Ever since I was a kid and used to see the Wellesley in the Matchbox kitset catalogue, I have had a curiosity about this rather odd looking bomber. I know that three were used for long distance flights brfore the war, and I also read they were used in combat in the desert. But I can’t find anything else.
Has anyone got any info on them? What sort of wartime career did these strange planes have? Were they really high altitude bombers? Or were they used for really long distance raids? They must have been risky things to take on a raid with just one engine.
And what is with the second ‘cockpit’ halfway down the fusealge? Was that an observation bubble? Or a gun turret?
One website I found (all of which are very scant in details) says just 176 were built. I guess it is unlikely but do any relics of the Wellesey still exist anywhere? Or are any crash sites known to exist?
By: Flood - 29th August 2004 at 09:42
Not if the locals are/were anything like those in North Africa where wrecks (if they were in the open or the location known about) were smelted down after the war…
Flood
By: Dave Homewood - 29th August 2004 at 08:50
Thanks for sorting that out Moggy. I only just noticed.
Does anyone know where the crash site/s in the Middle East are rumoured to be? Might turn up something of interest I hope.
By: Charlielima5 - 29th August 2004 at 08:04
I too would very much like to know if any Wellesley parts survive anywhere in the world, whether with museums or private collectors. I met the late S/Ldr Richard Kellett some 15 years ago and regret not having followed this up with a later meeting. All I know is that one instrument (possibly a clock) from one of the Long Distance aeroplanes and a large manufacturer’s exhibition model are held by Brooklands Museum but apart from unconfirmed rumours of WW2 crash sites in East Africa, there seems to be nothing else extant – except photos and memories.
By: Moggy C - 18th August 2004 at 16:54
Not Wellesleys, Moggy, Westland Wallace & PV-1, IIRC.
I was referring to a little known exploit you possibly haven’t heard of. 😮
Honest
Moggy
By: HP57 - 18th August 2004 at 16:48
Another hole to be plugged in the British historical aircraft line-up (RAF Museum). :rolleyes:
Cees
By: STORMBIRD262 - 18th August 2004 at 14:39
Dave
Most has been covered already :rolleyes: , Early Barnes N Wallis Geodetic constuction design, Very light alloy used as well in this, First entered RAF service April 1937, Was early talk of it being a torpedo-bomber, But I don’t think it ever happened, By the start of W.W.2 some 100 Wellesley remained in RAF service in the middle east as mentioned, And also used for maritime patrol until 1941, Were some back in England used as engine test beds and for various experiments, Known as a two seat medium bomber, with up to 2,000 Ib(907kg) of bombs in under wing panniers, Armament one foward firing .303(7.7-mm) Vickers machine gun and one vickers “K” gun on trainable mount in rear position, And yes the 925-hp(690-kW) Bristol Pegasus XX radial, Must have been super realiable 😉 , Max speed 228 mph(367 Kph) at 19,700 ft(6005 m), ceiling 33,000 ft(10060 m), Range Max pay load 1,110 miles(1786 km) Cheers everyone, Tally Ho! Phil. 😉
By: JDK - 18th August 2004 at 12:07
Not Wellesleys, Moggy, Westland Wallace & PV-1, IIRC.
By: JDK - 18th August 2004 at 12:05
www.britishpathe.com
991.13 | SYDNEY WELCOMES R.A.F. FLIERS (1:14:28:00 – 1:15:48:00) 01/12/1938
Item title reads – R.A.F. bid for record.
SQUADRON LEADER KELLETT Leads Non Stop Flight. Ismailia in Egypt to Australia.
M/S of the nine young airmen lined up looking at a map. M/S of the map showing their route across Arabia, India and Australia, non-stop. M/S of Squadron Leader Kellett who is in charge. M/S as they get into their Vickers Wellesley long range bombers. M/S of propellors spinning. Various shots of the three aeroplanes above the clouds.
Title – Sydney.
M/S as the three aeroplanes fly overhead. M/S as the Premier of New South Wales waits to greet them. Various shots as they taxi along and get out. M/S as they all walk past crowds of people. C/U of Squadron Leader Kellett saying how happy they are to be here.
Cataloguer’s note: the first part of this item appears to be a duplicate of the story entitled ‘R.A.F. Bid for Record’ in 38/89 on *PM0987*.
By: Moggy C - 18th August 2004 at 11:59
I seem to recall that a flight of them flew over Everest pre-war and the pictures were widely published.
Moggy
By: Steve Bond - 18th August 2004 at 11:17
Wellesleys survived in secondary roles in the Middle East until 1943 I believe. There is a gentleman living near me who flew them – and hated them!
By: ozplane - 18th August 2004 at 09:20
If I recall correctly there were 4 Wellesleys in Kenya at the outbreak of WW2. These were used in bombing ops against the Italians, operating from the Sudan. I have read a biography of a Kenyan pilot who was involved in these ops but it will need some legwork to find the book. I’ll let you know how I get on
By: Dave Homewood - 18th August 2004 at 08:54
Sorry about the title on the main thread page. I really shouldn’t type whilst also watching the Simpsons.
I meant to type Wellesley. Not Wellington.
I wish we could edit the title if need be. I noticed Moggy C did this week, has he that power because he’s a Moggerator?
If you see this Moggy and can change headings, can you please change mine.
It’s a pleasure
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August 18, 2004 at 8:31 am