|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
CROWOOD AVIATION SERIES
VICKERS-ARMSTRONGS WELLINGTON
Ken Delve
The Vickers-Armstrongs Wellington was the mainstay of RAF Bomber Command in the early years of World War Two. Designed by the legendary Barnes Wallis, it featured his geodetic construction which combined light weight with a very strong framework and had been used on the company's previous design, the Wellesley. The Wellington was the only British bomber to serve throughout the war and almost 11,500 were produced, a total only surpassed in Great Britain by the Hurricane and Spitfire.
Although early daylight raids suffered heavy casualties, the switch to night bombing proved the Wellington to be a tough and capable performer. Able to sustain heavy damage and still remain airborne, many crews owed their survival to its rugged dependability.
Although re-classified as a medium bomber following the introduction of the larger Lancaster, Halifax and Stirling, the Wellington served with distinction over Europe, in the Middle East and Italy, from Malta, in the Far East and with RAF Coastal Command as a submarine hunter/killer. At home it was used extensively as a flying classroom at Operational Training Units where crews destined for the four-engined front-line bombers learned basic techniques and procedures. The last RAF Wellingtons were retired in 1953.
Ken Delve traces the history of this adaptable aeroplane from the drawing boards of Brooklands through hostile skies to the eventual peace it helped to provide.
|
|
|
|
|
