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Hi,
Up for sale is a rare vintage museum quality map case with original maps, which I believe was issued to RCAF Lancaster 120. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Canadian Aviation history! This is the only such complete map collection from a historical aircraft available for sale anywhere.The case is approx. 18\" X 14\" X 3\" and marked with \"LANC 120\" on the back. With its contents, the case weighs over 11lbs. There are two bundle of maps inside, one bundle is still tied and unopened from when it was issued to the aircraft back in the 60s. The other bundle of maps is in a loose form, which were used for actual navigation at one point. Most charts are in very good condition while others are well used. The charts range in date from 1950 to 1960 and I estimate there are over 200 charts. Some of the loose charts have navigation markings, notes and calculations, which the navigator would have made during a mission.Please see pictures for details and condition of the map case. I\'ve tried to describe this item as best as possible. I\'d be happy to provide additional information or pictures to serious buyers, just message me. Also, I\'d be happy to offer other shipping options the buyer might request.I found the following information on Lanc120: Victory Aircraft Construction No. 3321 - Codes: LQ-J, EQ-J, AFM, and MN120. Built by Victory Aircraft Ltd. in Malton, Ontario Canada in April1945 as Avro type 683 Mk-X, the aircraft was flown to England and first assigned to No. 405(B) Squadron, then transferred to No. 408(B) Squadron at Linton-on-Ouse, in Yorks. On July 17, 1945, Lanc120 was flown back to Canada for use with Tiger Force - No. 6614 Wing in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. Three \"Very Long Range\" (VLR) bomber groups, each consisting of 22 Squadrons, (one RAF, one RCAF, and the third a composite British Commonwealth formation), were created and code-named \"Tiger Force\". By Spring 1945, \"Tiger Force\" was scaled down to two groups, considerably smaller than originally proposed.
By 8 May 1945, almost immediately, the RCAF units earmarked for \"Tiger Force\" were converted to Canadian built Lancaster Bombers (MK X\'s) and returned to Canada for training and reorganization. No. 6614 Wing Greenwood was created. The plan called for the Wings to commence training for the Pacific in August, with the first Wing to arrive in the Pacific Theater by December.
The arrival of the new bomber Wing overlapped the phasing out of No. 8 (RCAF) OTU. The disbandment order for the OTU was to be effective 31 July 1945. By 1 August 1945, No. 664 (Heavy Bomber) Wing and its two squadrons (No. 405 and 408 Squadrons) were officially formed. Training was to commence 24 August 1945. Lanc120 was then placed in storage for a while, then by July 1950 converted to Mk.10P and issued to 405(MR) Squadron as \'AF-M\', then transferred to 408(P) Squadron as \'MN120\'
405 Squadron was Canada\'s first bomber squadron to form overseas, in April 1941. In April 1943, it became the RCAF\'s first and only Pathfinder Unit. With the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the subsequent capitulation of Japan on 14 August 1945, No. 6614 Wing (and Tiger Force) became superfluous. On 5 September 1945, No. 6614 Wing officially disbanded as part of Tiger Force.
Lanc120 served until it was SOC\'d on September 29,1962\".Follow the link below to read a story by Moe Gates, one of the last navigators who flew with MN120. I wonder if the notes, calculations and scribbles on the margins of the charts are from had this bundle of treasures for over 25 years, it would be great to see it repatriated with an actual Lancaster!The fine print:
- Please look at all the pictures closely to ensure thisis the right item for you. Please ask any and all questions before placing your offer. I\'m not an expert however, I\'ve tried todescribe this item as accurately as possible.
- All sales are final, no returns, or refunds are offeredfor this sale.
- Payment is due within 48 hours from close of sale viaPaypal.
- I will strive to have the item shipped within a few hoursof having received payment. Delivery confirmation signature required upon delivery.
- By placing your offer for this sale you confirm that youhave read the description, viewed all pictures of the actual item and agree to all the terms and conditions as statedabove.
Charts are not for navigation. Reference only!Thanks
