Jump to content
Thunder?
Local
Radar
Hot?

Recommended Posts

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

13th October 1940

Rslp19401013.gif

Early fog clearing to blue skies. Cloud later.

RAF Fighter Command

There were four main attacks during the day and portions of all but the first, penetrated to Central London. The remaining portions of these attacks and the first attack confined their operations to Kent. Very few of the enemy aircraft employed were bombers. A few reconnaissances were made in the Southeast and off the South Coast in the early morning, and again between 1045 hrs (when a convoy was visited) and 1130 hrs, and off the east coast between 0900 and 1300 hrs. There were considerable reconnaissances off northeast coasts in the afternoon. A convoy was reportedly attacked.

Fighter Command destroyed 2 enemy aircraft plus 4 probables. One enemy aircraft was probably destroyed by AA fire. At 1248 hrs, 25+ enemy aircraft came inland at Hythe to Lympne and left at 1300 hrs. At 1335 hrs, two waves of 30+ flew up the Medway. The first wave penetrated to Central London but the second did not proceed beyond Dartford. At 1406 hrs, three waves of 30+ crossed the Coast near Dungeness, flying northwest. The first two waves employed the same tactics as the raids at 1335 hrs, only the first penetrating to Central London. The third wave appeared to concentrate on the Biggin Hill - Kenley area. 14 Squadrons were despatched to meet this attack. At 1535 hrs, a raid of 50+ entered between Dover and Dungeness and flew over Maidstone and along the Thames. This raid split, one part towards Hornchurch and the other via Dartford to Central London. Two smaller raids followed but did not, however, penetrate far inland. Enemy aircraft were leaving London by 1554 hrs and small sections were flying within the triangle Maidstone - Tunbridge Wells - Ashford at 1600 hrs, finally crossing the coast at 1610 hrs

sailor_malan.jpg

The Spitfire of 74 Sqn’s commander Sailor Malan depicted on 13th October 1940

The first enemy raids of the evening were plotted leaving the Dieppe, Cherbourg, and Seine Bay areas and the Dutch Islands at about 1830 hrs. The scale of attack was heaviest between 1900 and 2300 hrs, after which it decreased, finally ceasing at 0600 hrs. The main concentration was on London, but Liverpool area received considerable attention, and raids were also plotted in Bristol area, Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, Lincolnshire and over the North-east Coast as far North as Newcastle. From 1900 to 2100 Hrs Approximately 60 raids were plotted inland, the majority to the London area via the South Coast between Selsey Bill and Dover. Several raids from the Dutch Islands crossed between Harwich and the Thames Estuary, penetrating over East Anglia and to London from the Northeast. About 5 raids were plotted off the Yorkshire Coast from the Humber to near Newcastle, and inland around Scarborough. 5 raids crossed in the Swanage Portland area and flew north towards Liverpool. From 2100 Hrs to 2300 Hrs activity continued on a heavy scale, still mainly directed against London area, the main entry being between Beachy Head and Dungeness. A number of raids entered the Thames Estuary, some penetrating to London and others withdrawing after apparently mine laying.

3011022586_af35a4c9aa_z.jpg

154 people were killed in a shelter under three shops on Coronation Avenue, Stoke Newington and the north end of the westbound platform of Bounds Green Underground Station was badly damaged by a German bomb which killed 19 and wounded many others sheltering in the station including some Belgian refugees. 30 people lost their lives when the Prince of Wales Public House in Stockwell, was destroyed by enemy action.

1128989562_50f799d20a.jpg

Raids continued to cross in this Portland area, flying North to the Midlands and Liverpool. About 5 raids to the Liverpool area originated from the Channel Islands. Mine laying was again detected between Flamborough Head and the Wash, and off Harwich. The flow of fresh raids slackened considerably towards the end of this period. A reduced number of raids, mostly against London, crossed the South Coast. A few continued to approach from the Thames Estuary. Three fresh raids from the Channel Islands penetrated to Wales and up to Liverpool area. Isolated raids were plotted in the Debden - Duxford area.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 4

RAF

More losses through ‘friendly fire’:

17 Sqn Hurricane P3536 J.K.Ross was shot down and wounded by British A.A. fire over the Chatham area, he baled out of his stricken Hurricane at 1350hrs.

29 Sqn Blenheim L6637 R.E.Stevens, was shot down and killed in error by Hurricanes off Point Ayr, Wirral at 1800hrs His crew ( O.K.Sly and A.Jackson ) also died.

66 Sqn Spitfire X4543 H.Cook crash landed at R.A.F. Hornchurch due to battle damage at 1610hrs. He was not injured.

The 13,000 children evacuated overseas to the Dominions and the United States heard a message from home that night delivered by Princess Elizabeth, in her first broadcast, at the age of 14, her coolness and resemblance in voice to her mother, the Queen are striking.

"My sister, Margaret Rose, and I feel so much for you as we know from experience what it means to be away from those we love most of all," said the Princess. "We children at home are full of cheerfulness and courage and are trying to bear our own share of the danger and sadness of war. My sister is by my side and we are going to say goodnight to you - come on, Margaret. Good night and good-luck to you."

The Queen has decided that the princesses should not go to Canada.

ww2_royal_broadcast.jpg

  • Replies 169
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted Images

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

14th October 1940

Rslp19401014.gif

Occasional rain or drizzle spreading to the south-east.

RAF Fighter Command

Clearing skies at night bring London's heaviest attack yet with 500 killed. Coventry is also attacked

110115.jpg

Enemy activity during the day, which was on a small scale, consisted of scattered raids by individual aircraft and one attack by a formation of 34 bombers in the Portsmouth area. Hostile patrols and reconnaissances were maintained in the Channel and Straits of Dover. Our fighters damaged 3 enemy aircraft, without loss to themselves. At 1015 hrs a raid of 1+ originating from the Dutch Islands flew up the Blackwater and penetrated inland as far as St Albans. A few isolated raids crossed the East Anglian Coast and reconnoitred aerodromes. Between 1500 and 1710 hrs three reconnaissance flights were plotted over Kirton-in-Lindsay. From 1015 hs onwards small raids crossed the Coast between Selsey Bill and the Thames Estuary and penetrated inland. During the morning some 45 raids were plotted, but after 1300 hrs less than 20 raids crossed the Coast. Isolated aircraft penetrated inland as far as London, Hatfield, Aylesbury, Upper Heyford, and in some cases to the South Midlands. Apart from isolated raids during the morning, the only attack of any strength occurred at 1635 hrs when 34 enemy aircraft, identified as Dorniers, flying at 20,000 ft flew to Selsey Bill, where thy split, one formation to the Portsmouth area, and the remainder fanned out over an area about 12 miles inland. By 1645 hrs these raids had turned back towards France.

Luftwaffe_Doc_11439.jpg

Between 1900 to 2100 hrs About 27 raids entered the Thames Estuary and crossed the coast between Shoeburyness and Orfordness. The majority flew over London from the north, but a few appeared to be active over East Anglia. About 40 raids from the direction of the Somme and Fecamp crossed the coast between Shoreham and Dungeness and flew to the London area. Raids from the Channel Islands crossed the coast between Poole and Portland and flew to the Birmingham and Coventry areas. Isolated raids were plotted over Liverpool, Blackburn and Preston. The Luftwaffe sent bombers from KG 1, KG 26, I/LG 1, II/LG 1, I/KG 27, III/KG 27, I/KG 51, II/KG 51, III/KG 51, Stab/KG 55, I/KG 55, II/KG 55, III/KG 55 all from Luftflotte 3.

