Category Archive

 Weather: cloud and widespread drizzle

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 40
• Spitfire – 227
• Hurricane – 399
• Defiant – 10
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 684

It seemed that the weather was putting an end to the battle by day. This was in fact, officially, the last day of the Battle of Britain. The effort put in by the enemy that day seemed half-hearted. However, October as whole was far from representing a gradual decline in enemy activity. On the contrary, it had put RAF fighters to perhaps the sternest test of the whole encounter. The switch by the Luftwaffe to attacks by fighters and fighter bombers and its abandonment of the twin-engined bomber as its main weapon increased the odds against the RAF. Furthermore, the tactic of sending many of the attacks at what was in those days extreme altitude put a serious extra strain on RAF pilots. All this had resulted in many more fighter-to-fighter combats. The physical strain on pilots of this new form of combat was beginning to tell on RAF capacity to hold their own. The Battle had also taken its toll on the civilian population with the total casualties from the bombing in October being 6,334 civilians killed and 8,695 seriously injured.

However, the RAF kept up its ability to absorb the lessons of every new tactic employed by the Luftwaffe. Whatever the Luftwaffe threw at them, RAF pilots always rose to the challenge. They were doing so on the last day of the Battle as they had done on the first day on July 10th.

73 Squadron Operational Record Book -31 October
Weather terrible – impossible to do any flying, everyone getting ‘brassed off’ with the mud and general bad conditions.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 31st October 1940):

*  Enemy: 0 confirmed, 0 probable, 0 damaged
*  Own: Nil.

Today’s theme: The Final Story – Thank you, but no thank you 

Weather: drizzle

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 39
• Spitfire – 213
• Hurricane – 391
• Defiant – 11
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 662

Luftflotte 3 joined the action sending a force of over 100 aircraft consisting of fighters and fighter bombers which reached London and bombed a number of targets. However, Kent and Sussex were the main targets that day. The Armstrong Siddeley factory was also hit. North Weald was attacked in the early evening.
The tally that day was 8 German aircraft lost against 5 RAF fighters destroyed.
There were few attacks that night due to the bad weather.

85 Squadron Operational Record Book – 30 October
Night flying training. Sqdn Ldr Townsend and Flt Lt Marshall carried out night patrols.

1 Squadron Operational Record Book -30 October
Blue Section (B Flight) took part in an Army co-operation movement. This section was ordered to scramble base. Personnel: POs G.E. Goodman, R.G. Lewis and Sgt V. Jicha. E/a sighted. Goodman mistook it for a Blenheim. Lewis and Jicha recognised it as a Junkers 88 and shot it down. Sgt J. Dygryn crashed when landing, plane written off.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 30th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 9 confirmed, 8 probable, 7 damaged
*  Own: 5 aircraft with 4 pilots killed or missing.

Today’s theme:  Top Gun Gallery – The final word on the pilots

Weather: cloudy with large patches of fog

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 44
• Spitfire – 219
• Hurricane – 385
• Defiant – 18
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 674

There were a number of incursions by groups of enemy aircraft with between 50 and 100 aircraft in each group. Their targets were the same as before. The main object being attacks on London and the South East. The RAF were up in strength this day intercepting these attacks. They flew 639 sorties, losing 2 aircraft in the process but destroying 11 German aircraft.

At night, Birmingham was once again attacked and the cathedral was hit. Incendiary bombs were showered on Biggin Hill without much damage being done while in London a public shelter in Southwark was hit causing many casualties.

242 Squadron Operational Record Book – 28 October
Visit to Squadron by AOC who congratulated pilots on efficiency of Squadron which he said was equal, if not superior, to any Squadron in RAF. Operational patrols carried out over London.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 28th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 5 confirmed, 7 probable, 8 damaged
*  Own: Nil.

