Ruhr Express and the Road to Victory
The first day of August 1943 was a proud day for the workers of Victory Aircraft Limited and for all Canadians. Sixteen months after the arrival of the blueprints had arrived at Malton, the first Canadian built Lancaster KB700 rolled off the assembly line; an impressive accomplishment. Named the Ruhr Express, much publicity was made of its christening, first flight and its departure to England. It was an occasion for which the country could be proud.
On 2 January 1945 the Ruhr Express was returning to England following its 49th operational mission, a raid to Nuremberg, and while landing at its home base, KB700 experienced hydraulic problems. The aircraft ended up in a farmer's field where it collided with a trench digger, rupturing its fuel tank. The crew escaped but the ensuing fire destroyed the aircraft. The loss was sad because the plans were to fly the Ruhr Express back to Canada following its 50th mission for a triumphant return and as a memorial to the Canadians who built and flew Lancasters. | 
