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401 Sqn 1-9-40

There was only one scramble during the day. A raid consisting of 20-30 bombers with a large fighter screen was intercepted at 14.15 hours over Biggin Hill at 18,000 feet. The Squadron attacked and 1 Do 215 was destroyed and one damaged by F/L MacGregor and and three others damaged by F/O’s Peterson, Christmas and Kerwin. F/O Kerwin also damaged an Me 110 but in turn was shot down and bailed out with face and hand burns. All other aircraft returned to Northolt but one was category 3 and another category 2.

Base Changes

25 Sqn(Blenheim IF) moved to North Weald
46 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Stapleford Tawney
56 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Boscombe Down
102 Sqn(Whitley V) moved to Prestwick and was transferred to Coastal Command
151 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Digby
249 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to North Weald

First and Last Operational Missions

106 Sqn(Finningley – Hampden I) flew its first mission of the war

222 Sqn 2-9-40

Nine aircraft patrolled Chatham, Hawkinge and Manston during the morning, and during the afternoon two patrols were made and contact was made with enemy aircraft who were bombing home base. F/Lt. Robinson shot down one M.E.109 and while engaged with a M.E.110 was attacked from the starboard and was obliged to land. The petrol tanks punctured and the engine of his aircraft had stopped. One ME.110 was probably destroyed by Sgt. Baxter who also reports he damaged one DO 17 and one ME.110, and Sgt Chipping damaged one ME.110. Sgt Scott damaged a DO 17. The Squadron landed at Rochford. Our casualties – F/Lt. Robinson slightly wounded and three aircraft damaged.

Base Changes

3 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Castletown
17 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Debden

249 Sqn 3.9.40

Squadron at readiness, dawn to mid-day. Available to mid-day to 2115. <Unreadable> hours Squadron ordered to patrol Chelmsford, Hornchurch, nothing seen, ordered to land by sections after one hour’s patrol, and immediately after refueling the Squadron was ordered off again to intercept a large formation of enemy aircraft approaching from the N.E. Owing to <unreadable> ordered off to late, the Squadron was unable to gain height to intercept this force, and we all had the most unsatisfactory experience of seeing NORTH WEALD being heavily bombed and being unable to do anything about it. The enemy carried out a pattern bombing from approximately 15,000 feet, which was very accurate, but it is interesting to report that although between 200 and 300 bombs were dropped on the buildings area and part of the aerodrome, there were only four fatal casualties, and the damage to the Buildings etc. did not in any way hinder operations of the Squadrons from NORTH WEALD. From the air this attack appeared far more effective than it actually was and no doubt the enemy pilots reported, quite justly, they had knocked out NORTH WEALD. The Squadron brought to readiness in the afternoon, patrolled EASTCHURCH, CANTERBURY and DOVER. 3 Heinkels were seen well above but they sheared off for France. We were fired at by A.A. from the Dover guns and Sgt. Howell’s aircraft was apparently hit. He was unaware of this however, until his aircraft caught just before he landed on returning to NORTH WEALD. He was alright, concussed but otherwise uninjured. The Squadron remained at readiness until dusk, no night available section required.

Base Changes

26 Sqn(Lysanders) moved to Gatwick
41 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Hornchurch
54 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Catterick
66 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Kenley
85 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Castle Camps
111 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Croydon
112 Sqn(Gladiator I) moved to Sidi Barrani Egypt

First and Last Operational Missions

237 Sqn(Nairobi Kenya) flew its last OM in the Audax

401 Sqn 4.9.40

A visit was paid to the Squadron by Canadian press men and Wing Command Foss at noon, today, and while they were looking at dispersal a scramble came in at 13.00 hours. The Squadron was vectored onto a formation of 12 or 15 Me 110’s or Jaguars at 15,000 feet near East Grimstead. The enemy formed a defensive circle bur our height advantage enabled us to position ourselves before attacking with the result two enemy aircraft were destroyed by F/O’s Smither and Nesbitt, one probably destroyed by F/O Russel and five others damaged – two by F/O Molson, and one each by Flt. Lt. MacGregor and F/O’s Peterson and Smither. F/O Russel also damaged a Ju 88. We suffered no casualties.

