Aircraft of RAF Cranage

For a small airfield, without hard surface runways, Cranage was home to eighteen different types of aircraft, some of which you may not expect to see listed below.

Hawker Hind

At R.A.F. Cranage 1939 - 1940

Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft Company.

Role: Light bomber, Trainer.

Produced: 1935 - 1938

Number Built: 528

Crew: 2

Length: 29 ft 3 in [8.92 m]

Wingspan: 37 ft 3 in [11.36 m]

Height: 10 ft 7 in [3.23 m]

Empty weight: 3,195 lb [1,452 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 4,657 lb [2,167 kg]

Powerplant: 1× Rolls-Royce Kestrel V Water cooled V-12, 640 hp [477 kW]

Maximum speed: 185 mph [298 km/h] at 15,500 ft

Stall speed: 45 mph [72 km/h]

Range: 430 mi [692 km]

Service ceiling: 26,400 ft [8,050 m]

Climb to 10,000 ft 8 minutes 6 seconds

1 × synchronised forward-firing .303 in [7.7 mm] Vickers gun

1 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Lewis gun in rear cockpit

Up to 510 lb [231 kg] bombs under wings.

Developed from the Hawker Hart day-bomber of 1931, the Hind was an RAF light bomber of the inter-war years that offered improvements while more modern monoplane bombers such as the Fairey Battle were still in development. The hind went into production in November 1935 and eventually equipped 20 RAF bomber squadrons. in 1938 the Hind found a new career as a training aircraft representing the next step up from the basic training on Tiger Moths, a role which it continued serve during the Second World War.

Avro Tutor

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1942

Number: K3357

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Avro.

Role: Trainer.

Produced: 1933 - 19??

Number Built: 606

Crew: 2 [Student & Instructor]

Length: 26 ft 4.5 in [8.04 m]

Wingspan: 34 ft [10.36 m]

Height: 9 ft 7 in [2.92 m]

Empty weight: 1,844 lb [836 kg]

Powerplant: 1× Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IVC, 240 hp [180 kW]

Maximum speed: 120 mph [193 km/h]

Cruise speed: 97 mph [156 km/h]

Range: 250 mi [402 km]

Service ceiling: 16,000 ft [4,877 m]

Rate of climb: 910 ft/min [276 m/min]

A.V. Roe's Type 621 Tutor was a two-seater radial engined biplane from the inter-war years. Simple but rugged, this trainer was used by the RAF and many other air arms around the world. Designed by Roy Chadwick as a light initial trainer was constructed from steel tubing with wooden components in the wing ribs and sported staggered equal span, single bay wings with doped linen covering. A tail skid was used in all but the latest aircraft, which had a tail wheel.

Lockheed Hudson

At R.A.F. Cranage 1942

Number: AE168

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 28 April 1942

28 April, tragedy strikes in the form of the worst accident to happen at Cranage. Hudson AE618 is being used as a ferry flight and is returning from West Freugh, Scotland when it stalls on approach to the airfield. The aircraft spins towards the ground as the pilot fights to keep control in blustery conditions. All nine personnel on board loose their lives, including five pilots. Flying Officer’s G. C. Buxton, G. E. C. Searle and J. L. W. Botting; Warrant Officer L. C. [Red] Salter, and Flight Sergeant B. W. Bowman, two W.O./A.G. Flight Sergeant’s D. J. Williams and C. E. Forrest and a Corporal R. B. Snashall are all buried at St. John the Evangelist Church, Byley. The ninth member of the crew is W.O. Harold Robinson who is buried at Buried at Whitehaven (Hensingham) Cemetery Cumberland.

For more information on Hudson AE618, including a copy of the crash report, please follow this link - RAF Cranage 1942

Number: AM581

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942 - 30 May 1944

30 May 1944, AM581 crash landed.

Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.

Role: Light bomber, Reconnaissance.

Produced: 1938 - 1942

Number Built: 2,584

Crew: 6

Length: 44 ft 4 in [13.51 m]

Wingspan: 65 ft 6 in [19.96 m]

Height: 11 ft 10 in [3.62 m]

Empty weight: 12,000 lb [5,400 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 18,500 lb [8,390 kg]

Powerplant: 2× Wright Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engines, 1,100 hp [820 kW] each

Maximum speed: 246 mph [397 km/h]

Range: 1,960 mi [3,150 km]

Service ceiling: 24,500 ft [7,470 m]

Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min [6.2 m/s]

2 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine guns in a Boulton Paul dorsal turret

2 x 0.303 in Browning machine gun in nose

Up to 750 lb [340 kg] of bombs or depth charges.

An American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the RAF shortly before the outbreak of WWII to support the Avro Anson. The Hudson was the first significant order for Lockheed, the initial RAF order was for 200 which far surpassed any previous order. Serving mainly with Coastal Command the Hudson was flown throughout the war, crossing over into transport and training roles along with dropping agents into occupied France. The RCAF also used the Hudson within its anti-submarine squadrons.

Avro Anson

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1944

Number: K6153

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K6248

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 21 March 1941

21 March 1941, Anson K6248 crashes at Rednal in Shropshire, where tragically all five of the crew, Plt. Off. Padfield; Pilot under training Sgt. Hill; Plt. Off. Minnet, Sgt. Burgess and Sgt. Hewish are killed. Plt. Off. Padfield and Sgt. Hill are buried at St. John the Evangelist Church, Byley, situated at the south west corner of the airfield.

