The Avro Memorial Appeal

Between 1939 and 1946, the Avro Works was an industrial production centre in Yeadon that contributed to the war effort on a gargantuan scale. The factory, which covered a million and a half square feet, was said to be the largest single factory unit in Europe.

At the height of its operation, more than 17,500 people worked there. Many of these came from the local towns of Yeadon, Otley, Guiseley, Menston, Ilkley and in fact from all over West Yorkshire. Many aircraft were produced including almost 700 Lancaster Bombers and 4500 Anson’s. The fact is that simply without the Avro workers and other similar factories we could be today speaking German and not enjoying our freedom. We all owe a great deal to the planes themselves, the people who built the planes and the pilots who flew them.

Our aim is by working with Leeds Bradford Airport to build an Avro memorial so that their names will live on. For more information or to find out how to donate to the appeal, visit the website above.