Fairey Battle Scale Models

Designed as a modern monoplane light bomber to replace the Royal Air Force‘s existing biplane bombers, the Fairey Battle equipped a large number of squadrons at the beginning of World War Two.

Although operated with great heroism by its crews, the Battle proved highly susceptible to modern fighter aircraft and large numbers were lost. By November 1940 it had been removed from frontline service and assigned to training duties overseas.

Fairey Battle P2332 12 Sqn RAF 1/72 Scale Model Airfix

At the start of World War II and No. 12 squadron move to France for operations against Germany. The most famous mission it undertook was when five aircraft attacked a vital bridge, destroying it although with the loss of four aircraft.

After returning to England following the fall of France the squadron attacked invasion barges in French ports, being the last user of the Fairey Battle in action. In November 1940 it re-equipped with the Vickers Wellington and later with the Avro Lancaster.

P2332 PH-F a Fairey Battle Mk.I piloted by P/O Norman M thomas was lost on 12 May 1940 while attacking a bridge spanning the Albert Kanaal. It was shot down by a combination of flak and fighters. All three crew survived and were taken prisoner.