Steenson, William Joseph

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The Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke was a maritime patrol aircraft and trainer used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Built by Fairchild-Canada, it was a license-built version of the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV bomber.

In 1935, the British Air Ministry issued Specification G.24/35 to procure a coastal reconnaissance/light bomber to replace the Avro Anson. Bristol proposed the Type 149, based on its Blenheim Mk I, with Bristol Aquila engines to give greater range. While the Air Ministry rejected this proposal, a Blenheim Mk I, retaining its Mercury VIII engines, was converted as a Type 149 (Blenheim Mk III) for the general reconnaissance role.The nose was lengthened to provide more room for the bombardier, with the upper left surface of the nose being scooped out to maintain pilot visibility during takeoff and landing.

The longer range also fulfilled a Canadian requirement for a maritime patrol aircraft. Consequently, Fairchild Aircraft Ltd. (Canada) of Quebec started production of the Blenheim Mk IV as the Bolingbroke (the originally intended name for the Blenheim IV). This type was nicknamed the "Bolly". After a small run of aircraft constructed to British specifications, as the Bolingbroke Mk I, Fairchild switched production to the Bolingbroke Mk IV with Canadian and American instruments and equipment. These versions also included anti-icing boots and a dinghy. One of the early Mk IV variants was the Bolingbroke Mk IVW which was powered by two 825 hp (615 kW) Pratt & Whitney SB4G Twin Wasp Junior engines. Incapable of maintaining altitude on one engine, the normal bomb load was reduced to 500 pounds on these aircraft to compensate for the low engine power. The most-produced variant was the Bolingbroke Mk IVT trainer, of which 457 were completed. A total of 626 Bolingbrokes were produced.Wikipedia

Wikipedia Bolingbroke Bomber

Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Bolingbroke Bomber WWII

Bolingbroke - Kestrel Publications

7 BGS (7 Bomb and Gunnery School)

The Bombing and Gunnery School (B&GS) offered instruction in the techniques of bomb aiming and aerial machine gunnery to Air Observers, Bomb Aimers, and Wireless Air Gunners. These schools required large areas to accommodate their bombing and gunnery ranges, and were often located near water. The Avro Anson, Fairey Battle, Bristol Bolingbroke, and Westland Lysander were the standard aircraft used at B&GS schools.

RCAF.Info - RCAF Station Paulson Manitoba

BCATP History - 7 BGS

Manitoba Historical Society - Paulson Airport

Staff Pilots 7 BGS Paulson MB

NO6 BGS Blog History

Project 44 BCATP

Project 44 BCATP

YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

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Bolingbroke 10071

Bolingbroke Mk. IVT 10071

Delivered new to stored reserve with No. 2 TC. Issued on 17 Feb 1943. Completely destroyed in Cat "A" crash on 15 Apr 1944, while with No. 7 B&GS in Paulson, MB. An engine cut out immediately after take-off, the aircraft yawed, stalled, struck the ground and was destroyed by fire. Warrant Officer Class 2 W. Steenson and Leading Aircraftman D. Black were both killed; Leading Aircraftman (RNZAF) W. Wagener was injured. Wreckage to No. 8 RD for write off on 18 Apr 1944.

1943-01-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1944-April-14 Accident: 7 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Black | Steenson | Wagener
1944-05-14 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash, reduced to produce 2019-08-20