A comprehensive history of the Short Stirling bomber, from its development to its operational use in World War II. The book covers the aircraft's strengths, weaknesses, and its impact on British morale during the war. Characteristics ISBN-13 9780750941143 ISBN-10 0-7509-4114-6 Book cover finish(es) Hardcover ( square back binding ) Special Features Dust Jacket Condition NLike New Author(s) Jonathan Falconer Publisher Sutton Publishing Limited Number of pages 288 Published date 2006 Language(s) English Size 20 x 27 x 2 cm Categorie(s) • AVIATION MILITAIRE• SECONDE GUERRE MONDIALE• APPAREILS - CONSTRUCTEURS Description LOVED OR LOATHED by its crews, the Stirling was a symbol of British defiance when it first entered RAF service in August 1940. Although its rugged bulldog image did not live up to expectations, the Stirling provided a boost to British morale when it needed it most in the dark days of 1940-1. By the time the type was eventually withdrawn in July 1946 a total of 2,371 had been built, all of which were flown by the RAF.At the zenith of its operational career with Bomber Command in 1943, twelve squadrons of 3 Group were equipped with the Stirling, but with the introduction of the Halifax and Lancaster to most Main Force and Pathfinder squadrons by the end of that year, the Stirling quickly became the poorer relation in the RAF's trio of four-engine heavies and was relegated to second-line duties and lightly defended short-range targets in France during the run-up to D-Day. The Stirling was also used with some success for Special Duty operations and as a glider tug and paratroop transport, seeing action over Normandy and at Arnhem in 1944, and on the Rhine crossing in 1945. It also enjoyed a brief postwar career as a long-range strategic transport aircraft before being withdrawn from RAF service.The author has interviewed dozens of former Stirling 'people' whose detailed eyewitness accounts tell the story of the aircraft in RAF service, from factory workers and ground crews to the aircrew who flew it into battle over four years of war. These accounts are supported by a rich selection of photographs drawn from a range of official and private sources.
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