Avro-Anson

The photograph shows a 206 Squadron Anson aircraft. The Anson, which was employed in a variety of operational and training roles during WW2, was nicknamed Faithful Annie by the Royal Air Force.

The Anson is best remembered at Bircham Newton for those long and tedious sorties across the North Sea protecting the fishing fleets, known as 'kipper patrols'. As early as 1936 Ansons were employed at Bircham Newton on coastal reconnaissance duties by 206, 220 and 269 squadrons, although 220 and 269 soon moved elsewhere, and 206 Squadron later upgraded to Lockheed Hudsons. In 1941 and 1942 Ansons were also used by 280 Squadron in air-sea rescue duties from Bircham Newton and from the Langham satellite. In late 1943, 280 Squadron returned to Bircham Newton and was re-equipped with Vickers Warwick aircraft. After the war the elderly Ansons returned as one of the last aircraft types to fly from Bircham Newton, when they were employed in the BABS Flight, providing training on the Beam Approach Beacon System.

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