3474967506_fb07c82ec4.jpg

balham.jpg

At 2002hrs, a 1400 kg semi-armour piercing fragmentation bomb fell on the road above the northern end of the platform tunnels at Balham station, causing a large crater into which a bus then crashed. The northbound platform tunnel partially collapsed and was filled with earth and water from the fractured water mains and sewers above, which also flowed through the cross-passages into the southbound platform tunnel, with the flooding and debris reaching to within 100 yards of Clapham South. 66 civilians in the station were killed, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission although other sources report 68 (as did the CWGC itself previously) - and more than seventy injured. The damage at track level closed the line to traffic between Tooting Bec and Clapham Common, but was repaired rapidly with the closed section and station being reopened on 12 January 1941 There is a memorial plaque in the station ticket hall commemorating this event, although it states that 64 lives were lost and differs from the registry found at the Commonwealth War graves Commission, as do some other sources.

Balham_tube_plaque_080120.jpg

A04A1500_smaller.jpg

The remains of St James's, Piccadilly on 14th October 1940

14-10-40_St_Jamess_Church_19-54.jpg

The Gretti and Zambra factory at Barnesbury, London N1 was gutted by fire caused by an oil bomb. Rollasons Aircraft Instruments Ltd, Mitcham was severely damaged by HE bombs at 2155 hrs; the plant and machinery is involved and production will be suspended for some days. Radio Transmission Equipment Ltd, Wandsworth was set on fire by bombs and the South Wing was damaged. One section of the Siebe Gorman factory, Old Kent Rd, was destroyed by fire, and a fire also occurred at Austins (Metal Refiners) Factory at Hackney. HE bombs fell at the Croydon Gas works at 2115 hrs causing one large and two small fires and demolishing one gas holder. The adjacent electricity works was undamaged. The Electricity Distributing Station, Popes Lane, Ealing, was hit by HE bombs at 2100 hours, and part of the switchgear and some transformers were damaged, causing a temporary failure in the electric light supply to the whole of the Ealing area. A HE bomb fell in Balham High Road at 2115 hrs and penetrated to the Tube Station below. There were 12 known fatal casualties. A serious fire was started at Houndstone Camp near Yeovil by HE and Incendiary Bombs at 1900 hrs. Several huts, a garage and part of the YMCA were destroyed. The ammunition store was fired, but all the ammunition was removed safely and no casualties resulted. The attack on Coventry was made by relays of enemy aircraft, which dropped HE bombs in the first wave, following up with incendiary and oil bombs. Many fires were started, and direct hits were made on Forde Hospital and a large store with public shelters in the basement. A 24-inch gas main was badly damaged by HE and caught fire; it was necessary to reduce the pressure considerably, which affected industrial production and civil supplies. Triumph Engineering and Alfred Herbert Factories were amongst those damaged by fire.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 3

RAF

605 Sqn Hurricane P3107 R.Hope – It’s unsure how he died either he was hit by anti aircraft fire or hit a balloon cable while chasing a He 111. He crashed at South Norwood at 1250hrs.

Daily Keynote from the Reich Press Chief:

The British raids on Berlin (or other German territory) should not be presented in such an exaggerated form that the reader is bound to get the impression that half of Berlin has been destroyed. But by the same token, the destruction in London should not be depicted so as to suggest that London has already been razed to the ground: in each case the possibility of intensified attacks must be preserved.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

15h October 1940

Rslp19401015.gif

Fair but cloudy in the Straits. Clear, moonlit night.

RAF Fighter Command

RAF Fighter Command flies 643 sorties during the day and the Luftwaffe penetrates to London targets and targets in Kent and the Thames Estuary making five fighter sweeps over Kent and Sussex, some aircraft penetrating to Hornchurch and Central London. One formation of fighters flew over the Portsmouth-Southampton area. It is estimated that about 550 enemy aircraft were employed on these sweeps. For once, RAF fighters bounce high-flying Bf 109s out of the sun, shooting down 4.

At 0815 hrs three raids totalling about 50 aircraft flew in over Dover and Dungeness and penetrated to the Biggin Hill and Kenley areas and then retired. This attack was quickly followed by another of about 30 bomb carrying fighters, which attacked targets in East and South London. At 1130 hrs two raids, totalling about 60 aircraft, flying northwest from Maidstone reached the Hornchurch area. At the same time two formations of 50 aircraft flew up the Estuary from North Foreland but turned south at Sheppey. Shortly afterwards about 120 enemy aircraft crossed the Kentish coast and some of these reached Hornchurch and Gravesend districts before turning back. At about 1550 hrs two formations, each of about 60 aircraft flew in, one up the East of Kent to the Estuary and the other West of Maidstone to East London; between these several smaller raids followed and attacked the railways radiating from Ashford. Shortly after raids had flown in over Kent, a formation of Bf110s heavily escorted by 109s approached the Isle of Wight at about 1215 hrs, and passing over the Western suburbs of Southampton returned to Cherbourg without dropping any bombs.

17FE3E5E30F34DFEEF6E7F898C91A6.jpg

Evening Activity began at 1830 hrs when raids were plotted leaving Holland, the Somme/Fecamp area, Le Havre and Cherbourg. The main attack was delivered on London, but a steady stream of raids was plotted over the Bristol Channel up to the Midlands, where Birmingham appeared to be the principal target. Raids from Holland and the Dutch Islands approached between Harwich and the Thames Estuary. Many of these appeared to be engaged in mine laying off Clacton and Walton. The remainder crossed the Coast and approached London from the North. Raids from Cherbourg area to the Midlands crossed the Swanage and Lyme Bay and flew over the Bristol Channel and Western counties to Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent areas. Isolated raids were plotted over Glasgow and Aberdeen. A Blenheim of No 23 Sqn shot down a He111 near Cuckfield and a Defiant of 264 Sqn destroyed a Ju88 near North Weald Essex

st_quintin(ahodgkinson10.1940)park_old3.jpg

At 2100 hrs, 30 aircraft head for Hornchurch and central London and hit Waterloo Station and block all but 2 of the rail lines. At 2145 hrs, another 50 aircraft attack the city and at 2320 hrs, attacks begin in Kent and the Thames Estuary. In London, the train service is stopped at the 5 main stations and traffic for other stations is cut by more than two-thirds. The Underground is severed at 5 places and roads are blocked throughout the city and a reservoir, 3 gasworks, 2 power stations and 3 important docks were hit. There are 900 fires in London during the night and there are over 1,200 casualties including 400 killed. The BBC loses 7 people killed when a bomb hits Broadcasting House during the BBC's 2100 hrs news program. Bombs destroy the main artery of London's water supply, the 46 million Imperial gallon/day (209 million litres) pipeline at Enfield.

