Blenheim light bomber

Bristol Blenheim Mk IV light bomber of RAF Bomber Command.

The contribution of Bomber and Coastal Commands during the Battle of Britain has sometimes been overlooked in accounts of the battle. Between July and October 1940 British bombers flew numerous sorties against targets in France and Germany - targeting invasion barges and shipping in Channel ports, raiding German-occupied airfields and flying long-range reconnaissance patrols. Casualties amongst aircrew were heavy. Over 900 airmen were killed flying with Bomber and Coastal Commands during the period of the battle - including 29 New Zealanders in Bomber Command and eight in Coastal Command.