PA995/BQ:V, The Vuture Strikes, was the third Lancaster of No 550 Squadron to complete 100 raids, reaching the century on 5/6 March 1945 with Fg Off G. Bladder and crew, Bladder finishing his own tour on this night. All those in the squadron associated with this aircraft posed for a commemorative picture. Included are the CO, Wg Cdr J. С MacWatters, two WAAFs, the padre and the inevitable dog mascot. George Bladder is in the cockpit. Such a record was no insurance for continued longevity, for this bomber failed to return from its next operation with another crew on 7/8 March to Dessau. (IWM CH14853)
