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Avro Anson Mk.1 - A Star At Wairarapa

The recent Wings Over Wairarapa airshow in Masterton (New Zealand), was once again beset with poor weather, meaning that many of the expected warbird aircraft could not make the journey to Hood Aerodrome. However, one of those that did arrive early and beat the incoming weather front was BIll Reid's awesome Avro Anson Mk.1. Arriving well before the show, the aircraft was on hand to display when the weather turned fine once more on Saturday, as seen here.

The Anson is a twin-engined, multi-role aircraft that played a significant role during World War II. Initially designed in the 1930s for maritime reconnaissance, it was one of the first aircraft in the Royal Air Force to feature a retractable undercarriage, flaps, and a turret. Named after Admiral George Anson, the aircraft was a product of the Avro aviation company, famous for the building the legendary Lancaster bomber.

The development of the Anson began in response to Specification 18/35 of the British Air Ministry, for a coastal reconnaissance aircraft. The prototype, known as the Avro 652, flew for the first time in 1935 and quickly evolved into the Anson Mk I. Early models were employed primarily for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions over the North Sea and the Atlantic, proving instrumental in detecting and intercepting enemy submarines and ships in the early stages of WWII.

As the war progressed, the Anson's role diversified and it was extensively used as a trainer aircraft by the RAF, particularly for pilots, navigators, wireless operators, and bomb aimers. The aircraft's reliability, ease of maintenance, and forgiving flight characteristics made it an ideal trainer. The type was also adapted for use in a variety of other roles, including light transport, air ambulance, and even as a makeshift bomber.

The aircraft served not only with the RAF but also with several Commonwealth air forces during the war, including the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It saw service across different theatres of the war, from Europe to North Africa, and even in the training fields of Canada as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

The Anson was powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX radial engines. The Mk I model could reach a maximum speed of about 188 mph (303 km/h) and had a range of up to 790 miles (1,271 km). Over its production life, the Anson received numerous upgrades. The later versions, especially the Anson C.19, saw significant improvements in performance and capacity, being used extensively as a general-purpose light transport aircraft.

After the war, thousands of surplus Ansons were sold off, finding roles in civilian operations such as air charter, aerial survey, and freight transport. The Anson remained in service with the RAF until June 1968, marking a remarkably long operational history. Today, several Ansons are preserved in museums, and a few are still airworthy, serving as a living testament to the aircraft's durability and versatility. The Avro Anson holds a special place in aviation history, remembered for its pivotal roles in training and coastal reconnaissance during World War II.

Make The Anson Yours

If you have a bit of spare cash sitting around and you'd like to be the proud owner of an awesome WW2 aircraft, Bill currently has the Anson on the market, so get in touch with us, and we can put you in touch with him. It could be the best purchase you make this year!

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