!38(SD) and/or 161(SD) Sqns' Short Stirlings

[Ley]

What were the modifications to the Stirlings for SD work?

[tonyot]

What were the modifications to the Stirlings for SD work?

As far as I know they were standard Mk.IV versions used for Airborne Forces work, so the mid upper and nose turrets were deleted with a clear fairing replacing the nose turret (which is available as a vacuformed part in 1/72nd scale...from John `Tigger' Wilkes of`The Space Factory` in the UK on tel +44(0)1234 273434 for around a fiver) plus there was a large rectangular hole cut in the floor of the rear fuselage for despatching paratroopers, agents or stores. To prevent the parachute static line strops from fouling the tail surfaces a retractable U shaped (squared shape) rail was located under the tail and below the rear turret there was a large U shaped bracket/yoke for glider towing...which I presume was retained by the SD sqns? There are some window changes from the Airfix kit too, plus `Rebecca' antenna on the side of the nose, but a reference photo would be better used to determine the changes to a particular aircraft.

A good book to use as reference is "Stirlings in action with Airborne Forces" by Dennis Williams and published by Pen and Sword at around £25.

As well as the SD sqns......the regular Airborne Forces Stirling and Halifax units were also used for supply drops/ agent drops to resistance units on behalf of SOE and they also dropped quite a few (if not all?) of the SAS units used in France (although the Jeeps could only be carried by a Halifax).

Hope this helps,

All the best

Tony O