The Bolingbroke is a Canadian built version of the Bristol Blenheim light bomber used in the UK during WWII. Fairchild Aircraft of Longueuil, Quebec obtained the contract to build the Bolingbroke in Canada. The ‘Boly” was one of the first all metal, stressed skin aircraft built in Canada. The first Bolingbrokes made in Canada were made to British specifications, but soon were switched to the Mark IV with Canadian and American instruments and equipment. 626 Bolingbrokes were built in Canada.
The Bolingbroke was used as a Maritime Patrol aircraft off the Canadian and Alaskan coasts. In fact, there was a seaplane version produced, but only one was ever built. The primary use of the Bolly was for the training of air gunners and bomb aimers in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Some were also used as target tugs, these were painted yellow with black stripes..
The Bolingbroke had retractable landing gear and a gun turret (see the photos below).
In Manitoba, Bolingbrokes were used at #3 Bombing & Gunnery School at Macdonald, and at #7 B&G School at Paulson. They were phased out of service with the RCAF in 1945 when the war ended.
Some Quick Facts
- Manufacturer: Fairchild Aircraft (Longueuil, Quebec), 626 were built in Canada.
- Engines: 2 9-cylinder radial Bristol Mercury XV 905 hp
- Maximum Weight: 14,500 lb (6,583 kg)
- Maximum Speed: 262 mph (421 kph)
- Cruising Speed: 214 mph (344 kph)
- Wingspan: 56 ft 4 in (17.2 m)
- Length: 42 ft 9 in (13 m)
- Service Ceiling: 28,400 ft (8,660 m)
- Range: 1,950 mi (3,138 km)
Below are some photos of one of our Bollys being restored and after restoration.
Archival photos of Bolingbrokes.
Below is a short documentary video discussing the Bolingbroke, the next video is some old clips from a movie showing Bolingbrokes taxiing and flying.
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 