No. 218 Squadron conversion to the Bristol Blenheim, and early operations
| Taken from squadrons Operational Records Book. | |||||||
Date |
Serial |
Pilot |
Target's |
Take-Off |
Landed |
Duty |
Notes |
| 01-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Squadron informed of conversion to Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV | ||
| 05-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Three Blenheims delivered with rear firing blisters. One aircraft taken to hanger for tail wheel repair. | |
| 06-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
All flying crews training lectures on armament and signals. Pilots have link training practice. | ||
| 07-Jul-70 |
|
|
|
|
|
All flying crews training lectures on armament and signals. Pilots have link training practice. | |
|
P/O Turnbull |
|
|
|
|
Returns from No.17 O.T.U | |
| 08-Jul-40 |
|
F/O Newton |
|
|
|
Local Flying | |
|
P/O Smith |
|
|
|
Local Flying | ||
|
F/O Crosse |
|
|
|
Local Flying | ||
|
P/O Turnbull |
|
|
|
Local Flying | ||
| 09-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Flying training for pilots | ||
| 10-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Flying training for pilots. Lectures for flying crews. | ||
| 11-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Several short cross country flight for gunners & Observers | ||
| 12-Jul-40 |
|
F/Lt Hughes |
|
|
|
Proceed to No.17 O.T.U for conversion course on Blenheim | |
|
F/O Shaw |
|
|
|
Proceed to No.17 O.T.U for conversion course on Blenheim | ||
|
P/O Wheelwright |
|
|
|
Proceed to No.17 O.T.U for conversion course on Blenheim | ||
|
P/O Agar |
|
|
|
Proceed to No.17 O.T.U for conversion course on Blenheim | ||
|
Sgt Hoos |
|
|
|
Proceed to No.17 O.T.U for conversion course on Blenheim | ||
| 13-Jul-40 | R.3597 | F/O Newton |
|
0930hrs |
|
Short Cross Country. | CRASHED PILOTS ERROR |
|
|
|
|
Three aircraft carry-out local flying | |||
| 20-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Flying training:p> | ||
|
F/O Shaw |
|
|
|
Sent to RAF Won to have self sealing petrol tanks installed on Blenheims | ||
|
P/O Crosse |
|
|
|
Sent to AF Wyton to have self sealing petrol tanks installed on Blenheims | ||
| 21-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Flying tning | ||
| 22-Jul-40 |
|
F/Lt Hughes |
|
0830hrs |
|
Deliver Blenhe to RAF Wyton for self sealing tanks, return with Blenheim fitted. | |
|
F/O Shaw |
|
0830hrs |
|
Deliver Blenheim to RAF Wyton for self sealing tanks, return with Blenheim fitted. | ||
|
P/O Wheelwright |
|
|
|
Transferred from 'A' Flight to 'B' Flight | ||
|
P/O Agar |
|
|
|
Transferred from 'A' Flight to 'B' Flight | ||
|
|
|
|
Flying training, formation practice. | |||
| 23-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Three cross countries flown | ||
|
|
|
|
Lecture given on the Bristol Mercery Mk.XV engine. | |||
| 24-Jul-40 |
|
F/Lt Hughes |
|
|
|
A' Flight | |
|
P/O Shaw |
|
|
|
A' Flight | ||
|
F/O Richmond |
|
|
|
B' Flight | ||
|
P/O Turnbull |
|
|
B' Flight | |||
|
|
1400hrs |
|
Formation practice | |||
|
|
|
|
Lecture on navigation given by S/Ldr Bax | |||
| 25-Jul-40 |
|
|
|
|
Lecture given on the Bristol Mercery Mk.XV engine. | ||
|
0900hrs |
|
Cross country (Blenheims) | ||||
| 26-Jul-40 |
|
|
1400hrs |
|
Cross country (Blenheims) | ||
| 28-Jul-40 |
|
|
0900hrs |
||||