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17 Sqn 22.11.40

Red Section patrolled base from 0910 to 0920 hours, Blue Section patrolled Orfordness from 0940 to 1100 hours. Two aircraft of Yellow Section patrolled Orfordness from 1105 to 1220 hours. Green Section patrolled convoy from 1225 to 1250 hours and “A” Flight patrolled convoy from 1615 to 1715 hours. No E/A was sighted on any of these patrols.

17 Sqn 23.11.40

The Squadron patrolled convoy from 0855 to 1015 hours. An Me.109 was sighted but it was not considered advisable for the Squadron to leave patrol to intercept. F/O. Czernin and P/O. Stevens took off at 1030 to intercept E/A but landed at 1040 without having sighted it. The Squadron patrolled Rochford from 1135 to 1305 hours. After having been on patrol for over an hour the Squadron was ordered to intercept 30 plus E/A at 25,000 ft, which they were unable to do due to lack of fuel. At 1350 hours the Squadron took off to patrol base, landing at 1400 hours. The Squadron then again patrolled Rochford from 1550 to 1700 hours. Some scattered aircraft were sighted but not positively identified during patrol.

Base Changes

85 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Gravesend
302 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Westhampnett

17 Sqn 24.11.40

Red Section patrolled Clacton from 0915 to 0950 hours. The Squadron patrolled convoy from 1340 to 1410 hours and from 1600 to 1710 hours. No E/A was sighted on any of these patrols.

First and Last Operational Missions

263 Sqn(Drem) flew its last OM in the Hurricane I

17 Sqn 25.11.40

There was no flying for the day.

First and Last Operational Missions

218 Sqn(Non-Op) moved to Marham

17 Sqn 26.11.40

Four aircraft of Red Section patrolled Felixstowe from 1130 to 1225 hours and reported having been fired on by a convoy. Four aircraft of Blue Section patrolled Clacton from 1235 to 1335 hours and the Squadron patrolled convoy from 1600 to 1655 hours. No E/A was sighted.

17 Sqn 27.11.40

P/O. Stevens and Sgt. McPhee while patrolling base intercepted and attacked a Do.17 which they claim as probably destroyed. Blues Section patrolled base from 1150 to 1250 hours and Red Section from 1255 to 1315 hours. The Squadron patrolled Clacton from 1525 to 1620 hours. No E/A was sighted on any of these patrols.

Base Changes

25 Sqn(Blenheim IF/Beaufighter IF) moved to Wittering
47 Sqn(Wellesley I) moved to Sennar
261 Sqn(Sea Gladiator/Hurricane I) moved to Takali
264 Sqn(Defiant I) moved to Debden

152 Sqn 28.11.40

A great day of activity, of victories but also sad losses. In the early afternoon P/O. HANCOCK while on patrol engaged a ME.109 and after a long chase last saw it with its port engine on fire and in a bad way heading for France. He was quite certain it could have reached the French coast, but did not actually see it crash into the sea. Later in the afternoon, the Squadron made contact with a large force of ME.109’s in the vicinity of NEEDLES. Many dogfights took place. P/O. WATSON was killed. It appears his plane was badly hit as it was pouring out smoke. He was seen trying to bale out by P/O. COX but the parachute failed to open and his body and plane were found just south east of WAREHAM. When found the parachute had a large rent in it and it is thought that it must have caught some part of the plane before it opened. P/O. WATSON’s death has been of great sorrow to the Squadron as he was a most popular Officer. However, P/O. MARRS brought down one ME.109 for certain and he thinks it was the one that attacked P/O. WATSON. He saw the hostile aircraft making for France and gradually overtook it and gave it some good bursts of fire. The airman baled out and P/O. MARRS saw the hostile aircraft blow up. P/O. MARRS did a fine piece of work and almost certainly avenged the death of his friend P/O. WATSON. And lastly Sgt. KLEIN one of our Polish pilots is missing. Nothing has been heard from him since he took off with the Squadron except that P/O. HOLMES during the battle caught sight of a Spitfire upon which he saw what appeared to be a bright spark. This plane spun three or four times F/O. HOLMES then lost sight of plane as he was hotly engaged with enemy aircraft. This was over the sea and it appears we have lost a very gallant pilot and ally.

Base Changes

87 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Colerne
151 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Bramcote
263 Sqn(Non-Op) moved to Exeter

249 Sqn 29.11.40

Two patrols carried out by the Squadron. During the second patrol F/O. Barclay was instructed to investigate some enemy aircraft and on returning was shot down by an ME.109. He baled out slightly wounded and was admitted to Penbury Hospital, Nr. Tunbridge Wells.

Base Changes

56 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Middle Wallop
65 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Tangmere
72 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Leuchars
213 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Leconfield
609 Sqn(Spitfire IA) moved to Warmwell

First and Last Operational Missions

502 Sqn(Aldergrove) flew its last OM in the Anson I
605 Sqn(Croydon) flew its first OM in the Hurricane IIA

46 Sqn 30.11.40

A patrol was carried out in the afternoon of duration ninety minutes in the course of which two of our aircraft were shot down by Me109’s. Both pilots P/O C.F. ABROSE and SGT WALKER escaped by parachute and were uninjured.

