Action This Day

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242 Sqn 30.7.40:

Squadron Operational day. Convoy patrols etc. carried out. Nothing of note to report. Squadron Leader D.R.S. Bader proceeded on 4 days leave.

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74 Sqn 31.7.40:

At 1529 hrs. A Flight left Manston to patrol base at 20,000 ft. Hostile raids were plotted and as the number and as the number of enemy aircraft increased B Flight was sent to reinforce A Flight. The Squadron was then despatched to Dover to engage the fighters of the enemy raid. “B” Flight had still not reached 20,000 ft and the two Flights operated independently. “A” Flight at 20,000 ft. sighted a number of Me.109s a long distance away over the sea but were unable to make contact with them. “B” Flight who were now at 12,000 ft. sighted approximately 15 Me.109’s who were 2,000 ft. above them approaching on the port bow. The Flight formed line astern and continued to climb on the sunny side of the enemy, turning in toward them. The enemy split up into 2 groups of 6 and 9 respectively, both in line astern formation. The first group dived toward Blue Section, opening fire from the beam and Green 1 saw Blue 2 (Sgt. Eley) go down in flames after this attack. The enemy aircraft then climbed in behind Blue Section and evidently Blue 3 (P/O. Gunn) was also shot down during this attack, since he has not returned. Blue 1 (F/Lt. Kelly) turned to get on the tail of an enemy aircraft but a second enemy aircraft got on his tail and opened fire at short range damaging the <unreadable> and armour plating piercing the petrol tank and upper port wing. The aircraft was difficult to control and went into a short spin. On pulling out he found two enemy firing from either side of him and above. He fired at one to keep it off and turned towards the other, but again went into a spin. Once again on pulling out he was approached by two enemy one below and one above. The one below did a slow roll and dived away as though to act as a decoy, whilst the second e/a stayed up into the sun ready to attack. Blue 1 ignored the first but climbed toward the second but the damage to his aircraft prevented him from getting in range. He then dived toward Hawinge and then to Manston.

Green Section saw the second formation of 9 Me.109’s approaching them from above turned in towards them and continued to climb. Two of the enemy aircraft dived past the section, apparently as a decoy, but the section ignored them and continued to climb to 23,000 ft. They had by this time lost sight of the enemy. Green 3 (Sgt. Kinner) who became detached from his section during the first climbing turn, saw a vic section of three Me.109’s 5000 ft. below him, made a diving attack from astern on the center aircraft. He saw smoke and flames coming from the enemy aircraft which was last seen going down in a shallow dive. There was practically no cloud at the time of the attack which took place miles to sea off Dover. 10 aircraft landed at Manston 1620 to 1630 hrs.

Enemy casualties. 1 Me.109 destroyed, unconfirmed

Our causalities. 2 Spitfires and 2 pilots (P/O. Gunn and Sgt. Eley) Missing
1 Spitfire damaged (Category 2)
One of the Spitfire aircraft crashed in Folkestone harbour.

Base Changes

145 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Westhampnett.

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242 Sqn 1.8.40:

P/O Turner proceeded on Fighter Course to Northolt.
One German plane Ju.88 shot down over sea by Sergt RICHARDSON another damaged by F/O CHRISTIE.

Base Changes

1 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Northolt.

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242 Sqn 2.8.40:

P/O STANSFIELD proceeded on Navigation Course to St. Athan. S/Ldr BADER returned from 4 days leave. Squadron carried out Convoy Patrols and 1 interception. P/O. BENZIE proceeded on Parachute Course to Weston, Preston.

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242 Sqn 3.8.40:

Squadron on Convoy Patrols and Interceptions.

Base Changes

16 Sqn(Lysander II) moved to Okehamton
233 Sqn(Hudson I) moved to Aldergrove

First and Last Operational Missions

247 Sqn(Roborough - Gladiator II) flies its first OM of the war.

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401 Sqn 4.8.40:

Church Parade was held on station. No flying was possible because of weather conditions.