Number: K6265

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K6276

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K6283

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 17 February 1941

17 February 1941, Anvro Anson K6283 crashes near Leek in Staffordshire. Sadly Sgt. A.M. Owen is killed.

Number: K6290

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 17 February 1941

17 February 1941, Anson K6290 is damaged beyond repair after crash landing at Pickmere in fog.

Number: K6306

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K8789

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K8817

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 10 February 1941

10 February 1941, Anvro Anson K8817 is written off whilst stationary. Sgt. Alfred E. Scott collided with the Anson in his Hurricane V7951. The Hurricane is repairable and Sgt. Scott walks away with minor injuries.

Number: K8719

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: K8791

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 17 June 1943

17 June 1941, Anson K8791 flying out from C.N.S. suffers engine failure and crashes near to the Wallanstone Works, Northwich. All on board are killed including A.T.C. cadet A.E. Dawson.

Number: L9148

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Number: L7968

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 15 October 1942

15 October, during a night exercise, Anson L7968 crashes into Moss Ridge Long Hill near Buxton. The crew completed the flight and are returning Cranage when they misread one of the navigation beacons, by the time they realise they are flying away from the airfield it is too late. The pilot Sgt. P.J. Woodcock R.A.F.V.R., wireless operator/air gunner Sgt. W.G. Dale R.A.F.V.R. along with two R.C.A.F. Sergeant's J.M. Matheson and R.J. Reay are unfortunately killed.

Number: N4966

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 26 August 1942

26 August, Anson N4966 from C.N.S. crashes into the side of a mountain west of Ruabon, near Wrexham, killing all on board.

Number: DJ219

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 14 August 1942

Number: R3432

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 21 October 1940 - 14 August 1942

Manufacturer: Avro.

Role: Multi-role aircraft, primarily a Trainer.

Produced: mid 1930s - 1952

Number Built: 11,020

Crew: 3 - 4

Length: 42 ft 3 in [12.88 m]

Wingspan: 56 ft 6 in [17.22 m]

Height: 13 ft 1 in [3.99 m]

Empty weight: 5,512 lb [2,500 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 8,500 lb [3,900 kg]

Powerplant: 2× Armstron Siddeley Cheetah IX radial engines, 355 hp [260 kW] each

Maximum speed: 188 mph [ 303 km/h] at 7,000 ft [2,100 m]

Range: 790 mi [1,300 km]

Service ceiling: 19,000 ft [5,791 m]

Rate of climb: 750 ft/min [3.8 m/s]

1 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] machine gun in front fuselage

1 x 0.303 in Vickers K machine gun in dorsal turret

360 lb [163kg] bombs

The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, multi-role aircraft that served with the RAF, FAA and numerous other air forces prior to, during and after the Second World War. Named for British Admiral George Anson, it was originally designed for maritime reconnaissance, but was soon rendered obsolete in that role. However, it was rescued from obscurity by its suitability as a multi-engine air crew trainer, becoming the mainstay of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. By the end of production in 1952, the Anson spanned nine variants and a total of 8,138 were built in Britain by Avro. From 1941, a further 2,882 were built by Canadian Federal Aircraft Ltd.

Miles Magister

At R.A.F. Cranage 1941 - 1942

Number: T9833

Used by: No.96 Squadron

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 26 January 1941

26 January, getting lost on a return flight from Tangmere to Cranage, two pilots land their Miles Magister T9833 in a field. Unfortunately they crash into trees on take off wrecking the plane and injuring Flying officer [Fl. Off.] Mann. Fl. Off. H.A. 'Hank' Sprague escaped without injury.

Number: T9895

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Miles Aircraft.

Role: Trainer.

Produced: 1937 - 19??

Number Built: 1,303

Crew: 2 [Student & Instructor]

Length: 24 ft 7 in [7.51 m]

Wingspan: 33 ft 10 in [10.31 m]

Height: 9 ft 1 in [2.77 m]

Empty weight: 1,260 lb [570 kg]

Powerplant: 1× de Havilland Gipsy Major I inverted inline piston, 130 hp [97 kW]

Maximum speed: 132 mph [212 km/h] at 1,000 ft

Range: 380 mi [610 km]

Service ceiling: 18,000 ft [5,500 m]

Rate of climb: 850 ft/min [260 m/min]

The Miles M.14 Magister was a two-seat monoplane trainer aircraft built by Miles Aircraft for the RAF and the FAA. Known affectionately as the 'Maggie', the Magister was the first monoplane designed specifically as a trainer for the RAF and, as a low-wing monoplane, it was an ideal first trainer for pilots destined for Hurricanes and Spitfires. Success as a trainer led to 700 plus Magisters being used at 16 Flying Training Schools including Cranage.

Airspeed Oxford

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1944

Number: N4566

Used by: No.11 Service Flying Training School (Shawbury)

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 26 June 1941

Landing accident at Cranage. One of Two Oxfords involved in an accident at Cranage on this night.

Number: N4646

Used by: No.11 Service Flying Training School (Shawbury)

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 29 June 1941

Landing accident at Cranage. One of Three Oxfords involved in an accident at Cranage on this night.

