N6215

A Bristol Blenheim IV of No. 139 Squadron — the first British aircraft to cross the German coast in the Second World War. On 3 September 1939, the day Britain declared war, Flying Officer Andrew McPherson flew it from RAF Wyton on a high-altitude photographic reconnaissance of the German fleet in the Schillig Roads off Wilhelmshaven, a naval observer aboard. Severe icing and a frozen, unserviceable radio meant the sighting could not be reported until the crew landed back at Wyton; McPherson was awarded the DFC.