First and Last Operational Missions

236 Sqn(Thorney Island) flew its last OM in the Blenheim IF.

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151 Sqn 5.8.40:

While at Rochford the squadron took off to engage enemy aircraft off Dover. The fight resulted in F/O. Blair shooting down a M.E. 109 and F/Lt. Beggs probably destroy a Ju 88 which was last seen diving over the French Coast with smoke pouring out of both engines. There were no casualties to the squadron. The enemy formation consisted of large number of Me 109's and Ju 88's. It is thought some He 113's were also included.

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401 Sqn 6.8.40:

Squadron formations, cine gun attacks and a met. test were carried out during the day.

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401 Sqn 7.8.40:

Nine Officers proceeded to Northolt where the training arranged by S/L McNab was carried out. Proceeded by air to Croydon. Returning at night.

Base Changes

12 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Thorney Island.

145 Sqn 8.8.40:

The Squadron was engaged with very large formations of JU 87s and ME 109s at 0900 hours. This engagement developed into numerous dogfights and in the end the Squadron’s bag was 6 JU 87s and 3 ME 109s destroyed and others damaged. Pilot Officer L.A. Sears and Sgt. T.Baker (745007) failed to return. At 1245 hours, Blue Section engaged some 10 enemy aircraft, 25 miles south of the Isle of Wight; in this action 3 ME 110s and one ME 109 were shot down. Blue Section suffered no losses. At 1610 hours, the Squadron was heavily engaged with more than 100 enemy aircraft over a convoy, south of the Isle of Wight. In this combat 6 Ju 87 and one ME 110 were destroyed. Pilot Officer E.C. Wakeham, Pilot Officer Lord Shuttleworth, and Sub Lieut. Smith, R.N. failed to return.

Base Changes

41 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Catterick.
54 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch.
236 Sqn(Blenheim IVF) moved to St.Eval.

First and Last Operational MIssions

105 Sqn(Watton) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV.

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76 Sqn 9.8.40:

Yellow Section were vectored to effect interception. When at 12,000 feet approximate position - Over Newcastle - (cloud 10/10ths) Yellow 3 sighted Heinkel III about 5 miles south flying in a southerly direction about 2,000 feet below Section. No.1 attack was carried out but Yellow 3 was hit by bullets in centre section before firing. No.2 attack was carried out and Heinkel turned and glided towards clouds smoke observed coming from both engines. The Heinkel was confirmed later as crashed into the sea off Sunderland.
Green Section (led by P/O. Parker) was ordered to patrol Base below cloud when vectored above cloud to intercept enemy aircraft. E/A was intercepted gliding through cloud and finally crashed in sea.

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401 Sqn 10.8.40:

Squadron proceeded to Northolt and returning the same day, practice attacks were delivered under the instruction of W/C Vosse and S/L Campbell.

Base Changes

114 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Oulton.

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74 Sqn 11.8.40:

Squadron engaged enemy aircraft (see Combat Report overleaf). P/O. Cobden and Smith reported Missing from combat with enemy. Nothing further to record.

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610 Sqn 12.8.40:

Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Sections ordered to intercept enemy raid approaching DUNGENESS. 9 E/A were sighted over NEW ROMNEY in a very tight vic formation in sections of 3, of same formation. 12 escorting M.E.109's came diving to attack & a general engagement took place. F/Lt. Smith was hit by two cannon shells in the cockpit, and baled out over the Channel, burnt about the face & neck. He was picked up by a motor boat & landed at DOVER. F/O/ Gardiner was wounded slightly in the left leg by a cannon shell, his left aileron, wing & petrol tank being also damaged.

