Action This Day

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242 Sqn 2.7.40:

Flying training carried out. Cloud and formation flying.

Base Changes

79 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Hawkinge

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242 Sqn 3.7.40:

Flying training carried out. Cloud and formation flying.
F/O. MacDonald reported Air Ministry to appear before committee presided over by Air Chief Marshal R. Brooke-Popham.

Base Changes

12 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Binbrook
19 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Duxford
53 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Detling
59 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Thorney Island
103 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Newton
142(Sqn(Battle I) moved to Binbrook
150 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Newton

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242 Sqn 4.7.40:

Flying training carried out and readiness dawn and dusk.
Squadron Leader reported squadron operationally trained day, so far as pilots concerned but non-operational as regards equipment.

First and Last Operational Missions

6 Sqn(Ramleh Palestine) flew its First OM in the Lysander II.

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242 Sqn 5.7.40:

Flying Training.

Base Changes

87 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Exeter

242 Sqn 6.7.40:

Squadron carried out Air Practice Firing at Sutton Bridge - Record scores for Fighter Command.
Sub.Lt. Cork crashed Hurricane P3813 - uninjured.

242 Sqn 7.7.40:

Flying Training and readiness at dawn and dusk.

Base Changes

47 Sqn(Wellesley I) moved to Carthago(Sudan).

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242 Sqn 8.7.40:

Visit of A.O.C. 12 Group and Station.
Group exercises carried out.

Base Changes

10 Sqn(Whitley V) moved to Leeming
29 Sqn(Blenheim IF) moved to Wellingore

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242 Sqn 9.7.40:

Equipment arriving daily and squadron fully operational day from 1800 hours.

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242 Sqn 10.7.40:

Convoy patrol over sea. First enemy bomber shot down by this squadron in this section. Shot down by Sub. Lt. Gardner. Two others damaged.

Base Changes

50 Sqn(Hampden I) moved to Lindholme.
105 Sqn(Non Op) moved to Watton.

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242 Sqn 11.7.40:

Dornier shot down by Squadron Leader Bader over sea on Dawn Patrol.
P/O. Grastick(?) shot down with Hurricane - uninjured.

Base Changes

79 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Sealand.

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17 Sqn 12.7.40:

Weather fair early, but rain later. F/O. C.P.N. Brett was posted to the Squadron from 29 Squadron, Digby. At 0630 hours "A" Flight took off from Debden - to forward base. At 0848 hours while on convoy patrol, P/O. Manger and Sgt. Griffiths of Yellow Section sighted 12 He.111's at 8,000 feet bombing the convoy. The Section delivered a line astern attack on a He.111 that had broke away from the formation, and P/O. Manger, firing continuously from 350 to 50 yards range, sent the enemy aircraft gliding down through the clouds with both engines on fire. Sgt. Griffiths closed in and fired a burst of about 9 seconds, and generally left the enemy aircraft "falling to pieces". Sgt. Griffiths then spotted 4 He.111's flying east, and attacked one which was 500 yards behind the others. He sent it down in a spiral dive with both engines on fire, and he saw it crash in to the sea and sink. At 0950 hours P/O. Pitman and Sgt. Fops of Red Section sighted 9 He.111's approaching the convoy and delivered a series of quarter attacks one of them which had struggled. The enemy aircraft dropped its undercarriage with the port engine silent with petrol streaming from it, finally crashing in to the sea near a trawler, which picked up three survivors. At 0926 hours F/O. Czernin and P/O. Hansen of Res Section saw three Do.17's bombing he convoy, and P/O. Hansen made two head-on attacks on one of the Dorniers which headed to sea level. He then delivered a stern attack, and last saw the aircraft wallowing badly with both engines out of action at a speed of only 110 m.p.h. He did not consider that it could have reached its base. F/O/ Czernin attacked another Do.17, which had already been attacked and shot down by Hurricanes of 151 Squadron. The aircraft of "B" Flight returned to Debden at 1120 hours, the remainder at 1345 hours. "B" Flight took off from Debden for forward base at 1200 hours, replacing "A" Flight on patrol duty, but no enemy aircraft were further sighted. "B" Flight returned to Debden at 1900 hours. As a result of today's action the Squadron claimed four enemy casualties 3 He.111's conclusive and one Do.17 inconclusive. Our casualties nil. A/V/M T.Leigh-Mallory signaled "Congratulation on this mornings very excellent show".

Base Changes

141 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Wittering.
152 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Warmwell.

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56 Sqn 13.7.40:

11 a/c went to Rochford and thence 10 a/c did a patrol to Dover, making a sweep of the Channel towards Calais. They exposed 7/12 Junkers 87 and escorting Me110s off Calais. F/O. Brooke destroyed a Ju.87(confirmed,) F/Lt. Coghlan a Ju.87 and Me.110(both unconfirmed,) P/O. Page a He.113(confirmed), Sgt. Cowsill a Ju.87(confirmed), S/L. Nanton a Ju.87(unconfirmed). Sgt. Smythe a Ju.87(unconfirmed), Sgt. Hillwood a Ju.87(unconfirmed), Sgt. Baker a Ju.87(unconfirmed, total 7 Ju.87s and He.113s destroyed. Sgt. Cowsill and Sgt. Whitfield were lost and Sgt. Baker force landed near Ditchling but was unhurt. The remainder returned to Rochford and thence to North Weald.

