Continuing with the updates to the series comes this edition on the Bristol Blenheim Bomber. The Blenheim was not only delivered new from the UK, but the State Aircraft Factory also had a license to build the Blenheim and produced about half of the near 100 aircraft used by the Finnish AF. Though obsolescent by the time the first home built planes left the factory and near obsolete when the last were produced in 1943, the Finns have always proven that they could get the best out of equipment that others found wanting. Whether this was due to the calibre of the opponents or the skills of the crews is an area that can be debated, but the results speak for themselves.

As with others in this series, the chapters deal with the development, purchase, painting and specifications of the aircraft. Operational use covers squadrons LeLv 12, 42, 44, 46, 48 and T-LLv 17 with dislocation tables, air victory lists and post-war use. There are also the usual fine color profiles on the inside and back of the covers. Photos are superb and really make this book the excellent reference that it is. There is the usual small English  section, this one covering five pages, two of those pages being individual aircraft histories.

All in all, another excellent book and a reference that all who have an interest in either the Finnish AF or the Blenheim should have in their library. As with all the SIH books, it is highly recommended.

November 2004

Review book courtesy of  Kari Stenman Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and several other superb books on the Finnish AF.

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