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Weather: cloudy in the south east, fair elsewhere
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 50
- Spitfire – 228
- Hurricane – 423
- Defiant – 14
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 723
In the morning raids of 150 aircraft from Luftflotte 2 crossed the coast and headed towards London. Bombs were in fact scattered over a number of targets, including central London. Several raids developed in the afternoon involving substantial numbers of aircraft. The RAF flew 639 sorties. RAF losses were 4 aircraft against 14 Luftwaffe planes shot down. However, the Czech pilot, Josef Frantisek crashed and was killed.
During the following night there were serious raids on London.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 8 October
09:00 hours
12 Hurricanes left Northolt 09:00 hours. Landed 09:55 hours. No contact made. Sgt Frantiszek crashed at Ewell, near Sutton and was killed.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 8th October 1940):
* Enemy: 6 confirmed, 2 probable, 3 damaged
* Own: 4 aircraft with 4 pilots missing.
Weather: persistent rain
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 48
- Spitfire – 229
- Hurricane – 411
- Defiant – 18
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 714
This day began with a single bomb carrying aircraft attacking Biggin Hill which, though alone, did considerable damage. Later in the day a more substantial group of aircraft formed up behind Calais and came across the Channel to attack Middle Wallop, Northolt and Uxbridge. The RAF despite difficult conditions did well, losing one aircraft to an enemy toll of 6.
That night German aircraft attacked the De Havilland works which were lucky to escape without much damage. The Hawker factory at Slough was also attacked, as well as the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, but little damage was done. That night only 7 bombers attacked central London, leaving the populace with a relatively quiet sleep.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 6 October
10:30 hours
Enemy attack on the aerodrome by 1 aircraft. Sgt Suidak was killed by a bomb which fell between the hangars. Aircraft totally destroyed. FS Kanis rejoined the Squadron from no. 6 OTU.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 6th October 1940):
* Enemy: 1 confirmed, 0 probable, 1 damaged
* Own: One Spitfire with the pilot missing.
Today’s theme: Captains and Commanders – Stumpff
Weather: bright intervals
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 59
- Spitfire – 232
- Hurricane – 419
- Defiant – 16
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 734
3 raids developed that morning all heading for Kent and to airfield targets south of London. West Malling was bombed. The first was by 30 aircraft whilst the next was larger and consisted of several groups making just under 100 in all. The final group consisted of a fighter sweep of 25 Me109s.
The switch by the Luftwaffe to a fighter and fighter-bomber preponderance as against the old formula of twin-engine bombers escorted by fighters, meant that the days were now seeing much more in the way of dog fighting between fighters which were often persistent and bitter. It was of course a great spectacle for those, particularly in London and the south east, who were able to watch the aircraft high in the sky leaving their telltale contrails of white vapour visible against the bright blue sky. There were great patterns as the planes manoeuvred desperately weaving in and out as they fought to gain advantage.
The final air battles that day were between aircraft from Luftflotte 3 which had flown over Kent and a second group which had attacked Southampton. The score that day was 11 RAF aircraft lost and 12 Luftwaffe planes lost.
That night 200 bombers attacked London and some of the usual provincial targets. Portland Dockyard was bombed that night and the West India Docks were hit which caused a large fire.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 5 October
11:05 hours
Combat over Rochester, Channel 11:40 hours. 12 Hurricanes left Northolt 11:10 hours to rendezvous with no. 1 Canadian Squadron leading. The wing flying southward met enemy fighters flying northward to east of them over Rochester. When the squadron was at 18,000 feet and alto cirrus layer of cloud at 5/10 to 3,000 feet and alto cirrus 10/10 at 25,000 to 30,000 feet. Me 109s descended from upper cloud in 5s and 3s. One group of Me 109s turned 180 degrees and attacked No. 1 Canadian Squadron and dived away southwards. About 60 e/a and 40 friendly fighters were locked in running individual and section dog fights, rolling southwards, to the channel. Over Lympne were about 15 Me110s at about 20,000 feet, which formed a defensive circle, and there were great numbers of Me109s above them in the high clouds. Our aircraft attacked the circle singly from head on and below, and broke it up, inflicting heavy casualties in spite of attacks by Me109s.