41 Sqn 5.9.40

0915 – Twelve A/C ordered to patrol Manston. Sgt. CARR-LEWTY force landed due to enemy action at STANFORD-LE-HOPE.
1500 – Twelve A/C ordered to patrol MAIDSTONE. S/Ldr HOOD reported Missing. F/Lt. WEBSTER killed in action. F/O WALKER injured in leg and admitted to HOSPITAL. F/O LOVELL baled out near BENFLEET, uninjured. Enemy casualties on this day were 3 M.E.109 destroyed and 1 H.E.113 destroyed, probables 3 M.E.109, damaged 2 D.O.17
1615 – Nine A/C ordered to patrol.

Base Changes

73 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Castle Camps
85 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Church Fenton
257 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Martlesham Heath

601 Sqn 6.9.40

The Squadron took off on 6 interception flights and 41 hours and 40 mins. flying time resulted. This total also included several practice flights. P/O. Gilbert was shot down at approximately 09.30 hours but he baled out and was admitted to hospital. F/O. Topobinicki (Polish), was also taken to hospital after abandoning his aircraft and landing by parachute of top of a tree. F/O. Davis was killed when his aircraft was shot down in flames near Tonbridge Wells. Another pilot lost his life – Flight Lieutenant W. Rhodes-Moorehouse D.F.C. He was killed under similar circumstances. 3 ½ Me.109,s were destroyed and 2 other aircraft damaged as a result of this combat which took place over Mayfield at 15,000 feet when 12 of the Squadron’s aircraft attacked 50 Me.109’s and several bombers.

Base Changes

142 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Binbrook

401 Sqn 7.9.40

Three scrambles were made at the usual hours. At 17.00 hrs 303 Squadron and No.1 Squadron R.A.F. were sent off to patrol south of London. Our Squadron was scrambled shortly after in two flights and ordered to patrol base. A 400+ plus raid penetrated to London where heavy bombing occurred but although we sighted part of these raid we were not allowed to engage as Control insisted on maintaining base defense. Heavy A.A. fire was observed over London and fires started by incendiary bombs burned all night. S/Ldr. McNab while on an independent flight in general direction of Beacon Hill encountered 8 or 9 Me 109’s shooting one down. This was assessed as probably destroyed.

Base Changes

12 Sqn(Battle I) moved to Binbrook
112 Sqn(Gladiator I) moved to Sidi Haneish
213 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Tangmere

46 Sqn 8.9.40

Cooperating with 504 Squadron, the Wing sighted 30 Do 215s and an escort of a large number of Me 109s and Me110s, flying from 18,000 to 30,000 ft. The bombers were first attacked and the Me’s then came down to join in a dogfight over the ISLE of SHEPPEY. Our casualties were one pilot missing Sub Lt. CARPENTER R.N. and one, Flt Lt BURNETT, injured and detained in hospital. Enemy casualties claimed were 2 destroyed, 2 probable’s and 5 damaged.

Base Changes

18 Sqn(Blenheim IV) moved to Great Massingham
43 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Usworth
79 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Pembrey
92 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Biggin Hill
111 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Drem

401 Sqn 9.9.40

The Squadron was scrambled to intercept E/A(bombers). While climbing to maneuver to a position of advantage a protective screen of Me.109’s was encountered above and heading south. These A/C attacked the squadron and F.O. Millar was shot down. He baled out but was found to be wounded in leg and to have sustained burns. F.O. Peterson accounted for one E/A. F.O. Lochnan damaged two E/A and Sqn.Ldr. McNab damaged one. E/A were overhead all night.

Base Changes

1 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Wittering
70 Sqn(Non-Op) moved to Kabrit
74 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Coltishall
229 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Northolt

72 Sqn 10.9.40

5 aircraft took off from Croydon at 1705 to patrol <unreadable> Controller notified bandits approaching at Angels 10. They were encountered flying at 10,000 feet east of Biggin Hill. The enemy appeared to be two unescorted Do.215. Both were engaged by our Spitfires and shot down <unreadable> and one near E. Grinstead.

Base Changes

238 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Middle Wallop
501 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Kenley

First and Last Operational Missions

311 Sqn(East Wretham) flew its first mission of the war flying a mix of Wellington IA and IC’s.

401 Sqn 11.9.40

There was no activity in the morning. The Squadron was visited by Air Cmdre. Welsh, Col Hunter and Sqn. Ldr. Clements in mid-afternoon. The Squadron was scrambled while these visitors were on the station returning approximately one hour later having accounted for the following list of enemy A/C. Flt.Lt. MacGregor and P.O. Molson shot down one He.111 each. Sqn.Ldr. MacNab and P.O. Christmas damaged one He.111 each. P.O. Tuile destroyed one Ju.88. F.O. Little was shot down he managed to bale out but was wounded in leg and taken to hospital. P.O. Lochnan crash landed near Romney due to enemy action. Considerable A.A. fire was observed during the night.

