The Handley Page Hampden was a medium bomber used by the Royal Air Force in the early years of World War 2. Known as the ‘Flying Suitcase’ because of its slab sided shape, it was retired from service in 1943.

The Handley Page Hampden was the third of three medium bombers designed and built in the United Kingdom in the period before World War 2.

The prototype first flew on 21 June 1936 and they entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1938. Between 1936 and 1941 over 1,400 were manufactured.

They bore the brunt of early Bomber Command service and were the first bombers to attack German targets.

They were withdrawn from that role in late 1942 and then used as a long range torpedo bomber into 1943.

This model represents JW-D of 44 Squadron, RAF, flying from Waddington in 1939.

Valom 1/72 kit with Kits at War decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in 2025.