Over the Channel, the Squadron was ordered home. Sqdn Ldr Kellett damaged 1 Me 109, seeing pieces fly off the engine and wing, and the enemy aircraft disappeared in a steep dive. PO Ferie destroyed 1 Me110 which crashed near the coast on land. FO Henneberg destroyed 1 Me110 but the position of the crash not visible. FO Pisarek destroyed 1 Me109 which exploded, Sgt Palak destroyed 1 Me109 near Lympne and damaged 1 Me110. Sgt Belc destroyed 1 Me110 near Lympne, 1 man baling out. Sgt Suidak destroyed 2 Me109s, 1 near Ashford and 1 in the sea off Littlestone. He attacked a Me110 to starboard, with a Spitfire attacking to port, and the e/a was destroyed. Sgt Suidak landed at an unidentified aerodrome near Rochester and was ordered to proceed to Gravesend when after refuelling and rearming he returned to Northolt.
Enemy casualties: 4 Me110, 4 Me109 – destroyed, 2 Me110, 1 Me109 – damaged
Our casualties: 1 Hurricane missing, FO Januszewick crashed in flames at Hawkinge and was killed.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 5th October 1940):
* Enemy: 22 confirmed, 5 probable, 16 damaged
* Own: 9 aircraft with 2 pilots missing.
Today’s theme: The Airfields – RAF Croydon
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: 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: 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: variable
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 51
- Spitfire – 212
- Hurricane – 362
- Defiant – 25
- Gladiator – 5
- Total – 655
This was to be a busy day. Several large attacks were mounted by the Luftwaffe. Only fighters were involved. Over Kent, they were intercepted with major battles following. In the afternoon further attacks were mounted and duly intercepted not only by 11 Group squadrons but also by the Duxford wing. The wing, led by Squadron Leader Bader achieved considerable success though not as great as that claimed. The score that day was 15 enemy destroyed at a cost of 12 RAF fighters. The RAF had flown 1165 sorties that day.
That night London was again the main target of the Luftwaffe bombing effort. County Hall, Westminster was hit. Bomber Command launched several attacks on French ports aiming at the barges.
73 Squadron Unofficial Diary – 18 September
At 4pm the “Scramble” and patrol Colchester, angels 15, given. Led by P/O Scott the Squadron began a game of hunt the slipper. “Patrolling J for Johnny” reported Scotty, “Orbit” replied Ops, then “Patrol Chelmsford”, “Patrolling Chelmsford” reported Scotty a few minutes later. “Orbit” said Ops. So we orbited and peace reigned for a few minutes, then “Vector 180° for two minutes, four bandits closing coast”. So off we went, and sure enough there was something about 10,000 feet above us. “Can you see the bandits?”, Sergt Garton replied, “yes I can see them, but God knows how we’re going to get up to the b******s”. This seemed to shake Ops for a bit, for we were told to patrol Colchester again. Arriving there we received the order to “Pancake”. So off we started for home and tea, when suddenly “Patrol K for King below cloud base”. This was done, and then we were ordered back to Colchester, angels 10. After an hour and 40 minutes, the Ops graciously allowed us to return and refuel. Sergt Perkin went a drift, but landed at North Weald, and came on here later.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 18 September
Visit from General Sikorski.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 18th September 1940):
* Enemy: 33 confirmed, 16 probable, 19 damaged
* Own: Twelve aircraft of which nine pilots are safe.
Today’s theme: Top Gun Gallery – Stanislaw Skalski
Weather: fine
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 53
- Spitfire – 221
- Hurricane – 400
- Defiant – 25
- Gladiator – 8
- Total – 707
The day began as before with a build up of mixed groups of bombers and fighters forming up behind Calais and appearing on British radar screens. The targets turned out to be North Weald, Hornchurch and Debden. However, interceptions made by 249 and 603 Squadrons were successful and were followed by confused dogfights. Out of this melee a force of some 30 Do17s reached North Weald. The bombing there led to substantial damage with 2 hangars set on fire and 4 RAF personnel killed. Communications were damaged and a number of other administrative buildings were wrecked including a direct hit on the ops room. As the bombers withdrew they were attacked by 303 and 46 Squadrons.
The afternoon featured a second phase of the attack which was aimed at the same area as the first attack. This was however successfully intercepted with the Czech squadron, 310, playing a major part and shooting down 4 Me110s. Significantly though, the tally of losses of the two sides was equal at 16 for each force with the RAF losing 8 pilots.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 3 September
14:15 hours
Patrol – Maidstone/Dover. Sgt Frantiszek, Green 2 rearguard, descended from 22,000 feet to investigate aircraft above cloud and found Spitfires, then below cloud saw solitary He 113 over sea. He dived and closed to 100yds firing 2 seconds into cockpit. Enemy aircraft dived slowly and disappeared into sea mid channel from Dover.
