The Lancaster Bomber was the backbone of the Allied war effort, carrying the largest payload of any bomber in World War II. The main aircraft for night bombing campaigns, it first saw service with RAF Bomber Command in 1942. But what was it like to crew such a terrifying military machine in battle?
Using first-person interviews, CGI and never-before-seen WWII footage, Bomber Boys: The Fighting Lancaster (Monday 3rd-Thursday 6th August, 9.55pm) goes inside the minds of the brave young men who flew it, as a new generation – aged between 17 and 26, and all descendants of WWII veterans – undergo training to become Lancaster aircrew. As the veterans and new ‘Bomber Boys’ meet and share their experiences, a deeper understanding develops, helping to build a bridge between the generations.