Corgi AA38406 Bristol Blenheim Mk.I, Arthur Scarf VC, 62 Sqn RAF, Butterworth, Penang, 1941

The Bristol Blenheim was one of the most important as well as one of the most numerous RAF bombers at the outbreak of the Second World War. It suffered heavy losses over Europe, being neither fast enough nor manoeuvrable enough to escape enemy fighter attacks and its single rear gun was not sufficiently effective. However, the Blenheim soldiered on, most notably in the Middle and Far East and it was the main attack aircraft available to the RAF in theatre when the Japanese attacked Singapore in the autumn of 1941.

62 Squadron was heavily involved in the actions and on the 9th December was tasked with attacking the invading Japanese forces at Singora. Squadron Leader Scarf had just taken off when Japanese aircraft struck, destroying the rest of the force. Deciding to continue alone and despite being mauled by fighters both on his outward and return trips, Scarf nevertheless attacked his target. Unfortunately, he was severely injured, with his left arm shattered and serious wounds to his back, he was drifting in and out of consciousness. He crash landed the Blenheim near the hospital at Alor Star, but doctors were unable to save him and he died two hours later. Due to the chaotic nature of the campaign Squadron Leader Scarf was only gazetted for his VC in June 1946 after details of the raid took a long time to come to light.