Following a 12 year restoration, the Blenheim will have its first flying display at the VE Day Anniversary Air Show this weekend. John Romain, owner of the Aircraft Restoration Company, flew a spirited display in the Blenheim, before landing and taxiing the aircraft next to IWM Duxford’s historic Control Tower.
Also in attendance was Squadron Leader Ian Blair (RAF retired) who was an armourer on Blenheim Mark Is during the Second World War. On one mission, Ian was forced to take control and fly a Blenheim aircraft after his pilot was killed following an attack by an Italian Fiat CR42. He not only managed to evade the enemy aircraft, but flew the Blenheim 350 miles back to his base where he made a successful textbook landing. This extraordinary action earned him the award of an immediate Distinguished Flying Medal. He trained as a pilot and was awarded his wings in May 1941. He flew Spitfires for the remainder of the Second World War.
The VE Day Anniversary Air Show (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May) pays tribute to the men, women and children who endured six years of conflict on the fighting fronts and the Home Front of the Second World War.
Read more: http://www.air-shows.org.uk