Number: N4594

Used by: No.11 Service Flying Training School (Shawbury)

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 26 October 1941

26 October, immediately after take off, Oxford I N4954 loses height, strikes a tree and collides with the roof of an out-building at the Smithy on the B5081. Sgt. Baker is instructing L.A.C. W.C. Thompson in night flying when the accident occurs. Both men receive serious injury and are taken to hospital where, eighteen hours later, L.A.C. Thompson passes away.

Number: AS893

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 11 November 1941

11 November, Oxford AS893 overshoots the runway, hits an obstruction and overturns. The damage is bad enough that AS893 is written off.

Number: X6948 MkII

Used by: No.11 Service Flying Training School (Shawbury)

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 24 November 1941

24 November, Corporal P.C. Allard of the Free French Air Force is flying Oxford II X6948 on a solo night training exercise when he crashes. Sadly he dies in the accident and the Oxford is written off.

Number: BG663

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Number: DF477

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last date recorded at Cranage: 20 March 1943

Saturday 20 March, Understood to have been returning from R.A.F. Sealand, as part of a navigation training exercise, the plane came down at Mottrams Farm, Ash Bank, Crewe having collided with the wires of a barrage balloon located around the Rolls Royce factory at Crewe. Sadly all four on board are killed: F/O. Albert Edward Wheeler D.F.C. 50363 R.A.F. Age 32, L.A.C. John Gordon Stoneham 1396881 R.A.F.V.R. Age 25, Fl/Sgt. Harold Clark 1023954 R.A.F.V.R. Age 28 & L.A.C. Frank Edward Hughes 1394564 R.A.F.V.R. Age 21.

Number: DF478

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF479

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF482

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF486

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF487

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF504

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Number: DF508

Used by: 1531 Beam Approach Training Flight

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 20 July 1942 - 29 May 1945

Manufacturer: Airspeed Ltd.

Role: Trainer.

Produced: mid 1937 - 19??

Number Built: 4,411

Crew: 3

Length: 34 ft 6 in [10.52 m]

Wingspan: 53 ft 4 in [16.26 m]

Height: 11 ft 1 in [3.38 m]

Empty weight: 5,322 lb [2,419 kg]

Loaded weight: 7,500 lb [3,409 kg]

Powerplant: 2× Armstron Siddeley Cheetah X radial engines, 350 hp [261 kW] each

Maximum speed: 192 mph [309 km/h] at 8,000 ft [2,440 m]

Range: 960 mi [1,500 km]

Service ceiling: 23,550 ft [7,180 m]

Rate of climb: 1,340 ft/min [6.8 m/s]

1 x 0.303 in Vickers K machine gun in dorsal turret

16 x 11.5 lb [5 kg] practice bombs

The Airspeed AS.10 Oxford was a twin-engine aircraft used for training British Commonwealth aircrews in navigation, radio operating, bombing and gunnery during the Second World War. Demand for the aircraft resulted in 8,751 being built by Airspeed as well as de Havilland, Percival Aircraft Company and Standard Motors. In addition to training duties, Oxfords were used in communications and anti-submarine roles and as ambulances in the Middle East.

Miles Master

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1942

Number: N7759

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 27 July 1940

27 July, Miles Master N7759 suffered engine failure shortly after take off for a night flying exercise. The pilot made an attempt to return to the airfield but two miles short of the airfield, at Rudheath, he hit a tree, writing off the aircraft. Fortunately the pilot survived.

Number:N7714

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 8 August 19408

August, the pilot of Miles Master N7714 was not so lucky. The plane 'swung' on take off, clipped some cables and crashed.

Number: N7921

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 5 September 1940

5 September, during a night flying exercise, Miles Master N7921 strayed from the circuit, crashing into the the roof of a house killing the pilot.

Number: N7571

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 11 September 1940

11 September, while taking off on another night time exercise, Miles Master N7571 skidded, crashed and caught fire killing the pilot.

Number: N7759

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 27 September 1940

27 September, Miles Master N7759, undershot on a night landing, clipped some trees and crashed killing the pilot.

Number: N8066

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Miles Aircraft.

Role: Advanced Trainer.

Produced: 1939 - 194?

Number Built: 3,250

Crew: 2 [Student & Instructor]

Length: 29 ft 6 in [8.99 m]

Wingspan: 39 ft 0 in [11.89 m]

Height: 9 ft 3 in [2.82 m]

Max takeoff weight: 5,573 lb [2,528 kg]

Powerplant: 1× Bristol Mercury XX 9-cylinder supercharged air-cooled radial engine, 870 hp [623 kW]

Maximum speed: 260 mph [416 km/h] at 5,000 ft [1,500 m]

Cruise speed: 230 mph [368 km/h] at 5,000 ft [1,500 m]

Range: 393 mi [632 km]

Service ceiling: 28,000 ft [8,500 m]

1 x 0.303 in Vickers K machine gun

The Miles M.9 Master was a British 2-seat monoplane advanced trainer built by Miles Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War. It went through a number of variants according to engine availability and was even modified as an emergency fighter during the Battle of Britain. It was a fast, strong and fully aerobatic aircraft and served as an excellent introduction to the high performance British fighter aircraft of the day; the Spitfire and Hurricane.

de Havilland Tiger Moth

At R.A.F. Cranage 1942

Number: R5012

Used by: No.2 School of Air Navigation

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft Company.

