Short Stirling

Short Stirling: Queen of the Skies is dedicated to the RAF's first four-engine heavy bomber and is the culmination of an incredible 30 years' comprehensive research. Illustrated with largely unpublished wartime photographs, it describes the design, construction and factories where Stirlings were produced. The men and women who built them relate their stories and the aircrews give their personal accounts of operating the Stirling. A chapter is devoted to the training of aircrews and flying the Stirling is described in detail. Not forgotten is the work of RAF ground crews and maintenance units, often working outdoors in sub-zero conditions. Then there are the civilian men and women who undertook repairs; little adulation was given for the vital work they achieved in rebuilding battle-damaged Stirlings. The final transport version of the Stirling is featured both in its RAF and post-war civilian role and how it went full circle to become a bomber once more in the hands of the Egyptian Air Force.

Pino Lombardi was born in Cambridge in 1960. Educated to degree level, he pursued a successful career as a senior mechanical engineer and is also a qualified building surveyor. From an early age, much of his spare time was taken up researching the Short Stirling. Lombardi developed a deep understanding of the subject, finding unexplored avenues to gather material. With an interest in restoring vintage and military vehicles, he holds a private pilot's licence and is the founder member and Chairman of The Stirling Aircraft Project.

Short Stirling: Queen of the Skies is dedicated to the RAF's first four-engine heavy bomber and is the culmination of an incredible 30 years' comprehensive research. Illustrated with largely unpublished wartime photographs, it describes the design, construction and factories where Stirlings were produced. The men and women who built them relate their stories and the aircrews give their personal accounts of operating the Stirling. A chapter is devoted to the training of aircrews and flying the Stirling is described in detail. Not forgotten is the work of RAF ground crews and maintenance units, often working outdoors in sub-zero conditions. Then there are the civilian men and women who undertook repairs; little adulation was given for the vital work they achieved in rebuilding battle-damaged Stirlings. The final transport version of the Stirling is featured both in its RAF and post-war civilian role and how it went full circle to become a bomber once more in the hands of the Egyptian Air Force.

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