Blenheim P6293 - Lost 13 June 1940

[Andy Saunders]

During a visit to Conde-Vraux Museum I saw this panel on display. The markings clearly indicate it to have come from P6923, a 114 Sqn machine supposedly lost on 13.6.1940 during ops to Foret de Gault. At least, the Air Britain P-Register shows it thus. However, I cannot see the loss in "Battle of France; Then & Now" for that date.

What is the story of the possible loss of P6923? One for Peter Cornwell I think!

I imagine that this panel was changed and abandoned at Vraux, rather than originating from the apparent 13 June crash.

NB: Edit function did not allow me to correct typo in title which SHOULD read P6923, of course!

[Ex Shack]

Hi Andy
Look again at the picture, it appears to be P692# and Warner's Blenheim records a P6923 of 114 Sqn as one of a number destroyed or abandoned on the ground in France
Regards
Dick

[Andy Saunders]

Yes, I did mean P6923! There was a typo in the title which the edit function did not let me change. It is certainly 6923. I'll go with Warner unless Peter Cornwell has anything to add.

[Peter Cornwell]

Nothing specific I'm afraid - records are too sketchy. P6923 was allocated to No. 114 Squadron and recorded struck-off 'abandoned in France 6.40'. To my knowledge the squadron suffered no losses in attacks on the Foret de Gault on June 13, 1940, having been withdrawn from France on May 18 & handing over their surviving aircraft to No. 18 Squadron. On June 13 they were based at Horsham St Faith.

In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I am of the opinion that this aircraft was amongst those abandoned at Conde-Vraux on May 11 (as detailed in BoFrT&N p233) or, failing that, possibly one of those left with No.18 Squadron (as mentioned above). Its very presence in the museum at Vraux tends to support this rather than any connection with the June 13 attacks.

Did you consult the RAF Aircraft Index (BoFrT&N p530) Andy ?

[Andy Saunders]

Oh dear, Peter! Ooooops!! I did look there, but seem to have garbled P6293 with P6923....as the message title indicates. Must have been having a bad day or too much Scotch. Or, maybe, not enough!