Base Changes

38 Sqn(Non-Op) moved to Fayid
242 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Coltishall

A really bad day, on which everything seemed to go wrong, beginning early in the morning the Squadron had to leave their aircraft at Kenley yesterday evening, owing to fog at Croydon. We were at dawn readiness (08.05 hours), so they had to leave here at 07.30 hours – which they duly did. Owing to the fact there was some technical hitch with starter batteries over there, we were not reported as at readiness until 08.25 hours. This called forth a strong rebuke from Group which was most depressing. Ops. “B” had failed to report the reason why the Squadron were not at readiness at the right time, and later an apology was received from Group. There was a hard frost last night and while taxying to take off from Croydon 3 tail wheels were broken. During the morning patrol in company with 253 Squadron, The Squadron at 27,000 ft. near Canterbury saw two Me 109’s directly below them at 25,000 ft. with one other Me 109 some way behind and above - as they turned to attack, the latter shot down Sgt. Howes who made a belly landing (Cat II) on Gravesend aerodrome uninjured. Later F/O Parrrott was shot at by some aircraft – unknown and had to bale out near Uckfield. He strained his shoulder. We claimed no enemy casualties. In an afternoon patrol near Dover 4 Me 109’s were encountered below us at 27,000 ft. and two more behind at about 29,000 ft. just above us. F/Lt. Shot down one in the sea and F/O Hayter, having a Hurricane II, was able to climb to the upper Me 109’s and destroyed it at 32,000 ft. As the Squadron were returning home at 15,000 ft. near Maidstone it appears the other upper Me 109 must have followed and shot down F/Lt. Ingle and F/O Passay, both of whom baled out near Maidstone each with a slight cannon wound in his calf. So, during the day and having only met two very small enemy formations, three pilots are temporarily u/s, three machines (including one Hurricane II) were destroyed and another one not repairable at unit.

Base Changes

39 Sqn(Blenheim I) moved to Helwan
223 Sqn(Wellesley I) moved to Wadi Gazouza

501 Sqn 2.12.40

The Squadron was at 15 minutes Availability at Dawn to 1000 hours. At 1050 hours they were ordered off in company with No. 253 Squadron and were vectored to various raids between Beachy Head and Dungeness. After patrolling for 40 minutes they were vectored on to a Spitfire Squadron at 29,000 ft. and chased them. The Squadron Commander (S/L Holden) tried to reform the Squadron but only Green 3 succeeded in doing so. These two pilots dived upon one of two formations of M.E. 109’s which came down from 38,000 feet. Green 3(P/O Dafforn) was shot up and force landed at Detling with slight injuries. He had to get in a good burst before himself being shot up. He did not claim a victim as 74 Squadron claimed a M.E. 109 which crashed in the Sea at the same time.

77 Sqn 3.12.40

Six crews were briefed to attack MANNHEIM CENTRAL RAILWAY JUNCTION. P/O. MOLESWORTH, F/LT. GOMM, P/O. PINKHAM, SGT. BIZLEY, F/LT. BAILEY and SGT. TAYLOR. SGT. TAYLOR’s crew did not start due to a runaway gun. P/O. PINKHAM’s attack was unsuccessful due to failure of bombs release caused by accumulator being disconnected. SGT. BIZLEY could not locate target and brought bombs back, crashed on landing due to shortage of fuel. Successful attacks were made by other aircraft. P/O. MOLESWORTH and F/LT. GOMM landed at LINTON.

Base Changes

603 Sqn(Spitfire IIA) moved to Rochford

220 Sqn 4.12.40

The S.A.3 patrol was canceled but one aircraft took off on the Horns Reef patrol, but was believed to have force landed in the sea off Tees-mouth. At 1620 hrs. a message was received stating that the E.T.A. at base was 1730 hrs. At 1729 another message was received stating that the aircraft was short of fuel and at 1735 a further message was received for bearings which were given and a receipt obtained. At 1737 a further QDM was asked for but no receipt was received for the reply. Emergency Distress Organization was immediately put into operation, but nothing further was seen or heard of our aircraft, and the crew – F/O’s Lingwood and Masters, and Sgts Taylor and Pritchard - were posted as Missing, believed killed.

Base Changes

45 Sqn(Blenheim I) moved to Helwan
80 Sqn(Gladiator I/II) moved to Larissa
112 Sqn(Gladiator I) moved to LG 79
232 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Elgin

First and Last Operational Missions

208 Sqn(Qasaba) flew its first OM in the Hurricane I

249 Sqn 5.12.40

Squadron patrolled Maidstone then proceeded to Dover Dungeness area to look out for enemy aircraft. The Squadron was already short of fuel when attacked by about 10 M.E.109’s from 2,000 ft. above. The Squadron formed a defensive circle getting lower and lower with the Huns following them down. Sergeant Stroud was shot down in flames but baled out and was admitted to Rye Hospital suffering from slight burns. Sgt. Manisjowski destroyed the Me 109 that shot down Sgt. Stroud. At about 6,000 feet the remaining Me. 109’s broke away and the remaining aircraft of the Squadron turned towards base, several aircraft force-landed at other aerodromes. Sgt. Palliser force-landed in a field at Stanford le Pope.

