Lancaster KB999, “Malton Mike” No. 419 [Moose] Sqn.

In April of 1945, production of the Canadian Mk. X Lancaster reached a peak of one aircraft built per day, with a work force of 10,000 people. From September 1943 to March 1945 a production run of 300 Lancaster Mk. X’s had been built, serial number KB700 to KB999. When the last Lancaster KB999 was completed, the Victory Aircraft Corporation production staff dedicated this aircraft to AVM McEwen and had his pennant painted on the nose with words “Malton Mike”.

The wartime drawing of Air Vise Marshal Clifford Mackay McEwen, C.B., M.C., D.F.C., and bar. The art was created by a Canadian Nose Artist, “Muff” Mills, a member of the RCAF who served under the command of “Black Mike”, 1944-45. Born on 2 July 1896, at Griswold, Manitoba, McEwen served Canada in a number of key RCAF postings from 1939-45. He was a World War One fighter pilot with 22 aircraft destroyed. During the 1920’s at Camp Borden, Ontario, he acquired the nickname “Black Mike”, due to his tendency to sun-tan very quickly. On 28 February 1944, McEwen was promoted to rank of Air Vice Marshal and appointed Air Officer commanding No. 6 [RCAF] Group of Bomber Command in England.

KB999 was assigned to No. 419 [Moose] Squadron, code letters VR-M, and took part in an aborted operation to Bremen on 22 April 1945. Take-off was scheduled for 06:30 hours, and then was postponed to 14:00 hours and finally 15:30 hours. Three hours later fifteen Moose Lancaster aircraft arrived over the target, orders came not to drop bombs, which were dropped in the official jettison area, then return to base.

1995 Mr. Nose Art colors of Lancaster KB999

Moose squadron’s next and last operation of the war came on 25 April 1945, when 15 Lancaster bombers struck the fortified island of Wangerooge. AVM McEwen and his Scotty dog named “Blackie” attended for the take-off and photos in front of his Lancaster, KB999.

At 20:10 hours, 25 April 1945, the last Moose squadron Lancaster [VR-X, X-Terminator KB732] landed at base. Flown by F/L Barney Wickham and crew, they doubtless had no idea they were winding up the wartime activities of No. 419 moose Squadron.

 With the war over it was decided that KB999 “Malton Mike” should fly AVM McEwen back to Canada. In a rush of paperwork and paint, “Malton Mike” was transferred to No. 405 [Vancouver] Squadron, painted code letters LQ-M, and returned the Air Vice Marshal to Canada on 17 June 45.

 Taken on charge by RCAF on 28 June 1945, KB999 and the other giant war machines had become obsolete overnight. They had done the jobs they were built for and into mothballs they went to become blobs of taxpayer’s money growing older each day.

Then came the cold war and the RCAF Lancaster bombers were brought out of retirement. Malton Mike would fly again.