The Short Stirling entered service with the RAF in 1941 and was used until 1943 along with the Lancaster and Halifax as part of the heavy bomber fleet.
There were relatively few versions of the Stirling as it’s bomb-bay limitations led to it being phased out quite early, but there were glider tugs, electronic countermeasure, SOE, and transport aircraft made before final retirement in 1946.
The Stirling was armed with 8 x 7.7 mm machine guns in 3 turrets, and 14,000 lb of bombs as standard.
Stirling Mk I of 7 Squadron RAF 1941.
Stirling Mk I of 7 Squadron RAF 1941.
Stirling Mk I of 15 Squadron RAF 1941.
Stirling Mk I of 149 Squadron RAF 1941.
Stirling Mk I of 214 Squadron RAF 1942.
Stirling Mk III of 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF 1943.
Stirling Mk III of 90 Squadron RAF 1944.
Stirling Mk III of 199 Squadron RAF 1944.
Stirling Mk IV of 299 Squadron RAF 1944.
