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Weather:fine with some cloud.
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Spitfire – 218
- Hurricane – 403
- Defiant – 13
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 687
Two attacks by between 200 and 300 aircraft were set in train by Luftflotte 2. However both raids were intercepted by large numbers of RAF fighters and both were turned back before they could reach London. At midday heavy fighting took place over Kent. That afternoon, following some sporadic individual raids, a major onslaught occurred across Kent aiming for London. Some thirty aircraft penetrated to the capital. At the same time, a force of some 180 aircraft approached the capital from near Slough. Finally a force of some 50 aircraft from Luftflotte 3 headed towards Yeovil. The target being the Westland works nearby. However, when the Luftwaffe aircraft got there, the target was obscured by cloud so they had to bomb blind. Most of the bombs fell on the surrounding area.
So ended the last big daylight raid of the battle. So also ended the use by the Luftwaffe of massed formations of twin engined bombers attacking Britain by daylight. Like the Ju87 Stukas, these aircraft too were to be withdrawn from their daylight role. Henceforward, they would operate at night in what the British were to dub the “Blitz”.
The Luftwaffe lost 47 aircraft and the RAF lost 20.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 30 September
16:40 hours
Combat at Brooklands at 16:50 hours. 10 Hurricanes left Northolt at 16:40 hours…Squadron was ordered to patrol base and then to join number 1 Canadian Squadron at 229 Squadron who had taken off 15 minutes earlier. Climbed at full boost and Flights became separated but neither could join the wing. A Flight was broken up by Me109s of which FO Urbanowicz destroyed one. In this area were 150 to 200 Me109s and 110s and odds were too great. Cloud cover alone saved heavy casualties. B Flight made towards bombers going SE near Croydon. Sgt Belc broke away to protect Hurricane, pilot baled out and being attacked by Mes and after seeing him safe never rejoined Flight. Remaining 4 were dived upon by Me109s when 4 to 5 miles from bombers. Sgt Frantiszek broke off upwards in order to cover flight from enemy attack. He caught one Me on the turn and destroyed it and in subsequent fight with 6 probably destroyed another. He escaped with great difficulty in cloud. Rest of Flight tried to continue toward bombers but were broken up by Me109s.
Enemy casualties: 2 Me109s destroyed, 1 Me109 probable
Our casualties: nil
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 30 September1940):
* Enemy: 46 confirmed, 32 probable, 29 damaged
* Own:20 aircraft with 8 pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: Unsung Heroes – The ARP
Weather: fine but turning cloudy
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Spitfire – 227
- Hurricane – 387
- Defiant – 16
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 697
Several groups of high flying aircraft penetrated Southern England. As a result of RAF interceptions the Germans lost 10 aircraft as against 5 British fighters destroyed.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 29th September 1940):
* Enemy: 6 confirmed, 3 probable, 2 damaged
* Own: 5 aircraft with 3 pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: Captains and Commanders – Sir Archibald Sinclair
Weather: fine, some patchy cloud
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Spitfire – 214
- Hurricane – 390
- Defiant – 12
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 681
Churchill, deeply impressed by results of the previous day caused a congratulatory message to be sent to Fighter Command. A force of some 30 Ju88s accompanied by no less than 200 Me109s crossed over the Channel and targetted London and Portsmouth.
Pilots were becoming exhausted. It was the same for the Luftwaffe, which lost no less than 7 aircraft in accidents. The Luftwaffe was having its problems too. The Command had in fact decided that day their use of twin engined bombers in the battle was becoming too expensive. As an interim measure, the ratio of fighters to bombers was once again to be increased in favour of fighters.
The RAF lost 16 aircraft against 4 German planes destroyed.
That night 200 bombs were dropped at the Vickers Armstrong factory and several London hospitals were hit.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 28th September 1940):
* Enemy: 6 confirmed, 4 probable, 1 damaged
* Own: 16 aircraft with 9 pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: The Airfields – RAF Northolt
Weather: fair with some rain.
