Blenheims saw considerable service on long-range shipping protection sorties, as Andrew Thomas outlines
A brief way to describe the Blenheim’s RAF career would be ‘all theatres, all roles’. Born as a bomber, it quickly became a fighter and went on to carry out a wide range of training and support duties. Often forgotten amid the type’s incredible achievements, the Blenheim carved out an important niche with Coastal Command.
Pending the formation of dedicated shipping protection units, the Hudson-equipped 233 Squadron formed a fighter flight with the Blenheim Mk.If in October 1939. Based at Leuchars, Scotland, a trio of Blenheims from the stopgap outfit took off eastwards on the 18th for an offensive patrol. Their objective was a point some 90 miles (144km) east of Leuchars – in machines lacking wireless and floatation gear.
As 233 Squadron pioneered the Blenheim as a ‘coastal fighter’, four more units – 235, 236, 248 and 254 Squadrons – began forming with the long-nosed Mk.IVf and on February 27, 1940 they were transferred to Coastal Command. Luftwaffe aircraft were occasionally encountered, mainly during patrols over the North Sea. With the opening of the off…