Role: Trainer.

Produced: 1931 - 1944

Number Built: 8,868

Crew: 2 [Student & Instructor]

Length: 23 ft 11 in [7.34 m]

Wingspan: 29.4 ft [8.94 m]

Height: 8 ft 9 in [2.68 m]

Loaded weight: 1,825 lb [828 kg]

Powerplant: 1× de Haviland Gipsy Major I inverted 4-cylinder inline 130 hp [100 kW]

Maximum speed: 109 mph at 1,000 ft [175 km/h at 300 m]

Range: 302 mi [486 km]

Service ceiling: 13,600 ft [4,145 m]

Rate of climb: 673 ft/min [205 m/min]

The de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and was operated by the Royal Air Force and others as a primary trainer. The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until 1952 when many of the surplus aircraft entered civil operation. Many other nations used the Tiger Moth in both military and civil applications, and it remains in use as a recreational aircraft. It is still occasionally used as a primary training aircraft, particularly for those pilots wanting to gain experience before moving on to other tailwheel aircraft, although most Tiger Moths have a skid.

Westland Lysander

At R.A.F. Cranage 1942

Number: R9116

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Number: R9125

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Westland Aircraft.

Role: Army co-operation and liaison aircraft.

Produced: 1936 - 194?

Number Built: 1,786

Crew: 1

Length: 30 ft 6 in [9.29 m]

Wingspan: 50 ft [115.24 m]

Height: 14 ft 6 in [4.42 m]

Empty weight: 4,365 lb [1,984 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 6,330 lb (2,877 kg)

Powerplant: 1× Bristol Mercury XX raidial engine, 870 hp [649 kW]

Maximum speed: 212 mph [341 km/h] at 5,000 ft

Range: 600 mi [966 km]

Service ceiling: 21,500 ft [6,550 m]

Climb to 10,000 ft [3,050 m]: 8 min

The Westland Lysander was a British army co-operation and liaison aircraft produced by Westland Aircraft. It was used during the Second World War. The aircraft's exceptional short-field performance made possible clandestine missions using small, unprepared airstrips behind enemy lines that placed or recovered agents, particularly in occupied France. Like other British army air co-operation aircraft it was given the name of a mythical or legendary leader, in this case Spartan general Lysander.

Curtiss P-36 Hawk

At R.A.F. Cranage 1942

Number: AR630

Used by: Central Navigation School

Last dates recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Corporation.

Role: Fighter.

Produced: 1938 - 194?

Number Built: 215 P-36 + 900 export Hawk 75 variants.

Crew: 1

Length: 28 ft 6 in [8.7 m]

Wingspan: 37 ft 4 in [11.4 m]

Height: 8 ft 5 in [2.6 m]

Loaded weight: 5,650 lb [2,560 kg]

Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-17 Twin Wasp air-cooled radial piston engine, 1,050 hp [783 kW] each

Maximum speed: 313 mph [500 km/h] at 8,500 ft [2,960 m]

Cruise speed: 270 mph [432 km/h]

Range: 625 mi at 270 mph [860 mi at 200 mph]

Service ceiling: 32,700 ft [9,967 m]

Rate of climb: 3,400 ft/min [17 m/s]

1 x 0.30 in [7.62 mm] M1919 Browning machine gun

1 x 0.50 [12.7 mm] M2 Browning machine gun

The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also known as the Curtiss Hawk Model 75, was an American designed and built fighter aircraft of the 1930s and 40s. A contemporary of the both the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt Bf 109, it was one of the first of a new generation of combat aircraft—a sleek monoplane design making extensive use of metal in its construction and powered by a powerful radial engine. Obsolete at the onset of World War II and best known as the predecessor of the Curtiss P-40, the P-36 saw only limited combat with the United States Army Air Forces, but it was used more extensively by the French Air Force, both during the Battle of France and by the Vichy France armed forces, and also by the British Commonwealth (where it was known as the Mohawk), and Chinese air units. Several dozen also fought in the Finnish Air Force against the Soviet Air Forces. With around 1,000 aircraft built, the P-36 was a major commercial success for Curtiss.

Vickers Wellington

At R.A.F. Cranage 1941 - 1944

Number: HE819 Mk.X

Assembled at Byley VA Factory

Last dates recorded at Cranage: 29 July 1943

Byley built Wellington Mk.X HE819 crashes when the port wing drops and touches the ground during its third test flight. The aircraft crashes into the ground, bursting into flames immediately, killing R.A.F. pilot Fl. Off. Ruoff and Ministry of Aircraft Production Test Inspector Mr. Edward Booth. The accident is thought to be caused a 'freak' weather condition which occurs on hot days at the southeastern approach to the airfield.

In a report recorded by No2. S.o.A.N. it is thought that both the pilot and the inspector were pulled from the wreckage. Unfortunately Mr. Booth passed away in the ambulance as it journeyed to the medical centre at R.A.F. Wilmslow.

Fl. Off. Rouff passed away at 20:00hrs that evening.