Base Changes

13 Sqn(Lysanders) moved to Hooton Park.
79 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Acklington.

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615 Sqn 14.7.40

Squadron went down to HAWKINGE again at 13..00 hours (12 aircraft). At 15.00 hours Red Section were patrolling convoy near Dover, when convoy was attacked by 40 JU 87's which were escorted by ME 109's. Pilot Officer M.R. MUDIE (Red 3) was shot down and jumped by parachute. He was picked up by the Navy and sent to Dover hospital severely wounded. Red 1 and 2 put several bursts in to JU 87's but were unable to observe results as they were being attacked. Later our remaining nine aircraft took off from HAWKINGE to assist Red Section.

F/O. GAYNER shot down one JU 87 (confirmed by Yellow 2)
F/O. COLLARD shot down one JU 87 (confirmed by Yellow 3)
P/O. HUGO shot down another JU 87 which hes saw catch fire and fall in o the sea.

Blue Section chased the ME 109s and escaped although they were damaged by their machine gun fire. Green Section missed the fun.

Results - 2 Ju 87's destroyed confirmed
- 1 Ju 87 destroyed unconfirmed
Our casualties - one pilot severely wounded

This air battle was the subject of B.B.C. news commentary which was broadcast that same evening by Charles Gardiner.
The Squadron also received congratulation from The Prime Minister.
Squadron returned here at 19.00 hours and returned again to HAWKINGE the following morning.

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151 Sqn 15.7.40:

From Manston the squadron took off to intercept enemy aircraft bombing shipping in the Dover area. An attack was made but owing to cloud the result was not ascertainable. The enemy aircraft was a Do. 215, apparently unescorted, and it escaped in the clouds.

Base Changes

112 Sqn(Gladiator) moved to Maaten Gerawla (Egypt)

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601 Sqn 16.7.40:

The Squadron carried out 20 hrs. 25 mins. flying by day. There were two interception flights, and during one of these, B Flight intercepted 3 Ju.88's. Two enemy aircraft were shot down into the sea.

Base Changes

48 Sqn(Anson I) moved to Hooton Island.

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610 Sqn 17.7.40:

P/O.P.Litchfield (76451) reported missing after an engagement with Me.109's between the French and English coast.

Base Changes

30 Sqn(Blenheim IF) moved to Inkigi Maryut (Egypt).
218 Sqn(Non-Op) Moved to Oakington

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141 Sqn 18.7.40:

Squadron leaves WEST MALLING at 08.45 hrs. 'A' Flight patrol base at 10.38 hrs.
Squadron is ordered to patrol 20 miles south of FOLKESTONE at 12.30 hrs at height of 5,000 ft. 3 aircraft failed to leave ground in time, nine only carry out patrol. They are attacked by a superior number of M.E 109's over the English Channel. Six of our aircraft are shot down or disabled, 4 dive into the sea. P.O. GARDNER, Pilot, and P.O. FARNES A/Gunner are picked up by sea craft. P.O GARDNER is taken to hospital at CANTERBURY. P.O FARNES is uninjured.
P.O's KEMP, KIDSON, HOWLEY are presumed lost. 5 air gunners are also presumed lost. F/Lt LOUDON crashes owing to engine cut out, 200 yds from aerodrome at HAWKINGE and is uninjured. He is taken to hospital at CANTERBURY. His air gunner baled out and is safe. F/Lt DONALD crashed at DOVER and was killed, his Air Gunner P.O Hamilton who baled out is missing. 3 Aircraft land at HAWKINGE at 13.00 hrs. P.O. MACDOUGAL is 'shot up' but returns to base. His Air Gunner however baled out and is now missing. Total losses are 4 Pilots killed or missing. Six Air Gunners missing. Squadron is now released from operations for short period.

Base Changes

78 Sqn(Whitley V) moved to Dishforth.

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32 Sqn 20.7.40

Fighting Patrol 1310 - 7 aircraft ordered to patrol below clouds. Red Section observed 3 Me.Jaguars about to dive bomb Dover harbour and attacked. F/Lt. Crossley and P/O. Proctor shot down 1 Me.Jaguar confirmed.

Fighting Patrol 1445 - Ordered to investigate a Raid x 44 at 5,000'. Found to be friendly.

Escort Convoy 1700 - <Unreadable>10 miles E. of Dover at 1758 with 610 Squadron, intercepted a raid on convoy, consisting of Me.109's, Ju-87's and Me.Jaguars. About 50 in all. Enemy aircraft shot down were by S/Ldr.Worrall 3 Me.109's damaged. P/O.Rumphorson 1 Ju.87 destroyed confirmed. F/Lt.Crossley 1 Me.109 destroyed (unconfirmed). F/Lt.Brothers 1 Me.109 (U/C). Sgt.Pearce 1 Me.109 damaged. Sgt.Bayley 1 Me.Jaguar destroyed (U/C). Sgt.Higgins 1 Me.Jaguar destroyed (U/C). S/Lt.Bulmer missing reported to have bailed out near W. Foreland. Sgt.Higgins slightly wounded in face by splinters from bullet which hit protective armour.