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 53
- Spitfire – 214
- Hurricane – 391
- Defiant – 19
- Gladiator – 7
- Total – 684
The first main attack this day was by Me110s, acting as bombers accompanied by a large number of Me109s. The plan was for the Me109s, having escorted their charges, to remain over the capital and provide cover for a second wave of bombers Do17s and Ju88s. The plan misfired. The bombers came on alone. The Me109s with their fuel running low made for home. The bombers were intercepted by the RAF fighters. The same combination of aircraft attacked aircraft works at Filton and Yeovil.
Later that day, 80 German aircraft flew towards Bristol but were intercepted and forced to drop their bombs on the suburbs. Around midday nearly 300 aircraft made for London but most got no further than mid Kent having been intercepted by a number of 11 Group squadrons.
Eventually, some 20 aircraft made it to the centre of London. The day had been full of action. The RAF had shot down 54 German aircraft and had lost 28 themselves.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 27 September
09:00 hours
11 Hurricanes left Northolt at 09:00hours. Squadron working with No. 1 Canadian Squadron were sent out and encountered the enemy in the Horsham area at 15,000 feet. The enemy consisted of 30 He111 protected by 50 to 60 Me109s. Bombers in vics of 3 line astern stepped up behind. It was noticed that the majority of the He111s had a vertical white stripe on the tail fin and from a distance they gave the impression of friendly aircraft. The squadron attacked the bombers from astern and were themselves engaged by enemy fighters which fled in disorder. In the meantime the bombers had wheeled and were heading south and the squadron went in to attack from astern. Vics of bombers maintained formation throughout, closing up when one or more were shot down. Other Hurricanes came in to attack the bombers and immediately afterwards the squadron noticed about 40 Do17s approaching head on in single line astern formation supported by Me109s above. Upon going in to attack the bombers formed a defensive circle and the enemy fighters formed a similar circle above. Only one pilot attacked Hes and Dos and succeeded in shooting one down on land. Two other squadrons of Hurricanes came in and attacked the Dos as far as is known broke them up and inflicted heavy casualties. Our fighter did not follow down the individual e/a claimed as destroyed but it is believed that almost all were shot down on land.
Enemy casualties: 4 Me109, 4 He111, 1 Do17, 1 Me 110 – destroyed
1 Me109 – probable, 1 He111 damaged.
Our casualties: FO Paszkiewicz crashed at Borough Green, pilot killed in the air. Sgt. Andruszkow crashed at Cowden, pilot killed in air. FO Zak baled out near Leatherhead and taken to Leatherhead Hospital suffering from burns to face and hands. 1 Hurricane cat. 3.
As on 26 September, just before going in to attack the Squadron received orders on the R/T “apany leader pancake”. This was not given by controllers at this station but was given in good English and in an authoritative manner.
249 Squadron Operational Record Book – 27 September
3 very successful sorties carried out with 46 Squadron. Our casualties were POs Burton and Meaker killed. Although 2 of our most gallant comrades were lost, to-day was a glorious day in the history of the Squadron. From reports later received it appears that PO Meaker attacked a close formation of 5 Ju88s on his own and his aircraft was completely shot up by the heavy cross fire from the cannons now fitted in the rear of these aircraft. From reports from the Hailsham district Observer Corps, it appears that PO Burton has been attacking an Me110 for some time and was seen to climb above it and dive down on to it, he rammed it and cut it’s tail off and both aircraft crashed. PO A G Lewis, DFC on this day destroyed 6 aircraft himself and was subsequently ordered a bar to his DFC.
Enemy casualties: 21 destroyed, 6 probable, 3 damaged.
266 Squadron Operational Record Book – 27 September
Squadron ordered to patrol in Duxford Wing and investigate activity North Weald-Biggin Hill area as near cloud base as possible (17,000 feet). No enemy aircraft or AA fire seen. Another wing of Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft seen over Sheppey area. Wing was then ordered to return and land at Duxford.