Number: JA313 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 14 October 1942 - 11 February 1944

Number: JA382 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First date recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Number: JA621 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 14 October 1942 - 11 February 1944

Number: JA623 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 14 October 1942 - 11 February 1944

Number: JA625 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 14 October 1942 - 11 February 1944

Number: LB196 Mk.XIII

Used by: Central Navigation School

First date recorded at Cranage: August 1942

Manufacturer: Vickers-Armstrongs [Aircraft] Ltd.

Role: Bomber, anti-submarine aircraft.

Produced: 1936 - 1945

Number Built: 11,464

Crew: 6

Length: 64 ft 7 in [19.69 m]

Wingspan: 86 ft 2 in [26.27 m]

Height: 17 ft 5 in [5.31 m]

Empty weight: 18,556 lb [8,435 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 28,500 lb [12,955 kg]

Powerplant: 2× Bristol Pegasus Mark XVIII radial engines, 1,050 hp [783 kW] each

Performance

Maximum speed: 235 mph [378 km/h] at 15,500 ft [4,730 m]

Range: 2,550 mi [4,106km/h]

Service ceiling: 18,000 ft [5,490 m]

Rate of climb: 1,120 ft/min [5.7 m/s]

Armament

6-8 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine guns. [nose 2; waist 2; tail 2]

4,500 lb [2,041 kg] bomb

The Vickers Wellington was a British twin-engine, long range medium bomber designed in the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, by Vickers-Armstrongs Chief Designer, R. K. Pierson. It was widely used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, before being displaced as a bomber by the larger four-engine "heavies" such as the Avro Lancaster. The Wellington continued to serve throughout the war in other duties, particularly as an anti-submarine aircraft. It was the only British bomber to be produced for the entire duration of the war. The Wellington was popularly known as the Wimpy by service personnel, after J. Wellington Wimpy from the Popeye cartoons and a Wellington "B for Bertie" had a starring role in the 1942 Oscar-nominated Powell and Pressburger film One of Our Aircraft Is Missing. The Wellington was one of two bombers named after Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the other being the Vickers Wellesley.

Avro Manchester

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1941

Manufacturer: Avro.

Role: Heavy bomber.

Produced: 1940 - 1941

Number Built: 209

Crew: 7

Length: 70 ft [21.34 m]

Wingspan: 90 ft 1 in [27.46 m]

Height: 19 ft 6 in [5.94 m]

Empty weight: 31,200 lb [14,152 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 50,000 lb [22,680 kg]

Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Vulture I 24-cylinder X type, 1,760 hp [1,310 kW] each

Maximum speed: 265 mph [402 km/h] at 17,000 ft

Range: 1,200 mi [1,930 km] with max. bomb load of 10,350 lb [4,695 kg]

Service ceiling: 19,500 ft

8 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine guns. [Nash & Thompson turrets - nose 2; dorsal 2; tail 4]

10,350 lb [4,695 kg] bomb

The Avro 679 Manchester was a British twin-engine heavy bomber, the Manchester was developed during the Second World War by the Avro aircraft company in the UK. Unfortunately, due to being underdeveloped and under-powered [not to mention the unreliability of the Rolls Royce Vulture engines], the Manchester was in reality a failure. Two years after the first prototype flew from Manchester's Ringway Airport, the much revised Mk III Manchester took to the air and was immediately renamed the Lancaster.

Boulton Paul Defiant

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1941

Number: N1575

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: N1766

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 13 March 1941

13 March, During a test flight in Defiant N1766 Fl. Off. Paul Rabone and Fl. Off. Ritchie suffer both radio and engine failure. The pair have to bail-out and the plane goes on to crash just west of Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire. Both officers land without injury.

Wreckage of N1766 is still on the hillside, although the Rolls Royce engine and propeller were removed in 1980 and given to the Air and Space Museum, now a branch of Manchester Museum of Science and Industry at Castlefields, Manchester.

Number: N3338

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 20 June 1941

20 June, Sgt. Hampshire crash lands Defiant N3338 and escapes without injury.

Number: N3347

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: N3376

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 30 March 1941

30 March 1941, Defiant N3376 crashes due to engine failure. Sgt. Ralls orderes Sgt. Phillips to Bale-out and both pilot and gunner escape without injury. The aircraft eventually comes down in Park Road, Gatley.

Number: N3383

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 31 August 1941

31 August, Plt. Off. E.H. Jacob and his gunner Sgt. Arnold are injured when Defiant N3383 has engine failure and crashes in a field next to Sandbach Grammar School.

Number: N3389

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 27 March 1941

27 March 1941, Defiant N3389 crashes on high ground south of Wellingore, Lincolshire, during a cross-country night flying exercise. Sadly Sgt's W.B. Angell and J.E. Goldsmith are killed.

Number: N3921

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: N3433

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

17 February 1941, Defiant N3433 ends up in a ditch after a forced landing in poor weather at R.A.F. Sealand. The crew walk away with nothing more than a few scratches though N3433 has to be taken to Reid & Sigrist on the 12th Mach for repairs.

Number: N3447

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 4 September 1941

4 September 1941, Plt. Off. J.R. Duncan and air gunner Sgt. F.A. Allcroft are killed when their Defiant N3447 crashes while out on a night flight and catches fire.

