The bomber first entered service in November 1940 with No 207 Squadron, RAF, and carried out its first operational mission to Brest during the night of 24-25 February 1941. The triple fin arrangement was later deleted and enlarged end-plate fins and rudders were fitted to a longer tailplane (Manchester Mk IA). Unfortunately the Vulture engine proved unreliable and the Manchester's operational life ended on 25 June 1942 with a raid on Bremen. A four-engined development of the Manchester became the Lancaster.