Flying under Thames bridges

[Wind Sock]

There is a reference in the article below to a Lancaster bomber flying under Tower Bridge during World War II. The pilot was Lighton Verdon-Roe (son of Sir Alliott Verdon-Roe famous for 'AVRO')

E.I. Townsend

However I am a bit dubious of the truth behind that claim.

When compared to the other aircraft that achieved this feat a Lancaster has a much larger wing span and would be a lot less manouverable.

More worryingly flying under that bridge during wartime would carry far greater risks. One could be shot down by one's own ground defences or one could could get tangled up with the many barrage balloons that protected that part of London.