The Avro Manchester: The Legend Behind the Lancaster by Robert Kirby

The Avro Manchester: The Legend Behind the Lancaster

By

Description

** This electronic edition includes 191 black-and-white photographs ** 

This is the definitive account of the Avro Manchester based upon detailed research by Dr Robert Kirby. This new and greatly expanded edition follows on from Dr Kirby's original edition of 1995, containing 30 per cent of additional text and is richly illustrated with more than 200 black and white photographs.In the early dark days of the Second World War, RAF Bomber Command was obliged to operate for 18 months deep into occupied Europe with the under-developed, Rolls-Royce Vulture-powered Avro Manchester. It was the largest and only Allied bomber to use the Vulture operationally. This account draws out, chronologically, the airframe and engine development intermixed with personal experiences from pilots and other personnel. Early evolution was protracted, and unrealistic multiple roles were abandoned. All flying surfaces required extension to provide an adequate flight envelope and progress was further set back by severe Vulture problems. Avro Manchesters entered squadron service without significant type-testing being undertaken and in the first eight months witnessed four groundings. Rolls-Royce themselves contributed this illuminating aspect.Eventually, seven RAF squadrons, using 202 Manchesters with 538 Vultures contributed 1,260 sorties, mainly day and night bombing and mining. A contrasted highlight is the stunning aircrew accounts, fearful of weather, flak and fighters, but perpetually nursing and cajoling their temperamental Vultures through hostile skies. Through the narrative several threads reveal the ultimate wisdom of persisting with a type which ultimately blossomed into the 'war-winning' Lancaster. The book also included fascinating reviews of second line duties and six appendices provide essential reference. 

** This electronic edition includes 191 black-and-white photographs **

More Robert Kirby Books

  • Young Bottoms In Love

    Young Bottoms In Love

    Tim Fish, Theo Bain, Craig Bostick, Paige Braddock, Howard Cruse, Kyle Cummings, Decker, Lynx Delirium, Adam Dekraker, Abby Denson, Michael J. DiMotta, Monica Gallagher, Jim Gladstone, Phil Good, Ariel Guzman, Justin Hall, J. Brett Hopkins, Nate and Mike K., David Kelly, Randall Kirby, Robert Kirby, Jeff Krell, Jay Laird, Jack Lawrence, Adam Leveille, Gregory Lockard, Jr, Fábian Álvarez López, Ted Manning, Rachel Millar, Noel Miciano, Frank Muse, Dave Ortega, François Peneaud, Bill Roundy, Tim Piotrowski, Dave Roman, Richard Ruane, Stephen Sadowksi, Martin Schneebalg, Melody Nadia Shickley, Andy Swist, Jen Van Meter, Steven Walters & Roger Zanni

    Graphic Novels

  • Three #3

    Three #3

    Robert Kirby, Jennifer Camper, Ed Luce, Carrie McNinch, Craig Bostick, Howard Cruse, Diane DiMassa, Kris Dresen, Michael Fahy, Ellen Forney, Janelle Hessig, Joan Hilty, Jon Macy, Marinaomi, Eric Orner, Marian Runk, Matt Runkle, Sina Evil & Ivan Velez, Jr

    Graphic Novels

  • Three #2

    Three #2

    Robert Kirby, Jon Macy, Sina Evil, Jennifer Camper, Michael Fahy, Craig Bostick & David Kelly

    Graphic Novels

  • Three #1

    Three #1

    Robert Kirby, Joey Alison Sayers & Eric Orner

    Graphic Novels

  • The Avro Manchester: The Legend Behind the Lancaster
  • Curbside Boys

    Curbside Boys

    Robert Kirby

    LGBTQIA+ Fiction