Short Stirling: The First of the RAF Heavy Bombers

During 30 years of research, this book was written about the Short Stirling, the RAF s first four-engined heavy bomber in WW2. Illustrated with largely unpublished wartime photos, it describes in never before revealed detail, the design, construction and the factories where Stirlings were produced. The men and women who built them relate their stories and the aircrews give their personal accounts of operating the Stirling. A chapter is devoted to the training of aircrew; flying the Stirling is described in detail. There were unsung heroes too. Not forgotten is the work of the RAF ground crews and Maintenance Units, often working outdoors in freezing conditions. Then there are the civilian men and women who repaired and rebuilt damaged Stirlings; little adulation was given for the vital work they achieved completely rebuilding 268 Stirlings. The final transport version of the Stirling is featured both in its RAF and post war civilian role and how it went full circle to become a bomber again, in the hands of the Egyptian Air Force. There are chapters which explain to the reader what happened to all the Stirlings at the end of the war; what has been unearthed and survives to the present day.