Cover has been signed by

Air Commodore R W Opie President The Royal Air Forces Association

Flying Officer Barney Whitehead who flew Warwicks with 292 Sqn during 1944-46 

Vickers Warwick

It was originally planned as a heavy bomber to complement the Wellington bomber. indeed it had many features in common, it was twin engined and used the same geodetic structure as the Wellington. however development was delayed while suitable engines were found and becuase priority was being given to the production of the Stirlings and the Halifax. It was eventually decided to install the first production Warwicks with Pratt & Whitney Wasp engines and the bulk with Bristol Centaurus engines.

By the time Warwick was being produced in numbers there was no need for a twin engined heavy bomber the Wellington having proved its value. The Mak I Waricks were therefore used in a variety of transport roles. Omce th Mk IIs came into volume production the roles were extended into air sea rescue, general and meterological reconnaisssance and transport but no Warwicks were emplyed in bomber squadrons.

The performance of the Warwick was quite impressive and it had a maximum speed of 290 mph at 20000 a service ceiling of 28000ft a range of over 2000 miles and could carry a 80000lb bomb load. A total of 845 Warwicks were built and they served in 17 squadrons mostly in the UK and the Middle East. Becuase they were not employed in the bomber role they have not gained genearl recognition.

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