Medium Bombers

Whitley

The twin-engine Whitley entered RAF service in 1936 and was the RAF’s first ‘heavy bomber’. It was capable of carrying up to 7,000 lbs of bombs and had a range of up to 1650 miles. However it was slow and notoriously cold and uncomfortable for its crews and became known as the ‘Flying Coffin’.

Hampden

The Hampden was an early design that first flew in 1936. Twin-engined and with a crew of four, it was popular with pilots because it handled well, but like other bombers of its time was vulnerable to enemy fighters and transferred from daylight to night operations. The Hampden was particularly suited for the valuable role of mine-laying at sea and many enemy ships were sunk as a result.

Wellington

The Wellington was popular with its five man crews particularly because of it’s ability to absorb considerable damage and continue flying, thanks to an unusual ‘honey-comb’ metal construction which was immensely strong but light-weight. A largely successful twin-engine bomber it flew early daylight raids at the beginning of the war but proved easy prey for German fighters. The RAF learnt the hard way that no bomber could defend itself in daylight against modern fighters and the Wellington was transferred to night bombing.

Mitchell

The North American Mitchell was flown operationally by the RAF from January 1943. Manufactured in the USA, it had two engines and a crew of five. Known as the B-25 by the USAAF, the Mitchell was a useful bomber for the RAF. Mitchells flew extensive daylight missions in support of Allied troops around D-Day (June 1944).