Greek Blenheims 1940-1941

[Brian]

Hi guys

I'm seeking serial numbers of Greek Blenheims lost during the defence of Greece 1940-1941.

I have a note of these losses:

B253 lost 14/11/40
B254 lost 14/11/40
B256 lost 27/11/40
B260 lost 31/12/40

and require s/n of the following:

1/6/40 crashed - accident
8/11/40 crashed - accident
11/11/40 shot down
31/12/40 - crashed on t/off
18/2/41 c/landed in swamp
6/3/41 - damaged in air
11/3/41 - shot down (Mark I ex RAF)

Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

[Martin Gleeson]

Hallo Brian,

There was a photo on E-Bay showing Blenheim 'B268' in a very intact state on its wheels, with turret and airscrews. Tail wheel replaced by a crate ! Surrounded by Ju 52s, a He 111 and a Bf 109.

Another photo from the same source shows a much damaged 'B255', though also on its wheels and with at least one airscrew. Probably strafed on the ground.

A third photo seems to show 'B253' in a similar state to 'B255'. Both these aircraft are on airfields with Luftwaffe aircraft.

I believe there is an article in 'AVIONS' #44 dealing with the Greek Air Force and its aircraft at war 1940-1941.

Hope this helps,

Martin Gleeson.

[fabriziogttf]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi guys

I'm seeking serial numbers of Greek Blenheims lost during the defence of Greece 1940-1941.

I have a note of these losses:

B253 lost 14/11/40
B254 lost 14/11/40
B256 lost 27/11/40
B260 lost 31/12/40

and require s/n of the following:

1/6/40 crashed - accident
8/11/40 crashed - accident
11/11/40 shot down
31/12/40 - crashed on t/off
18/2/41 c/landed in swamp
6/3/41 - damaged in air
11/3/41 - shot down (Mark I ex RAF)

Any help appreciated.

Cheers
Brian

Hello, Brian
hereinafter some few data:
- 8/11/1940: No data
-11/11/1940 It should be a Blenheim of 32 Mira (all crew of three KIA), shot down by CR42 of 150 Gruppo CT (pilot Cap. Scarpetta), NW of Klisura (Albania): I don't have any code for it
- 31/12/1940: I have B252 of 32 Mira exploded during the take off (from Larissa, probably for explosion of bombs aboard), but on december, 30th not 31st: all crew of three KIA
- 18/02/1941: No data
- 6/03/1941: No data
- 11/03/1941 Blenheim I B263 (former RAF) shot down by AAA over Albania

Hope this helps

Fabrizio

Source "Batailles aériennes N. 15, La Guerre en Gréce"

[mimithem]

30th of December is indeed the right date for Orphanides tragic death after the explosion of the Blenheim MkIV. The formal document writes about the event:

"...a day before New Years Eve..."

[Brian]

Many thanks, guys

Martin - I've sent a PM

Cheers
Brian

[bearoutwest]

Not a Greek Blenheim, but a photo of RAF Blenheim IV left behind in Greece on an airfield now occupied by the Luftwaffe.

Photo as located by Edwest in the Luftwaffe part of this forum, links below:
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=35727

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Orig-Foto-eng...-/360783574422?

Regards, ...geoff

[mimithem]

At last, one photo of 11SQN Blenheim! Thank you Geoff! Photo probabl taken at Larisa airfield...

[bearoutwest]

Hello Mimithem,

Here's a link to the Australian War Memorial website collection search area. The page has a photo of a No11 Sqn RAF Blenheim in the Western Desert. If you select the 11 Squadron RAF "related" button, you will be able to search through, perhaps for more photos of their time in Greece. Good luck.

Regards,
...geoff

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P02127.013