INTO SERVICE WITH COASTAL COMMAND
A prototype was ordered, and first flew at Woodford on March 24th, 1935. After successful Ministry trials, an order was placed for 174 aircraft, the first of which flew at Woodford on December 31st. By this time the aircraft had been named the "Anson", and by February 1936 the first RAF Anson Squadron, No.48, the first RAF mono plane and the first to be fitted with a retractable undercarriage.
By June 1937 five RAF squadrons were fully equipped with the Anson thanks to the motorcar-style production lines at Newton Heath. A constant stream of motor lorries transferring the dismantled aircraft by road through Stockport and Bramhall for assembly and testing at Woodford.
(Monochrome Photograph showing - An early image of the first production Anson at Woodford.)
By the outbreak of War, ten Squadrons were equipped with Ansons, but the pace of aircraft development was such that it was already obsolescent. However, they had proved a very durable machines, and were already being used for multi-engined pilot training. In early 1939, the Air Ministry placed an order for 1,000 Anson trainers, not only for Pilot but also for Navigator, Wireless Operator and Gunnery duties.
(Monochrome Photograph showing - A formation of Anson Is of No.217 Squadron in their pre-war markings.)