Base Changes

66 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Gravesend
234 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to St. Eval

First and Last Operational Missions

4 Sqn(Linton-on-Ouse) flew its last OM in its Lysanders I and II
74 Sqn(Coltishall) flew its last OM in the Spitfire IA

238 Sqn 12.9.40

1135-1840 – 9 sorties patrolled base – no incident.
1840-1925 – 2 sorties being a/c of Red Section P/O DAVIS and P/O SIMMONDS patrolled base at 8,000. 4 miles east of BOSCOMBE DOWNE and e/a (Ju 88 or Do 17) was engaged by both a/c. It was damaged, and Red 2 (P/O SIMMONDS) saw pieces coming off the top of the fuselage. It went into cloud having jettisoned its bombs. No trace of e/a has been found.

Base Changes

23 Sqn(Blenheim IF) moved to Ford
600 Sqn(Blenheim IF) moved to Redhill

First and Last Operational Missions

75 Sqn(Mildenhall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IA

501 Sqn 13.9.40

Two patrols were carried out in the morning and in the second of these Sgt. Lacey shot down a H.E.111. Sgt. Lacey’s aircraft was hit in the oil tank and he was forced to bale out. He was uninjured.
Two aircraft took off at 15.08 hours on patrol but no interceptions were made.
Squadron was released at 16.00 hours.

First and Last Operational Missions

74 Sqn(Coltishall) flew its first OM in the Spitfire IIA.

73 Sqn 14.9.40

A glorious morning with the Squadron at 15 minutes availability until 1300 hours. At 1530 hours they were still at readiness when ordered to scramble North Weald at Angels 15 in company with 17 Squadron. Only six Hurricanes returned in the afternoon and these singly. F/O Smith returned first and reported seeing a Hurricane shot down by a Spitfire South of TILBURY. Sgts PLENDERMAN, WILCHESTER and GARTON (Green Section) reported that their formation had been attacked and broken up by a section of Spitfires diving on them from 16000 feet near TILBURY. P/O SCOTT and P/O MARCHAND were the only others to return, the latter having a bullet through his port main tank, another through the port aileron and main spar and another clean through the top of the W/T mast. None had fired their guns as no e/a had been seen within range. F/L BETAGH force land uninjured at WEST MALLING with a bullet in the radiator. Sgt MARSHALL was shot down by a Me.109 and force landed at A.M. Experimental Station, Dover, uninjured from where he returned next morning. Sgt. Leng was shot down near Gravesend and despite a very damaged aircraft landed safely on the aerodrome. S/L ROBINSON was shot down near TONBRIDGE and taken to the Kent and Sussex hospital with minor injury to his right eye and superficial wounds in his left wrist and left leg. Segt. GRIFFIN was taken to the West Kent Hospital at Maidstone with a dislocated shoulder and minor injuries to both legs. Both the C.O. and Segt. GRIFFIN had had to bale out. Segt. CRIMBLE is missing. The Squadron Intelligence Officer sent in a report and Group had called for further report on the matter. It is possible that the “Spitfires” which attacked Green and Blue Sections were He.113’s and it is hoped that the investigation might prove this possibility to be correct.

Base Changes

3 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Turnhouse
228 Sqn(Suderland I) moved to Kalafrana(Malta)
233 Sqn(Hudson I) moved to Leuchars

First and Last Operational Missions

214 Sqn(Stradishall) flew its last OM in the Wellington IA
300 Sqn(Swinderby – Battle I) flew its first mission of the war