By mid October there were around 250,000 people that had been made homeless by the Blitz

Losses

Luftwaffe – 14

RAF

29 Sqn Blenheim K7135 D.O.G.(destroyed on ground)

41 Sqn Spitfire X4178 D.P.Lloyd was killed aircraft was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 51 off the North Kent Coast at 0900hrs.

46 Sqn Hurricane N2480 P.S.Gunning was killed when his Hurricane was shot down by a Bf 109 of over the Thames Estuary at 1305hrs. Hurricane V6550 E.E.Williams was killed when his aircraft was shot down by a Bf 109 at 1430hrs, it crashed near Gravesend in Kent and Hurricane V6789 A.T.Gooderham was wounded when he was shot down by a Bf 109 over the Thames Estuary at 1440hrs.

92 Sqn Spitfire R6838 K.B.Parker was killed at 1000hrs. His Spitfire was shot down by a Bf 109 over the Thames Estuary and crashed on the mudflats off All Hallows in Essex. Spitfire X4418 C.B.F.Brian "Kingpin" Kingcome was shot down in his Spitfire at 11:45hrs. It happened as he was gliding back to Biggin Hill after using up his ammunition. His aeroplane was filled with holes and he baled out safely with a wound to the leg. He was later awarded the D.F.C. You may have seen him portrayed in the recent BBC TV doccu-film ‘First Light’ played by Ben Aldridge. Spitfire R6642 J.W.Lund baled out safely off the Kent Coast when he was shot down by a Bf 109 at 1150hrs. He was rescued from the sea.

145 Sqn Hurricane V7337 J.Machecek was shot down on and he baled out over Christchurch with minor injuries (some splinters in his leg) after combat with a Bf 109 at 1300hrs. He had been flying as 'Tail end Charlie'. His Hurricane crashed at New Milton, Hants.

229 Sqn Hurricane P3124 A.J.Banham baled out wounded with burns after being shot down by a Bf 109 over Kent at 1000hrs. His aircraft crashed near Stockbury, Kent.

302 Sqn Hurricane P2752 M.Wedzik baled safely out during combat with a Bf 109 over Kent at 1130hrs.

421 Flight Spitfire P7444 M.A.Lee was attacked by a Bf 109 at 1100hrs. He force landed and he was wounded. The Spitfire was wrecked, but later repaired.

501 Sqn Hurricane V6722 S.A.Fenmore was killed when he was shot down by a Bf 109 over Redhill at 0815hrs.

605 Sqn Hurricane N2546 I.J.Muirhead baled out too low at Darland, Nr Gillingham, Kent and was killed. He had been in combat with Bf 109's over Maidstone at 1145hrs.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

16h October 1940

Rslp19401016.gif

Fair but cloudy in the Straits. There is widespread fog in Germany and France during the day, which keeps all but the most capable Luftwaffe pilots on the ground.

RAF Bomber Command

_46227977_whitley.jpg

RAF bombers returning from a raid on Italy encountered difficulties and 8 Whitley’s and a Czech-crewed Wellington crashed.

RAF Fighter Command

8.jpg

With the autumn weather, accident casualties on both sides (from this time onward) often exceed combat casualties. During the day, enemy activity, which was on a small scale, was confined almost entirely to sporadic raids by single aircraft, the majority of which operated in the southeast. Several of these raids approached the IAZ (Inner Artillery Zone) but only one is reported to have penetrated to London. An isolated raid was plotted near Arbroath where an attempt to intercept was made without success, and others were plotted in the Liverpool, Swansea, Cardiff and Gloucester areas. Enemy raids increased until midnight, after which only a few isolated raids entered the Country. The main attack was directed against London and suburbs, but a small number of early raids visited Wales and the Midlands. A large proportion of raids originated from the direction of Holland.

1940%2Bblitz%2Bsubway%2Bsleeping.jpg

Raids from the Dutch Coast entered the Estuary and crossed near Harwich, the majority flying due West to approach London from the North. A few spread out North over East Anglia and up to the Wash and Humber areas. Enemy aircraft from the Somme area crossed the Coast near Beachy Head and those from Baie de la Seine crossed near Shoreham, all with London as their objective. A number of raids from Cherbourg crossed near Portland and flew to Bristol, South Wales, Midlands and in a few cases to Liverpool. Two raids were plotted in the neighbourhood of the Orkneys. One enemy aircraft crashed near Bishops Stortford at 1920 hrs and another South-West of Denbigh at about 1930 hrs.

1940%2Bblitz%2Bvictim.jpg

About 200 aircraft bombed with a number of raids from the Dutch Coast, crossing between Southwold and the Estuary, most of which flew to London. A few raids appeared over East Anglia, and some were suspected of mine laying off Harwich. Aircraft from the French coast crossed between Beachy Head and Dungeness and flew towards London. Some raids were still operating over the Midlands but few fresh incoming raids were plotted in this area. One raid from the direction of Norway or Denmark crossed the coast South of Leuchars, flew inland to Perth, and after circling crossed the coast at Montrose. Activity appeared to be confined almost entirely to London and the suburbs, the majority of raids originated from the direction of Dieppe.

16oct2.jpg

Dagenham: Fires were reported at Mays & Baker, Ford Motor Works, Briggs Motor Bodies and Pritchard Gold & EPS Company. Effect on production of those companies is not yet known. Owing to interruption of gas supply, production of Non-Ferrous Die Casting Co of North Circular Road is reported to have ceased. The Air Ministry Intelligence at Ritchings Park was severely damaged by a mine and another unexploded mine was in the vicinity. An unexploded HE in the slaughterhouses of Caledonian Market affected distribution of meat in North London. An enemy aircraft machine-gunned the streets of Brockworth (Glos) without effect and it is also reported that a goods train was machine-gunned on two occasions at Yockleton near Shrewsbury. St Pancras: Traffic was at a standstill owing to unexploded mine. Interruptions to traffic were also reported at Crayford, between Orpington and Chelsfield, Sutton and Wimbledon (residents alongside evacuated), Chadwell Heath (LNER Station). An unexploded bomb is reported at Beckton Gas Works, East Ham.

blackfriars-road-surrey-chapel-then.jpg

The London Postal Service at Mount Pleasant did not escape. A high-explosive bomb fell on the Farringdon Road entrance to the Parcel Block. The resulting crater caused a collapse in the road. Fissures ran across the whole of the East Yard right up to the wall of the building. This made the yard impassable and split the Farringdon Road water main, which flooded the Post Office Underground Railway tunnel beneath.

Women-sorting-WW2-.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 12

RAF

249 Sqn K.T.Lofts survived when he force landed his Hurricane V6878 (again), near Tenterdern, Kent after combat with a Bf 109 at 1310hrs. The aircraft was repaired.

Despite official denials, rumours persist that the Germans attempted an invasion in the late summer and perished disastrously. Large numbers of dead Germans are believed to have been washed ashore on the south coast between the Isle of Wight (where the "invasion" was aimed) and Cornwall. One story is that the corpses were charred, because the sea was set on fire.

