Action This Day

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 30.10.39:

"A" Flight 30 minutes available. "B" Flight released.

[warshipbuilder]

It looks like the Hallowe'en goblins were at work this day 87 Sqn 31.10.39:

"A" Flight readiness. "B" Flight 15 minutes available.

P/O Glyde in Hurrciane L1743 crashed while approaching to land, when engine cut out - water found in fuel system. Machine write-off - pilot unhurt.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 1.11.39:

"A" Flight released. "B" Flight 30 minutes available.

No Flying during day.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 2.11.39:

Squadron ordered to readiness and twelve machines took off to intercept six enemy machines on reconnaissance. Air raid warning was given on aerodrome and Silo cleared of all personnel. Two machines flew directly over Merville and were fired at by the Bofor guns situated about the aerodrome until it was seen that they were being intercepted by the Squadrons' machines. Flight Lieutenant Jeff intercepted one machine a Heinkel III and having chased it for twenty minutes finally shot it down near Hazebrook (see combat report attached) Pilot Officers David and Mackworth attacked a second Heinkel that was seen to be going down in to Belgian territory (reports attached). It was later confirmed that this machine landed in Belgium, but some doubts exist as to whether this was due to their attack, A.A. gunfire or both as facilities for members of the Squadron to inspect the machine did not exist. Pilot Officer in Hurricane L1965 force landed at Seclin with bullet holes in fuel and oil tanks and webbing of mainplane main spar. Pilot Officer David's machine, Hurricane L1777, hit by enemy fire in port wing tip, no material damage done. Pilot Officer Stanton in Hurrican L1900 crashed on landing on aerodrome. Machine written off but pilot unhurt.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 4.11.39:

"A" Flight readiness. "B" Flight 15 minutes available.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 5.11.39:

Hurricane L1813 arrived to replace L1743.

Squadron move from Merville by M.T. transport and air to SECLIN aerodrome.

"A" Flight released, "B" Flight 30 minutes available.

[warshipbuilder]

Oops a friendly fire incident. I find it somewhat amusing they used the word "successfully" 87 Sqn 6.11.39:

"A" Flight at 15 minutes avaialble, "B" Flight at readiness.

P/O Rayner while on patrol attacked and successfully brought down a Potez bomber (French) near Lille. Pilot and crew unhurt.

Seven machines from "B" flight on patrol between Calais and Dunkerque. No enemy aircraft sighted.

[warshipbuilder]

Oops missed a day, 9 Sqn 3.11.39:

0730 Squadron standing-by in accordance with H.Q. 3 GROUP FORM B.50.

1300 Squadron stood down. Formation flying practice carried out, also photography and Test of Heating System.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 7.11.39:

"A" Flight at 30 minutes available, "B" Flight released.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 8.11.39:

"A" Flight readiness, "B" Flight 15 minutes available.

Four "A" Flight machines on patrol.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 9.11.39:

"A" Flight released. "B" Flight 30 minutes available.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 10.11.39:

"A" Flight 15 minutes available. "B" Flight readiness.

1005-1115 Patrol Calais-Boulogne.

1345-1510 Patrol Calais-Boulogne.

P/O Dunn force landed in Belgium through lack of petrol after chasing enemy aircraft. Pilot and machine interned by Belgian authorities.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 11.11.39:

Two minutes silence observed. Time given firing round from Bofors gun at 1100 hrs. and second at 1102 hrs.

"A" Flight 30 minutes available, "B" Flight released.

12.11.39

"A" Flight readiness, "B" Flight 15 minutes available.

P/O Fairbank posted fron No. 1 B.T.U. Cardington to Squadron to act as Squadron Adjutant.

1515-1545 Patrol, F.O. Campbell (Hurricane L1964)

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 13.11.39:

"A" Flight released, "B" Flight 30 minutes available.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 14.11.39:

"A" Flight 15 minutes available, "B" Flight readiness.

Five machines from Squadron on Patrol along coast. Squadron Leader Coope and Pilot Officer Glyde in Hurricanes L1628 and L1813 force landed in Belgium after patrol. Machines undamaged and pilots interned. Flight Lieutenant Colmore assumed command of Squadron.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 15.11.39:

"A" Flight 30 minutes, "B" Flight released.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 16.11.39:

"A" Flight readiness, "B" Flight 15 minutes available.

0915-0940 Patrol - Sgt. Nowell (Hurricane L2036), Sgt. Howell (Hurricane L1964), F.Lt. Colmore (Hurricane L1616), Sgt. Cowley (Hurricane L1930)

1010-1030 Patrol - P.O. Smith (Hurricane (L1722) Force landed at Donai due to sticking throttle. No damage.

1010-1110 Patrol - F.O. Campbell (Hurricane L1964)

1010-1030 Patrol - P.O. St. John (Hurricane L1970) From Le Touquet

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 17.11.39:

S/Ldr. Hill assumed command of Squadron vice F/Lt. Colmore.

Squadron Magister arrived from Glisy.

Patrols over Calais and Dunkerque and machines fired on by our own A.A. guns at Dunkerque but no damage done as all shots were wide.

Flying Officer Campbell on patrol Calais - Dunkerque sighted enemy aircraft while flying at 14,000 feet between cloud layers. Quarter attack given for recognition purposes and surprise and after one burst E.A. pulled up vertically and fell away into clouds. Subsequent search below clouds and in sea revealed no trace of E.A. (Combat report attached).

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 18.11.39:

"A" Flight 15 minutes available, "B" Flight readiness.

Three machines from "A" Flight on patrol but no enemy aircraft sighted.

[warshipbuilder]

87 Sqn 19.11.39:

"A" Flight 30 minutes available, "B" Flight released.