Was the Anson ubiquitous?

Yes, they were.

Annies did et everywhere. They seem to have been pretty tame too, unless one flew them into the terrain. They were also used as an air-taxi fir ferry pilots, both service and ATA, they they kept turning-up all over. I think the ATA ran them right down as far as Egypt before they were shut down.

A pal of mine flew most of the RAF’s multies. He flew the Oxbox on some of the early Beam-Approach training in the blackout. He said that it wasn’t really suitable for this and was downright nasty to land it blind – with the set-up they then had. Rather him than me, is all that I can say…!:p

The USAF did use a few AT-20s which was a Canadian Built Anson Mk II.

Actually, what interests me is that we had nothing like the Anson–an all-purpose, all-services, multi-use, multi-engine trainer. Not the Beech AT-10 or -11, the Curtiss-Wright AT-9 or the Cessna AT-17. These were all basically pilot trainers, and our WWII gunners, radiomen and bombardiers mostly got training in other ways and in other airplanes (if airplanes were used at all).

So though the Beech is similar in some ways–and I understand that you were kidding, not trying to make a serious point–we didn’t have anything like the Anson.

Nothing like the Anson, Really?
I’m not that familiar with the Beech 18, but surely it could be seen as an ‘American Anson’?
It appears to have been used as a pilot, navigator, and bombardier and gunner trainer in its AT-7 and AT-11 guises.
The Beech 18 also seems to have had a rival, like the Anson did with the Oxford, in the shape of the Cessna 50, AT-17.

Like the USAF, the RAF also trained in other ways, by using ground schools for training the various flying disciplnes, such as Harwell boxes for the wireless operators, navigation trainer, and synthetic dome and turret ground trainers for air gunner and bomb aimer training.

I tend to think there were more Ansons because it looks right. That same tubular, fabric Battle of Britainy look about it (and a turret) which doesn’t look out of place next to a Hurricane on a BoB airfield. Looks warlike to in it’s camo. The Oxford looked a bit too transporty to me.
Perhaps it’s also something to do with Airfix.

The “Oxford” at Wigram will be static only and it was a Consul….:(

It’s rather sad more Ansons and Oxfords have not survived in airworthy form, especially here in Oz, as they had quite an important, but largely forgotten role. The Ansons not only as trainers, but for extensive shipping/anti sub surveillance around the south-eastern corner of Australia.

ErrolC, is it being restored to fly or static? Thankyou for the photo of the “Oxbox”

Actually, what interests me is that we had nothing like the Anson–an all-purpose, all-services, multi-use, multi-engine trainer. Not the Beech AT-10 or -11, the Curtiss-Wright AT-9 or the Cessna AT-17. These were all basically pilot trainers, and our WWII gunners, radiomen and bombardiers mostly got training in other ways and in other airplanes (if airplanes were used at all).

So though the Beech is similar in some ways–and I understand that you were kidding, not trying to make a serious point–we didn’t have anything like the Anson.

Let’s end this thread before this silliness gets serious.

Perhaps it would avoid all these unnecessary complications for your readers if you just call it a “British Beech 18”! 😉

Here’s the RNZAF’s Oxford project.

Oxford fuselage by errolgc, on Flickr

Let’s end this thread before this silliness gets serious.

What an uncalled for and rude response when, having sought advice, we are simply trying to help you avoid making potential errors in an article. Oh well.

And let us not forget that there were 87 DH84a’s built at DH’s at Bankstown, Australia for the RAAF Nav and WOP schools. Mine was A34-68 and served at Ballarat as a Nav trainer. Harvey McBain has almost finished the restoration of A34-30, East fortune has A34-13, I think A34-92 is with Mike Hocking . These are just off the top of my head and open to correction.

Sadly not a single Oxford is now airworthy and relatively few survive intact.

Tim

Is there an Oxford flying or just museum aircraft now?

As well as Oxfords: many WOPs were trained on DH Dominie, others on Percival Proctor II/III – multi-engine not necessary. Just say Anson trained many folk not all. It was ubiquitous in Theatres served and in roles – including combat MR.

Let’s end this thread before this silliness gets serious.

….and Wireless Operator rather than Radio Operator, Air Gunner rather than Gunner.

Well, I’m writing for an American audience. Some might argue that while writing about things English one should use English usage, but if I was reviewing a Jaguar in Car and Driver, it would seem very affected to write that the bonnet was too short. A bonnet’s a hat over here.

Not quite the same you’re not talking about inanimate objects. When describing the specific roles played by brave people throughout WWII, many of whom are still alive, using correct terminology is hardly “affected” it is simply respectful and historically accurate. I fully appreciate your wish to make material intelligible to your readership, but could I suggest at minimum that you at least make some reference to the different terms applied?

Tim

No redneck race starter would ever be so polite as to say, “Gentleman, you can start your engines.” The expression is “Gentlemen, start your engines.” That’s an order, suh.

And it’s actually the last words of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Well keep the shiney side up on the two lane black top.

Is it true that the Lords Prayer to rednecks ends as follows
“for thine is the kingdom the power and the glory for ever and ever amen,Gentlemen you can start your engines!”:)

I thought that the term bomb aimer was used in favour of bombardier in UK and most of the Commonwealth?

….and Wireless Operator rather than Radio Operator, Air Gunner rather than Gunner.

Well, I’m writing for an American audience. Some might argue that while writing about things English one should use English usage, but if I was reviewing a Jaguar in Car and Driver, it would seem very affected to write that the bonnet was too short. A bonnet’s a hat over here.

My father did his multi engine pilot training in Oxfords then on to Wellingtons.