Blenheim Mark I Recognition Model

This is a British-made model of a Second World War Blenheim Mk I light bomber used to train RAF personnel, particularly pilots, gunners and members of the Observer Corps, in the vital skill of aircraft recognition.

Some aircraft were easily confused in the heat of battle. On 15 August 1940, a British Blenheim was attacked by Spitfire pilots when they mistook it for a German Junkers Ju 88. Personnel spent many hours studying photographs or drawings of aircraft and illustrated playing cards added some fun to the process. Models were often hand-made by RAF personnel in their spare time and were particularly useful as they could be viewed from any angle.