A further theory is that the Germans held an ill-fated rehearsal of the invasion and that the barges were sunk in storms. No one has seen the bodies, but that is explained by the authorities concealing them. In fact, any bodies washed up were of German airmen shot down.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

17th October 1940

Rslp19401017.gif

Limited visibility helped mask Luftwaffe attacks. In the morning, 90 Bf 109s and Bf 110s attacked Margate, Broadstairs and Stanmore. In the afternoon, large and small concentrations of Luftwaffe aircraft attacked England using clouds to maximum effect to confuse the RAF fighters.

RAF Bomber Command

Bombers attacked the German naval base at Kiel. 2 Group: A new tactic is tried with one crew from each of three squadrons (114, 139 and 218) being given a free hand attacking any target in Germany or occupied territory under cloud cover.

51.jpg

RAF Fighter Command

During the day the Luftwaffe made four fighter sweeps over Kent, some reaching the London district and the Thames Estuary. Approximately 300 fighter aircraft were employed At 0820 about 15 aircraft flew over Dover, the Thames Estuary and reached Hornchurch, where they turned southeast and were intercepted without conclusive results by RAF fighters. At 0900 a second wave of about 60 enemy aircraft North to the Estuary and then home Eastwards, the other penetrated to Central London and then dispersed. Six Squadrons were sent up but did not intercept. At 1305hrs two raids of 50 aircraft in all crossed the coast at Lympne and after passing over Gravesend divided, some retiring south eastwards, others reached Hornchurch before turning back. Of the seven Squadrons sent up, four sighted the enemy and one intercepted (One Bf109 probable). At 1510hrs, four raids totalling about 80 enemy aircraft approached East London and the Kenley-Biggin Hill areas. Some of these aircraft penetrated to Central London. Fourteen Squadrons met this attack, six sighted the enemy and four intercepted (four enemy aircraft destroyed, plus four probable and three damaged). At 1630hrs about 60 enemy aircraft in three waves approached the Kenley and Biggin areas, and attacked Kenley Aerodrome. Of the five Squadrons sent up, one intercepted (one probable, two damaged).

Raids from Holland to the Estuary flew mainly to London, but a few were plotted over East Anglia and up to the Humber. Raids from Somme/Dieppe crossed near Hastings, and raids from Le Havre crossed between Shoreham and Beachy Head, all approaching London. Raids from Cherbourg via Weymouth Bay to Bristol and the Midlands appeared to concentrate on the Birmingham area. Slight mine laying was suspected in the Thames Estuary and off Southwold. No fresh raids appeared from Holland, but raids from Dieppe continued to approach London. Raids to Midlands continued north to the Liverpool area, where considerable hostile activity was plotted. Activity appeared to slacken, but a few fresh raids appeared from Holland, while of those from France the majority originated from Dieppe. A few raids were returning from the Midlands, but otherwise activity was confined to London and the southeast. Damage and dislocation in certain cases occurred at Southwark, where a signal box and platform were demolished, Wandsworth (between Mount Pleasant and Woodlands Way Bridge), Lambeth, Woolwich, Poplar, Wimbledon and Abbey Wood. Bombs were dropped in the courtyard of the National Gallery, near the Colonial Office and Home Office and considerable damage was done to the Treasury where four or five people were trapped. A suspected landmine was been located in the river between County Hall and India Wharf. A bomb fell on Barden Street, Plumstead by the Church of the Ascension and killed three people.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 15

post-6667-029920400%201287136434.jpg

post-6667-010706400%201287136456.jpg

RAF

66 Sqn, Spitfire R6800, H.W. Reilley killed, shot down in combat over Westerham, crashed and burned out at Crockham Hill, Sevenoaks at 1525 hrs

74 Sqn Spitfire P7360 A.L. Ricalton killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s over Maidstone, crashed near Hollingbourne Kent at 1540 hrs.

213 Sqn Hurricane P3174, R Atkinson killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s, crashed at Weeks Farm, Egerton, near Pluckley Kent at 1630 hrs. He was 19

242 Sqn Hurricane V6575, N.N. Campbell killed, presumed damaged by return fire from Do17 engaged off Yarmouth, crashed in sea at 0900 hrs.

302 Sqn Hurricane V7417, Sgt J.S. Zaluski killed, overturned attempting forced-landing at Colliers End, 1005 hrs.

London: Sub-Lt Jack Maynard Cholmondeley Easton RNVR, and AB Bennett Southwall RN, tackled a mine dangling six inches from the floor of a house. It slipped and both men ran for cover, but the huge blast killed AB Southwell and badly injured Sub-Lt Easton. Coventry: 2nd Lt Alexander Fraser Campbell (b. 1898), 9 Bomb Disposal Coy Royal Engineers, lay alongside a bomb in case it began ticking as it was taken from a factory. He defused it but died the next day along with six men of the Royal Engineers when another bomb exploded while he was trying to defuse it.

All were awarded George Crosses

post-6667-029920400 1287136434_thumb.jpg

post-6667-010706400 1287136456_thumb.jpg

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

18th October 1940

Rslp19401018.gif

Fog in the Straits of Dover and Thames Estuary. Visibility poor in Northern Europe

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

302 Sqn lose four pilots on this day all inside five minutes and all due to the weather. It was quiet in the morning but the Luftwaffe flew 35 missions in the afternoon losing 15 aircraft to the RAF's 4. During the night, raids were light and all 160 bombers participating had returned to their airfields by 0145 hrs local.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcR9NOVIGXI

Enemy action by day was on a very reduced scale and consisted mainly of reconnaissance flights and raids by single aircraft. Our fighters damaged one enemy aircraft. At 0645 hrs a single aircraft was plotted from Holland to Malden and back to Ostend. At 0730 hrs another track was plotted along the coast from Beachy Head to Dover, Rye and Dungeness. At 0900 hrs a convoy off Deal was visited by one enemy aircraft. At 1025 hrs two sections of fighters unsuccessfully attempted to intercept an enemy aircraft, which appeared 70 miles East of St Abb's Head and flew on to the Forth Estuary. At 1049 hrs two raids approached Harwich, and at 1134 hrs a raid circled the Thames Estuary and another carried out reconnaissances in the Channel. At 1330 and 1700 hrs single enemy aircraft crossed the coast and were active over London and East Anglia and at 1627 one aircraft, crossing the coast at St Albans Head flew over Wincanton and Gillingham and back over the same course. Around 1700 hrs one raid came in at Southwold, to stay for a short period, and another entered at Dungeness and flew to Kenley and Northolt and out at Pevensey at 1825 hrs. Two further raids came inland and out again at Brighton and Pevensey respectively and at 1733 hrs a raid flew in at Selsey and out over the Isle of Wight.

1940_battle_of_britain_03.jpg

Between 1900 to 2000hrs, 28 raids were plotted flying from the Somme to Pevensey, seven from Baie de La Seine to Shoreham, twenty-five from Cherbourg to Poole and sixteen from Holland to Harwich. The Cherbourg raiders proceeded to Bristol, Liverpool and Birmingham areas in approximately equal numbers and the remainder of the raiders from France flying to the London area. Some of those from Holland came inland to London, but about eight remained in the Estuary presumably mine laying. From 2000 to 2100 hrs activity reduced, six raids entering from the Somme over Pevensey to London, four from Cherbourg over Poole to Bristol, two from Holland to East Anglia and three from Baie de la Seine to the Southampton district. Up to 2300 hrs a steady stream of raids was maintained, eight crossing the coast from France between Selsey and Beachy Head, fifteen between Beachy Head and Dungeness, while thirty entered the Estuary from Holland. These raids confined their activity almost entirely to London, Kent and Essex with occasional tracks to Buckinghamshire and East Anglia.

