World War Two hero sees Blenheim bomber take to the skies again ahead of VE Day airshow

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Blenheim returns to public gaze 12 years after Duxford crash which caused team to create restoration trust

Retired RAF hero Ian Blair and conservators had cause to celebrate when he was reunited with one of the famous Blenheim bombers at the RAF Museum today. On a 12-year mission of their own, two full-time engineers and a supportive bank of volunteers and apprentices have restored the plane, which became known as the only flying example of an RAF light bomber during the early 1980s, to a proud state which will allow it to shine at major air shows domestically and overseas.

Taking the controls to fly a Blenheim after his pilot was killed during an attack by an Italian Fiat CR42, World War Two RAF Squadron Leader Blair evaded his enemies, completed a 350-mile journey back to base and, following a successful textbook landing, was immediately rewarded with a Distinguished Flying Medal.

Seventy-four years after Blair won his wings, the Spitfire veteran watched John Romain, the owner of the Aircraft Restoration Company, fly the new Blenheim, landing and taxiing it next to the museum’s historic Control Tower. The ceremony was a tantalising preview ahead of Duxford’s much-anticipated VE Day Anniversary Air Show this weekend, when the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B will lead seven wartime bombers and fighters on a 70th anniversary salute.

The Blenheim emerged 11 years before VE Day. Built as a small airliner in a private venture funded by Lord Rothermere and completed by the Bristol Aircraft Company, the aircraft, named Spirit of Britain, was modified to embrace the first stressed skin style accepted by the RAF.

At the start of the war, the RAF had 1,089 models in service, making the fastest light bomber of the day the most prevalent and under-fire of the nation’s military aircraft.

Although its crews enjoyed manning the Blenheims, casualties were frequent as the aircraft was pressed into unnatural roles, including long-range and night fighting. Winston Churchill compared their use to the Charge of the Light Brigade.

The quest for a recreation which can stand the test of time has been a complex one. The first restoration project, on a derelict example in Canada, took a small, skilful squad 12 years, only to be wrecked four weeks after its return to the air in May 1987.

A determined team resolved to resurrect a new Blenheim, turning the Duxford edition into an aircraft of international admiration with a five-year restoration concluding in June 1993.

Watch a video of John Romain flying the Blenheim MkIV



Alongside the RAF Lancaster, the Blenheim was one of only two British World War Two bombers in the air, feted by air shows, films, television cameras and magazines until a significant landing accident at Duxford in 2003.

A trust intent on guaranteeing the longevity of the Blenheim was formed, allowing hundreds of visitors to watch craftsmen and their protégés rebuild the aircraft.

Donations and sponsorships towards caring for the vintage aircraft are welcome. Visit the Trust's website for more.

• VE Anniversary Day is at IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire on May 23 and 24. Find out more and buy tickets.

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/military-history/world-war-two/art527206-world-war-two-hero-sees-blenheim-bomber-take-to-the-skies-again-ahead-of-ve-day-airshow