Short Stirling Mk III

This Stirling served with No. 1651 Heavy Conversion Unit, where new aircrew gained the skills to fly heavy bombers. It crashed during a training flight in the Pennines on the night of 18–19 October 1944.

Stirlings were the first four-engined heavy bomber to enter service with the RAF in 1940. They were one of the largest aircraft in RAF service and could carry a bomb load of 14,000lbs. However, their range was limited. Their relatively low maximum altitude also made them vulnerable to anti-aircraft artillery. Stirlings were withdrawn to secondary roles such as training from 1943.