Vickers Wellington

The Vickers Armstrong Wellington, affectionately dubbed the “Wimpy” after the hamburger-scoffing cartoon character, lays claim to two distinctions within RAF WWII annals. The first related to its geodetic structure, with a cloth covering that proved to be superior to previous designs for surviving battle damage. Second, the aircraft was destined to remain on the front line with Bomber Command throughout the entire course of the war. Whether serving as a first-generation bomber between 1939 and 1943, along with its Whitley and Hampden contemporaries, or on antisubmarine operations with Coastal Command, it proved to be a critical asset in applying steady inhibiting pressure on Axis Europe. Service as an aircrew trainer both during and following WWII was a secondary but very valuable function, as were latter-day duties with Transport Command. This book is a concise, visual history of this iconic RAF WWII bomber by noted aviation historian Ron Mackay.