An aircraft that has been undergoing restoration for 12 years took to the skies for the first time yesterday (Wednesday) as part of the VE Day Anniversary celebrations.

Dunmow Broadcast: Veteran Blenheim Pilot S/L Ian Blair ( RAF Retired ).Veteran Blenheim Pilot S/L Ian Blair ( RAF Retired ). (Image: IWM)

Aircraft Restoration Company’s Bristol Blenheim G-BPIV will form formed part of the 70th Anniversary VE Day Air Show at the Imperial War Museum Duxford this weekend.

And the aircraft took its first flight following lengthy restoration works at the hands of ARC’s owner John Romain the previous.

The return to the skies took place under the watchful gaze of retired RAF Squadron Leader Ian Blair, who had been an armourer on Blenheim Mark I’s during the Second World War and was awarded an immediate Distinguished Flying Medal for taking control of a Blenheim aircraft after his pilot was killed following an attack by an Italian Fiat CR42.

The VE Day Anniversary Air Show at Duxford pays tribute to the people who endured six years of conflict on the fighting and Home Front of the Second World War, and among other things includes a flying display along with music, speeches and audio recordings of veterans’ memories.

Dunmow Broadcast: pilot John Romain, owner of the Aircraft Restoration Company, climbs out of the Bristol Blenheim. Image copyright IWM.pilot John Romain, owner of the Aircraft Restoration Company, climbs out of the Bristol Blenheim. Image copyright IWM. (Image: IWM)

And at this 70th anniversary celebration, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B will lead a salute of seven Second World War bombers and fighter aircraft.

For further information about the VE Day Anniversary Air Show this weekend, go to iwm.org.uk/duxford.