Original Avro Lancaster Engine Cover Panel Recovered from Lancaster NF923 617 Squadron “Dambusters” – Dortmund–Ems Canal Raid

Original Avro Lancaster Engine Cover Panel
Recovered from Lancaster NF923
617 Squadron “Dambusters” – Dortmund–Ems Canal Raid

Display Size: 9.5 × 10 inches

A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of one of the Royal Air Force’s most famous heavy bombers.

This original engine cover panel was recovered from Avro Lancaster B.I (Special) NF923, an aircraft that served with the legendary No. 617 Squadron RAF – the “Dambusters.” Professionally presented, this wartime relic measures approximately 9.5 × 10 inches and represents an authentic survivor from one of Bomber Command’s most distinguished squadrons.

Recovered from the aircraft’s crash site in the Netherlands, the panel displays the unmistakable character of an operational combat aircraft and provides a direct, tangible connection to one of the RAF’s most celebrated units.

The Story of Lancaster NF923

Lancaster NF923 was built during the latter stages of the Second World War and allocated to the famous No. 617 Squadron, whose wartime achievements earned it an unrivalled place in aviation history.

During the night of 23/24 September 1944, NF923 took part in the attack on the Dortmund–Ems Canal, one of Bomber Command’s major operations aimed at crippling Germany’s inland transport network.

Having successfully completed its bombing mission, the Lancaster was intercepted on its return journey by a German night fighter over the eastern Netherlands. Fatally damaged during the engagement, the aircraft crashed near Lochem, Gelderland.

The loss of NF923 was a tragic reminder that the danger to Bomber Command crews continued long after bombs had been released, with enemy night fighters posing a constant threat during the return flight to Britain.

The Engine Cover Panel

This aluminium panel formed part of the Lancaster’s engine nacelle assembly, protecting vital engine components while contributing to the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance.

Constructed from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, panels such as this were manufactured to exacting standards yet designed for rapid removal during servicing and maintenance. Every Lancaster required constant attention from ground crews, who worked tirelessly to keep these remarkable aircraft operational despite the demanding tempo of wartime flying.

Today, surviving identified airframe components from individual Lancasters are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly those with confirmed provenance to a specific serial number and operational history.

Display Features
Original Avro Lancaster engine cover panel
From Lancaster NF923
No. 617 Squadron RAF (“Dambusters”)
Recovered from the crash site near Lochem, Netherlands
Approximate display size: 9.5 × 10 inches
Genuine wartime aluminium construction
Excellent collector’s display piece
Condition

The panel displays authentic wartime damage, weathering and age-related wear consistent with recovery from its crash site after more than eighty years.

Its untouched appearance preserves the story of the aircraft and adds significantly to its historical importance.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Collector’s Note

Relics from identified Avro Lancasters have become exceptionally difficult to obtain, particularly examples linked to 617 Squadron and a documented wartime operation.

Unlike anonymous aircraft fragments, this engine cover panel can be traced to a specific aircraft, squadron, mission and loss, making it far more than simply a piece of aluminium—it is a surviving witness to one of the most famous bomber squadrons of the Second World War.

Whether displayed in a private aviation collection, museum, memorial room or office, it serves as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the men of RAF Bomber Command.

Specifications
Aircraft: Avro Lancaster B.I (Special)
Serial Number: NF923
Squadron: No. 617 Squadron RAF (“Dambusters”)
Operation: Dortmund–Ems Canal Raid
Date Lost: 23/24 September 1944
Location: Near Lochem, Gelderland, Netherlands
Material: Original aircraft-grade aluminium alloy
Display Size: Approximately 9.5 × 10 inches
A Genuine Piece of Dambuster History

This original engine cover panel from Lancaster NF923 offers a rare opportunity to own a documented relic from one of the RAF’s most famous bomber squadrons. Preserved for future generations, it stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery of the crews who flew deep into enemy territory in the defence of freedom—a remarkable and increasingly scarce piece of British aviation history.