Enemy casualties - 2 M.E.109s confirmed
- 6 M.E.109s unconfirmed
- 2 M.E.109s probable, 1 damaged

Our casualities - 2 pilots wounded, 1 A/C Cat3, 4 A/C Cat2

Base Changes

12 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Eastchurch
142 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Eastchurch
266 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Eastchurch

[mark dolby]

WSB, you run out of material? Missing my daily dose of 'action'!

[simovitch]

ORIGINAL: mark dolby

WSB, you run out of material? Missing my daily dose of 'action'!

He's been officially off the grid for a while...

[warshipbuilder]

Ok Mark just for you.

151 Sqn 13.8.40

Today the Squadron encountered a large formation of Do-215’s. F/Lt. Smith shot one down in flames using the Cannon Hurricane. F/O. Milne shot two down, one of which broke up in the air the other crashing in the vicinity of Christchurch. Sgt. Savill also shot one down in to the sea. Sgt. Atkinson was shot down but he bailed out and was picked up in the sea and is at the moment in hospital suffering from shock.

Base Changes

57 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Elgin
234 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Middle Wallop

151 Sqn 14.8.40

S/Ldr. Gordon, Sub-Lt. Beggs, and P/O. Johnston engaged a large formation of Me.109’s. Both S/Ldr. Gordon and Sub-Lt. Beggs accounted for one and each saw his Me.109 crash. P/O. Johnston certainly severely damaged his victim but lost it in a cloud.

Base Changes

16 Sqn(Lysander II) moved to Weston Zoyland
74 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Wittering
145 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Drem
238 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to St. Eval
249 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Boscombe Down
266 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch

First and Last Operational Missions

80 Sqn(Amriya Egypt) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

151 Sqn 15.8.40

Today the squadron had a busy day. At 1445 hours the squadron took off from Rochford and ran into a formation of Me 109’s a few miles west of Dover. P/O. Debenham followed one Me 109 and it crashed in France. P/O. Ellacombe and P/O. Rozwadoski both shot one down, P/O. Ellacombe’s in flames and the other into the sea. F/O. Milne also succeeded in bringing one down. Shortly afterwards about 50 Do 215’s and Me 110’s escorted by Me 109’s in large numbers made their appearance. F/O. Blair and P/O. Smith made one attack on the bombers but were unsuccessful owing to the unwelcome attention of the 109’s. There were no casualties but P/O. Debenham’s aircraft was shot up a bit. At 6.45p.m. the Squadron again took off to intercept enemy aircraft west of Dover. A large force of Me 109’s was again encountered. In this action we faired badly, P/O. Johnston, Sub/Lt. Beggs, P/O Ellacombe and P/O Rozwadoski being shot down. Johnson was later picked up in the area but he was dead. Sub/Lt. Beggs and P/O Ellacombe are in hospital but not seriously injured. P/O Rozwadoski at the moment is still missing. S/Ldr Gordon was peppered with shrapnel from a cannon shell and was slightly wounded in the back of the head and leg. He is however, quite O.K. P/O Smith is certain he got a 109 as it was spinning at something over 400 m.p.h. at 5,000’ when he broke off the engagement, having run out of ammunition.

Base Changes

75 Sqn(Wellington IA/IC) moved to Mildenhall
257 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Debden

151 Sqn 16.8.40

Today the Squadron took off on several attempts to intercept enemy aircraft, but were unable to locate them owing to poor visibility. F/Lt. Smith’s section did however, intercept a Ju.88 but it evaded him and escaped into the clouds. P/O Ellacombe returned to the squadron, not having been shot down as previously reported, but having force landed owing to engine failure.

401 Sqn 17.8.40

Weather generally fine, small amounts of cloud early morning, wind calm or light westerly, visibility poor during the morning, good in the evening. Pilots spent day in readiness, rest of squadron moved to Northolt, Croydon again bombed.

