Hughie Edwards leads attack on Bremen

4th July 1941: Awarded VC - the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy"

The Bristol Blenheim MkIV. First developed as an airliner, the military version was faster than most fighters when ordered in 1935. As a light bomber it was nearly obsolete by 1940 when it saw widespread service in France and the Battle of Britain, and suffered heavy losses. It was more successful as a night fighter.

On leaving school at the age of 14 to…