"Blenheim Flak Attack"
Prints and story of Bob Smudger Coles.
How he beat out fire on his Mk4 Blenheim

Prints from the painting by John Howard Worsley.

Sgt. K.R. Coles was Observer in 139 Sqn. Mk 4 Blenheim P4860.
The aircraft was piloted by Sgt. J. W. Middleton and A. G. Hale was Wireless Operator / Gunner.

"The Commander-in-Chief desires to bring to the notice of all ranks in the Command of
coolness and courage displayed by No.751124 Sergeant Coles K.R.. an air observer of No. 139 Squadron."

On the 23rd April, 1941, Sergeant Coles was the observer of an aircraft detailed to attack a
power station at Ibbenburen in Germany, using cloud cover.
Finding insufficient cloud cover off Bergen-Aan-Zee, the course was altered in an Easterly direction in an endeavour to
find more suitable conditions. The primary task was abandoned approximately 120 miles north of the original track when
two flak ships were located 12 miles West of Borhure. In the face of intense A/A and machine gun fire a determined attack was
made from low level on each ship in turn, a direct hit being observed on the first. Both ships were then vigorously attacked by machine gun fire.
During this attack the aircraft received a direct hit by an A/A shell, setting fire to the interior of the cockpit. Dense smoke filled the cockpit, and
the Very cartridges, accumulator, maps etc. were on fire.
With his hands this N.C.O. extinguished the flames and threw the debris through the blister gun hatch*.
It is considered that Sergeant Coles' courage on this occasion was, without doubt, the deciding factor in
the success of the attack and the safe return of the aircraft to its base.

The above account, taken from DAILY ROUTINE ORDERS by
Group Captain G.R.C. Spencer, Commanding Royal Air Force Station, Horsham St. Faith,

 

See Jonzonline page with the story and information about the discovery of parts of this Blenheim

 

Available as hand mounted prints 10" x 8" , 14" x 11" , 20" x 16".

Canvas prints also available to order