249 Squadron Operational Record Book – 3 September, North Weald
09:00 hours Squadron ordered to patrol Chelmsford, Eastchurch, nothing seen, ordered to land by sections after 1 hour’s patrol, and immediately after refuelling the Squadron was ordered off again to intercept a large formation of enemy aircraft approaching from the NE. Owing to being ordered off too late, the Squadron was unable to gain height in time 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 attack from approx. 15,000 feet, which was very accurate, but it is interesting to record that although between 200 and 300 bombs were dropped on the buildings the damage to the buildings etc… did not in any way hinder the operation of the squadrons from North Weald. From the air, this attack appeared to have been far more effective than it actually was and no doubt the enemy pilots reported, quite justly, that they had knocked out North Weald. The Squadron brought to readiness during the afternoon, patrolled Eastchurch, Canterbury and Dover. 3 Me109s were seen well above but they sheared off towards France. We were fired at by AA from the Dover guns and Sgt Rowell’s aircraft was apparently hit. He was unaware of this however, until his aircraft caught fire just before he landed on return to North Weald. He was slightly concussed but otherwise uninjured.
PO D.H. Wissler Diary – 3 September
We did 2 patrols, on the first we intersepted [sic] about 100 e/a (Do215 and Me110). F/Lt Bayne and I got on a Me110s tail and firing together sent it down in flames. We then attacked a Do215, P/O Hearny finishing the attack and the bomber crashing in a field just north of the River Crouch. I collected a bullet in the radiator and got covered with glycol, force landing at Castle Camps. I collected a Hurricane of 111 Squadron, flew back to Debden and got my own plane back. We did one more patrol over the Thames. Then in the night I was aerodrome control pilot.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 3rd September 1940):
* Enemy: 25 confirmed, 11 probable, 10 damaged
* Own: 20 aircraft with 10 pilots killed or missing.
Weather: fine
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 60
- Spitfire – 204
- Hurricane – 398
- Defiant – 21
- Gladiator – 7
- Total – 690
This day saw an acceleration of the Luftwaffe’s attempt at wiping out the RAF’s strength, particularly that of 11 Group, the airfields of which were under continuous attack.
Early that morning several groups of 30 plus aircraft were forming up behind Calais. These groups turned into one large formation of 100 aircraft, split roughly between fighters and bombers. They were soon flying across the Channel where they split up into small groups again going for individual targets. These turned out to be Eastchurch, Rochford, North Weald and Biggin Hill. 11 Group succeeded in getting 5 squadrons into position where they could intercept. Some attacks were from high flying aircraft while others were from low flying aircraft, the latter being very difficult to detect.
Early in the afternoon a group of some 250 aircraft crossed the south coast and then broke up into smaller groups. Amongst the targets which were attacked was Debden which was very heavily damaged.
In the mid afternoon a third group formed up over Calais, mounting to 250 aircraft. Once again being half bombers and half fighters. They then crossed the Channel and spread widely over Kent. Raids were sent yet again to Biggin Hill, Kenley and Brooklands. Damage was also caused to Eastchurch and Hornchurch. But at Hornchurch the interception by 11 Group squadrons was so successful that only some six bombs fell within the perimeter of the airfield. Maidstone was heavily bombed. Industrial targets were also hit namely the Vickers factory at Brooklands and the Short Brothers factory at Rochester.
Finally, a little after 5 pm the fourth raid of the day developed. This raid concentrated on Eastchurch and Detling. Eastchurch received two attacks where severe damage was done where some 5 aircraft were destroyed on the ground together with considerable damage being done to the airfield’s communications. Eastchurch was made unusable.
That day Fighter Command had lost 25 aircraft to the Luftwaffe’s 35. 8 RAF pilots had been killed.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book: 2 September
17:30 hours
About 10 Me 109s dived out of sun onto squadron near Dover at 19,000 ft…Sgt Frantiszek pursued one 109 over French coast. Enemy aircraft damaged in engine and fuselage, escaped smoking.
501 Squadron Operational Record Book: 2 September, Gravesend
At 07:50 bombs were dropped on the edges of the aerodrome but no material damage was done. The only casualties were 2 soldiers slightly injured. The Squadron was ordered to patrol Gravesend at 07:36 hours. Engagement took place but too late to prevent a few 40lb bombs being dropped across the lower part of the Aerodrome. 1 pilot encountered 15 Do17s at 10,000 feet and another pilot encountered 9 He113s. Sgt Henn was injured in this engagement and PO Skalski force landed and was injured.