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43 Sqn 21.7.40:

“B” Flight No. 43 Squadron. Pilots SQUADRON LEADER BADGER, SERGEANT AYLING, PILOT OFFICER De MANCHA, FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DALTON-MORGAN, PILOT OFFICER CORRIE, and SERGEANT HURRY carrying out convoy patrol 10 miles south of NEEDLES engaged eighty enemy aircraft (40 Dornier 17’s, 40 Me. 109’s and Me.110’s) enemy casualties one Me.109 and Me.109 damaged. Our casualties PILOT OFFICER De MANCHA missing believed killed. SQUADRON LEADER BADGER received cannon shell in starboard aileron.

Base Changes

141 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Prestwick.

43 Sqn 22.7.40:

Signal from Headquarters, No. 11 Group A442 dated the 22nd July, 1940 Sector Commanders and Squadron Commanders. 43 238 and 609 Squadrons to be informed immediately that raid 27 about 1500 hours yesterday was reported by Fighter Command as only nine aircraft so group controller despatched only three flights to intercept a group that turned out to be more than fighter hostile aircraft. Fighter Command has been requested to improve the accuracy of R.A.F. counting and setting of heights.
Night patrols carried out by PILOT OFFICER CAREY, FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DALTON-MORGAN, SERGEANT HURRY. No interceptions.

43 Sqn 23.7.40:

No. 43 Squadron (Fourteen pilots and Intelligence Officer) moved to Northolt for rest and training of new pilots.

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65 Sqn 24.7.40:

Operating from ROCHFORD, 2 sorties were ordered off to intercept approaching raiders from DOVER, large formations of enemy bombers were encountered at 22,000 ft., above them were two layers of fighters, and these were engaged. There were many fights resulting in the following claims, 2 PROBABLY DESTROYED and out casualties Nil. (See Intelligence and Combat reports attached).

Base Changes

19 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Fowlmere
54 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch

615 Sqn 25.7.40:

Eleven aircraft were sent at noon to intercept mass enemy raid near Dover. Red Section saw the raiders but the others did not see them. F/Lt. CALINCE shot down one ME 109 which crashed into the sea (Confirmed by Red 2). P/O. HUGO attacked another from which grey vapour issued and engine appeared to stop.
In the evening 6 of our aircraft did a one patrol over a convoy after being called from 30 minutes to readiness.

601 Sqn 26.7.40:

Six interception flights were carried out, and in one of these, at approximately 09.45 hours, "A" Flight encountered 12 enemy fighters. In the ensuing combat, P/O.P.C. LINDSEY was attacked and shot down into the sea, about 2 miles south of sT. Catherine's point, and no further trace of the aircraft or pilot could be found. One ME.110 probably destroyed and ME.109 damaged. Two escorts for convoys were also provided.

Base Changes

41 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch.

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609 Sqn 27.7.40:

"B" Flight in convoy protection in Weymouth Bay. Sighted and engaged a force of 20 Ju.87s and many Me.109s. No E/A shot down. P/O. Buchanan missing.

First and Last Operational Missions

9 Sqn(Honington) flew its last OM in the Wellington IA.

74 Sqn 28.7.40:

At 1350 hours 12 aircraft were ordered to intercept enemy raiders near Dover. Visibility was good with 2/10ths cloud at 6,000 ft. Orders were received by R/T to attack enemy fighters at 18,000 ft. and to leave bombers to Hurricane squadron. Approx. 30 Me.109s were sighted over Dover and a general dog fight ensued.
Result:-F/Lt. Malan 1 destroyed and 1 damaged.
F/Lt. Kelly 1 destroyed.
P/O. Freeborn 1 destroyed.
P/O. Stevenson 1 destroyed and 2 damaged.
P/O. Stephen 1 damaged.
P/O. Gunn 1 destroyed.
P/O. St. John 1 damaged.
It is reported that P/O. Young is missing and presumed killed. Sgt. Hull was wounded and successfully bailed out and was taken to Dover Military Hospital.

Base Changes

54 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Catterick.

First and Last Operational Missions

29 Sqn(Wellingore) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I.

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41 Sqn 29.7.40:

0445. Squadron took off for MANSTON.

0725. Eleven aircraft ordered to patrol MANSTON then DOVER. Enemy aircraft encountered in large numbers and General Engagement ensued. Flying Officer GAMBLEN failed to return. F/Lt. WEBSTER, P/O. SCOTT, P/O. MACKENZIE and P/O. BANNON crashed on landing. Four ME.109s destroyed, confirmed. One Junkers 87 destroyed, confirmed. One Junkers 87, unconfirmed.

1010. Six aircraft left MANSTON and landed at HORNCHURCH.

1340. Blue Section, “B” Flight, carried out Convoy Patrol.

1410. Green Section, “A” Flight carried out Convoy Patrol.