18oct1.jpg

Finally, from 2300 to 0100 hrs activity gradually declined, only eight incoming tracks being plotted, all to the London area, Liverpool, the Midlands and the West Country was by now completely clear of enemy raiders. Birmingham: Raids commenced at 2008 hrs and the Aston and Bordesley areas were the principal targets. Considerable damage was done to property including Verity's Ltd, Wood Carving Co, LMS Goods Yard and Windsor Street Gas Works. At 2100 hrs several fires were observed in the centre of the City, which included the GPO, Corporation Bus Depot, Birmingham School of Art, 2 timber yards at Aston, 2 paper factories and several other buildings. Lambeth: The Rose and Crown Public House was completely demolished at 2025 hrs by a direct hit. Casualties were 2 dead, 6 injured with a further 40 trapped. Harrow: At 2200 hrs a bomb dropped near the corner of the Air Ministry Unit annexe on the main road. Four airmen were killed and their bodies taken to Harrow Weald Mortuary. Telephones were out of action but operations were safe. Northwood: It was reported that a few bombs fell in the vicinity of Coastal Command Headquarters at about 2125 hrs,

Losses

Luftwaffe – 15

RAF

152 Sqn Spitfire R6607, Sgt E.E. Shepperd killed, crashed at Tadnoll Mill, near Dorchester during afternoon, exact circumstances not known.

302 Sqn Hurricane P3827, P/O S Wapniarek killed, crashed attempting forced-landing on Nutwood Farm, Thames Ditton, on return from patrol in bad weather conditions at1605 hrs. Hurricane V6571, P/O A Zukowski killed when he ran out of fuel having lost bearings in deteriorating weather conditions after routine patrol, crashed at Harp Farm, Boxley, near Detling at 1605 hrs. Hurricane P3931, F/O P.E.G. Carter killed, crashed at Kempton Park Race Course returning from routine patrol in deteriorating weather conditions, 1610 hrs, bailed out at 50ft and Hurricane P3930, F/O J Borowski killed, crashed and burned out on Kempton Park Race Course returning from patrol in deteriorating weather conditions at 1610 hrs.

A second evacuation of the half a million children in the London area was under way. They were leaving at the rate of 2,000 a day in small parties under a "trickle" evacuation scheme. Over 20,000 left in September. A further 89,000 mothers and young children were being assisted to leave in October.

chiscaves9.JPG

When the heavy bombing began on 7 September, thousands of East Enders fled from the devastation. Some 5,000 trekked to Epping Forest and camped there. Others took lorries to the Kent hop fields where they bedded down on straw in the hop-pickers' huts. Thousands of Londoners and local people were now living in the Chislehurst caves in Kent and the caves became famous as ‘Chislehurst Hotel’ - Britain's largest public air raid shelter, housing up to 15,000 people. Buses left Deptford for the caves at teatime returning the next morning. The people made their homes in dugout rooms, with a curtain for privacy. The caves had electric lighting, flushing toilets, a cinema, a chapel, a barber, a gymnasium, a dance floor, a sick bay and a canteen. The caves were so popular, between autumn 1940 and spring 1941 up to 8,000 people lived here every night. Families took over individual caves and installed beds and furniture.

chiscaves16.JPG

chiscaves13.JPG

boro5.jpg

Some 25,000 went to Paddington and took trains to places such as Reading, Basingstoke and Oxford, which alone billeted 15,000 refugees. Most of these "trekkers" had by now returned.

Göring praises his fighter pilots for inflicting such terrible losses on Fighter Command, and his bomber pilots for having "reduced the British plutocracy to fear and terror….

Seven men of The Royal Engineers 9th Bomb Disposal Company lost their lives when an unexploded German bomb removed from the City centre exploded whilst being unloaded de-fusing on Whitley Common on 18 October 1940. The men were:

2nd Lieutenant A.F. Campbell, G.C. Age 42

Sgt. M. Gibson, G.C. Age 34

Sapper W. Gibson Age 22

Sapper R. Gilchrist Age 23

Sapper J. Plumb Age 25

Sapper R.W. Skelton Age 20

Driver E.F. Taylor R.A.S.C. Age 32

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

19th October 1940

Rslp19401019.gif

Cloudy in the Channel and misty in northern France but the weather cleared after 1200 hrs.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

6_pilots_early.jpg

Daytime activity was on a reduced scale, being limited to one attack by fighters on London and reconnaissance activity off the South and East Coasts, a few of which penetrated inland. At 1430 hrs, two enemy raids totalling abut 60 aircraft flew over Dungeness and Maidstone and into the Inner Artillery Zone, some penetrating to Central London, with plots also at Biggin Hill and near Hornchurch. The raids were reported to have been composed of fighters, some carrying bombs. They turned about and returned to France on a reciprocal course, the country being again clear at 1510 hrs. Five Squadrons were despatched to meet this attack; three reported having sighted the enemy.

Hostile raiders were extremely active that evening, 14 from Le Havre, 33 from Dieppe, 20 from Belgium, 14 from Holland, and 18 from Baie de la Seine concentrating on London and its suburbs during this period. In addition, at least 10 raids from Cherbourg penetrated to Liverpool and Manchester, Birmingham and Coventry, with plots also showing over Bristol and South Wales. Three raids from Holland also visited North Eastern areas. From 2100 to 2200 hrs there were 17 raids from France over Kent and Sussex, and 23 from Holland and Belgium via the Thames Estuary, concentrating on London, with a few raids in East Anglia. Seven further raids from Cherbourg flew to the Coventry and Liverpool areas, with plots as far North as Barrow and at Bradford, but on the whole damage to factories and residential quarters was not as great as at first feared. Between 2100 and 2300 hrs A few additional raids entered from Cherbourg, the Midlands and Lancashire, 12 from France and 9 from Holland to London, and six from Holland to East Anglia and Lincolnshire. A particularly vicious attack was launched against London and surrounding suburbs. Railway communications appeared to be the main objective and considerable damage was done. The Dockyards were attacked but damage was not as great as at first thought, owing to a large number of bombs falling either on empty sheds or on warehouses already destroyed. There were numerous fires But all were brought under control. At 2325hrs, the Gas Works in Eastbourne was attacked; thankfully there were no deaths or casualties, although the gasometer was punctured

Losses

Luftwaffe – 4

RAF – 0

flight19401003p26.jpg

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

20th October 1940

Rslp19401020.gif

Mainly cloudy in most districts.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

During the day, bombs were again dropped in the London area but only a few casualties occurred, and property, mostly private, was little damaged. Stream tactics were now less common and massed formations resumed. A number of incidents were reported in Surrey, Sussex, Essex and Kent, and although widespread, did not on the whole cause much damage. Eastbourne & Hove were machine-gunned by an enemy aircraft. As was now customary, London was attacked as soon as darkness fell and the surrounding suburbs were again bombed indiscriminately but not so heavily as on the previous night. Several districts in the Midlands were attacked and Coventry was again the primary objective. Dover was shelled during the day and considering the number of shells fired the results were thankfully poor.

