Wellington design Vickers-Armstrong chief designer Rex Pierson was responsible for the Wellington and
came up with a twin-engined medium bomber. The design parameters were set out by the Air Ministry in specification B.9/32 in 1932. It used geodetic construction methods pioneered by Barnes Wallace and previously used in the Wellesley. This construction made for a lightweight base that was also able to withstand a considerable battering from enemy fire while continuing to fly. In other words, this was the ideal beginnings for a bomber going into the Second World War. The first prototype, numbered K4049, was flown at Brooklands on 15 June, 1936. It was originally called a Crecy, but was renamed Wellington by 8 September that year. Over the next two years, the Wellington was intensively developed and tested, with much of the work carried out alongside its Warwick sister. Two Bristol Pegasus MkXVIII engines were chosen for the Wellington as they
offered a better rate of climb, speed and higher operating ceiling than the Rolls-Royce Goshawk engines also trialled. The first flight was undertaken by Vickers’ Chief Test Pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers and he regarded the aircraft as very satisfactory. Sadly, this first Wellington was destroyed in a crash in April 1937. By the end of the Second World War, 11,461 Wellingtons in 19 different models
The geodetic construction of the Wellington’s airframe is clearly visible in this picture. Designed by Barnes Wallace, it was light, strong and could cope well under enemy fire.
RAF planes over the North Sea. Out of 22 Wellingtons sent on this mission, 10 were shot down and another two were forced to ditch in the sea before reaching British soil. A further three were lost in crash landings, leaving only seven Wellingtons left and with only two German fighter planes downed.
This engagement showed the
Wellington’s fuel tanks were a chink in its armour. Not only were they vulnerable to enemy fire from the side, they were not self-sealing so would readily catch fire. This led the Luftwaffe to think its Messerschmitt fighters were the best in the air, though this was soon dispelled when they met the Spitfire.
The Heligoland raids taught the RAF and Vickers some valuable lessons, albeit
were made. Production at Brooklands reached 2515, while others were made at Broughton near Chester and Fylde close to Blackpool. The last Wellington was withdrawn from service in March 1953. On 18 December, 2019 there was a commemoration of the Heligoland raid held by the Heligoland 39 Project at the RAF Memorial, Runnymede. Brooklands Museum was delighted to host the attendees afterwards and show them the H39 Exhibition in the Museum Art Gallery that runs until 20 January.
Heligoland Bight was a key stretch of water for the German Navy as it was the access to its base at Wilhelmshaven. There were three Wellington bomber raids here in December 1939.
The beginnings of a Wellington at the Vickers factory at Brooklands. 2515 Wellingtons were built here out of a total of 11,461 of all types made. The aircraft withdrew from service in March 1953.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 | BROOKLANDS BULLETIN 23
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