401 Sqn 15.9.40

This Sunday was a day of great activity, keeping the squadron at readiness practically all day. The first scramble found the squadron engaging the enemy to disadvantage as they came out of the sun from above. Sqn.Ldr. MacNab and F.O. Nesbitt being the only two pilots to engage. F.O. Nesbitt destroyed one M.E.109, but he himself was shot down, escaping by parachute. But was found to have injured his head and was placed in hospital for observation. F.O. Smithers did not return from this action. The Squadron again went into action with Sqn.Ldr. MacNab leading, shortly after 14.00 hours. South of London a formation of enemy bombers and escorting fighters was intercepted. In the ensuing engagement one H.E.111 was destroyed by Sqn.Ldr. MacNab and one destroyed shated with 229 Sqn. By F.O. Lochnan. Two H.E.111 probable was credited to Flt.Lt. McGregor and F.O. Russell. F.O. Morris got a probable 109 and Sqn.Ldr. MacNab and F.O. Pitcher were credited with a damage HE.111. P.O. Yuile was wounded in the shoulder but courageously brought his a/c home safely. Sqn.Ldr. Foss from R.C.A.F. H.Q. witnessed this action.

First and Last Operational Missions

16 Sqn(Weston Zoyland) flew its last OM in the Lysander II

401 Sqn 16.9.40

The Squadron was scrambled and joined by another squadron over Kenley from where the formation proceeded over the Estuary. No A.A. was sighted and the squadron returned to the station. Flt.Lt. Hayne was separated from the squadron and landed at Gatwick. A.A. fire was particularly heavy during the night.

501 Sqn 17.9.40

One patrol(2 aircraft) took off on a patrol at 13.50 hours and landed again at 14.44 hours. No interception was made. 12 aircraft took off at 15.00 hours in company with 203 Squadron. Over Ashford they were attacked by 20 M.E.110’s. Squadron Leader Hogan attacked one M.E.110 and hit it in the radiator. This aircraft was seen to turn inland. <Unreadable> to this aircraft was not seen. Sgt. Lacey and Egan were reported missing in this engagement but information was received that Lacey was uninjured but had baled out.

19 Sqn 18.9.40

0920 - Squadron on patrol with Wing at 25,000 feet over London led by S/Ldr. Lane. Quite a lot of cloud. No E/A sighted. Great amount of condensation plumes. P/O. Hrcall carried out a successful forced landing when aircraft engine seized.
1240 – Squadron again on patrol with Wing over same area and at same height. Squadron led by F/Lt. Clouston. Ran into enemy formation East of London, Me.110’s, Ju.88’s and He.111’s. Squadron attacked the Ju.88’s and chased them in a S.E. direction. F/Lt. Clouston got a Ju.88, F/O. Haines shared a Ju.88 and a probable Me.109. P/O. Delezal a He.111, Sgt. Plzek a He.111, F/Sgt. Unwin a Me.110, a Ju.88 and a shared He.111. F/Lt. Lawson, P/O. Cunningham and Sgt. Lloyd shared a Ju.88. F/Lt. Lawson force landed at Eastchurch with a bullet in his glycol tank. Station score for today 28 and no casualties.

Base Changes

232 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Castletown
237 Sqn(Hardy) moved to Gordons Tree(Sudan)

First and Last Operational Missions

70 Sqn(Kabrit Egypt) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC.

401 Sqn 19.9.40

Three subsections were scrambled during the morning. F.O.’s Pitcher and Briere being vectored far out over the Channel. F.O.s Beardmore, Nesbitt, Denloges, Millar & Little all wounded, are progressing favorably. Flt./Lt. Corbett visited the Squadron on his way to convalesce in Wales. F/O. Smithers was buried today. Sqn.Ldr. MacNab, F.O.’s Pitcher, Russell and Briere attended the funeral representing the Squadron.

Base Changes

6 Sqn(Lysander II) moved to Qasaba(Egypt)

First and Last Operational Missions

502 Sqn(Aldergrove) flew its first OM in the Blenheim IVF

92 Sqn 20.9.40

Ten aircraft took off in the a.m. and intercepted a formation of M.E.109s who surprised Blue Section from behind and above. P/O HILL crashed and burnt out in the DOVER AREA and Sgt Evans crashed in the sea. S/LDR SANDERS destroyed a 109 and another was damaged by P/O WADE.

First and Last Operational Missions

14 Sqn(Port Sudan) flew their first OM in the Blenheim IV.

401 Sdn 21.9.40

Heavy fog impeded enemy operations during the early part of the day but by noon the weather had cleared and at 1800 hours a wing formation from the station took off to intercept. There was some doubt amongst the three Squadrons as to which squadron was to lead and all took off together, fortunately without accident. The matter straightened itself out in the air, however, no interception was made, although enemy aircraft were seen a long way off the coast. This was the first Wing Formation operational flight from Northolt.