Stirlings of No 15 Squadron, the second unit to receive the type.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling / S.29 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling / S.29 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

From early 1944 the Stirling's main role was that of glider-tug and transport with RAF Transport Command. It first operated as a tug on D-Day and took part in the Arnhem airborne invasion. The Stirling Mk IV had the nose and dorsal turrets deleted, the nose was modified with a plastic fairing, and glider towing equipment was fitted to the rear fuselage. The tail turret was retained for defence purposes.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

The unarmed Stirling Mk V was a special transport version. The example illustrated here is PK143 of No 242 Squadron.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

The prototype Stirling V, LJ530, first flew in August 1944, and the type entered service with No 46 Squadron at Stoney Cross in January 1945.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

Short Stirling LK589, a Mk IV with front turret removed, was a special aircraft fitted with H2S radar and is seen at Prince Edward Island, Canada, in 1945.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943

There were five production batches of Stirling Vs, and PJ897 was from the first.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Stirling IV/V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943