ID of crashed Blenheim, poss 30 SQ RAF in France?

[Larry Hickey]

I'm trying to identify recently concluded eBay auction photo #6275890246. This looks like a Blenheim from 30 SQ RAAF with the LY code. Can anyone provide any identification as to place, date, circumstances and/or pilot for this crash?

Thanks,

[Hans Nauta]

Hello again Larry,

The code LY doesn't refer to 30 Squadron RAAF but to 1 Photographic Reconaissance Unit.

The wreckage on the picture is Blenheim V5376, shot up by Flak over Vlissingen (Flushing) and finished off by the Bf.109 of Fw Friedrich-Karl Bachmann, 3./JG52, on 14th April 1941. The Blenheim crashed at 12.24 hrs local time near Breskens. The three crew members were KIA and buried at Vlissingen.

It's a well-known picture and has been published before. Although not a 1940 matter, Wim would be pleased with this picture as this was taken in his region of interest!

Kind regards,
Hans Nauta

[Larry Hickey]

Hans,

Thanks for clearing up the mystery on the Blenheim. I purchased the photo on eBay on the chance that it fit our projects parameters. Obviously it's out of our time frame, but I'll be happy to pass it on to Wim.

Best wishes,

[Franek Grabowski]

Hmm, I have a copy of a log book of a Polish navigator in 1 PRU. I think he had a combat with a German aircraft in the late 1940. I will check if he flew this particular Blenheim.