Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Services > Royal Air Force

Short Stirling

Short Stirling


Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Mounted Prints
Metal Prints
Cards
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

RAF Museum

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Air Force

Short Stirling

Short Stirling I aircraft of 1651 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF, 29 April 1942

The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation

Media ID 702048

© RAF Museum 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Royal Air Force World War Two


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum > Charles Brown Colour Photographs

> Services > Royal Air Force


EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the majestic presence of a Short Stirling I bomber of the 1651 Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU) of the Royal Air Force (RAF), as it taxis along the tarmac on 29 April 1942. The Short Stirling was the RAF's first four-engined heavy bomber, and was a crucial addition to the Allied air arsenal during World War Two. The Short Stirling was a large and imposing aircraft, with a wingspan of 102 feet and a length of 77 feet. It was designed to carry a heavy bomb load, with a maximum capacity of 12,000 pounds. The aircraft was crewed by a team of eleven men, including the pilot, navigator, bomb aimer, wireless operator, flight engineer, and seven gunners. The 1651 HCU was based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, and was responsible for training crews to fly the Short Stirling. This photograph shows the aircraft in its natural habitat, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a busy RAF base. The ground crew can be seen working around the aircraft, ensuring that it is ready for its next mission. The Short Stirling saw action in various theatres of the war, including raids on German cities such as Essen, Cologne, and Berlin. It was also used for maritime patrol and anti-shipping strikes. Despite its size and power, the Short Stirling was not without its challenges. It was known to be difficult to fly, and was prone to engine failures and other technical issues. However, it proved to be a valuable asset to the RAF, and played a crucial role in the Allied bombing campaign against Germany. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the bravery and determination of the RAF personnel who flew and maintained the Short Stirling during World War Two. It is a testament to their skill and dedication, and to the important role that the RAF played in the outcome of the war.

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
inventory
Photo Prints are in stock
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


Handley Page Halifax
Handley Page Halifax
Vickers Wellington
Vickers Wellington
Bristol Beaufort
Bristol Beaufort
Handley Page Hampden
Handley Page Hampden
Stirling I bombers
Stirling I bombers
Re-arming a Short Stirling
Re-arming a Short Stirling
Avro Lancaster B. I PP967
Avro Lancaster B. I PP967
de Havilland Mosquito B. XVI
de Havilland Mosquito B. XVI
Supermarine Spitfire V
Supermarine Spitfire V
Short Stirling
Short Stirling
Vickers Wellington and 4000 lb bomb
Vickers Wellington and 4000 lb bomb
Hawker Hurricane IIc
Hawker Hurricane IIc

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed