A commemorative coin has been released by the Royal Australian Mint In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the retirement of the Avro Lancaster W4783 ‘G for George’, currently on display at the Australian War Memorial.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer the Hon Mr Steven Ciobo said the coin is a fitting way to remember those who risked their lives above the battlefields during war and conflict. “The creation of a coin is a special way to share stories and experiences as well as honour those that have fallen,” said Mr Ciobo.
Mr Ciobo pointed out that the Avro Lancaster, known with affection as ‘G for George’, has a remarkable history participating in 90 operational missions over Germany and occupied Europe during the height of the bomber offensive in the Second World War. Mr Ciobo added that from the time it was built in 1942 until its retirement from active service in 1944 the bomber was flown by No. 460 Squadron RAAF. It is one of only a handful of the world’s surviving Lancasters from the Second World War.