Number: N3510

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 20 June 1941

20 June 1941, Sgt. Ralls makes a forced belly landing in Defiant N3510, he escaped without injury.

Number: T3921

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 16 October 1941

16 October 1941, Defiant T3921 crashes into Shining Tor, near the Cat & Fiddle pub, on the A537 from Macclesfield to Buxton, injuring both Plt. Off. M.G. Hilton and Sgt. H.W. Brunkhorst.

Number: T3924 ZJ-P

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 1 September 1941

1 September 1941, Defiant T3924 is written off when Plt. Off. Keprt undershoots his approach to Cranage and hits a tree. Luckily neither he nor his gunner Sgt. Harder are hurt.

Number: T3954

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

15 March 1941, Defiant T3954 crashes on landing. Sgt's W.B. Angell and J.E. Goldsmith are uninjured and the aircraft is repairable.

Number: T4008

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: T4071 ZJ-O

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 December 1940 - 20 June 1941

22 June 1941, Defiant T4071 ZJ-P flies into the ground and explodes at Eddisbury Hill near Delamere, Cheshire. Plt. Off. R. Smithson and gunner Sgt. Ivan N. Robinson are on a test flight from Squires Gate. Unfortunately both men are killed in the crash.

Manufacturer: Boulton Paul.

Role: Two-Seater Fight, Night Fighter, Trainer, Target Tug.

Produced: 1939 - 194?

Number Built: 1,064

Crew: 2 pilot, air gunner

Length: 35 ft 4 in [10.77 m]

Wingspan: 39 ft 4 in [11.99 m]

Height: 11 ft 4 in [3.46 m]

Empty weight: 6,078 lb [2,763 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 8,600 lb [3,909 kg]

Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin III liquid-cooled V12 engine, 1,030 hp [768 kW]

Maximum speed: 304 mph [489 km/h] at 17,000 ft [5,180 m]

Cruise speed: 175m mph [417 km/h] at 15,000 ft [4,570 m]

Range: 465 mi [749 km]

Service ceiling: 31,000 ft [9,250 m]

Rate of climb: 15,000 ft [4,600 m] 8.5 min

4 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine guns in a Boulton Paul hydraulically-powered dorsal turret [600rpg]

The Defiant was designed and built by Boulton Paul Aircraft as a fighter aircraft and bomber interceptor and was used early in the Second World War. The concept of a turret-armed defensive fighter emerged in 1935, at a time when it was believed that the RAF would have to defend the country against formations of German bombers. In practice, after a handful of successful operations, the Defiant was found to be vulnerable to the Luftwaffe's more agile, single-seat Messersschmitt Bf 109 fighters; crucially the Defiant did not have any forward facing guns.

The Defiants role changed, with great effect, to that of a Night Fighter during the Blitz of London, Manchester and Liverpool, but it was soon replaced by the Bristol Beaufighter and the de Havilland Mosquito.

Hawker Hurricane

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940 - 1941

Number: P3663 ZJ-J

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 12 January 1941

12 January 1941, Hurricane P3663 crashes on landing, Sergeant [Sgt.] Kneath escapes uninjured.

Number: P3833

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 1 February 1941

15 February 1941, Hurricane P3833 crashes on landing. Fortunately Pl. Off. Lauder was uninjured.

Number: P8813

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 1 February 1941

1 February 1941, Hurricane P8813 crashes on landing, Sgt. Peacock escapes uninjured.

Number: V6886

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 12 February 1941

12 February 1941, Hurricane V6886 makes a forced landing at R.A.F. Shawbury during a night flight. The plane was severely damaged though Fl. Off. Victor Verity escapes uninjured.

Number: V6887

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: V6942

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: V6947

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 21 October 1941

10 February 1941, Hurricane V6947 is forced to land in a field at Sutton Hall Farm. Fl. Off. Josef Kloboucnik suffers minor injuries.

Number: V7130

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 11 January 1941

11 January 1941, Hurricane V7130 crashes on landing. Pilot Officer [Plt. Off.] Lauder escapes uninjured.

Number: V7261

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 2 May 1941

2 May 1941, No.2 S.o.A.N. attendee Fl. Off. Peter Wakeford talks his way into a flight in No.96 Squadrons’ Hurricane V7261. The Hurricane catches fire and while Wakeford survives the crash, V7261 does not.

Number: V7752

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 21 October 1941

Number: V7951

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 21 October 1941

15 February, Hurricane V7591 is also damaged on landing and luckily Sgt. Scott also walks away uninjured.

Number: W9159

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First and last dates recorded at Cranage: 16 August 1940 - 3 February 1941

3 February 1941, Hurricane W9159 is forced to land in a field near Tarporley. Sgt. Taylor escapes uninjured.

Manufacturer: Hawker.

Role: Fighter.

