RAF Lancaster, "EASY ELSIE"
The aircraft, an Avro Lancaster Mk. I, KC-E (NF920) of 617 Squadron is listed as "missing on operations" during daylight raid 29-10-44, against Tirpitz carrying a 12,000 lb. "Tallboy" bomb. On a previous attack on Tirpitz from Russia, 15-9-44, carried 12 "Johnnie Walker" mines.
crew listed on operation 29-10-44
F/O D.W (Bill) Carey, RAAF
F/Sgt L. Franks
P/O A.M McKie
P/O D.H McLennan, RCAF
F/Sgt A.E Young
F/O G.A Witherick
One (1) Unidentified crew member
"Easy Elsie" was part of the fourth production batch of 400 aircraft built by sir W.G Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd.,Whitley, Coventry. Contract No.239/SAS/C4(C). Included Aircraft NF905 thru NG503, deliveries commenced 7-44; completed 2-45, with an average rate of production of approx. 14 aircraft per week.
An important detail to note: This aircraft is portrayed in a limited edition print by Aviation Artist, Gerald Coulson, entitled "Sinking of the Tirpitz". The aircraft identification is clearly visible on the fuselage of the aircraft depicted in the print. Also shown is the Lancaster NF920 releasing "Tallboy" bomb above an exploding "Tirpitz", she was sunk on November 12, 1944.
Lancaster Fuselage detail, "Sinking of the Tirpitz"
Lancaster KC-E (NF920) was involved in previous attacks on Tirpitz, possibly mis-information as to the the crew of this aircraft was obtained by the artist. Evidence supports NF920 "Easy Elsie" was piloted by Bill Carey with the listed crewmembers One might conclude that this is a fictional artistic impression in which Coulson chose to portray NF920 "Easy Elsie" in the final attack.
This is appropriate, since many individuals took part in the numerous attacks on Tirpitz commencing in a Wilhemshaven shipyard in early 1941.