Salford Lancaster Memorial

On the morning of 30 July 1944, Lancaster PB304 (ZN-S) was part of a force attacking German positions at Cahagnes in the Normandy battle zone, supporting the Allied breakout following D-Day. Radio communication between aircraft was garbled and difficult, possibly due to German interference broadcasting over the master bomber's frequency. During the return to base, the aircraft developed severe difficulties. Witnesses in Prestwich, on the northern edges of Manchester, saw the Lancaster flying low and in obvious distress, engulfed in flames. The aircraft twice passed over a playing field -- leading local witnesses to believe that pilot Flight Lieutenant Lines was attempting a crash landing to avoid populated areas. The Lancaster came down on the banks of the River Irwell near Regatta Street, Salford, resulting in a massive explosion as its full bomb load and fuel reserves ignited on impact with a 30-second delay. Seven crew members were killed along with two civilians -- Lucy Bamford and George Morris. Over 100 people were injured and many houses were damaged, with one completely demolished. The crew included Sgt Mohand Singh, one of many Indian airmen who served with the RAF during the war.