Royal Air Force History

Bristol Blenheim

Part 6 - OVERSEAS SERVICE – MEDITERRANEAN

When Mussolini declared war on 10 June 1940, the British forces under the command of General Wavell were forced to retreat into Egypt. The RAF fought a rear guard action against the advancing Italian columns until the situation could be stabilised. Blenheims were the only modern light bombers in the theatre and were heavily engaged in the action. The majority of the 102 available Blenheims were Mk Is although No 113 Sqn had begun to receive Mk IVs in March 1940. The Free French forces in the Sudan operated Blenheim Mk IVs while RAF Squadrons operated from Aden in support of the British Army in Eastern Africa.

Three Blenheim squadrons, two bomber and one fighter, were eventually sent to Greece when in October 1940 Italian troops invaded from positions in neighbouring Albania. The Greek airforce had taken delivery of 12 Blenheims prior to the commencement of hostilities, but was otherwise equipped with obsolete aircraft. After their successful campaign in Yugoslavia German forces were free to enter the fray in April 1941. Luftwaffe numerical and technological superiority soon overwhelmed the defenders, and on 15 April No 113 Sqn was all but destroyed on the ground. Repeated bombing and strafing attacks were conducted by Ju 88s, Me 109s and 110s. No 113 Sqn was later reformed in Palestine with a mixture of Mk IV fighters and bombers.

That month No 211 Sqn suffered the loss of all six Blenheims to enemy fighters in a single raid. On 18 April the RAF withdrew to island of Crete with the handful of remaining men and machines. During the defence of the island No 14 Sqn attacked enemy transport aircraft on Maleme airfield accounting for at least a dozen Ju 52s. Otherwise the air combat followed a familiar pattern, as Blenheims were again easy prey to enemy fighters. When Crete fell, a second withdrawal was mounted to Egypt.

Meanwhile the fighting had continued in Northern and Eastern Africa. Replacement Blenheims were ferried from England via the strategically important island fortress of Malta, on occasions the opportunity was taken to bomb the Italian mainland on route. As Malta became the focus of Axis attention a new overland route was established from West Africa across the vast deserts to Egypt. Single engined aircraft also made this dangerous trip frequently in the company of a Blenheim whose crew was better able to navigate accurately. The fighting on the ground was characterised by rapid advances and long withdrawals for both sides. Success or failure depended largely on which side had access to fuel and supplies.

There were many local modifications to increase the firepower of the Blenheim. Frequently a nose mounted 20mm cannon or a second machine gun augmented the single wing mounted .303 machine gun. The rear firing pair of machine guns were useful for suppressing ground fire when leaving a target but could not be traversed and were less effective at deterring enemy fighters. Blenheims were employed in many roles including that of low level anti shipping missions, already recognised as highly dangerous. However, American built aircraft like the Martin Baltimore and Douglas Boston which were supplied to the RAF as part of the Lend Lease programme began to appear in the region. They were faster than the Blenheim, carried greater bomb loads and were better equipped to defend themselves. Even the Mk V version of the Blenheim could not redress the type’s rapid march toward obsolesce.

[ Air Historical Branch | Histories | Timeline ]

[ Equipment | Squadrons | Stations | Organisation ]
[ News | Downloads | History | Links | Careers ]

[ Home ]

© Crown Copyright 2003-2005 and © Deltaweb International Ltd 2003-2005