Blenheim Mk.IV

[Michael Turner]

Hello:

I am trying to confirm some information on the installation of the chin mounted rearward firing gun. I have read that the early models did not have this and it was only mounted on later versions.

I have also read that it was mounted from the very beginning of the production of the Mk IV to offset what was learned from the lack of protection on the Mk I's. I have seen pictures of the Mk IV both with and with out the gun pictured. I do know that it was in a semi or retractable turret and perhaps it was retracted at the time that some pictures of the plane were taken.

Thank you for any information.

Michael

[Graham Boak]

It was not retractable at all. Initial Blenheim Mk.IVs did not have it. I don't know the dates of introduction, but I don't think there were any in the Battle of France timescale. Later ones had the slim transparent blister with one rearward-firing gun, as seen at the same time on some Beauforts. Later still this was replaced by a boxy metal structure with two guns.

Re being semi-retractable. This may be a confusion with the early dorsal turret, which was semi-retractable.

[Michael Turner]

Graham:

Thank you for the information. Your time line about the installation of the gun would be correct since most of the pictures that I have seen of the early model were taken during the battles in France, while the pictures of the later model were taken in North Africa.

Thank you again.

Michael