[Stuart Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle. On of the few British WW2 aircraft that had a tricycle landing gear.

http://www.historyofaircargo.com/i-A...June-1944.html

Thanks Bruce

Looking closely at the photo of the Albermarle, you could swear the British simply plucked a heap of 'spare parts' off the shelf and bolted them together to produce this aircraft.

I can see Blenheim nose similarities, Wellington engines/wing similarities, Boltimore centre fuselage similarities and Hudson tail similarities.

The Albemarle was blooded by No.296 and 297 Squadrons RAF (part of No.38 Wing) operating from North Africa, in the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. On D-Day (6 June 1944) six of No.295 Squadron's Albemarle aircraft. Operating from Harwell, served as pathfinders for the 6th Airborne Division's paratrooper drop over Normandy. In addition four squadrons of the type acted as glider tugs. In September 1944 two Squadrons of Albemarles towed gliders carrying troops of the 1st Airborne Division as a part of the Arnhem operation.