AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION

ADDED 5 APRIL 2007

With reference to your query relating to the aircraft photo in your latest edition of the Pontefract Digest magazine, April 2007. The aircraft depicted is the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber - AW38.

The Armstrong Whitworth Whitley was a twin engined heavy bomber; over 1700 being built and 300 were lost in action. The first squadron to be issued with the aircraft was 10 Squadron, Leeming, in 1937. The nickname given to the aircraft by the crews was `The Flying Coffin` - as from the profile it looked very much like one!! 20 Squadrons flew this machine and it was finally taken out of service in 1942. Hope this helps.

Roger Culff

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