Some aircraft achieve greatness while conversely the Manchester was one of the RAF’s greatest disappointments. Its failure on operations was no fault of the aircraft, but rather the result of installing an untried engine which failed to deliver its designed power and proved totally unreliable in service. The Manchester entered squadron service in late 1940 when first deliveries were made to 207 squadron based at Waddington. In February 1941, 207 launched the Manchester’s operational career when six aircraft attacked shipping in Brest harbour. Over the ensuing months six other squadrons converted to the type but from the outset the aircraft proved troublesome due to the unreliability of its Rolls Royce Vulture engines.
Genesis of the Avro Manchester
Its operational career terminated in June 1942, to the relief of aircrew involved, after which they mostly converted to Lancasters. The Manchester’s genesis could be traced to 1936 when contracts were awarded to Avro and Handley Page for a new generation of bombers that offered an improvement over the Wellingtons and Hampdens coming into service. Handley Page’s design emerged as the four-engine Halifax, which went on to a successful career with a variety of Commands. Avro’s type 679 was to be powered with the new and unorthodox Rolls Royce Vulture. It was basically the mating of two 12 cylinder Rolls Royce Kestrels to a common crankshaft, thus creating a 24 cylinder ‘X’ arrangement. From the outset the Vulture never delivered its promised horsepower. It also suffered frequent bearing failures and consequent engine fires.
Early Problems With the Avro Manchester
Apart from the troublesome engines, the design did feature an advanced airframe that included elaborate electrical and hydraulic systems. The prototype made its initial flight on 25 July 1939, and some in-flight instability was revealed, which entailed modification to the original tail assembly. A distinctive central fin was added to the Manchester 1; an item that was discarded on the 1A version with its extended tail plane. An unwanted feature was the impressive trail of sparks laid by the rogue Vulture, which would have acted like a beacon to the marauding night fighter.
Engine failures were frequent and certainly contributed to the loss of many of the Manchesters that did not return from operations. The failure of one engine invariably led to a sudden loss of altitude and an inevitable forced landing. One exception was a superb piece of airmanship by Flight Lieutenant Herring of 61 squadron who brought a Manchester back from a raid on Berlin on one engine. His feat was duly recognised with the award of an immediate D.F.C
Moment of Fame
Such events were the exception to the rule. With no regrets the Manchester was withdrawn from operations in June 1942; to the universal relief of any crews condemned to fly it. The situation was ironic, for the Manchester was intended to replace the Wellington and Hampden on operations. Instead they continued to give valiant service until the introduction of the Stirling, Halifax and Lancaster. The Manchester’s sole claim to greatness was the award of a posthumous VC to F/O T. Manser of No.50 Squadron for his gallantry on the occasion of the ‘Thousand Bomber’ raid on Cologne on the night of 30 May 1942.
Disastrous it may have been; the Manchester was the basis for the mighty Lancaster. The design team at Avro took the basically sound airframe, extended the wings and tailplane; and with the installation of four Merlins, the RAF’s greatest bomber was created.
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