151 Sqn 18.8.40

In the morning the Squadron went to Rochford and a few convoy patrols were carried out also a patrol of Rochford and North Weald aerodromes. At 1700 hours the Squadron which had returned to North Weald <unreadable> readiness. We took off to intercept a large force of enemy aircraft which were obviously heading for North Weald. The interception was a success and we met the enemy as they came through the clouds a mile east of Chelmsford. The raiding force consisted of Ju.88’s, Heinkle(sic) 111s followed by Me.110s and a screen of Me.109s well above. F/O Blair shot one down (110)and left another one with black smoke pouring from its starboard motor. F/O Milne shot at a Ju.88 and it blew up in the air. P/O shot down an Me.110 in flames into the sea. P/O Czajkowski shot down a Me.110 into the sea about 30 miles off the coast. Wing/Com. Beamish was shot about a bit but he severely damaged a Ju.88 – he left it with white smoke pouring from it. S/Ldr. Gordon’s machine caught fire and he bailed out. He is in Rochford hospital but he is quite O.K. P/O Ramsay is missing.

Base Changes

46 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Duxford

First and Last Operational Missions

401 Sqn(Hurricane I) flew its first OM of the war

[mark dolby]

Hurrah!!
The world is back to a semblance of normality.

Thanks.

[warshipbuilder]

602 Sqn 19.8.40

1407 - B Flight ordered to patrol base, sighted one JU.88 which was destroyed.
1449 – P/O Moody’s Spitfire was set on fire and he was compelled to bale out. Incurring some burns on the hands. This was the second time in two days this Pilot had been shot down.
1644 – A Flight ordered to patrol BASE and was vectored to
1715 – ST. CATHERINE’S POINT where one JU.88 was attacked and destroyed. Three operational patrols were flown and the SQUADRON destroyed the only two enemy casualties in 11 Group today.

Base Changes

17 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Tangmere
46 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Digby
64 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Leconfield
85 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Croydon
111 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Debden

First and Last Operational Missions

218 Sqn(Oakington) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IV

615 Sqn 20.8.40

Twelve aircraft left Kenley at 14.15 hours to patrol Tenterden and intercepted Do 17’s at Herns Bay. S/L. Kayll attacked a DO 17 and Pilot Officer Young finished it off. The enemy crashing near Eastchurch. F/O Eyrs attacked a third Dornier and the crew were seen to bale out by P/O Hone. F/O Lofts brought down one ME 109.
Results – 3 DO 17’s, 1 ME 109 (All later confirmed by Observer Corps)
Our Casualties – Nil.
L.A.C. Turner died of his injuries at Purley Hospital.
Duke of Kent and Inspector General RAF visited Kenley.

First and Last Operational Missions

274 Sqn(Amriya Egypt) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I.

401 Sqn 21.8.40
Cloudy weather continued today, only one scramble occurred. No interceptions were made.

Base Changes

74 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Kirton-in-Lindsey
266 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Wittering

54 Sqn 22.8.40

1124 – Signs that the enemy was collecting his forces near Calais and so the Squadron patrolled Manston. No Results.
1234 – A convoy off Deal was being shelled from France and enemy “spotted planes” had
1346 – been sent over. “B” Flight was, therefore, sent to dispose of the enemy aircraft that might arrive. 30 Me 110.s (Jaguar) and 20 Me 109.s duly came, and were sent back again – except for three which found our shooting a trifle to accurate. Sgt. Newell at “home” again with his 109’s, destroyed one, P/O Hopkin attacked a Me 110 (Jaguar) head on and destroyed it and F/Lt Cribble (one Me 109 probable) left a 109 in a somewhat unenviable position – trying to do a flick stall at 500 feet. The action was marred by the loss of Sgt Collett – missing. He is believed to have went down with his aircraft which sank off Deal. “B” Flight were the only friendly aircraft present during this action; not only did they cause greatly superior numbers of enemy aircraft to depart hurriedly out they also saved the convoy from being bombed. “A” Flight leaving Manston only 11 minutes after “B” Flight found the sky cleared of the enemy when they arrived over the convoy.

