Watch as Lancaster Bomber stuns Londoners as it soars barely higher than tower blocks

The only airworthy Avro Lancaster Bomber in the UK (one of two in the world) flew right over Westminster Abbey and the city scape of London today
-Credit: (Image: LUCY NORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)


A World War Two Lancaster Bomber was seen flying over London today (September 15) - one of the last two remaining iconic planes that are still airworthy. It was taking part in the annual Battle of Britain service over the city, marking the victory of the RAF during the 1940 Battle of Britain - a 112-day fight for control of Britain's skies which proved to be a turning point in World War II.

The bomber was also due to attend the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow in Cambridgeshire which has been on this weekend. There is only one airworthy Avro Lancaster Bomber in the entire UK, which would be this one, with the other one living in Canada.

The sight and sound of the four beautiful Rolls Royce V12 Merlin engines is an exceedingly rare one which people on social media were raving about. The plane was spotted flying low over tower blocks in the Battersea area.

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A Reddit user posted a video taken of the iconic plane flying amongst the cityscape with the caption: "Unusual plane flying low over Battersea - anyone know what this is?"

Commenters quickly took to replying to the post in awe. One said: "A very special plane, one of two flying Lancasters in the world. Hope you enjoyed hearing those 4 Merlins roar, it's a rare sound."

Another comically remarked: "Literally the sound of freedom (without wanting to sound like a jingoistic flag-sh***er)."

This other Avro Lancaster Bomber NX611 'Just Jane' is being restored to airworthy condition at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby Airfield
In 2016 they embarked on a long-term project costing approximately £4million to try to restore 'Just Jane' Avro Lancaster Bomber MKVII to join the other two in airworthiness. It is currently in taxying condition but is being restored to airworthy condition -Credit:OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Of the 7,377 Lancasters built, 3,736 were lost during World War II. The Lancaster was the RAF's main heavy bomber during the war and was involved in the Dambusters raid in 1943.

Another excited social media user Guido Cimoli took to X to post a video he took of the bomber a little later on its flight. The video is taken from the City of London, right on the Millennium Bridge and captures the plane flying over skyscrapers. Part of St Paul's is seen right at the end of the video too.

Guido instantly seemed to recognise the look and sound of the iconic plane. He posted the video with the caption: "Eeer.. I think I have just seen an Avro Lancaster flying over London..."

The Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow is packed with amazing World War Two planes including many examples of the darling of the RAF, the Supermarine Spitfire as well as Hawker Hurricanes and there are also some modern fighter jets in the mix too like the Typhoon. The Air Show's website confirms that the RAF's Avro Lancaster Bomber was in attendance at today's show. There were also some German Luftwaffe planes on show like a Messerschmitt.

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