Charles E. Brown
Lancaster bomber, G for George

Silver gelatine photograph
21 x 14 cm

This striking black and white photograph by Charles E. Brown showcases the magnificent Lancaster bomber, G for George W4783. Unlike many of Brown’s other photographs of aeroplanes mid-air, G for George is parked. The viewer is treated to a unique view through the cockpit, with the steering wheel and aircraft controls clearly in view.

In general, Lancaster bombers were used as British heavy bombers in the Second World War. G for George is, however, of particular note as the second most prolific operational bomber; most operational Lancasters were shot down after 20 sorties whereas G for George survived 90 before being retired. It is now preserved at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Charles E. Brown (1896-1982) was a British commercial aviation photography whose career spanned both World Wars. He worked primarily for British newspapers, the aviation industry and as a freelance commercial photographer with official accreditation as a war correspondent. He retired as an aviation photographer in 1964 and the Royal Airforce Museum has preserved his aviation archive of 30,000 images since 1978.