Handley Page

The Handley Page Halifax, along with the Avro Lancaster and the Short Stirling, was one of the three heavy bombers employed by The Royal Air Force Bomber Command in its aerial offensive against the Axis in W.W.II. Although overshadowed by the legendary Lancaster, the Halifax played a major role in the night bombing campaign, in antisubmarine operations, meteorological reconnaissance, transport, and towing gliders in airborne operations. In all, over 6,000 Halifax aircraft were produced and these were flown in over 75,000 missions. It served from 1941 until finally retired in 1952. At one time during their service in the RAF Bomber Command all 15 RCAF Bomber Squadrons and three Heavy Conversion Units were equipped with the Halifax, several operating only the Halifax. Although some squadrons began reequipping with the Lancaster beginning in late 1943, the Halifax was the mainstay of these squadrons from 1942 to the end of the war in night bombing and mine laying operations. This book documents the development of the Halifax aircraft from its inception during the expansion of the RAF Bomber Command in the late 1930s until production ended in 1946. Its service with RCAF 6 Group of Bomber Command, and its operations with all 15 RCAF Squadrons is related, with representative photographs. A complete description of each version of the aircraft is presented, along with accurate multi-view line drawings and photographs. The aircraft defensive and offensive armament is described as well as color schemes and markings. Finally, a chapter is dedicated to modeling the Halifax with descriptions of kits and decal markings that have been produced. This book will be a worthy addition to the collection of the historian, to the modeler and for those who served in the Halifax squadrons or their families.