The Avro Lancaster was the most famous British heavy bomber of the Second World War which flew its first missions in March 1942. This handbook was issued to RAF ground crew, and was intended to provide a short instructional course for squadron personnel on the operation and maintenance of the Lancaster and covers such topics as the fuselage, hydraulics, engine controls, gun turret hydraulics, electrical systems, wireless equipment, vacuum system, cabin heating, bomb gear, engine instruments, handling on the ground etc. As this one is dated November 1941 we believe it to be a first edition and, as such, a rare item. Each handbook was allocated a serial number, this one is 1645, and it was issued to a J S Saker who was stationed at St Athan in South Wales. Later editions published in (at least) March 1943, January 1944, June 1944, July 1945 and July 1946.