Produced: 1937 - 1944

Number Built: 14,533

Crew: 2 pilot, air gunner

Length: 32 ft 3 in [9.84 m]

Wingspan: 40 ft [12.19 m]

Height: 13 ft 1 1/2 in [4.0 m]

Empty weight: 5,745 lb [2,605 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 8,710 lb [3,950 kg]

Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin XX liquid-cooled V12 engine, 1,185 hp [883 kW] at 21,000 ft [6,400 m]

Maximum speed: 340 mph [547 km/h] at 21,000 ft [6,400 m]

Range: 600 mi [965 km]

Service ceiling: 36,000 ft [10,970 m]

Rate of climb: 2,780 ft/min [14.1 m/s]

8 × 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine guns in models produced between 1937 and 1939

The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Although largely overshadowed by the Supermarine Spitfire, the aircraft became renowned during the Battle of Britain, accounting for 60% of the RAF's air victories in the battle, and served in all the major theatres of the Second World War.

The 1930s design evolved through several versions and adaptations, resulting in a series of aircraft which acted as interceptor-fighters, fighter-bombers (also called "Hurribombers"), and ground support aircraft. Further versions known as the Sea Hurricane had modifications which enabled operation from ships. Some were converted as catapult-launched convoy escorts, known as "Hurricats". More than 14,000. Hurricanes were built by the end of 1944 (including about 1,200 converted to Sea Hurricanes and some 1,400 built in Canada by the Canada Car and Foundry).

Fairey Battle

At R.A.F. Cranage 1941

Number: R7409

Used by: No.96 Squadron

First date recorded at Cranage: 14 February 1941

Manufacturer: Fairey Aviation Company.

Role: Light Bomber.

Produced: 1937 - 1940

Number Built: 2,185.

Crew: 3

Length: 42 ft 4 in [12.91 m]

Wingspan: 54 ft [16.46 m]

Height: 15 ft 6 in [4.72 m]

Loaded weight: 10,792 lb [4,895 kg]

Powerplant: 1 × Rolls Royce Merlin II liquid cooled V12 engine, 1,030 hp [768 kW] each

Maximum speed: 257 mph [413 km/h] at 15,000 ft [4,600 m]

Range: 1000 mi [1,610 km]

Service ceiling: 25,000 ft [7,620 m]

Climb to 5,000 ft [1,520 m]: 4 min 6 sec

1 x 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine gun in starboard wing

1 x 0.303 [7.7 mm] Vickers K machine gun in rear cabin

4 x 250 lb [110kg] bombs [internal]

500 lb [230 kg] bomb [external]

The Fairey Battle was a British single-engine light bomber built by the Fairey Aviation Company in the late 1930s for the Royal Air Force. The Battle was powered by the same Rolls-Royce Merlin piston engine that gave contemporary British fighters high performance; however, the Battle was weighed down with a three-man crew and a bomb load. Despite being a great improvement on the aircraft that preceded it, by the time it saw action it was slow, limited in range and highly vulnerable to both anti-aircraft fire and fighters with its single defensive 0.303 machine gun. During the "Phoney War", the Fairey Battle recorded the first RAF aerial victory of the Second World War but by May 1940 was suffering heavy losses of well over 50% per mission. By the end of 1940 the Battle had been withdrawn from combat service and relegated to training units overseas.

Bristol Blenheim 1F

At R.A.F. Cranage 1940

Manufacturer: Bristol Aeroplane Company.

Role: Night Fighter.

Produced: 1937 - 1944

Number Built: 4,422 in various forms, around 2,000 were night fighters.

Crew: 3

Length: 42 ft 7 in [12.98 m]

Wingspan: 56 ft 4 in [17.17 m]

Height: 9 ft 10 in [3 m]

Loaded weight: 14,400 lb [6,545 kg]

Powerplant: 2 × Bristol Mercury XV radial engines, 920 hp [690 kW] each

Maximum speed: 266 mph [428 km/h]

Range: 1,460 mi [2,351 km]

Service ceiling: 27,620 ft [8,310 m]

Rate of climb 1,500 ft/min [7.6m/s m]

1 x 0.303 in [7.7 mm] Browning machine gun in port wing

1 or 2 0.303 [7.7 mm] Browning machine gun/s in rear-firing under nose blister or Nash & Thompson FN.54 turret.

4 x 250 lb [113kg] bombs [internal] or

2 x 500 lb [227 kg] bombs [internal] and 8 x 40 lb [18kg] bombs [externally]

The Bristol Blenheim was a British light bomber aircraft designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company that was used extensively in the early days of the Second World War. It was adapted as an interim long-range and night fighter, pending the availability of the Beaufighter. It was one of the first British aircraft to have all-metal stressed-skin construction, to utilise retractable landing gear, flaps, powered gun turret and variable pitch propellers. A Canadian-built variant named the Bolingbroke was used as an anti-submarine and training aircraft.

The Blenheim Mk I outshone most biplane fighters in the late 1930s but stood little chance against the German Messerschmitt Bf 109 during daylight operations, though it proved successful as a night fighter. The Mark IV variant was equally unsuccessful, suffering major losses in the early stages of the war.

In the German night bombing raid on London, 18 June 1940, Blenheims accounted for five German bombers thus proving they were better suited to a nocturnal role. In July, No. 600 Squadron, by then based at RAF Manston, had some of its Mk IFs equipped with AI Mk III radar. With this radar equipment, a Blenheim from the Fighter Interception Unit (FIU) at RAF Ford achieved the first success on the night of 2–3 July 1940, accounting for a Dornier Do 17 bomber. More successes came and, before long, the Blenheim proved itself invaluable in the night fighter role. Gradually, with the introduction of the Bristol Beaufighter in 1940-1941, the Blenheim was supplanted by its faster, better armed progeny.

