Bristol Blenheim Mark IV

The Bristol Blenheim was faster than its contemporary RAF fighters when it entered service in 1937. Blenheims served in RAF Fighter, Bomber, Army Co-operation and Coastal Commands. During the Battle of Britain, they had the important mission to bomb Channel ports to disrupt German preparations for invasion.

In July 1940, at the start of the Battle of Britain, a Blenheim Mk IF night fighter made the first successful radar interception of an enemy bomber. This Canadian-built Blenheim IV served with the Royal Canadian Air Force on training duties. As no RAF Blenheims exist, it is used here to represent the aircraft's role in the Battle and is painted in a No.139 Squadron scheme – the first RAF squadron to undertake an operational mission during the Second World War.