p35-3.jpg

He 111, 1+HS of 8./KG55 returned to Villacoublay on 20 October, 1940, but a ‘hung-up’ incendiary bomb ignited and set fire to the aircraft. Oberfeldwebel Bernhard Hickel and his crew escaped injury

At 0935 hrs, a raid of 20+ aircraft from Cap Gris Nez flew over Biggin Hill and Kenley to Central London and Harrow, and out again over Dover at 1035 hrs. Eight Squadrons were despatched to intercept. At 1100 hrs, 50+ aircraft crossed the coast at Folkestone, flew to Maidstone and Biggin Hill and out again on a reciprocal course at 1140 hrs. At the same time 30+ flew in at Lympne, on to Biggin Hill and Croydon and out again over the South Eastern route. Again eight Squadrons took off to intercept. At 1315 hrs, raids totalling 45+ aircraft came in at Dover and flew across Kent to South London. The raids split into two parts, one from South of Hornchurch going out by the Estuary and North Foreland, and the other over Kent and Dungeness, at 1350 hrs. While the latter attack was in progress further enemy aircraft were massing in the Straits, and at 1420 hrs a wave of 50+ made landfall at Dover and headed for Maidstone and South East London. The attack was split up, part flying from Biggin Hill and out at Dungeness at 1450 hrs, the remainder veering to Hornchurch and out by the Thames Estuary at 1445 hrs. A second wave of 40+ at 1430 hrs flew behind the North Foreland into the Estuary, but did not penetrate inland and left by the same route at 1440 hrs. By 1500 hrs, a raid plotted as 50+ came in near Dungeness and fanned out over Kent and the Estuary in five sections, the last finally leaving the country at 1600 hrs.

Very heavy night attacks (approximately 300 aircraft) made in groups on London and the Midlands. The first raiders from France crossed the coast at about 1900 hrs, and those from Holland at 1918 hrs. During the period 45 enemy aircraft crossed the South Coast and eleven flew to the Essex Coast, of which only two appeared to penetrate inland. The majority of raids from the South went to the London area, a few, however, passing West of London to the Northampton/Bedford area. Seen raids had Birmingham and Derby as their objective. Minelayers were very active from Shoeburyness to the Tees. 2100 to 0100 hrs - Raids from the South Coast continued, 30 flying to the London area and Northern environs, and approximately a further 30 to the Midlands, with special concentrations on Birmingham, Coventry and neighbouring towns. Between 2350 and 0100 hrs about 25 raids crossed the Essex Coast and also appeared to go to North London. Mine laying enemy aircraft continued active as before.

keepcalmandcarryon.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 14

RAF –

74 Sqn Spitfire P7370 T.B.Kirk baled out badly wounded after combat with Bf 109's over Maidstone at 14:55hrs. Spitfire P7426 C.G.Hilken baled out wounded after combat with a Bf 109 over South London at 1500hrs and Spitfire P7355 B.V.Draper force landed after combat with a Bf 109 at 1300hrs. He escaped injury.

248 Sqn Blenheim P6952 G.M. was on a recce sortie off the Norwegian coast when he was shot down and made a P.O.W. Also in the crew were D.L.Burton, R.Copcutt and S.V.Wood.

248 Sqn Blenheim L9453 S.R.Gane was on a recce sortie off the Norwegian coast when he was shot down and killed. The other members of the crew were M.D.Green & N.J.Stocks who were also killed.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

21st October 1940

Rslp19401021.gif

Mainly cloudy with fog and intermittent rain. Poor visibility.

RAF Bomber Command

At 0615hrs, an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley of 58 Sqn (GE-O) which had taken off at 1900hrs the previous night, crashed into a steep hillside on return from a bombing mission on the Skoda Works, Pilsen after being shot by Hptmn Karl Hülshoff of 1/NJG2. The aircraft crashed into a hillside at Botton Head on Ingleby Greenhow Moor, North Yorkshire:

F/O Ernest Henry Brown RAF pilot killed

Sgt Leonard Frank Percy Adlam RAFVR pilot killed

Sgt Marcel Cuthbert Caryll-Tilkin RAF air gunner killed

Sgt Cyril Sidney Garrick Green RAFVR observer killed

Sgt R E Langfield RAF wireless operator injured

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

blitz-city-centre-w400-h282.jpg

Daytime enemy activity was on a small scale. During the morning and early afternoon a series of raids, mostly of single aircraft, approached the London area. A few raids were also plotted to the Midlands and Liverpool. Many of our aerodromes were unserviceable early owing to weather conditions, but fighters were able to take off from Kenley, Biggin Hill, Tangmere and Speke after 1100 hrs. Low clouds made interception difficult. From 0700 to 1100 hrs about eight single aircraft entered the triangle North Foreland - Hornchurch - Beachy Head, the majority flying to the Estuary. One crossed South and West London. Between 1100 and 1400 hrs activity increased, approximately 60 raiders flying from between Calais and Le Havre northwards to London, a few continuing on to Bedford, Northampton, Duxford and Cambridge. After 1500 hrs activity decreased and only a few raids were plotted in the Straits. Two flew to the Kenley-Biggin Hill districts.

img5098.jpg

Despite poor night weather, activity during the evening hours was on a considerable scale and was concentrated on London, the Midlands and Liverpool areas. Irregularity of communications between some stations affected the reports of plotting over the eastern part of the South Coast after 2230 hrs. From 1900 to hrs the first raiders crossed the coast and during the period 39 left Dieppe, 8 Baie de la Seine and 5 Cherbourg. Approximately half of these flew to London, 14 to Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and the remainder to Liverpool and South Wales area. Between 2100 to 0100 hrs, 12 raids from Cherbourg concentrated on the industrial Midlands and Liverpool until 2300 hrs, when activity to these areas appeared to cease. 16 raids were plotted from France, and 25 from Holland, via the Estuary, to London; approximately 6 raids from Denmark flew in over Yorkshire (one visiting Sheffield) and on to the Preston and Barrow.

blitz-high-street-w400-h310.jpg

In Coventry the attack commenced at 1945 hrs. Dicken Leather Works, GEC Stores, Morris Bodies, and Cheylesmore Schools were all gutted. There were other fires at Courtaulds, Riley's and shops in the centre of the town. The Staff Canteen at Alfred Herberts was completely wrecked, and hits were registered on the Gaumont Cinema, King's Head Hotel, and the London Road institution, causing 41 casualties with 23 trapped. The BTH Company wias completely out of action for three days, owing to unexploded bomb and failure of gas and electric supply. Damage to Armstrong Siddeley was extensive and production delayed considerably. The Aero Finished Stores, tool stores, office and canteen were gutted; the water tower was down and the main fractured. There were 22 minor roads blocked in the district and many houses were demolished, rendering up to 500 people homeless.At Weymouth bombs were dropped near the railway station at 1215 hours on the 21st. South National Bus Depot was partially demolished and a number of buses damaged. Four HE were also dropped in Portland Harbour. In Southwark a bomb hit the edge of an underground shelter in the New Kent Road, where 26 people were sheltering, 3 were killed. At St Pancras, a heavy HE made a crater 40 feet in diameter, it fell at the junction of Eversholt Street and Phoenix Road. A large water main was fractured allowing the water to enter the Northern Line railway tube 50 feet below.

