Tankertrashnav
21st Sep 2010, 20:59
In the last couple of weeks there has been massive coverage on TV and in the press about the Battle of Britain. Quite naturally there has been much emphasis on pilots, notably those who flew the Spitfire and the Hurricane. What is often overlooked is that there were 12 squadrons of Blenheims flying in the Battle, as well as Beaufighters, Defiants and even FAA Fairey Fulmars.
All of these types carried air gunners, and in the case of the Blenheim an observer (navigator). We keep hearing statements such as "fewer than 100 Battle of Britain pilots survive", but I am wondering, are any of these observers and air gunners still with us? In many ways their exploits are overshadowed by the more numerous (and glamorous) single seat guys, but I know of one Blenheim air gunner who was credited with an Me 109 during the Battle - no mean feat for a Blenheim!
I'd be very interested to know if any are still around.
All of these types carried air gunners, and in the case of the Blenheim an observer (navigator). We keep hearing statements such as "fewer than 100 Battle of Britain pilots survive", but I am wondering, are any of these observers and air gunners still with us? In many ways their exploits are overshadowed by the more numerous (and glamorous) single seat guys, but I know of one Blenheim air gunner who was credited with an Me 109 during the Battle - no mean feat for a Blenheim!
I'd be very interested to know if any are still around.