Blenheim L6743 at Lindholme airfield.
On 4th May 1941 this 54 O.T.U. aircraft was force landed at Lindholme airfield after the hydraulics failed.
Pilot - P/O Herbert James Bullmore RAAF (402045).
His father was Herbert Henry Bullmore MB ChB Edin MRCPE FRACP. His sister was the mother of Australian media figure Kerry Packer.
Herbert Bullmore was born on 29th June 1918 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He enlisted for RAAF service on 29th April 1940 at Sydney and after training was awarded his Wings on 23rd September 1940. He was granted a commission on 19th November 1940. Following training at 54 OTU he served with 23 Squadron. In March 1942 he was posted back to Australia and in June 1942 he was posted to 22 Squadron. On 29th November 1942 while serving with 22 Squadron he was flying Boston A28-20 which was reported as missing between Port Moresby and Gona Mission to attack Japanese positions there. The aircraft exploded as it released its bomb load and it fell into shallow water just off shore.
He is buried in Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea. He is also commemorated by a memorial within the St.James Church at Belltrees, New South Wales.
Blenheim L6743 was built to contract 588371/36 by A.V.Roe and Co.Ltd. in Manchester and was awaiting collection in July 1939. It was initially placed into MU store until November 1939 when it was taken on charge by 229 Squadron at Digby. In March 1940 229 Squadron ceased operating Blenheim Mk.If's so the aircraft was transferred to 23 Squadron at Wittering. It then moved to Collyweston with them on 31st May 1940 and to Ford on 12th September 1940. In April 1941 23 Squadron ceased operating Blenheim Mk.If's so the aircraft was transferred to 54 O.T.U. at Church Fenton. As a result of this mishap on 4th May 1941 minor Cat.A/FA damage resulted and it was repaired on site and returned to the unit. In February 1942 it was placed in MU store where it remained until around 20th March 1941 when it was taken on charge by the newly formed 17 S.F.T.S. at Cranwell. It served with them until deemed beyond economic repair and was then struck off charge at M.U. on 28th March 1945.