Just Jane | Education Video by World of Military

The Lancaster that was to eventually become 'Just Jane' was built as NX611 at the Austin Motors Longbridge works in April 1945 - the third aircraft off the line as part of an order for 150 Lancaster B.VIIs destined to join the RAF’s 30 Sqn strong TIGER FORCE, for operations in the Far East against the Japanese.

Following the Japanese surrender the TIGER FORCE was disbanded and the newly built Lancasters were consigned to storage at 38 MU, Llandow. NX611 remained there until April 1952, when she was sold for a reputed £50,000 as part of a batch of 54 Lancaster's to the French Government.

Under a Western Union agreement, the French Navy (L’Aeronavale) was to supplement RAF patrols of the Atlantic and Mediterranean shipping lanes. NX611 was converted to Maritime Reconnaissance standard by Avro’s at Woodford and collected by a French ferry crew on 30th May 1952. By now painted midnight blue and coded WU15, further modifications included the removal of the mid upper turret, the fitting of an airborne lifeboat and the provision of ASV radar.

For the next ten years WU15 served with a number of Flottilles (Sqns), such as 25F and 55S, operating from ba