PO D.H. Wissler Diary – 2 September
We took off at about 6.30 for Debden and arrived about 45 mins later. We did two patrols over Thames Haven, the first time we saw hundreds of huns but they were fleeing back home. Our AA guns fired at us, and came much too close. We had one more flap, but opps had their fingers so far up that everything was messed up and we never saw a thing.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 2nd September 1940):
* Enemy: 41 confirmed, 18 probable, 32 damaged
* Own: 20 aircraft with 10 pilots killed or missing.
Todays’s theme: Unsung Heroes – The Ministry of Aircraft Production
Weather: fair.
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours:
- Blenheim – 52
- Spitfire – 234
- Hurricane – 410
- Defiant – 14
- Gladiator – 7
- Total – 717
On this occasion, the Luftwaffe returned to attacking a convoy. In fact, it was a feint. The real effort was an attack picked up by radar of a large formation coming in from the Pas de Calais. The enemy target turned out to be airfields south of London. A group of bombers flying at 20 000 ft struck Biggin Hill, doing considerable damage to the area but not the aerodrome itself. A little later, a second group of aircraft attacked with a large segment aiming once again at Biggin Hill. To this was, however, added Shoreham and Tangmere. Later that afternoon, a third wave of attacks came over, including a third visitation for the day on Biggin Hill, together with a number of other airfields. The most damaging raid of the day was flown by a group of 10 Ju88s which, aiming at Biggin Hill, flew north of that airfield, then turned round and came in from that direction. The bombing was extremely accurate. It left the airfield a virtual wreck. It also left 39 dead and many of the buildings demolished. Detling and Kenley were also hit in this serious attack. Detling was out of action until the following day.
Finally another group got through to Luton where bombs hit the Vauxhall works and caused a large number of casualties.
At the end of a busy day, the RAF had lost 25 fighters compared with 36 German aircraft destroyed. However, 15 RAF pilots had survived. 1050 sorties had been flown by the RAF. This was to be the highest number of sorties flown in a day during the Battle.
That night Liverpool suffered a third episode of heavy bombing.
242 Squadron Operational Record Book – 30 August
Squadron ordered to proceed to Duxford. Operations from Duxford. Enemy planes shot down north of London without any loss to Squadron. 4 e/a attacked and probably shot down. Signal received from AOC 12 Group congratulating Squadron on its achievement. The above brings the Squadron’s total bag for month to 14 certainties and 5 probables. Signal received from AOC 12 Group read: ‘heartiest congratulations on a first class show. Well done 242”. Signal received from Chief of the Air Staff which read: “magnificent fighting. You are well on top of the enemy and obviously the fine Canadian traditions of the last war are safe in your hands”. Signal received from Under Secretary of State for Air congratulating Squadron.
253 Squadron Operational Record Book – 30 August
14 Hurricanes took off Kenley 10:50 hours followed by 5 more at 11:25 hours when an attack on Croydon and Kenley appeared likely. The Squadron was first ordered to patrol Maidstone, but the flights were separated and were ordered back to orbit base where they were joined by the other 5 aircraft. They were then vectored off to the south, where at 18,000 feet near Redhill they saw 3 formations of 9 bombers escorted by 30 fighters, Me110s and Me109s. B Flight at once attacked the bombers, which included He111, Do215 and possibly Ju88s, but observed no results with the exception of PO Nowak (Green 3) who probably destroyed a Do215 (this pilot maintained that this bomber was a Ju88) A Flight who were behind and below followed in to attack and Yellow 3 (PO Greenwood) fired all his ammunition into a Heinkel 111 which force landed, 4 of the crew being seen climbing out. A series of individual fights took place, chiefly with Me110s and Me109s which had come to the rescue of the bombers.
303 Squadron Operational Record Book – 30 August, Northolt
First operation. In the course of training interception with 6 Blenheims in the afternoon, B Flight contacted with some 60 German bombers, 60 fighters and British fighters having a running battle near Hatfield. FO Paszkiewicz brought down one Do 17 (destroyed) while the rest of the fighters escorted the Blenheims safely back to Northolt.
Reported Casualties (RAF Campaign Diary 30th August 1940):
* Enemy: 62 confirmed, 21 probable, 29 damaged
* Own: 25 aircraft (10 pilots killed or missing)
Todays’s theme: The Squadrons – 310 Squadron
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