Canadian Warplanes 2: Vickers Victoria

Vickers Victoria

(RAF Photo)

Vickers Victoria, RAF (Serial No. J7924).  This aircraft flew with No. 70 Squadron RAF. It was destroyed in gale at Ur (Iraq) on 22 May 1928. Canadians serving in the RAF between the wars flew these transports

First flown in 1922 and in service with the RAF until 1935, the Victoria was used as a troop transport and cargo aircraft. It was powered by a pair of Napier Lion engines. The enclosed cabin had room for 24 troops on collapsible canvas seats arranged along the sides of the fuselage. 97 Victorias were built. Also flown by No. 216 Squadron, RAF.

Eight Victorias of No. 70 Squadron played an important part in the Kabul Airlift of November 1928–February 1929, when in severe winter conditions, RAF aircraft evacuated diplomatic staff and their dependents together with members of the Afghan royal family endangered by a civil war.

Victorias were used to ferry troops to potential trouble spots in Iraq and elsewhere, flying reinforcements to Palestine in 1929 and Jordan in 1930 and from Egypt to Cyprus in 1931.

(AA Koch Photo, Wikipedia)

Vickers Victorias of No. 216 Squadron, taken at RAF Ismailia c1929.

(SDASM Photo)

Vickers Victoria.

(IWM Photo (H) AM 345)

Troops emplaning on a Vickers Victoria transport aircraft "Mayfly".