Cyril Shoesmith, 14 years old, Bexhill-on-Sea, Diary – Friday 27 September
The next raid came at 3pm. We heard heavy machine-gun fire and 4 bombers came over the trees. As they came closer we could see six fighters on their tail. One of the German bombers had been set alight by our fighters for there was black smoke pouring out of its tail. We watched them until they were out of sight heading towards Galley Hill. Three of the Germans were shot down in the sea. Many fighters circled round and a formation of 24 went over. There was more machine gun fire and the “raiders passed” came at 4.10. At 11.30 there was a raid which ended at 6.15am.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 27th September 1940):
* Enemy: 133 confirmed, 55 probable, 52 damaged
* Own: 27 aircraft with 18 pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: The Squadrons – 601 Squadron
Weather: cloudy, with some bright intervals
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 56
- Spitfire – 203
- Hurricane – 392
- Defiant – 15
- Gladiator – 7
- Total – 673
Once again the Luftwaffe launched an attack on the Spitfire works at Woolston near Southampton. It was carried out by over 70 aircraft from Luftflotte 3. In a 5 minute attack the installation was hit by over 70 tons of bombs. One bomb hit a shelter killing 30 of the workers. Production was halted. However only one or two aircraft were wrecked. A number were damaged but were repaired within a couple of days to be delivered to squadrons. The German aircraft which had attacked were intercepted by 10 Group Squadrons. Both the RAF and the Luftwaffe lost 9 aircraft each.
That night, in London a bomb exploded on the corner of Denbigh Street and Belgrave Road trapping people in an underground shelter. Liverpool docks were also hit and the Standard Motor company in Coventry suffered £100,000 worth of damage.
266 Squadron Operational Record Book – 26 September
Cold – visibility moderate. Practices included formation flying – cloud penetration and dog fighting. 14 pilots proceeded to Sutton Bridge and carried out Air to Air firing programme. One Spitfire II aircraft piloted by PO R.J.B. Roach sent to Hendon for demonstration of factory observers. Wg Cdr J. Barwell from Headquarters, no. 12 Group, visited Squadron respecting training of new pilots. Pilot Sgts K.C. Pattison, W. Sadler and J.A. Scott posted to no. 611 Squadron for flying duties.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 26th September 1940):
* Enemy: 33 confirmed, 11 probable, 13 damaged
* Own: 10 aircraft with 3 pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: The Planes They Flew - The Westland Lysander
Weather: fine, some haze in the south
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 48
- Spitfire – 218
- Hurricane – 376
- Defiant – 19
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 669
The attacks this day launched by Luftflotte 3 consisted of a major incursion aimed at Bristol. Serious damage was done to the Bristol Aeroplane Company works at Filton, just outside Bristol where over 250 people were killed or injured.
In all that day Fighter Command had flown 668 sorties, had shot down 13 enemy aircraft and lost 4 RAF fighters.
The railways in London were the main targets that night.
266 Squadron Operational Record Book – 25 September
Average temperature – visibility very good. Practices included formation flying – flight cloud penetration – dog fighting – interception exercise. Pilot Sgt D.E. Kingaby posted to no. 92 Squadron for flying duties.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 25th September 1940):
* Enemy: 26 confirmed, 8 probable, 12 damaged
* Own: Four aircraft with two pilots killed or missing.
Today’s theme: Top Gun Gallery – Josef Frantisek
Weather: hazy and cloudy
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 58
- Spitfire – 233
- Hurricane – 380
- Defiant – 19
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 698
Potentially the most dangerous raid this day was on the Spitfire works near Southampton. Nearly 100 Supermarine workers were killed when their shelter was hit.
11 German aircraft were shot down at the loss of 4 RAF aircraft.
That night The Times offices and Blackfriars Station were hit.