Base Changes

264 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Wittering

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401 Sqn 23.8.40

A Met Test was made and a patrol carried out without incident.

Base Changes

253 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Prestwick

151 Sqn 24.8.40

In the morning the Squadron operated as usual from Rochford and intercepted approximately 12 ME.109s with a few HE.113s thrown in for good measure. F/O Blair and F/Lt. Smith fired but were unsuccessful. P/O Smith’s aircraft was shot up and he went home. Sgt Clarke and P/O Debenham are missing. In the afternoon, seven of the Squadron intercepted 150 plus enemy aircraft west of North Weald. The enemy formation consisted of ME.109s, ME.110s, Heinkles<sic> 111s and DO215s. S/Ldr. King probably destroyed a Dornier 215, Wing Commander Beamish a Me 110, F/O. Blair a Heinkel 111, P/O. Smith a Heinkel 111, F/Lt. Smith a Me 109 and P/O. Ellacombe had a confirmed Heinkel 111. We had no casualties to personnel but Squadron Leader King had his <unreadable> shot off by cannon fire and force landed on the aerodrome and P/O. Smith’s aircraft was holed in the tank. A portion of the enemy aircraft got through to North Weald and bombed the aerodrome but did very little damage.

17 Sqn 25.8.40

Various interceptions were ordered between 0945 and 1945 hours and at 1745 (1650?) hours the Squadron took off to patrol base and intercepted a number of Me.109 and Me.110 approaching from south. Squadron went into attack, and S/Ldr. Williams was seen to go down after his port mainplane had been shot away by cannon shell. The Me.110 he had attacked head-on went down after a further attack by P/O. Pittman. F/O. Count Czernin attacked a bunch of Me.110s head-on and destroyed three of them. F/O. Hanson damaged an Me.109 but did not see it crash. He also probably destroyed a Me.110 with a head-on attack. P/o. Pittman attacked an Me.109 did not see it crash. F/Lt. Bayne and Blue 2 attack and destroyed an Me.109. F/Lt. Bayne was shot down, but later reported baled out and picked up. Blue 2 also attacked one of 15 Me.110’s, but did not see it crash. F/O. Bird-Wilson attacked and destroyed an Me.109. P/O. Leary saw Me.110s bombing and was attacked by 2 Me.109s, one of which he shot down into the sea. The Squadron claimed the following Enemy Casualties: 1 Me.110 destroyed by S/Ldr. Williams and P/O. Pittman. 3 Me.110 destroyed by F/O. Czernin. 1 Me 110 destroyed by F/O. Bird-Wilson, DFC. 1 Me.110 probable by F/Lt. Bayne and P/O. Vissler. 1 Me.110 probable by F/Lt. Bayne. 1 Me.110 probable by P/O. Vissler. 1 Me.109 destroyed by P/O. Leary. 1 Me.109 probable by Sgt. Sewell. 1 Me.109 probable by F/O. Hanson, and 1 Me.110 damaged by F/O. Hanson.
A message of congratulations was received from the Group Commander. “Warm congratulations on their grand results this afternoon.”

Base Changes

102 Sqn(Whitley V) moved to Leeming

401 Sqn 26.8.40

The Squadron was ordered to North Weald in the morning to relieve another squadron. On arrival a scramble took place but the squadron pancaked without interception taking place. Shortly after 15.00 hrs the Squadron was again ordered on patrol and after several vectors a formation of 25 to 30 Dornier 215’s were sighted at 15,000 feet. A formation of escorting German fighters was drawn off by a Spitfire squadron. In the ensuing battle our squadron accounted for six Dorniers, three destroyed and three severely damaged. They were credited to the squadron as a whole. Heavy cross-fire was experienced and three of our aircraft were shot down, two of which force landed safely with S/L McNab and F/O Dealoges but the third crashed with F/O Edwards and he was killed. The Squadron returned to Northolt at Dusk.

