Boulton & Paul Overstrand Bomber
The Boulton & Paul Type P.75 Overstrand bomber, at a passing glance, was visually similar to its older brother, the Sidestrand, but featured improved power units in the shape of Bristol Pegasus engines, which gave better performance and bomb-carrying capability, an autopilot, enclosed cockpit with heating for all crew (3 to 5 airman) and pneumatically powered gun turrets - a first for the RAF!
The gun turrets allowed the air gunners to improve their accuracy five-fold! The Overstrand made its maiden flight in October 1933 and 24 were ordered. The first deliveries to No 101 Squadron based at Bicester commenced in 1936 replacing the Sidestrand and prompting the squadron's official badge of a castle turret. They served until 1938 with the advent of Blenheim monoplane bombers. Some did survive into 1940 as gunnery trainers and in secondary roles until 1941.
RAF Squadron 101 was the only complete Overstrand squadron although four of the new machines were briefly allocated to 144 Squadron.
Length: 46ft 0in (14.02m) Span: 72ft 0in (21.95m) Height: 15ft 6in (4.72m)
Max Speed: 153mph (246km/h)
Engines: Two 580hp Bristol Pegasus IIM3
Bombload: 1,600lb (726kg)
Armament: One .303in Lewis gun in each of forward (turret), mid-upper and lower positions.
A beautiful silver model of the Overstrand made by the London silversmiths Garrad and presented to Norwich City Council by the RAF.
Overstrand Bomber Gallery
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