At the time the Bristol Blenheim was introduced in the late 1930’s, it was the fastest fighter-bomber in the British Air Force and could reach speeds of over 300 mph. The Bristol Blenheim provided vital support during the early years of the Second World War, and participated in the first raids into Germany in 1941. 

Canadian squadrons of Bolingbrokes were formed as light fighter-bombers for coastal watch and were used extensively by the BCATP as bomber training aircraft. The Fairchild Factory of Quebec built 687 Bolingbrokes between 1939 and 1943.