Avro Lancaster WWII wreckage identified in Dronten

Authorities in Dronten, Netherlands, have confirmed that aircraft wreckage discovered in the Van Veldhuizenbos is a British Avro Lancaster Mk III bomber shot down during World War II. The aircraft, identified as part of the Canadian 405 Pathfinder Squadron, was downed by a German night fighter on the night of September 27–28, 1943.

The bomber was en route to bomb Hannover when incorrect wind calculations caused marking errors, leading bombs to fall on open fields rather than the intended target. The Lancaster crashed into the IJsselmeer at the site where the forest now stands. The seven-member crew included four Canadians, an Australian, a Scotsman, and a Briton.

During the recovery process, which took place over four weeks in November 2025, human remains were rediscovered. The Bergings- en Identificatiedienst van Defensie is currently investigating whether these remains belong to the original crew. Dronten Mayor Jean Paul Gebben noted the significant historical value of the identification. Portions of the wreckage will be transferred to museums and foundations to preserve the history of the crew and the aircraft.