401 Sqn 27.8.40

Weather unsuitable for extensive flying operations, a couple of test flights were carried out.

Base Changes

79 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Biggin Hill
264 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Rochford

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264 Sqn 28.8.40 (End of the line for the Defiant)

At 0830 hours 12 machines were sent to patrol Dover at 12,000 ft. 20 He.111’s were engaged near FOLKESTONE heavily escorted by German Fighters. The Squadron attack but was split up by the Me.109’s and crossfire from the HEINKELS. One of the He.111’s was destroyed by P/O CARNABY, his first engagement and one by SGT LAURIER. S/L GARVIN had a fuse blow in his turret and whilst F/L Ash was replacing it his aircraft was hit by a cannon shell and caught fire. Both baled out but F/L ASH was dead when found. S/L GARVIN suffered minor injury. P/O WHITLEY and SGT TURNER one of the most successful crews in the Squadron were both killed when their machine crashed and burst in to flames. P/O’s KENNER and JOHNSON crashed and were killed. P/O Bailey made a force landing when shot down by a Me.109. Both he and his gunner SGT. HARDY were unhurt. Eight machines returned to HORNCHURCH. Only three were serviceable. At 1800 hours we were ordered to return to KIRTON-IN-LINSEY.

Base Changes

32 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Acklington
65 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Turnhouse
75 Sqn(Whitley V) move to Linton-on-Ouse

501 Sqn 29.8.40
The Squadron was released until 1200 hours. The Squadron left for Hawkinge at 1255. One patrol was carried out from 1545 to 1630. No interceptions were made. The Squadron again set out at 1800 to patrol Gravesend at Angels 15. Over Hawkinge the Squadron were <unreadable> by 9 Me.109’s out of the sun. F/Lt. J.A.A. Gibson baled out after his aircraft had been shot up, and Sgt. Lacey shot down the Me 109, Sgt. Gibson also baled out and was picked up near Hawkinge. The Squadron victories were two Me.109s’s destroyed.

Base Changes

151 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Stapleford Tawney
222 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch
253 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Kenley

242 Sqn 30.8.40

Squadron ordered to proceed to Duxford. Operations from Duxford. 12 enemy planes shot down north of London without any loss to the Squadron. 4 E/A attacked and probably shot down. Signal received from A.O.C. 12 Group congratulating the Squadron on its achievement. The above brings the Squadron total bag for the month to 14 certainties and 5 probable’s.
Signal from A.O.C. Group read “Heartiest congratulations on a first class show. Well done 242”
Signal received from the Chief of the Air Staff which read “Magnificent Fighting. You are well on top of the enemy and obviously in the fine Canadian traditions of the last war are safe in your hands.”
Signal received from the Under Secretary State for Air congratulating Squadron.

Base Changes

141 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Turnhouse

401 Sqn 31.8.40

Two interceptions were made by the Squadron today. The first scramble came about 08.30 hours and the Squadron was vectored over Dover at 22,000 feet. While patrolling the coast a number of Me.109s attacked out of the sun. Only two of our aircraft managed to bring their sights on the enemy for quick bursts but no claims were made. Flt.Lt. Corbett and F/O’s Hyde and Sprenger all baled out safely. Flt.Lt. Corbett and F/O Hyde were burnt about the face and hands and legs but F/O Sprenger escaped injury. At 17.30 hrs. another scramble took place and the Squadron intercepted about 50 bombers escorted by a large number of fighters. The battle took place near Gravesend and our attack was hampered by A/A fire but was met with a certain amount of success. Two Me.109’s were destroyed by F/O’s Christmas and Little and one damaged by F/O Smither while one Do.215 was destroyed by F/O Kerwin and one damaged F/O Russell. F/O Dealogue baled out with quite severe burns about the face, hands and legs.

Base Changes

72 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Biggin Hill
80 Sqn(Gladiator I/II) moved to Sidi Haneish South Egypt
145 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Dyce