Blenheim AX683, 1940-1941.

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo,

I saw this photo on one of Ed West's recent photo collections. Thanks to Ed for a superb find of a unique Blenheim.

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=121004963782

It began life as L1431, a Mark I. It was sent direct to the SAAF with no prior RAF service. Apparently it was later sent to the Middle East, officially joining the RAF as 'AX683' on 29 August 1940 and was Struck Off Charge on 2 May 1941 as @Lost in Greece'. Nothing else unfortunately. (All details from the Air-Britain 'L1000-N9999' and 'AA100-AZ999' ). A quick look in the Warner and Gunby/Temple volumes reveals nothing.

It appears intact in the photo. Of interest are the covers for the turret, cockpit area and engines. Likewise the lack of any unit markings.

Could anyone please add to its history ? Such as its final fate and which unit (if any) it served with between August 1940 and May 1941. Was it the sole Blenheim in SAAF service ?

Regards in hope,

Martin Gleeson.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Hallo Martin

Just want to say how nice you also believe this is AX683.
I initially discarded it since the photo stated it was taken in France.
The problem is that the A is so obvious in the serial number that there is basically nothing else to choose!

Winston Brent states the following
s/n 401 c/n 8804 ex L1431 delivered Dec 1938 for evaluation and assembled in Cape Town and test flown 11.3.1939. It was returned ro RAF in November 1940 as AX683. A photo of it as L1431 in SAAF use makes me believe the serial 401 might just have been assigned but never actually painted on the aircraft.

I am very interested in from where your details regarding AX683 originates, since my copy of AA100-AZ999 has no details what so ever regarding return to RAF or any service in Greece

Cheers
Stig

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Stig,

Many thanks for that very interesting information on its SAAF service. The dates quoted make more sense. My copy of the Air-Britain 'RAF AIRCRAFT AA100-AZ999' is the second edition dating from 2000.

Regards,

Martin.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Martin

Never could afford those second editions...

Cheers
Stig