73 Squadron Operational Record Book – 24 September
In the evening a dance organised for the Squadron took place in the village hall of Steeple Bumpstead at 20.00 hours. All the officers and pilot sergeants attended as did most of the other non commissioned officers. About 120 men also attended. For our enjoyment approximately 50 WAAFs from Debden were invited together with a number of local ladies and the WAAF officers from Debden. A bar was run and so popular was it that everything except beer had been sold long before 23.00 hours the time at which the dance finished. It was voted a great success but was spoilt a little by the crowded state of the room. It has been decided to hold any subsequent dance in a hut on the camp.
17 Squadron Operational Record Book – 24 September
The Squadron took off at 08:30 hours and joined 73 Squadron over base. 30 bombers were sighted over the Thames Estuary approaching London with masses of fighters above them. 17 Squadron acting as rear guard were attacked by the fighters and in the dog fight which followed FO Bird-Wilson was shot down and baled out. FO Czernin, PO Stevens and Sgt Griffiths circled over him until they saw him picked up safely by a boat off Chatham. Later it was reported that FO Bird-Wilson had been taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, suffering from burns about the legs and face, but he is not on the danger list. PO Wissler’s a/c was hit by cannon shell and he was slightly wounded in the arm. His a/c crashed on landing at Debden. He is not seriously hurt. 10 aircraft landed safely at Debden at 09:30 hours, FO Czernin having probably destroyed 1 Me109 over the sea off Foreness and PO Pittman having damaged another.
PO D.H. Wissler Diary – 24 September
We were attacked by Me109s and having made one attack on a 109 I was making a second at four who were well above when I realised that I should stall so I levelled off. Suddenly there was a blinding flash on my port wing and I felt a hell of a blow on my left arm, and then blood running down. I went into a hell of a dive and came back to Debden. A cannon shell had hit my wing and a bit of it hit me just above the elbow and behind. The shell had blown away most of the port flap so I tried to land without flaps. I could not stop and crashed into a pile of stones just off the field, hitting my face and cutting it in two places. I was taken to Saffron Walden General Hospital. They operated but had to leave small pieces as it had penetrated the muscle.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 24th September 1940):
* Enemy: 7 confirmed, 8 probable, 13 damaged
* Own: Five aircraft with two pilots killed or missing.
Weather: fine
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 60
- Spitfire – 237
- Hurricane – 401
- Defiant – 18
- Gladiator – 7
- Total – 723
This day the Luftwaffe launched a series of wide fighter sweeps over south east England. Hornchurch and Northolt were attacked but suffered no damage. Fighter Command launched 24 squadrons to intercept them. In the day’s fighting, which was intense, 11 RAF planes were lost while the Germans suffered 16 aircraft destroyed.
That night Bomber Command mounted a raid of over 100 aircraft on Berlin in retaliation for the bombing of London. The Luftwaffe’s night attack on London was the largest so far consisting of over 250 aircraft. The capital was turned into an inferno.
73 Squadron Unofficial War Diary – 23 September
In spite of the bright sunny morning our spirits sagged – and our stomachs revolted – when we had our breakfast placed before us. It purported to be mince, but it gave us all many unpleasant thoughts and even the most hardened stomachs decided to go breakfastless.
If our breakfast was bad, worse and infinitely more tragic hours awaited us. At 0920 hours 12 of our machines, leading 257 took off, and were to be covered by 17 Squadron from Debden. 17 Squadron failed badly in their necessary task, and aided by what can only be described as class stupidity of the part of Ops. The Squadrons were broken up by Me109s. While patrolling at 20,000 feet the Squadron was ordered to 10,000 feet. Smithy, who was leading, promptly and wisely questioned this, but the order was confirmed, so being left no option he began to go down. Disaster then came among us. At 12,000 feet when 17 Squadron had left the tail completely uncovered, Me109s and He113s hurtled down from the sun and the formations went over like nine pins.
