The English Electric Canberra was developed as a fast bomber for RAF coming into service in May 1951. Canberra aircraft set many world records, including non-stop transatlantic flights and in 1957, established a world altitude record of 70,310 feet.
The type became a popular aircraft in the export market, where it was able to adapt to roles including: training, bombing, photographic and electronic reconnaissance. The type served through the Cold War, Suez Crisis and Falklands Campaign. The last three Canberra aircraft serving with the RAF were retired in June 2006.
Built to accommodate various crew numbers, it had a length 65 feet 6 inches; a wingspan of 64 feet; it had a maximum speed 580 mph; a range 3,110 miles; could climb to a height of 48,000 feet and was powered by two Rolls-Royce RA7 Avon Mk 109 engines.
Built as a standard B.2 variant by Shorts in 1953, WH904 joined 207 Squadron at RAF Marham in March 1954. The squadron was later disbanded and WH904 was transferred to 35 Squadron, which during the Suez Crisis in 1956 was based in Cyprus and flew raids against Egyptian military targets.
WH904 was one of ten B.2s converted to T.11 standard by Boulton Paul. This featured an extended nose, housing an A.1 radar used in the Javelin all-weather fighter and serving to train radar operators. WH904 joined TFS (Target Facilities Squadron) at RAF West Raynham remaining on strength when the unit changed to 85 Squadron in April 1963, relocating to RAF Binbrook.
Later nose radar alterations led to a change to T.19 configuration when WH904 returned to 85 Squadron at RAF Binbrook and 7 Squadron at RAF St. Mawgan before going into store at RAF St. Athan in 1979.
WH904 was sold to British Aircraft Corporation for possible export in June 1980, before being moved to Marshalls’ of Cambridge, from where WH904 was donated to the museum in the summer of 1985. Since that time it has undergone various restoration and repaints, with the work being undertaken by the museum’s dedicated volunteers.
Photo credit: Howard Heeley
