Graham,

Blenheim bomb bay doors had to be removed for the carriage of SBC’s as these extended too far downwards for the doors to close. 4 x 250lb or 2 x 500lb bombs were carried well within the bomb bay so the doors could properly close. I have a hunch that when a combination of 2 x 250lb and 2 x 250lb SBC’s were carried the SBC’s would be carried either side of the central keel plate with the 250lb bombs in the outside positions and that in that case only the inner sets of doors would need to be removed. Still have to find photographic evidence to confirm that hunch though!

As per AP1530 B, Vol I, the doors also needed removal when carrying 2 x 250lb type “B” bombs, B standing for Buoyant, but I do not know if these were ever used operationally.

As for the wing bays, those existed alright but were very small and mostly used to each carry 2 x 4in training flares or 2 x 4.5in reconnaissance flares. The carrier used inside those cells is a twin light series carriers. The bays were situated at the end of the centre plane roots just in front of the flaps.

Hope this info is of help.

Cheers,

Walter Lindekens