2. The most numerous version of the aircraft was the Avro Anson Mk.I of which 6,688 were built – over half of its total production run number
3. The Avro Anson 652A derivative was a twin-engine British-built multi-role aircraft which saw distinctive service with both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (RN FAA), as well as The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during and after the Second World War
4. The adaptation for a coastal reconnaissance role resulted in a production variant which flew at Woodford on New Years Eve, 1935 with the type entering RAF service in March 1936, named Avro Anson Mk1. Initially, it was flown with a 3-man crew. Later developments in its reconnaissance role required a 4th crew member
5. Although advanced at the time of its design, rapid improvements in aircraft performance meant that the Anson was hopelessly outclassed when war broke out in September 1939
6. A number of Coastal Command squadrons remained equipped with the type in the early months of the war and it was only three days after war broke out that an Anson made the first RAF attack on a German U-boat. Although still operational during 1940, providing patrols over the Channel and the Dunkirk evacuation, they were replaced as soon as more modern aircraft became available
7. As war approached, it had become clear to the RAF that it needed to rapidly expand its aircrew training programme. Schools were established in the United Kingdom and, under the Empire Air Training Scheme, in Canada, South Africa and Australia. These schools needed a multi-seat trainer and the Anson was seen as an ideal stop-gap until the Airspeed Oxford became available in large numbers. The Anson remained in the training role throughout the war
8. Ansons were also used extensively as light transport and communications aircraft. Development continued during and after the war, culminating in the adaption of the civilian Avro XIX for service use as the Anson C19
9. The last of nearly 11,000 Avro Anson types to be built (WJ561) was delivered to the RAF on 27th May 1952, and at the peak of production some 135 Avro Anson aircraft were being built every month at Yeadon
10. The Avro Anson was one of the most successful aircraft built by Avro and 11,020 were manufactured by the end of 1952