Bristol Blenheim, 14.05.1940, N6230, 139 Squadron

[arnaud]

Bonjour,

As I have quite finished with my researches about Fairey Battle shot down around Sedan. I work now on some Blenheim losses shot down on May 14 1940.

At Remilly-Aillicourt near Sedan, a British aircraft was shot down “n° 6230” according to a French report. I think it is the Bristol Blenheim n° N6230 of No. 139 Squadron. A photo exists showing some pieces of this aircraft on the ground. The quality is very poor and I can’t do anything about it.

Is it a piece of a Blenheim?
Where was this main piece place in the Blenheim?

I hope some specialists could answer to those two questions. I thank them in advance for any suggestion.

Bon vol

Arnaud

[Larry]

When I look at this photo the bulged part with a circular hole in it looks like a remote gun barbet that was sometimes fitted under the nose of Blenheims with rearward facing guns

[arnaud]

Bonjour Larry,

Squadrons added sometimes to the Blenheim some strange modifications. This Blenheim n° N6230 is supposed to be a Mark IV. This is an early one: shot down in May 1940.

I think this type of gun was available later, but you are perhaps right. Lately I have thought about it. Now I’m looking for a photo for a confirmation.

Merci beaucoup.

Arnaud

[Larry]

I hasve just looked at a book Battle-Axe Blenheims, 105 Sqn RAF at War 1940-41' by Stuart Scott published by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd c 1996

In the book there is plenty of evidence of Blenheims Mk IV in 1940 with small sized under nose gun barbets - which are more streamlined that the later square versions see with two rear facing machine guns. I see no reason why 139 Sqn which worked so closely with 105 Sqn, should not be similarly equipped. 82 Sqn Blenheims also had the same barbet in 1940

[arnaud]

Larry,

Unfortunately I don't have this book. But I have at home "The Bristol Blenheim" and "the forgotten Bomber" written by M. Graham Warner. Is there a photo in those two books about what you mean?

Thank you

Arnaud

[Larry]

Arnaud,

Have a look at the first and third aircraft in this photo, which shows the perspex type of under fuselage barbet.

http://ww2today.com/wp-content/uploa...lenheim-IV.jpg

Also the second of the Blenheims in this additional photo also shows the same barbet

http://www.battleofbritainbeacon.org...nd/CH732LG.jpg

I hope this helps

[Larry]

And some more reference photos

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lenheims-1.jpg

http://www.rafbombercommand.com/pics...wo_b_foura.jpg

[arnaud]

Thank you very much for your help.

There are indeed a lot of modification on Blenheims.

Here is a photo of a No. 110 Squadron Blenheim shot down 14.05.1940 near Sedan. I have also confirmation of machine gun behind the engine on a No. 139 Squadron Blenheim too in May 40.

Bye