NickFenton
November 9, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Blenheim crew selection.

I have been reading a few books that indicate that in 1942, crews for heavy bombers were self selected. They were put into a large room with equal numbers of pilots, navs., gunners, etc. and told to sort themselves out.

Can anyone tell me if this was the case for Blenheim crews in 1941?

Regards,

Nick

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By: battle_damaged - 25th November 2008 at 02:57

I sent your query to a friend who was on Blenheims. He replied:

Yes we did crew up over a few beers (possibly) when a course formed up. Later though on four engine stuff the flight engineer would have joined with a crew that had done an Operational Training course together on Wellingtons before going to a Heavy Conversion Unit.

Hope this helps.
brgds
Alan

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By: NickFenton - 9th November 2008 at 22:21

Thanks Dave.

I have found my Father’s navigator and it is something that l want to ask him but having some idea is very useful.

letters from the navigator to his Mother give quite an insight to the friendship that existed.

Regards,

Nick

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By: G-ASEA - 9th November 2008 at 16:13

Yes this did happen to my uncle sgt T Turnbull in 45 sdn. A good few years ago he did a tape recording for me of his time in the RAF. He flew with 45,55 and 70sdn in Blenheims and later Wellingtons. Sadly he died in 2000, his ashes dopped by the RAF over sea.

Dave:)