The name
Bolingbroke had originally been selected for a new long nose version
of the Blenheim MK I. However, the name was later changed to Blenheim
MK IV. When it was licensed to be built by Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.,
of Longueuil, Quebec, in 1937, the name Bolingbroke was reinstated
and applied to this company's production of the aircraft.
The first 18 Bolingbrokes produced were basically Blenheim MK IV's built from Bristol's
drawings (Bristol was the British manufacturer of the Blenheim) and imported parts, but
designated as Bolingbroke MK I's. The first of these aircraft, number 702, entered RCAF
coastal duty on November 15, 1939.
Canadian ingenuity played a major part in later versions of this aircraft.
Many innovations were suggested and accepted from the Longueuil
work force, resulting in significant production and manufacturing
efficiencies. In addition, readily available parts were incorporated
from other industries and used with considerable success in the
Bolingbroke.
After the initial batch of 18 aircraft, all subsequent Bolingbrokes produced were built to
the revised "Canadian" standards designated as Bolingbroke MK IVT's with the
Fairchild production of all versions of Bolingbroke totaling more than 600 aircraft.
Eight home squadrons were equipped with Bolingbrokes, with some lasting throughout
the war. Their principal duties were to fly antisubmarine patrols over Canada's Atlantic
and Pacific coastal areas and to train air crews for overseas units under the British
Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