Today’s theme:  Unsung Heroes – Bomber Command and its part in the Battle

Weather: cloudy with a few bright intervals

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 46
• Spitfire – 215
• Hurricane – 393
• Defiant – 15
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 677

In the morning formations of up to 50 aircraft attacked targets in Kent and in London itself. In the afternoon, an attack was launched by Luftflotte 3 on Southampton. Martlesham Heath was also hit. The RAF that day flew 1007 sorties with the RAF losing 10 fighters as against 15 German aircraft destroyed.

At night, Coventry was hit heavily. The Armstrong-Siddeley factory and the Royal Naval Ordnance Store were both heavily damaged. London, Liverpool and Bristol were also bombed.

85 Squadron Operational Record Book – 27 October
Day and night patrols. At 18.00 hours Heinkel III suddenly appeared over Caistor aerodrome flying very low and proceeded to machine gun it. Sqdn Ldr Townsend, PO I.E. La Bouchere and Flt Lt Marshall rushed to their machines and took off. Flt Lt Marshall chased e/a west. Orbiting Kirton Lindsey at 1,000 ft he sighted e/a to the South West some 2,000 ft above him flying West. He climbed to attack and fired 2 one second bursts at 300 yds from slightly below and to the starboard quarter. MG fire was opened at him from the Dorsal turret at 500-800yds but it was low and to the right.

E/a turned right and made for cloud cover to the East. Flt Lt Marshall put in a 3 second burst as he entered cloud and another of 3 seconds from slightly above and astern at 250yds as he emerged. E/a entered second cloud but the next cloud it entered was thin and Flt Lt Marshall was easily able to follow and finished his ammunition with a 6 second burst at 250 yds closing to 200 from astern and to the port quarter allowing ¼ deflection. This burst was particularly effective and he could see bullet holes being torn in e/a’s fuselage. E/a dived for cloud heading east and Flt Lt Marshall being out of ammunition returned to Caistor at 18.20
The e/a was subsequently confirmed as being destroyed, a searchlight near Salt Fleet having reported an e/a down in the sea at approximately 18.10 hours.

Before being engaged by Flt Lt Marshall the e/a dropped 6 sticks of bombs on and near Kirton Lindsey aerodrome. 1 stick fell on no. 7 hangar and demolished the Squadron Orderly room and Adjutant’s Office. Fg Off Molony and the orderly room clerks were not in the office at the time. A runner (AC2 Jordan) who was in the Orderly Room escaped with a shaking.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 27th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 10 confirmed, 7 probable, 9 damaged
*  Own: 8 aircraft with 4 pilots killed or missing.

Today’s theme: Captains and Commanders - Henry Tizard

Weather: cloudy with some bright intervals

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 46
• Spitfire – 216
• Hurricane – 405
• Defiant – 10
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 685

While the daylight fighter bomber attacks on London were maintained it was evident that the main effort of the Luftwaffe was taking the form of night bomber attacks on London and countrywide cities. Throughout the day, a number of intruder groups flew over Kent with some penetrating to London where the Royal Chelsea Hospital was hit. The RAF flew 732 sorties, 10 German aircraft being destroyed while 2 British fighters were shot down.

Arrangements were now in hand whereby the Duxford wing informed 11 Group of its day’s intentions so that operations of the two groups could be coordinated. Certain aircraft were nominated to act as the line of communications between the 2 groups, meaning that they were furnished with the correct crystals for the task.

Once more the night time raids hit London and Birmingham heavily. New Street station in Birmingham had to be closed due to an unexploded bomb.

85 Squadron Operational Record Book – 26 October
Pilots flew to Kirton Lindsey in morning for visit to the station of Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair) and the AOC (Air Vice Marshal T Leigh-Mallory, CB, DSO) who spoke to them on the fine records of the squadron. Sqdn Ldr Townsend had a long talk with Sir Archibald at lunch on the subject of night fighting. Pilots returned to Caistor. Flt Lt Marshall carried out night patrol (19.00-20.00).

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 26th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 5 confirmed, 4 probable, 8 damaged
*  Own: 2 aircraft with both pilots missing.

