Blenheim incident 16/17 December 1940

[Brian]

Hi guys

I understand that on the night of 16/17 December 1940, a Blenheim of 114 Squadron departing for a raid on Mannheim ran into problems and jettisoned its bomb load over Norwich.

Can anyone provide more information, please? Identity of Blenheim and unfortunate crew? Any casualties in Norwich? Where and what damage was caused?

Cheers
Brian

[Amrit1]

Sounds like R3744 - crashed at Sprowston, near Norwich soon after take-off for Mannheim after engine cut, bombs jettisoned. Two of Sgt T Barne's crew, Sgt Seward and Sgt walsh, injured.

From Warner's Blenheim: A Complete History

Chorley says the bombs landed in Bond Street, but there's no mention of casualties. Nothong on CWGC for that district that I can find either.

A

[BC]

you silly man, Brian! If you want info on crashes in East Anglia you should know who the oracle is by now !

Blenheim IV R3744 had engine trouble on take-off from Horsham St Faith at 2120 hours on 16 Dec 1940 for ops Mannheim. The bombs were jettisoned and the aircraft crash-landed near the White House, Sprowston, N of Salhouse Road, Norwich. The aircraft was DBR ("FBO (3)") and SoC by 114 Sqn on 1 Jan 1941.
Two of crew injured, but not known whom:

P: Sgt T E Barnes
O: Sgt Seward
WOp/AG: Sgt Walsh

4 x 250-lb HE bombs fell in the Dereham Road area of Norwich:

1. On Howes & Sons Garage, Bond street
2. In garden of 6, Bond Street
3. In garden of 266, Dereham Road

Minor damage was caused by the bombs, three of which were UXB's. One man and 3 women were injured.

If you're looking for gen on damage caused by Allied bombs, there are PLENTY of incidents I could list for you.

Regs,

BC

[Brian]

Thanks Kiran & Bob

Another incident nicely covered.

Cheers
Brian