Piper Cub

At R.A.F. Cranage 1944 - 1945

Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft.

Role: Trainer.

Produced: 1938 - 1947

Number Built: 19,888

Crew: 1

Length: 22 ft 5 in [6.83 m]

Wingspan: 35 ft [10.74 m]

Height: 6 ft 8 in [2.03 m]

Empty weight: 765 lb [345 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 1,220 lb (550 kg)

Powerplant: 1× Continental A-65-8 air cooled flat four, 65 hp [48 kW]

Maximum speed: 87 mph [140 km/h]

Cruise speed: 75 mph [121 km/h]

Range: 220 mi [354 km]

Service ceiling: 11,500 ft [3,500 m]

Rate of climb: 450ft/min [2.3 m/s]

The Piper J-3 Cub is a small, simple, light aircraft that was built between 1937 and 1947 by Piper Aircraft. With tandem (fore and aft) seating, it was intended for flight training but became one of the most popular and best-known light aircraft of all time. The Cub's simplicity, affordability and popularity invokes comparisons to the Ford Model T automobile.

Stinson L-5 Sentinel

At R.A.F. Cranage 1944 - 1945

Manufacturer: Stinson.

Role: Liaison, observation, light aircraft.

Produced: 1942 - 1945

Number Built: 3,896

Crew: 2 [Pilot & Observer]

Length: 24 ft 1 in [7.34 m]

Wingspan: 34 ft [10.36 m]

Height: 7 ft 11 in [2.41 m]

Empty weight: 1,550 lb [702 kg]

Max takeoff weight:2,050 lb (929 kg)

Powerplant: 1× Lycoming O-435-1, 185 hp

Never exceed speed: 163 mph

Range: 375 mi [966 km]

Service ceiling: 15,800 ft [4,815 m]

The USA light aircraft L-5 Sentinel began life as the pre-war Stinson Model 105. The model 105 was nicknamed Voyager, built by the Stinson division of Consolidated Vultee. When World War II broke out, the Voyager was redesigned and then entered into service as a liaison aircraft. It also flew in the artillery spotter role and as an air ambulance. The later model L-5s had their fuselages modified to accommodate one stretcher patient.

The L-5 was manufactured between October 1942 and September 1945, during which time a total of over 3,896 of these unarmed, two-seat aircraft were built for the United States armed forces, making it the second most widely used light observation aircraft of the war. Personnel in all service branches commonly referred to it as the "Flying Jeep".

Avro Tudor [fuselage only]

At R.A.F. Cranage after 1945

Manufacturer: Avro.

Role: Airliner.

Produced: 1945 - ????

Number Built: 38

Crew: 5 [2 pilots, flight engineer, radio operator, navigator]

Length: 79 ft 6 in [24.23 m]

Wingspan: 120 ft [36.58 m]

Height: 22 ft [6.71 m]

Max takeoff weight: 76,000 lb [34,500 kg]

Powerplant: 4 × Rolls Royce Merlin 100 V12 cylinder engines, 1,770 hp [1,320 kW] each

Maximum speed: 320 mph [512 km/h] at 8,000 ft [2,440 m]

Cruise speed: 283 mph [453 km/h] at 12,000 ft [3,660 m]

Range: 3,630 mi [5,840 km]

Service ceiling: 30,100 ft [9,180 m]

Rate of climb: 990 ft/min [5 m/s]

Avro's Type 688 Tudor was a British piston-engined airliner based on their four-engine Lincoln bomber, itself a descendant of the famous Lancaster heavy bomber, and was Britain's first pressurised airliner. Despite having a reasonably long range, customers saw the aircraft as little more than a pressurised DC-4 Skymaster, and few orders were forthcoming.

Cierva Air Horse [storage only]

At R.A.F. Cranage after 1945

Manufacturer: Cierva Autogiro Company Ltd.

Role: Single-engine three rotor heavy lift helicopter .

Produced: 1948 - 19??

Number Built: 2

Crew: 3

Length: 88 ft 7 in [27.00 m]

Rotor Diameter: 95 ft [28.96 m]

Propellers: 3 rotor [diameter: 47 ft 0 in [14.33 m]]

Height: 17 ft 9 in [5.41 m]

Empty weight: 12,140 lb [5,507 kg]

Max takeoff weight: 17,500 lb (7,940 kg)

Powerplant: 1× Rolls Royce Merlin 24 liquid cooled V12 engine, 1,620 hp [1,208 kW]

Maximum speed: 140 mph [225 km/h]

Cruise speed: 95 mph [153 km/h]

Range: 330 mi [531 km]

Service ceiling: 28,000 ft [8,540 m]

The Cierva W.11 Air Horse, later known as the Saunders-Roe Air Horse was a British helicopter which was the largest helicopter in the world when it first flew in 1948. The aircraft was unusual for using three rotors mounted on outriggers, with the single engine driving them mounted inside the fuselage.

Operational history shows that W.11 G-ALCV crashed due to fatigue failure of a swashplate carrier driving link in the front rotor hub. Both of pilots and the flight engineer lost their lives. The second, W.11 G-ALCW, after development work, was scrapped in 1953.