Blenheim parts go on display

The Bristol Aero Collection is putting on display several components recovered from the crash site of a Bristol Blenheim. The aircraft, R3912, of Bicester-based No.13 OTU (Operational Training Unit) was on a training sortie over Somerset on 5th July 1942, when it crashed in a field at Pawlett near North Petherton. The crew (Sgt. James Anderson, Sgt. Gilbert McBoyle and Sgt. Adam Hogg) were killed in the crash, which has never been fully explained, although it is thought it may have collided with a barrage balloon cable. After ten years of negotiations, local aviation archaeologist Tike Hake received permission from the MoD to recover any wreckage, and conducted a dig in July 2007. Shortly after the crash in 1942, the bodies were recovered, and the crew were buried in Scotland and Bridgwater.

Several items were recovered during the dig including propeller blades, engine and airframe parts, and personal items such as coins and a mug. Some of these items will shortly be going on display in the BAC hangar at Kemble, as a memorial to the crew.

Components from R3912 shortly after arrival at Kemble - these include an undercarriage oleo, propeller hub, and engine parts.

Labels: blenheim

posted by Andrew on 1.6.08