Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Hi,

There exist at least two other pictures of this machine. They were made more closely when the sea retreated and when Z6163 had wheels down.

Regards,
Michal

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Hi Michael,
Do you remember where you've seen these pics, as I would very much like to have a copy of them.

According to "Blenheim IV - Profile publication 218", the Z6163 was manufactered by A.V.Roe & Co Ltd, Chadderton, Lancs. The contract dated 06-06-1940.
A.V.Roe manufactered a total of 755 Blenheims IV's during WW2.

Regards,
Rudi.

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Hi Rudi,

What is your e-mail address ?

Regards,
Michal

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Rudi, PM sent.

Michal

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Thank you Michal, I got your message.

It seems that some while ago on ebay, 2 more pictures of this emergency landing were sold.

On these pictures, the plane is being examened by germans, and it's standing on it's langing gear with the tide gone out. On my picture it seems that the landing gear collapsed.

There also seems to be severe damage to the right wing, just next to the engine. The propellors of both engines are twisted which suggests that the aircraft landed when the tide was in, as in my picture.

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Cas cards are confusing as the date of the loss is said to be 29 Sep 41 whilst the F78 says 28 Sep! Serial matches and the fact that it was on 500 Sqn from Mar (I think) 41. Crew were all POW:
Plt Off Francis Reece (NZ)-P
Sgt James D Appleyard (Can)-O
Sgt William H Smyth (Brit)-WOp

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

From RAF Commands POW List

Camp POW No Surname Initials Serial Air Force
L3 25 Reece F 402214 RNZAF
L6 24833 Appleyard J D R/68131 RCAF
357 1163 Smyth W H 982670 RAF

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Thank you very much Chris & Paul for this information.

It's a bit strange that the crew from a plane is split up over different POW camps, or was this common pratice during WW2 ?

Re: Blenheim U-MK lost at Brest
 

Hello Rudi,

Quite normal; officers were sent to different camps than other ranks were sent to.

Regards,

Bart