CANBERRA – T.4 – WE188

Built by English Electric Co at their Preston works as part of an eight aircraft contract, placed in March 1949, WE188 first took to the air on 31 July 1952. After quite a long stay with English Electric at Preston WE188 was awaiting collection in October 1953. Taken on charge by the RAF, this T.4 delivered first to Station Flight at RAF Hemswell. After that, it was transferred around many units ending up with the Solway Aviation Museum at Carlisle.

In its 28 years of service with the RAF WE188 served with the following :
Station Flight RAF Waddington, Station Flight RAF Upwood, 231 OCU, Station Flight Upwood, 231 OCU, 56 Sqd Cyprus, Station Flight RAF Wyton, 100 Sqd, 231 OCU, 360 Sqd and finally with 231 OCU.

In November 1981, WE188 was sold to the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) where it flew for a few years before being put into store at Samlesbury in June 1988. In June 1988, WE188 was acquired by the Solway Aviation Society (Carlisle) where it has been on display ever since. Although WE188 has no engines, the Society is proud of this Canberra and have given it a respray recently. As their photo shows, it looks smart and is definitely worth seeing.