Blenheim Squadrons of World War 2 Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | August 2005 | Title | Blenheim Squadrons of World War 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Jon Lake | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 1998 | ISBN | 1-85532-723-6 |
| Format | 104 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $19.95 |
Review
In the late 1930s, the RAF began to modernize its air fleet with the best aircraft available. While Britain had signed the Munich Agreement with Germany in 1938, war looked inevitable. Bomber Command was revamping its fleet, but even the best available wasn't quite good enough.
In the realm of light bombers for instance, the Bristol Blenheim was for a short while one of the more advanced light bombers in service. Like many aircraft of its type, that heyday ended before the outbreak of war. But as US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld would say many years later, "You don't go to war with the forces you want, you go with the forces you have."
This title looks at the development and employment of the Blenheim, its crews and its accomplishments. Coverage includes:
- Genesis of the Blenheim
- 'Phoney War' and Blitzkrieg
- On the Offensive
- Fighter Command
- Coastal Command
- Middle East and Mediterranean
- Blenheims East of Suez
Despite being considered near-obsolete at the beginning of hostilities, the Blenheim served proudly in Bomber Command, as a night fighter in Fighter Command, and as a patrol aircraft with Coastal Command. The aircraft remained in front-line service until mid-1944 in several Far East squadrons.
In addition to the operational summaries, the book is also has a nice selection of color profiles, line drawings, as well as numerous B&W photos. Recommended!