Today’s theme:  The Airfields – RAF Coltishall

Weather: dry but overcast

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 38
• Spitfire – 232
• Hurricane – 413
• Defiant – 12
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 703

Dornier 17s came back into battle this day. These twin-engined bombers were, however, heavily protected by a number of Me109s. In the early morning there were raids over Biggin Hill, Maidstone, Kenley, Hastings and London. This was followed later that morning with a raid from 100 aircraft over Maidstone. In the afternoon there were attacks on central London, Kenley and Tangmere.The RAF flew 809 sorties against the considerable number of enemy raids over Kent and London. 20 enemy aircraft were destroyed at a cost of 10 RAF fighters.

This was the day that the Italian Air Force finally joined the battle. It proved to be more of a political gesture than a serious act of war. 16 of these Italian aircraft took off that night to bomb Harwich. Milch complained that this Italian initiative caused more trouble than it was worth.
At night London and Birmingham were the main targets.

1 Squadron Operational Record Book – 25 October
Air firing at Sutton Bridge. Searchlight co-operation. Dusk landings. The night readiness section had to scramble base for 15 mins but no enemy aircraft was sighted.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 25th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 14 confirmed, 12 probable, 16 damaged
*  Own: 10 aircraft with 3 pilots killed or missing.

Today’s theme:  Squadrons – 1 Squadron

Weather: improved

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 38
• Spitfire – 229
• Hurricane – 420
• Defiant – 12
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 707

A few individual raiders and reconnaissance planes flew over Britain. This quieter day enabled Dowding to try and straighten out the difficult relations between Keith Park at 11 Group and Leigh Mallory at 12 Group. He told the former to make allowances for the latter’s difficulties when trying to send reinforcements. However, subsequent events showed it was really too late to mend these fences. Things had gone too far. The RAF flew 476 sorties resulting in 8 German aircraft being destroyed; several the result of accidents while Fighter Command lost none.

At night 50 aircraft attacked London. In the provinces, Birmingham was the main target while Basingstoke was also hit.

1 Squadron Operational Record Book – 24 October
Destruction of a Junkers 17. Red Section were ordered to intercept raid 10 at 1204 hours. Personnel: Flt Lt M.H. Brown, PO A.V. Clowes, DFM, PO A. Kershaw. E/a sighted 3,000 ft above cloud. As a result of the ensuing engagement the e/a was brought down at St. Neot. During the engagement some fire was experienced from the e/a rear gunner, and our side used up 1911 rounds. All 3 pilots expressed the opinion that the e/a did not make very good use of cloud cover before the attack and the only evasive action taken was diving into the clouds. He appeared to be an inexperienced pilot. Searchlight co-operation. Blue Section (B Flight) scrambled base, nothing sighted.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 24th October 1940):

*  Enemy: 2 confirmed, 0 probable,  2 damaged
*  Own: Nil.

Today’s theme:  The Planes They Flew – Ju52

Weather: heavy cloud

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 47
• Spitfire – 225
• Hurricane – 412
• Defiant – 26
• Gladiator – 8
• Total – 718

The weather conditions hampered Fighter Command which only flew 90 sorties. Fighter Command lost 6 aircraft against a German figure for the day of 4 destroyed.

That night, substantial damage was done in the bombing of London. The National Gallery was hit. Scotland was also targeted, with £20,000 worth of damage being inflicted on a saw mill in Stirlingshire. Glasgow was also hit.

73 Squadron Operational Record Book – 23 October
There was operational flying during the day. The most important news to-day is that 73 Squadron is to become a night fighter Squadron immediately. There is no doubt that every pilot is disappointed and dislikes the prospect of night flying, but the CO has given each pilot the opportunity of being posted away.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 23rd October 1940):

*  Enemy: 0 confirmed, 0 probable, 1 damaged
*  Own: Nil.

