Blenheim MK IV, T1867, GRB1, Fort-Lamy 1941

[hanshauprich]

GRB 1 lost this Blenheim in February 1941 after bombing targets near Koufra.
The plane with the crew (S/L Gerad Claren, Sgt/C. Fernand Devin & Sgt. George Calvez) lost on return and was missed until 29. March 1959. An french Goumiers-Patrol found the crashlanded Blenheim and the remains from the crew.
I learned, the Blenheim was in good condition like the RAF Kittyhawk found at the Aqypt Dessert. What was the fate of the wreckage?

Thanks!
h.

[Bertrand H]

Hi Hans,

The wreckage of this Blenheim has been burnt in 1959.

More details and photos of the wreckage here :

http://aviateurs.e-monsite.com/pages...le-desert.html

HTH

Bertrand

[hanshauprich]

Moien Bertrand,

thank you for this infos! Very sad for the crew and the plane! Today I think this could not be do again!!!!

h.

[andrasz]

A less known related story, GRB 1 lost another Blenheim (N3624) on the recce mission to Kufra launched 31 December 1940. That crew were luckier, the story (with photos of what remains of the aircraft today) here:
www.fjexpeditions.com/expeditions/past/mar13/mar13.htm