It was the final example of a series of biplane medium bombers that had served in the Royal Air Force since the First World War, starting with the likes of the Vickers Vimy and Handley Page Type O.

As such, the type entered service during the mid 1930s, but became increasingly overshadowed by the new generation of monoplane medium bombers, such as the Vickers Wellington and Armstrong Whitworth Whitley.

The earlier Sidestrand had been largely similar to its predecessors of the First World War, featuring open cockpits and hand-operated defensive machine guns.

Unlike its predecessors, the Sidestrand could fly at speed of up to 140 mph (230 km/h), which made operating the guns in exposed positions difficult, particularly in the nose.

[8] Some criticisms of the aircraft were produced during this time, one early report by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) observed the powered turret to be somewhat cramped, while excessive engine vibration and issues with the longitudinal controls were also noted.

Various positive attributes were also noted, such the addition of crew comfort features, as well as the aircraft's ability to attain speeds as high as 153 mph (246 km/h) at an altitude of 6,500 ft (2,000 m) without any negative impact upon its manoeuvrability.

[8] This led to a second Sidestrand being converted to the Overstrand configuration, incorporating these improvements, such as larger diameter turret, tweaks to the fins and elevators, and a simplification of the rear engine mount area.

[1] A small follow-on order for five new-built Overstrands would lead to a total of 24 aircraft being built in addition to the four converted Sidestrands.

[13] While aerial refuelling was still a somewhat experimental capability during the late 1930s, it is known that at least one Overstrand was modified to receive fuel from a Vickers Virginia tanker aircraft.

[12] The type would perform regular public displays of its capabilities, from mock interceptions to bombing demonstrations, throughout the 1930s; one particularly prominent occasion was during the Silver Jubilee of George V, with the King himself inspecting one such aircraft externally and internally.

[13] Due to the rapid advances made in bomber technology during the late 1930s, the Overstrand had been effectively rendered obsolete by 1938, the final example of the type being withdrawn from frontline duties during the summer of that same year.