BRISTOL BLENHEIM MK.I, RAF No.211 SQN, THE BISH, 1940 - CORGI AA38404 1/72

In April 1938, 211 Sqn embarked for the Middle East. It undertook its first operations in June 1940 against Italian targets in Libya and continued until November 1940 when the squadron was sent to assist the Greeks following the Italian invasion of that country. The CO was Sqn Ldr J. Gordon-Finlayson ("The Bish") flying Blenheim L8511. This aircraft was badly damaged in action and made a forced landing. The crew were reported missing, but were in fact marooned on an island. Days later after an eventful journey they returned. For this action "The Bish" was awarded the DFC. Very soon he was back in the air in L6670, a replacement aircraft transferred from 84 Sqn. Shortly afterwards, on 2nd December, he flew L6670 to attack Valona harbour and returned safely despite damage to the aircraft caused by defending enemy fighters. He continued to fly throughout the winter in what were extremely difficult weather conditions, over mountainous terrain. In March 1941 "The Bish" was awarded the DSO and promoted to Wing Commander.

Bristol Blenheim Mk I

Designed in response to a challenge by media mogul Lord Rothermere, who wanted the British to recapture the title of "fastest European civilian aircraft," the Bristol Blenheim first flew as "Britain First" on April 12, 1935. Faster than any fighter then in service with the RAF, the aircraft captured the attention of the Air Ministry, which issued a specification for a bomber version. The Blenheim was used extensively during the early part of WWII and was later adapted as a night fighter. It was one of the first British aircraft to use flaps, retractable landing gear and variable pitch propellers.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honoured.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Pose able presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
• Limited Edition model – certificated 1,800 produced worldwide.

The photos in this listing are from our own library, the model you will receive is brand new and sealed.

Buy Gone World are more than happy to post items worldwide, postage for the item/s will be established at point of sale/interest and will be messaged to each member when asked.

Buy Gone World does offer discounts for multiple purchases, this includes International Posting.

PLEASE SEE OUR OTHER LISTINGS - MANY ARE DESIRABLE AND RARE MODELS YOU DO NOT SEE ANYMORE - WE HAVE MORE THAN 2,500 SOLD OUT MODELS IN STOCK - MOST ARE NEW!!! - A LOT ARE LOW NUMBERS - ALL ARE LONG SINCE SOLD OUT - BY ALL MEANS CONTACT US FOR THE ONE YOU ARE MISSING OR YOU DESIRE BUT SIMPLY CANNOT FIND. BGW TEAM.