v0_master.jpg

This bomb map covers the two-week period of 7 to 21 October 1940 - the height of the London Blitz. Although the East End of the city was slammed by the Luftwaffe during this period, many raids hit central London as can be seen in the bomb census map above.

v0_master.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 6

RAF

245 Sqn Hurricane P3657, E Greenwood missing, dived into Loch Neagh and exploded, cause unknown.

266 Sqn Spitfire X4265, W.S. Williams killed. He took part in an interception and after the action he landed at Stradishall to refuel, as he took off at 1250 hrs he flew low across the airfield and then seemed to stall. His engine cut and unable to pull out, he crashed and was killed, aged 21.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

22nd October 1940

Rslp19401022.gif

Widespread fog in the south, clearing to rain later. In the foggy weather, five German crashes lead to the loss of several senior officers

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

bf109%20collision.jpg

Enemy activity was confined principally to limited coastal reconnaissances in the morning, with slightly increased activity later in the day, due to better weather conditions. It culminated in two fighter sweeps, one over Kent and the other toward South-East London and the Estuary. In Eastbourne, on the junction of Langney Road and Bourne Street, one HE and 10 anti-personnel bombs were dropped at 1025 hrs, causing 18 casualties of which 3 were fatal. Five houses were demolished, a gas main severed and other extensive damage to property caused.

24oct(a).jpg

At 1425 hrs a formation of 30 enemy aircraft crossed the coast at Dungeness and flew towards Redhill and Kenley, where it circled. Three other raids totalling 40 remained in the Straits: of these 9 aircraft eventually flew to North Foreland and Hornchurch passing over two convoys. Both formations turned south and the area was clear by 1520 hrs. At 1615 hrs one raid of 18 aircraft again made a landfall at Dungeness while 4 other raids amounting to 60+ aircraft remained in mid-Channel. Those crossing the coast pursued a course for Hornchurch finally turning South to Biggin Hill, re-crossing the Coast at about 1655 hrs. Eight fighter squadrons were despatched to meet these attacks. Up to 1230, 30 tracks were plotted round North Foreland to Beachy Head. In one case a Dornier flew low inland and over Manston. Interceptions were much hampered owing to fog and low cloud. Enemy patrols continued in the afternoon, two penetrating inland, one towards Redhill and one towards Northolt.

After dark the enemy considered London of secondary importance, and launched their main attacks against the Midlands, mainly Coventry, causing considerable damage with widespread fires. Fires were reported at Cornercroft Ltd, Armstrong Siddeley, Morris Bodies, Smith Molesworth, Coventry Brace Co, Rotherham's Ltd, GEC, LMS Goods Yard, shops and residential property. St Mary's Hall, the Queen's Hotel, and a Public Shelter were hit by HE and a number of people trapped, but all were extricated alive. The spare parts department of the Daimler Works was hit, and an unexploded bomb was also suspected. A further unexploded bomb was removed from Riley's and full production resumed. The situation was well in hand and all fires (150) were brought under control by 2200 hrs. It was reported that during this raid about two hundred persons have been rendered homeless. In Birmingham, a few HE were dropped in the City and suburbs causing fires and slight damage.

22oct(a).jpg

There were also some minor incidents reported in Essex. Between 1700 and 1730 hrs activity developed in the Straits by patrols of from 2 to 6 aircraft but no attack or penetration inland was made. A few raids were tracked off the South Coast, while others were plotted off Lands End and Cardigan Bay. Single aircraft also appeared in the North West and in the Midlands. Raids were on a very much reduced scale. London and the Home Counties, the Midlands, Liverpool and South Wales were attacked. Between 1830 to 2100 hrs the first enemy aircraft crossed the coast and 40 raiders were tracked in up to 1900 hrs, coming from France and Holland; thereafter activity slackened. It was noted that several enemy aircraft turned back before reaching the coast. The majority concentrated on London, and the Birmingham-Coventry area; a few raids penetrated to the Liverpool, Bristol and South Wales areas. One attacked a convoy in the Thames Estuary. By the end of the period there were very few new tracks entering the country. 2100 to 2330 hrs Activity continued on a small scale. 11 raids from France and seven from the Scheldt were plotted to London and the environs, one to Bicester and one to Amersham. Three raids visited Liverpool; six were in the Birmingham area, and three in South Wales. At 2330 hrs the country was clear of enemy aircraft.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 11

RAF

46 Sqn Hurricane R4074 J.P.Morrison was shot down over Dungeness at 1650hrs and killed

74 Sqn Spitfire P7431 P.C.B.St John was shot down by a Bf 109 over South Nuttfield, Surrey at 1530hrs - he was killed. Spitfire P7354 R.L.Spurdle baled out after combat with a Bf 109, the pilot trying to shoot New Zealander Bob Spurdle out of his 'chute but his friend Harbourne Stephen circled to protect him.

257 Sqn Hurricane R4195 N.B.Heywood was hit by A.A. fire during a combat with Bf 109's over Folkestone at 1645hrs. The aircraft crashed South of Lidd in Kent and he was killed. Hurricane V6851 R.H.B.Fraser was shot down by a Bf 109 and killed over Folkstone at 1650hrs.

605 Sqn Hurricane V6783 J.A.Milne was wounded after combat with some Bf 109's. He crash landed near Dorking at 1430hrs with a broken hip.

caterpil.jpg

The Caterpillar Club is an informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft. After authentication by the parachute maker, applicants receive a membership certificate and a distinctive lapel pin - red eyes' meant bailing out over enemy territory and 'green eyes' for bailing out over friendly territory (supposedly). The Caterpillar is symbolic of the silk worm, which lets itself descend gently to earth from heights by spinning a silky thread upon which to hang. Parachutes in the early days were made from pure silk. The Irvin Company started the Caterpillar Club and the practice of awarding the gold Caterpillar Pin in 1922 because each life saved was the result of Leslie Irvin's invention, symbolizing Irwin's dedication to safety in the air. It is estimated that at least 100,000 persons have saved their lives by Irvin parachutes. These were strictly unofficial awards and were not authorized for wearing on the RAF uniform.

caterpillar.jpg

Landing a land plane on the water and using a dinghy made by P.B.Cow and Company entitled the aircrew to receive membership of The Goldfish Club.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

23rd October 1940

Rslp19401023.gif

Low cloud and drizzle. Visibility poor. Typical British Autumn weather was having a significant effect on the flying capabilities of both the RAF and the Luftwaffe

