WOW640 HP Halifax ‘Excalibur’

Description

WOW640 Handley Page Halifax Bomber

The Halifax bomber was one of the key British aircraft used during World War II, primarily by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. Here’s a brief history of the aircraft during the war:

The Handley Page Halifax was designed by the British company Handley Page, originally as a replacement for the Vickers Wellington bomber. The design was intended to be a heavy bomber that could carry a substantial bomb load over long distances and operate at night.

• First flight: The Halifax made its maiden flight on October 25, 1939.
• The aircraft was powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, which gave it enough power to reach top speeds of around 280 mph (450 km/h).
• The Halifax was capable of carrying a bomb load of up to 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg), making it one of the most capable bombers of its time.

The Halifax was used in a variety of bombing roles, including strategic bombing against German industrial targets, transportation infrastructure, and military installations. It was part of the RAF’s No. 6 Group and operated alongside other bombers like the Avro Lancaster.

Key features of the Halifax’s role included:

• Night Bombing: It was primarily used for night raids, where it was a vital part of the RAF’s Bomber Command in campaigns over occupied Europe.
• The Battle of the Ruhr (1943): The Halifax was heavily involved in the bombing of the Ruhr Valley, one of Germany’s most important industrial areas.
• The Dambuster Raid (1943): Though the Lancaster is more famous for its role in the Dambuster raid, the Halifax was also used for similar specialized operations, including attacks on dams and other targets that required precision bombing.
• Transport and Supply Drops: Halifax bombers were also converted for airborne operations, including dropping paratroopers and supplies during key military operations, such as the Normandy landings in 1944.

Over time, the Halifax underwent several modifications to improve performance and increase its versatility. Some of the notable variants include:

• Halifax Mk I: The initial version, used mainly for bombing raids.
• Halifax Mk II: This variant included improved engines for better performance and more reliable bombing capabilities.
• Halifax Mk III: The final version, which had enhanced bombing systems and could carry more payload.
• Halifax B Mk VI: A dedicated aircraft for “Special Duties,” used for dropping supplies and airborne operations.
• Halifax GR Mk II: A maritime patrol version used for anti-submarine warfare.

By the end of the war, more than 6,000 Halifax bombers had been built. It was one of the most successful bombers of WWII, second only to the Lancaster in terms of production numbers.

• Although not as famous as the Lancaster, the Halifax was considered a reliable and effective bomber by the crews that flew it. Its robustness and ability to take heavy damage and still return to base made it a favorite among pilots.
• The Halifax’s ability to carry large bomb loads, operate in various roles, and be adapted for other duties, such as transport and anti-submarine warfare, made it an indispensable part of the RAF’s bomber force.

After WWII, the Halifax was gradually phased out of service, with the last examples retiring by the late 1940s. The Halifax was replaced by newer bombers and jets as the nature of warfare evolved.

The Halifax bomber is often overshadowed by the Lancaster in the popular memory of WWII bombing campaigns, but its contributions were significant. Today, the Halifax has a dedicated following, and several examples of the aircraft have been restored for display at museums such as the Royal Air Force Museum in London and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario.
In conclusion, the Handley Page Halifax played a vital role in the RAF’s efforts during World War II, helping to strike at Germany’s industrial heartland and contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. It remains a symbol of the sacrifice and ingenuity of the wartime aircrews who flew it.
Our 1/32 model ‘Excalibur’ is one flown by FO Cyril Barton VC, this is his story:

Flying Officer Cyril Barton VC was a British pilot who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery during World War II.

Barton was a pilot in 61 Squadron RAF, flying the Halifax bomber. On July 23rd 1943, during a mission over German, his aircraft was severely damaged by continued attack by German night-fighters. Despite the extensive damage and three of the crew bailing out by mistake over enemy territory, he continued to fly the plane to the bombing target area, personally releasing the bombs himself over Hamburg.
Barton remained at the controls despite being severely wounded and having no navigator, keeping the bomber airborne long enough to return to Great Britain. By this time almost out of fuel and with three of the Halifax’s engines failing, Barton ordered the remaining crew to adopt crash positions whilst he attempted to land on one engine.
Barton died shortly after the crash landing but his remaining three crew members survived. As you can see from the WW2 photo of Barton’s Halifax, the immense damage to the front of the aircraft made it impossible for him to survive.

He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor, for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

His VC citation describes how, even with grave wounds, he showed immense determination and leadership, putting the safety of his crew above his own life. His bravery and selflessness make him a hero of the war, and his name is remembered for his ultimate sacrifice.

We have 3 x 1/32 scale versions of this iconic bomber available priced at $1800 plus postage. The postage is included in the banner price, there is no free postage on Warbirds due to their large size, however there is no additional charge at checkout for postage. What you see in the banner price is what you pay!

The TG/K&C figures are for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.