Today’s theme:  Top Gun Gallery – Werner Mölders

Weather: fog and widespread rain causing poor visibility

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 40
• Spitfire – 234
• Hurricane – 402
• Defiant – 19
• Gladiator – 7
• Total – 702

Fog grounded most of 12 Group and some of 11 Group. That afternoon, a convoy off Dover was attacked unsuccessfully. Later small groups of Me109s, targeting another convoy, were plotted off the south coast. On being intercepted, dog-fights developed. As a result 11 enemy aircraft were destroyed while 6 RAF planes were lost. Despite the weather, the Luftwaffe succeeded in attacking London.
At night, Coventry was once again a major target with 200 people being made homeless. Bombs were also dropped on Windsor Great Park.

74 Squadron – Combat Report – 22 October
Patrol Maidstone at 15,000 feet in company with 92 Squadron. S/L Malan attacked the leading enemy aircraft in a fast dive and fixed bursts from 200 to 50 yds range. The enemy aircraft smoked heavily after the 2nd burst but carried on. S/L Malan continued to fire but had to break off momentarily to wipe ice off his windscreen. He then followed the enemy Me109 to the coast and saw the aircraft crash into the sea 5 miles out from the Hastings-Dungeness area.

73 Squadron Operational Record Book – 22 October
Thick fog until 1200 hours. Nothing was done in the morning except to walk Hon. Group Captain ‘Stefan’ across the aerodrome in the hope of setting up a hare. In this F/C Hoole and P/O McFadden were successful, but Hon. G C ‘Stefan’ having sighted the hare did not make any attempt to chase. In good time he will undoubtedly realise what his duties to the mess are. There was no flying throughout the day.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 22nd October 1940):

*  Enemy: 3 confirmed, 1 probable, 1 damaged
*  Own: 6 aircraft with 4 pilots killed or missing.

Weather: cloudy with fog and rain

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:

• Blenheim – 32
• Spitfire – 227
• Hurricane – 410
• Defiant – 13
• Gladiator – 7
• Total – 689

There were sporadic raids by single or small groups of Me109s over much of the southern counties and the Midlands, with some reaching as far north as Lancashire and Liverpool. Interception was difficult on account of the weather. The RAF flew 275 sorties but lost no aircraft, yet shooting down 6 enemy planes. One of these was a Ju88 which had tried to disguise itself as a Blenheim. The ruse did not work and the enemy aircraft was shot down on its way back to the coast.

At night Coventry suffered heavy raids, considerable damage being done to the Armstrong-Siddeley works. There were also raids over London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

245 Squadron Operational Record Book – 21 October
One operational flight called for at 14:20 by 1 section. Dog fighting. Formation and attack exercises carried on throughout the day. 1 section took off at 12.05 for Sydenham to meet and escort the aircraft conveying HRH the Duke of Kent, who visited Aldegrove station in the course of his Ulster tour of inspection. After lunch and an inspection of the station, a section of Hurricanes escorted HRH back to Sydenham. Hurricane P3657 piloted by Sgt E G Greenwood did not return from battle climb. News later received from the police at Toombridge that the a/c was observed to dive into Lough Neagh at high speed, exploding on impact.

73 Squadron Operational Record Book – 21 October
There was too much mist and the weather altogether too bad for the Squadron to operate as a unit, but twice during the day a pair of Hurricanes were despatched to intercept single raiders. S/L Murray and F/L Smith patrolled over the SE coast in the morning and F/L Smith and Sergt. Price were ordered in the afternoon to patrol base at 9000 feet. No e/a was seen but a Wellington which did not appear to have the proper markings was challenged but it soon proved itself as friendly. ‘Stefan’ has arrived this afternoon and been accorded the Honorary Rank of Group Captain. ‘Stefan’ is a Borzie presented to the Squadron as a mascot by friends in Cambridge.

Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 21st October 1940):

*  Enemy: 2 confirmed, 0 probable, 3 damaged
*  Own: Nil.