Just Jane: A Lancaster's Incredible Journey

The roar of a Merlin engine, the sight of a mighty Avro Lancaster bomber – these are images etched into the very fabric of British history. Among these legendary aircraft, one in particular, affectionately known as 'Just Jane', possesses a story as rich and varied as the skies she once patrolled. Built by Austin Motors at Longbridge, near Birmingham, in April 1945, NX611 was destined for a crucial role in the Far East as part of the RAF's Tiger Force. However, the swift surrender of Japan meant that aircraft like NX611 became surplus to requirements, their wartime missions unfulfilled.

Early Life and Service

'Just Jane', bearing the serial number NX611, was one of the initial 150 B Mk VII Avro Lancasters manufactured. Her intended deployment to the Far East with the Tiger Force never materialised due to Japan's early surrender. Consequently, NX611 found herself in storage at Llandow, where she remained until 1952. This marked the beginning of a truly remarkable and often unexpected chapter in her existence.

A Global Adventure

In April 1952, her fortunes took a significant turn when she was acquired by the French Government. Repainted in a striking midnight blue, NX611 embarked on a new career, serving with the French Naval Air Arm in maritime patrol duties. For a decade, she scanned the seas, a silent guardian. Then, in 1962, her journey continued to Noumeau, New Caledonia. Here, she was painted white and repurposed for air-sea rescue and cartography, contributing to vital peacetime operations.

The year 1964 heralded another significant transition. The French Government, in a gesture of goodwill, presented NX611 to the Historical Aircraft Preservation Society. She was flown to her new home in Sydney, Australia, where she underwent an overhaul. The true test of her enduring spirit came with her return journey to Britain. This epic voyage, spanning 12,000 miles and seventy flying hours, took nine days to complete, with NX611 finally landing at Biggin Hill on 13 May 1965, a triumphant homecoming.

Periods of Grounding and Auction

Upon her return, NX611 was temporarily grounded due to the expiry of her permitted flying hours. It wasn't until 1967 that she took to the skies again. However, public appearances were infrequent, largely due to the prohibitive costs associated with operating such a magnificent, yet complex, aircraft.

Her journey continued, taking her to Lavenham in Suffolk. A few years later, in 1972, NX611 was put up for auction at 'Squires Gate' in Blackpool. This was a pivotal moment, a crossroads where her fate would once again be decided by the highest bidder.

The Panton Brothers' Dream

Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, a dream was taking shape, driven by a deep desire to commemorate sacrifice. Fred and Harold Panton, brothers deeply affected by the loss of their sibling, Christopher, who perished on the Nuremberg Raid in March 1944, were determined to acquire a Second World War bomber. Their ambition was to create a lasting memorial not only to Christopher but to all the brave men who served in Bomber Command.

Initially, their sights were set on a Halifax bomber, but their father's firm refusal to allow it on his farm put an end to that particular aspiration. Undeterred, the brothers held onto their dream. As the years passed, Fred and Harold eventually became co-owners of their own farm. Opportunity knocked when a parcel of land, including a portion of the defunct RAF East Kirkby airfield, became available. They purchased it, recognising the historical significance and potential of the site.

Establishing a Memorial

The old airfield, though in a state of disrepair, still bore remnants of its wartime past, with concrete areas and a few buildings standing testament to its former purpose. The Panton brothers began to utilise part of the land for a poultry farm. However, their vision of owning an exhibition aircraft remained a powerful driving force. They also set about renovating the operational areas of the airfield, including the construction of a new hangar on the site of an original T2 hangar used during the war.

Learning of the auction of NX611 through an advertisement, Fred and Harold saw their chance. This aircraft could be the perfect monument to their brother's memory. Fred's first encounter with NX611 at Blackpool was a poignant one. She stood alone and forlorn, awaiting her fate. A crowd had gathered, some placing bids, others merely observing, eager to see a magnificent Bomber Command aircraft up close.

Sadly, the reserve price was not met, and NX611 was withdrawn from the auction. She was subsequently sold privately to the Rt Hon Lord Lilford. The Panton brothers, however, remained persistent. They maintained contact with her new owner and, after a few setbacks, managed to strike a deal with Lord Lilford's agent. At this time, NX611 was serving as a Gate Guardian at RAF Scampton, near Lincoln.

The Restoration Begins

In September 1983, the dream became a reality. NX611 was finally purchased by Fred and Harold Panton. Four years later, after completing an agreed ten-year tenure as Gate Guardian at RAF Scampton, she was brought to East Kirkby, courtesy of the RAF. It had been sixteen years since Fred had first seen her at the Blackpool auction.

The ambitious project to restore 'Just Jane' to a fully operational taxiing standard began in earnest in 1993. The focus was initially on one of her four Merlin engines. Two experienced ex-RAF engineers were brought in to undertake the complex task of bringing No. 3 engine back to life after 22 years of inactivity. Rigorous checks and meticulous work were undertaken.

The process involved ensuring the engine would still turn, removing camshaft covers, and replacing both camshafts. Thankfully, the engine cylinders were found to be in good working order. The propeller was also removed, stripped down, and examined. Apart from minor adjustments to the blade settings, it was in fine condition and was subsequently rebuilt. Local contractors were engaged to meticulously check and repair the aircraft's wiring, a task that alone took ten days.

Further detailed work included the removal and inspection of the engine's starter motor, magnetos, fuel booster pump, and ignition harness. The fuel tank was pressurised, and the fuel jettison system was reset. A significant discovery was made when the throttle controls between the cockpit lever and the engine were uncovered: almost a third of the small control rods required replacement. Despite these challenges, after approximately seven hundred man-hours of dedicated work and an investment of £7,000, the first engine was finally ready.

Operational Status

This painstaking process was then replicated for all four engines. Today, 'Just Jane' stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Panton brothers and the many volunteers who have contributed to her restoration. She is now at a fully operational taxiing standard, a living piece of history, capable of gracing the skies once more, albeit on the ground. Her story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Second World War and the enduring legacy of these magnificent machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built 'Just Jane'?

'Just Jane', NX611, was built by Austin Motors at Longbridge near Birmingham.

What was the original purpose of NX611?

NX611 was destined for the RAF's Tiger Force in the Far East, but due to Japan's early surrender, she never saw active service in that capacity.

Where has 'Just Jane' served?

'Just Jane' flew maritime patrol for the French Naval Air Arm and was used for air-sea rescue and cartography in New Caledonia.

Who purchased 'Just Jane' for her current home?

Fred and Harold Panton purchased 'Just Jane' in September 1983.

What is the current operational status of 'Just Jane'?

'Just Jane' is now at a fully operational taxiing standard.

Key Figures and Dates