Weather: fair everywhere.

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

  • Blenheim – 63
  • Spitfire – 239
  • Hurricane – 348
  • Defiant – 25
  • Total – 675

Scattered raiders flew over the south coast. Then, late in the afternoon 15 Me109s approached Dover. Several squadrons intercepted and a considerable fight followed. The RAF flew 395 sorties and 11 Group shot down 5 German aircraft for a loss of 3 RAF fighters.

Thus, ended July. The Luftwaffe in the month had sunk 18 coastal vessels and also sunk 4 destroyers. They had destroyed 77 RAF planes for the loss of 216 German aircraft.

74 Squadron Operational Record Book, 31 July
Total casualties to date (enemy) 30 confirmed, 19 unconfirmed. Our casualties – 7 pilots missing – 2 known to be POWs in Germany, 1 Sgt pilot in military hospital, Dover, slightly wounded.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary):

  • Enemy: Fighters – 1 confirmed; Bombers – 2 unconfirmed.
  • Own: 2 Spitfires (both 74 Squadron)

Today’s theme: Top Gun Gallery – ‘Sailor’ Malan

For further background see the RAF Campaign Dairy 31st July 1940