49 Sqn 6.12.40

Ten aircraft took off on Bombing operations against enemy-occupied aerodromes in Northern France.
Two aircraft were missing from these operations.
One aircraft crashed one and a half miles E. of aerodrome at 0010 hours, pilot being injured and rest of crew killed.
Two aircraft returned to base with bombs.
One aircraft returned to BOSCOMBE DOWNE with engine trouble.
One aircraft attacked FLK battery at LE TOUQUET, bombs apparently overshot target.
One aircraft attacked VANNES aerodrome. Flarepath extinguished after attack. Returned to MONINGTON.
WEATHER: All aircraft encountered severe icing and static conditions.

Base Changes

73 Sqn(Hurricane I) moved to Heliopolis

50 Sqn 7.12.40

Eight aircraft detailed to attack E.6 – Armament Works – MANNESMAN ROHNEWERKE at Dusseldorf.
Owing to severe icing conditions that were encountered in cloud over enemy territory only 3 aircraft were successful in reaching the target. These carried out high level attacks from 11,000’ and 14,000’ respectively. Bursts were observed and 1 fire started, but no detailed results observed. Visibility was quite good over the target. Balloons seen flying at DUSSELDORF at 10,000’ West of the town. 3 of the remaining aircraft jettisoned their bombs, due to icing conditions, to enable the aircraft to climb. One aircraft returned to Base with bombs still on. Nothing was heard from the 8th aircraft after W/T “GO” had been given, and it is therefore presumed to have been brought down as the result of enemy action.
All aircraft reported severe icing in Cumulus Cloud up to 17,000’. Enemy opposition, on the whole was fairly quiet.
All aircraft, except the one mentioned above, returned safely to Base.
A total of 24 x 500lb. G.P. bombs was expended.

Base Changes

604 Sqn(Blenheim IF/Beaufighter I) moved to Predannack

First and Last Operational Missions

263 Sqn(Exeter) flew its first OM in the Whirlwind I

308 Sqn(Baginton) flew its first OM of the war.

61 Sqn 8.12.40

ATTACK ON TARGET L12 (BASIC STEEL FURNACE AT DUSSELDORF)

4 Aircraft of No. 61 Squadron were detailed to attack Target L12 in cooperation with 5 Aircraft of No. 144 Squadron. Weather conditions were favourable. Several large and small fires were started together with large explosions. One aircraft from No. 61 Squadron failed to return from this Operation. A factory was gutted and the fire was observed from 20 miles away.

NIGHT FIGHTER PATROL OVER OXFORD AREA

3 Aircraft of No. 61 Squadron together with 3 Aircraft of No. 144 Squadron were detailed together to carry out a night fighter interception patrol over the OXFORD area. They were to circle over OXFORD until instructed to proceed to whichever city proved to be attacked. The aircraft were recalled after 2 hours and the patrol was abortive. One aircraft of No. 61 Squadron failed to take off on this operation owing to U/S. gyro.

Base Changes

45 Sqn(Blenheim I) moved to Qotafiya
233 Sqn(Hudson I) moved to Aldergrove

First and Last Operational Missions

37 Sqn(Fayid) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC
38 Sqn(Fayid) flew its first OM in the Wellington IC
307 Sqn(Jurby – Defiant I) flew its first OM of the war

114 Sqn 9.12.40

5 Crews stood by for Battle Order to attack German industrial targets and invasion ports from HORSHAM ST. FAITH.
Bad weather conditions with icing were experienced by these crews and also 4 new crews were on non-operational flights. Of the latter, F.O.WATSON, SGT BOULTON and SGT SHILDRICK (N3617) crashed near YARMOUTH and unfortunately all the crew were killed. It is thought that this aircraft may have been in an engagement over the NORTH SEA, but so far the primary evidence has not been substantiated.
T1840 W/Cd ELSMUE, SGT JENNINGS and SGT APPLEBEE attacked BREMEN, over the target they found cloud at 11500 ft with severe icing conditions. However they dropped 2/250 and incendiaries and safely returned to base at 0425 hours. During this flight medium heavy flak, accurate for height, was observed bursting through cloud in the area.
T1939 P.O.KNOWLES, P.O.KELLOW and SGT FENWICK attacked BREMEN with 2/250 and incendiaries from 14000 ft. Bomb bursts and fires were observed in the FULKE-WULF Aircraft works and several fires and further explosions were seen from 6 miles away – there again extreme icing conditions were experienced and the pilot’s hands were frost bitten. Aircraft landed at 0554 hours.

Base Changes

209 Sqn(Lerwick I) moved to Stranraer
401 Sqn RCAF(Hurricane I) moved to Castletown

Thanks for these info snippets. Fascinating. Used to 400+ bomber raid stories, the small scale stuff brings it home more.

Thanks for these info snippets. Fascinating. Used to 400+ bomber raid stories, the small scale stuff brings it home more.

Wait to you see what I have in store for 1941.[8D]