers.
We have selected to shown the specially modified Lancaster Mk 1 which could crarry the Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs. The aircraft is shown on the airfield with bomb underneath on its bomb trolley waiting to be loaded prior an evening raid on Germany. The artist is Ross Wardle, who was one of the Matchbox Kits artists before the company dropped out of kit market.
Flight Lieutenant Ken Trent DFC*
Ken Trent flew his initial tour with 576 and 625 Squdrons from August 1944. Most of the operations flown with 576 squadron were in 3 Lancasters which all survived to complete over 100 operations. Following the completion of the tour the crew split up and Trent continued flying operations with 625 squadron with scratch crews or new crews to give them some training. He was awarded the DFC during his first tour and promoted from pilot officer to acting Flight Lieutenant.
He was gazetted 19/12/44 and his citation stated:
In October, 1944, this officer was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Cologne. Early on the outward flight the rear gunner was involved in an accident and had to be taken to a rest position. A little later, the port outer engine became defective and the propeller had to be feathered. In spite of these unsettling incidents, Flying Officer Trent went on to the target which he attacked with precision. Whilst over the sea at a low altitude on the return flight, a member of the crew observed a flashing light and Flying Officer Trent concluded that a dinghy was adrift. He thereupon flew over a merchantman in the vicinty and requested his wireless operator to transmit details of the position. Afterwards, three motor boats were approached, and an effort was made to lead them to the scene. Despite the loss of power from one of the engines, Flying Officer Trent remained over the area for nearly half an hour doing everything possible to assist in the search. As a result, several members of aircraft crew adrift in a dinghy were rescued. This officer displayed skill and determination throughout a notable sortie, whilst his devoted efforts to help comrades in distress set a very fine example.
In 1945 he was posted to 617 Squadron at RAF Woodhall Spa where he flew another 10 operations taking part in the major operations performed by 617 until the end of the war. On the Berchtesgaden raid on 25th April the tallboy that he was carrying would not release and had to returned to Woodhall. He was awarded a bar to the DFC. He was also cousin to Squadron Leader Len Trent VC
Appropriately the cover is cancelled with Victoria Cross postmark.
(158 Signed, Numbered and Certified)
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