Bristol Blenheim, part six, Yugoslav users

 

The Bristol Blenheim was a British light bomber of the Second World War which saw action with many countries all around the world, among them, the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. 

The Kingdom of Yugoslavia also showed interest in the Blenheim and, just like the Finns did, they also acquired a production license for 50 aircraft which would be produced by Ikarus at their factory in Zemum, close to Belgrade.

In November 1937 two Mk.Is were shipped to serve as patterns and by 1939 Ikarus had completed a around 23 frames, without engines though. The engine supply from the United Kingdom turned to be a serious problem, so one machine, No.29, was fitted with Italian Alfa Romeo 126 radial engine. Eventually, Bristol Mercury engines were obtained from the Polish PZL factory after Germany occupied Poland, so further 14 machines could be completed at Ikarus'. Therefore, a total of 40 Ikarus-built Blenheims Mk.Is were delivered to the Royal Yugoslav Air Force, also known as JKRV. The Yugoslav-built Blenheims were armed with Italian 12,7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns instead of the original British ones. Some were also up-armed with additional Italian 12,7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, which increased its weight and made the aircraft harder to fly.

Back in August 1939 they also requested a supply of Mk.IVs, but Bristol refused it and sent 20 additional Avro-built Mk.Is instead. However, it seems that by early 1941 the production line was set to produce the Mk.IV and around 20 partially completed airframes were found by the Germans when they invaded in April 1941. These tools and frames were later given to Finland. Some sources claim that one machine was completed and even painted, but never flew. As we couldn't confirm nor deny it, we decided to draw it anyway. 

The first unit of the JKRV to employ the Blenheim was the 1st Bomber Regiment in 1938, which was joined later by the 8th Bomber Regiment and, in 1940, the 11th Independent Long Range Reconnaissance Group. Most of the Yugoslav Blenheims were in service when Germany invaded on 6th April 1941. Some were destroyed on ground by Luftwaffe's raids, but many others performed unescorted bombing raids and showed to be very vulnerable to both fighters and anti-air fire. 

However, some successful attacks were made, but, with their bases threatened, many units were forced to evacuate and by 13th April there were few Blenheims available, with some being destroyed by Yugoslav to prevent to fall into German hands. A few, around 20 machines, were captured by the Germans, and after some refurbishment, they were given to the Independent State of Croatia's Air Force. 

It seems that at least one machine was captured at the end of the war by Yugoslav's Partisans and it received Yugoslav Communist markings. Its fate is unknown.

Sources:

1. Hall Park Books - Warpaint 26 - Bristol Blenheim

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Bristol_Blenheim_operators