The first news the ground staff had of the debacle – for debacle it was – was the arrival of Sergt Webster, seething with rage, and with his machine well bullet marked. One bullet had struck and ammo tank in the port gun bay and exploded a belt of rounds, and weakened the wing struts. From him we were prepared for the further bad news that followed. Of the twelve machines which had taken off only eight returned. P/O Hobart’s section, of which Sgt Webster was no.3, had suffered worst. P/O Hobart and P/O Kinder were both reported missing, Sgt Leng was known to have baled out near Detling, and Sergt Perkin also baled out near Hasty Ferry. He landed on a sandbank in the Estuary and was rescued by two men in a boat.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 23 September
09:30 hours
Combat Thames Estuary to Calais. Vectored south of Biggin Hill and then towards estuary. Saw about 20 streamers approaching from South. Squadron at 22,000 ft then saw about 20 Me 109s at 30,000 to 25,000 ft circling the estuary. Wing circled slowly and enemy aircraft made no attempt to attack. Then about 12 Me 109s came behind from some other formation, apparently trying to break up the wing. Red Section attacked and e/a fled southwards. Flt Lt Kent caught up 1 Me 109 diving for France and shot it down in the sea 15 miles from French coast. The pilot baled out at 4,000 ft. On returning Flt Lt Kent saw probably Potex flying low towards England. Enemy aircraft turned and Flt Lt Kent saw De Wilde hitting e/a, but his own began labouring, and he returned to base. Sgt Szaposznikow also over took one Me 109 and shot it down in flames near French coast. Enemy fighters made no attempt to fight Hurricanes and showed no aptitude for evasion. Potex, painted mottled dark grey with black crosses. No return fire noticed. Evasive tactics slow turns over sea.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 23rd September 1940):
* Enemy: 11 confirmed, 7 probable, 6 damaged
* Own: 11 aircraft with 3 pilots missing.
Today’s theme: Unsung Heroes – The GPO
Weather: dull and cloudy
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 58
- Spitfire – 237
- Hurricane – 384
- Defiant – 20
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 707
A relatively quiet Sunday. Fighter Command flew 158 sorties. Enemy losses amounted to 5 aircraft while the RAF again lost none. If the day had been quiet, the night was far from being so. Direct hits took place on air raid shelters in Poplar and Lambeth. In Ilford, a mine exploded destroying 100 houses.
73 Squadron Unofficial War Diary – 22 September
Another day of Pilot’s weather. After 257 [Squadron] had joined us the mess was crowded and we “local inhabitants” couldn’t get near the stove for the 257 lads. Cards and darts were the order of the day, but these diversions palled after a while and a deep depression settled over us.
We had some good news however. The Powers That Be have decided that no Night Operations shall take place by single seat fighters. Deep sighs of relief from us. As some one remarked “only bats and owls fly by night – and even they pack up when it gets really dark”.
Most of us adjourned to the “Fox and Hounds” in Steeple Bumpstead and imbibed quantities of ale.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 22nd September 1940):
* Enemy: 1 confirmed, 0 probable, 1 damaged
* Own: Nil.
Today’s theme: Captains and Commanders – Herman Goering
Weather: fine
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Spitfire – 215
- Hurricane – 394
- Defiant – 27
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 700
Relatively little enemy activity in the morning. Brooklands was attacked by a single Ju88 in a low level operation at 50 feet. Middle Wallop was also targeted but suffered no damage. There were also minor attacks on Biggin Hill and Kenley. Fighter Command flew 560 sorties, destroyed 9 enemy aircraft at no loss to the RAF.
There was widespread bombing that night over London, Liverpool and Nottingham.
266 Squadron Operational Record Book – 21 September
Warm – visibility excellent. Practices included formation flying – Fighter Command attacks and affiliation exercise with Blenheim aircraft of no. 218 Squadron, escorted by 6 Hurricane aircraft from no. 7 Squadron. Pilot Sgt W.T. Ellis posted to no. 92 Squadron for flying duties.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 21st September1940):
* Enemy: 2 confirmed, 1 probable, 6 damaged
* Own: Nil.
Today’s theme: RAF Hendon
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