Bristol Blenheim Bomber

 The Bristol Blenheim was a light bomber designed and built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company that first flew at Filton on 12^th April 1935.  It was the first all metal skinned British aircraft and when first flown proved to be faster than any of the RAF biplane fighters of the time.  A variant of the Blenheim Mk IV was manufactured by Fairchild-Canada as the Bolingbroke and used by the RCAF.

Lord Trenchard, the father of the RAF was a committed disciple to the mistaken belief that ‘the bomber would always get through’, which accounts for the number of light, medium and heavy bomber designs that were commissioned for use by the RAF during the 1930’s.  By the time World War II began the type was already obsolete, but continued to be used in both bomber and fighter bomber versions for daylight operations during 1939 and 1940.  When faced with the modern and heavily armed German fighters the Blenheim suffered heavy casualties, as did the other early bombers such as the Handley Page Hampden and Fairy Battle.  The Blenheim was used throughout the Battle of Britain on both day and night operations to bomb invasion barges on the occupied coast and attack Luftwaffe bases in France, Belgium and Denmark

One such raid carried out on 13^th August 1940 against a Luftwaffe airfield in north-eastern Denmark resulted in almost a 100% loss rate.  Of the 12 aircraft of 82^nd squadron that set out on the raid one returned early with technical problems, and the remaining eleven were lost to flak (anti-aircraft fire) and Bf 109 fighters.

However, the fighter bomber variant that was fitted with a gun pack below the front section of the fuselage was a successful night fighter, and became the first type to be fitted with AI (Airborne Interception – RAF terminology for airborne radar)

I digress once again

 The most successful RAF night fighter pilot was Wg Cdr Bob Braham DSO and Two Bars, DFC and Two Bars, AFC.  With 29 confirmed victories Bob Braham was the highest scoring night fighter and amongst the most highly decorated RAF officers, and was in the top five of the highest scoring Allied pilots of the war.  He shunned publicity and as a consequence was not promoted by the press, resulting in the public being more familiar with the exploits of John ‘Cats Eyes’ Cunningham who scored 22 victories.

The Blenheim was the mainstay of the night fighter force until the introduction of the Bristol Beaufighter for night fighting in early 1942.  The De Havilland Mosquito became the ultimate night fighter and was progressively introduced from late 1942.  Bob Braham operated on all three types until shot down and made a POW during a daylight ‘Ranger’ operation over Denmark in June 1944.

After resigning from the RAF in May 1952 he joined the RCAF with the rank of Wing Commander and retired to live in Nova Scotia in 1968.  Bob Braham died of a brain tumour on 7^th February 1974 at the age of 53.  He left a widow and three sons.

Area of operations

 In addition to bombing and night fighter roles the Blenheim was employed on long range reconnaissance missions over Germany and occupied territories.  This role again produced heavy casualties owing to inferior speed and vulnerability to modern Luftwaffe fighters.

The Blenheim was used in the UK, Middle and Far East on fighter bombing, reconnaissance and torpedo bombing duties, but relegated to training and secondary duties from late 1943.  It was retired from the RAF in 1944 but continued to serve with the Finnish Air Force until 1955.

Survivors

 There are currently no airworthy examples following the last airworthy aircraft crashing on landing at Duxford in 2003.  However, this aircraft together with another example is currently undergoing full restoration to flying condition at the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford.

Other complete static exhibits can be found in Canada, Finland and Greece.