The model has the insignia of the Kiwi Squadron in the RAF.
"This particular aircraft crashed in 1943 on its way to bomb a refinery in Bamberg, Germany," Fontein said.
Born in Nijmegen, in the Netherlands, about 8km from the German border, Fontein's hometown was under some of the flight paths into Germany.
"During the night, the Stirlings and later the Lancaster bombers would fly over, followed by the American B-17s during the day," he said. "I still remember the vapour trails in the blue sky and I still have vivid memories of the war.
"Normally things were okay, but one night a bomber (probably on the way back), 'lost' a bomb at 3.30am, which fell at the end of our street. It fell in the front yard of a big villa, with no damage.
"But in February 1944 an American squadron of Liberators bombed our city by mistake at 1.30pm. More than 800 people lost their lives, thousands were wounded and the city centre completely destroyed.
"I was at school in the centre, but had decided to walk home at lunch time, instead of taking the tram. Four boys from my school, waiting at the tram stop, were killed.
"On September 17, 1944, we were liberated by American paratroopers, who landed 8km from my hometown.
"Their main target was the bridge over the Waal, the last one before the bridge over the Rhine in Arnhem. (This featured in the movie, A Bridge too Far).
"Our house was in a direct line between that bridge and the American front line and the next day it was hit by a German shell, fired from near the bridge. We ran out of the house towards an underground shelter in our back yard, but my father was still inside and was killed, along with a girl from across the road."
Harold said he was particularly touched by Fontein's story.
"I often think how as New Zealanders we have very little understanding and appreciation of the magnitude of such events and especially the personal impact they had on individual families," he said.
"I believe that history only comes alive through hearing these personal stories which connect us as listeners into the bigger events. They have a powerful impact."
Harold said Fontein's very vivid childhood memories of his family's experience of the Allied bombing raids during World War II and dedication in building large-scale replica aircraft models, resonated with members of the Phil Lamason Heritage Trust.
"The Lancaster model he has built is amazing. It would be wonderful to see it," he said.
"I would love to be able to say the trust had a place to display it and be able to take up his generous offer. This is very special, but unfortunately we do not have a designated display space of our own at this time.
"But, through Phil's story, I have become much more aware of the importance of these aircraft in shaping the outcome of WWII and I have also have a deeper understanding of the human costs involved in operating those aircraft.
"Phil Lamason was truly a brave man and a survivor."
Harold said he'd had an insight into the huge amount of work Fontein had put into the construction of his Lancaster model.
"A friend of mine and supporter of the trust constructed us a 1:48 model Lancaster in 2016 which was a feature of our display at our book launch," he said.
"I saw the stage-by-stage construction which he worked through to complete the aircraft. It was a huge undertaking."
Fontein's family, with four boys, came to New Zealand in 1975 and one of his sons joined the RNZAF and is now a captain with Air New Zealand.
His brother joined the RAF in 1944 and later the Dutch RAF.
• The annual meeting of the Phil Lamason Heritage Trust will be held at 5pm tomorrow at The Hub on Gordon St.
