Warbird Information Exchange

Hello

I am writing to you for help in preparing another modelling project. I would like to build a Whitley Mk.V model from the Airfix 1/72 kit. The problem is that I do not want it to be a bomber, but a version used for carrying paratroopers. Sadly, there is little information. I need info of what I would have to modify in the bomber version:


1. Was the bomb chamber completely removed?
2. Was the hull smooth underneath?
3. Where was the manhole dock installed?
4. What units participated in training paratroopers from English and Polish units? I only reached information and single pictures of English paratroopers in front of the 295th Airborne Division (GoPX code letters)
5. Do you have any photos, color boards, or code letters and Whitley numbers that would help me to paint and decode my model?
6. Did the paratroopers carrying Whitleys have machine gun turrets ?


I will be very grateful for all your help.


Regards
Kornel

The Whitley kept the fuselage bomb bay and the wing bomb cells for paratrooping as that is where they carried the paratroops supply containers. The jump exit was the hole left by the removal of the ventral turret and the only modification was a small air dam on the forward rim. Some Whitleys also had a simple wheelspat fitted to the tailwheel to prevent damage to the parachutes. All other parachuting modifications were internal. The Whitley retained its turrets although guns and gunner would only be carried on those few Operational drops the Whitley carried out. The exceptions were the Whitley MkII at the CLE where the rear turret was removed and para jumps conducted from the space left. This was later replaced by a seat for a photographer but the space was left open to the weather.

Thank you for your quick reply!

Nevertheless I have some questions:

-Do you have any idea, photo, scheme etc. how this wheelspat fitted to the tailwheel looked ?

-Do I understand correctly that the photographer in Whitley Mk. V didn't have any rear glass turret ? Just a seat without anything ? Any photo available ?

Once again thank you.

Regards
Kornel

There is a close-up photo here of the tail turret conversion..

http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205197364

The Imperial War Museum website has a lot more Whitley photos online if you put Whitley in the search box.