Blenheim and Escorts

The Bristol Blenheim is considered a significant and unique aircraft in RAF history. It was the first stressed skin aeroplane to enter service, marking a significant leap in technology. Although intended initially as a bomber at the time of its development it was actually markedly faster than the current RAF biplane fighters. The Blenheim was the mainstay British bomber at the outbreak of the 2nd World War and significantly contributed to the Battle of Britain as a night fighter. When Britain declared war there were 1089 Blenheim bombers in service, more than any other RAF aircraft.

The Blenheim Pictured above is now the only flying example left in the world and serves as a lasting memorial to those who crewed them. She is currently operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company and The Blenheim Society in the Mk1 configuration which was restored after an incident in 1987 (prior to this the Blenheim was flown as a MK IV).

The Nose of World’s only flying Blenheim began life as a Bristol Blenheim Mk1 built under license by AVRO and issued to 23 Squadron on 2nd September 1939. It served as a night fighter throughout the Battle of Britain before being struck off charge in December 1940. After the war Ralph Nelson, who was working at Bristol, was given permission to buy the nose which he then went on to convert into an electric car. Ralph drove the car for 10 years before it suffered a fire which damaged the systems beyond repair, however, he had heard of the ongoing 2nd Blenheim restoration at Duxford and donated the car to the project in 1992.

Since restoration the Blenheim has performed at several air shows across the UK and Europe, operating from its home base in Duxford. Here its unique history and role in Battle of Britain have made it an integral part of the Imperial War Museums annual Battle of Britain Air Show and it has appear in several film and TV roles, notably the recent Dunkirk movie directed by Christopher Nolan. For more details see the websites below.

Escorting the Blenheim are two Hawker Hurricanes. One of which is a Sea Hurricane that saw service with the Royal Navy during the 2nd World War. The Hurricane found fame during the Battle of Britain, shooting down more aircraft than the more famous Spitfire. It was one of the most numerous airplanes ever built and saw service throughout the war. There are now over 10 Hurricanes airworthy in the UK and both of these are now based at Old Warden, Bedfordshire and can be seen in the air regularly as part of the Shuttleworth Collections regular air shows. 

https://www.aircraftrestorationcompany.com/