RCAF AX111: A Historic Journey to Revival
Introduction to the Avro Anson Mk I Project
In 2021, the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum undertook the ambitious restoration of the Avro Anson Mk I (RCAF AX111). This meticulous, multi-year endeavor involves the complete disassembly, restoration, and reassembly of the aircraft, ensuring the preservation of its legacy for future generations.
A Storied Legacy: The Avro Anson Mk I
The Avro 652A Anson Mk I, known as RCAF AX111 (airframe serial R3LW105106), holds a storied place in aviation history. Acquired by the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in October 2021, it is undergoing a painstaking process to return it to its former glory.
This iconic aircraft, named after British Admiral George Anson, originated as a British twin-engine, multi-role military workhorse designed by A.V. Roe & Company (Avro) in 1935.
Originally intended for General Reconnaissance, the Anson was armed with:
- Engines: Two Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX radial engines delivering 350 HP each.
- Armament:
- A fixed, forward-firing Vickers .303 machine gun in the nose.
- A .303 Lewis or Vickers K machine gun in the manually operated turret.
- Up to 10 bombs or smoke floats in internal racks.
Despite its combat limitations, the Anson’s rugged reliability and forgiving flight characteristics made it an ideal trainer for aircrews during WWII. Affectionately nicknamed “Faithful Annie,” it trained thousands of pilots, observers, wireless operators, and navigators, becoming a cornerstone of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
Distinctive Features of the Mk I
The Mk I model exemplified ingenuity and simplicity:
- Wing: A one-piece plywood-and-spruce design.
- Fuselage: Steel-tube frame clad in fabric, with an aluminum nose.
- Manual Systems:
- A 145-turn crank for the landing gear.
- A hand-pumped hydraulic flap system.
These hallmarks of utilitarian design made the Anson a versatile and reliable workhorse. By the end of its production in 1952, over 11,000 Ansons had been manufactured in 21 variants, including 4,413 units produced in Canada.
Tracing the History of RCAF AX111
Initially misidentified as RAF R9882, the true identity of AX111 was confirmed through grease-pencil markings found during restoration. Delivered to McDonald Brothers Aircraft in Winnipeg on November 20, 1941, AX111’s service included:
- Training use at No. 33 Service Flying Training School in Carberry, Manitoba.
- Modifications for winter operations in February 1942.
- Storage and reserve periods before being struck off strength in February 1945.
After the war, AX111 joined countless airframes sold for scrap, many of which were repurposed on prairie farms as repair and construction materials.
Restoration Journey: From Scrap to Spotlight
The airframe’s preservation owes much to the efforts of Saskatchewan-based aviation restorers.
- Harry Whereatt, a celebrated collector, rescued multiple Ansons from obscurity.
- In 2007, he transferred them to Tom Coates, who donated the collection to the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum in 2021.
The project includes:
- Disassembly and Documentation: Careful cataloging and inspection of each component.
- Refurbishment and Fabrication: Restoration of salvageable parts and recreation of missing elements.
- Reassembly: Combining the parts into a cohesive, operational display aircraft.
Why the Avro Anson Matters
The Avro Anson’s story is intertwined with aviation heritage and Canadian history. Its role in training and operational versatility remains a testament to the ingenuity of wartime engineering.
Restoring AX111 pays homage to the thousands of airmen who honed their skills aboard “Faithful Annie.” The project exemplifies the museum’s dedication to preserving aviation history and inspiring future generations through this tangible legacy.
Follow the Journey
Stay updated on the progress of the Avro Anson Mk I restoration by visiting the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum’s website. Witness history come alive as AX111 takes its place among the treasured relics of aviation’s golden age.
