Canada's only air-worthy Second World War Lancaster bomber will depart from Hamilton on Tuesday after mechanical issues delayed the plane's departure to the U.K.
The 69-year-old Avro Lancaster was initially scheduled to depart from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ont., on Monday morning but has since been rescheduled depart on Tuesday.
The plane will take part in a three-day journey to the United Kingdom, where it will be featured in a two-month aerial tour. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight tour is expected to draw millions of visitors.
Built in 1941, the Avro Lancaster became the most famous allied bomber used during the Second World War. The Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft was flown in several daring air raids, including on the Rurh Dams in May 1943 and the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz in November 1944.
Thousands of Canadian airmen served with the RCAF and RAF Lancaster squadrons in England.
A total of 7,377 Lancaster rolled off production lines in Canada and Britain during the war. After the war, more than 200 of the planes remained in active service for more than a decade and were used for Arctic reconnaissance and maritime patrol.
The RCAF discontinued the Lancaster in 1964. With only 17 remaining bombers around the world.
The aircraft will be making stop in Goose Bay, Nfld. on Monday, with possible stops in Iceland and Greenland, before arriving in Coningsby, Lincolnshire on Friday.
The Lancaster will return back to Canada on September 22.