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

Hurricane+006.jpg

Enemy activity was on a small scale, no raids being reported between 0600 and 1200 hrs. All those plotted during the day, except one, appear to have been made by single aircraft. RAF fighters damaged one enemy aircraft, but suffered no loss. At 1240 hrs an aircraft from Calais flew from Dover to Dungeness and Hastings, where it turned north and crossed the Inner Artillery Zone. This aircraft is reported to have attacked Stanmore before returning across the IAZ and going across Kent. At 1323 hrs a raid from Holland came into the Estuary over a convoy off Clacton, circled Harwich for ten minutes and returned to the Scheldt; this was followed at 1331 hrs by another from Holland into the Estuary, over two convoys northwest of Herne Bay and then to South East London and back to the Scheldt. Between 1424 and 1522 hrs a reconnaissance was made from the South of Orfordness to Luton, North of North Weald and Clacton. At 1522 hrs an unidentified aircraft crossed the coast between Southwold and Orfordness and flew to Peterborough, Grantham, Wittering, Duxford and Bury St Edmunds and faded North of Martlesham. At 1547 hrs a raid flew into the Estuary as far as Hornchurch. At 1610 hrs an aircraft from the Scheldt flew over a convoy in the Estuary and then via the Blackwater to Hornchurch, Gravesend and Rochester and back to Holland. Between 1630 and 1700 hrs two aircraft crossed the coast at Beachy Head but did not penetrate far inland. At 1700 hrs an unidentified aircraft was off Southwold and a single enemy aircraft entered the Estuary and flew to Hornchurch, round the London area and out over Sheppey.

x003-2674-943-dornier-do17-hendon.jpg

Between 1700 and 1800 hrs a reconnaissance was made from the Dutch Coast to the Mouth of the Estuary. At 1210 hrs a single enemy crossed the coast near St Alban's Head, passed near Swindon and turned South to the Isle of Wight and Le Havre. Between 1359 and 1440 hrs a raid from the East of Cherbourg passed between two convoys off Portsmouth but did not cross the coast. From1800 hrs to 2100 hrs The first aircraft engaged on night operations was plotted leaving the Abbeville area at 1807 hrs and between that time and 2100 hrs activity developed on a moderate scale only, 10 tracks being plotted from the Dutch Islands via the Estuary to London, and 17 from the Somme area towards the same objective. At 2100 hrs there was only one raid inland, flying east down the Estuary. 2100 to 0100 hrs - although slight activity was continued towards London, mainly from Eastern points, throughout this period, about 12 enemy aircraft penetrated the Yorkshire coast from the East. These held their course until they reached the Western seaboard and were tracked a short distance out to sea off the Lancashire Coast. It is thought that these aircraft were mine laying as their speeds varied between 150 and 180 mph only. The majority returned on reciprocal courses, while other tracks returned on reciprocal courses, while other tracks indicated probable mine laying off the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire coasts. A few enemy aircraft may also have been mine laying in the Estuary.

Spitfire+610+Squadron.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 3

RAF - 0

General-Franco-meeting-Ad-006.jpg

The reunion or 'Hendaye interview' took place at the railway station of the French town of Hendaye near the Spanish-French border on October 23, 1940. Francisco Franco met with Adolf Hitler in an attempt to persuade Spain to join the war. They were joined by foreign ministers Ramon Suñer Serrano and Joachim von Ribbentrop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d32vTvpV7s

In London, MPs protested at critical comments by the author H G Wells, now lecturing in America, about British politicians and generals, whom he has also criticised in the Sunday Pictorial magazine. The government was asked why he was allowed to go abroad to denigrate his country at its hour of peril. Emanuel (Manny) Shinwell, a Labour MP, deplored Wells's speech but said that we were fighting for the right of free expression. Mr Peake, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Home Office, said that Britain needed all the dollars it could earn; an American senator has said that Wells is harming Britain's cause.

A third order for 1000 Spitfires was placed.

The nightly assault on London continued without respite from 7/8th September to 12/13th November. Over the whole of this period there were only ten nights in which the Germans' effort did not, according to their own method of reckoning, amount to a 'major raid'—one, that is to say, in which they dropped at least 100 metric tons of explosive. Occasionally the enemy's activity was reduced because of bad weather, but normally the attack, extending over many hours, was carried out by between 150 and 300 bombers. It was an ordeal, which for sheer continuity was not to be exceeded on either side during the war. But London is a large place, with a spirited population; and few of the enemy aircraft carried much more than ton of bombs. Unless the raiders could destroy key points like power stations and gasworks—and fortunately they showed very little ability in this direction—they would be in for a long job.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

24th October 1940

Rslp19401024.gif

Overcast and hazy in the Channel, clearing to a moonlit night.

RAF Bomber Command

4 Group – Bombing: Air Ministry buildings in Berlin, Germany by 102 Sqn.

102Sqn3.jpg

Whitley V P5073/D - took off at 2202hrs captained by P/O A G Davies, RAF, and shot down in flames by an enemy night-fighter piloted by Fw Hans Hahn of III/NJG2 less than ten minutes later. P5073 fell near Tolthorpe, 4 miles NNW of the base, killing the second pilot and observer, who are both buried at Newton-on-Ouse. The other three crew were all wounded, two dying within the next nine days.

2nd Pilot: 42759 P/O Thomas Russell MURFITT, RAF - Age 24. 360hrs. 15th op.

Observer: NZ391870 Sgt Ian Cowie SCOULAR, RNZAF - Age 25. 133hrs.

40806 P/O. A. G. Davies (Capt) took off at 2200 hours 24th Oct. 40 from a standard single row flare path at THOLTHORPE.

On attaining a height of 1,400 feet he observed tracer to his left and below, and also immediately noticed tracer which he estimated was passing through the starboard wing tanks. At the time the Pilot was executing a left hand circuit of the flare path. He throttle back, turned the navigation lights and petrol off, and observed a fire underneath the starboard main plane. Height was lost and an attempt was made to trim the aircraft with the elevator tabs but they did not function. The pilot saw the ground vaguely through the light of the fire, opened the escape hatch. Fire was not intense. The aircraft struck a tree and flames immediately spread all over the cabin. The Pilot hit his head on the roof, but managed to scramble through the hatch and fell backwards to the ground, and then ran a few yards away. He then went back to the aircraft, and attempted to release Sgt. Wilson who was caught on a projection in the aircraft by his parachute harness, his hair was on fire but P/O. Davies put the flames out with his hands. He was unable to release Sgt. Wilson but the latter was able to release himself after about 30 seconds. P/O. Davies then saw P/O. Lee, the tail gunner, reeling from the tail. He called to P/O. Lee and told him to run away from the aircraft and get down beside a nearby railway embankment. The fire was then much too intense to get near the aircraft. One or two bombs exploded also a tank and some pyrotechnics. P/O. Davies rallied Lee and Wilson and ran to the railway line, another bomb went off and he ordered them to lie flat in a ditch. They eventually crossed the line and lay down beside the far embankment. Three or four bombs went off while they were there, and pyrotechnics fell all around them. P/O. Davies took Wilsons sidcot off, and then Wilson and Davies took Lees harness, sidcot and boots off. Wilson called for help and some soldiers arrived on the scene and took the survivors to a local Inn. An Army M.O. attended them and despatched them to York Military Hospital where they remain. P/O. Murfitt and Sgt. Scoular perished in the aircraft.

Sgt. Wilson suffered severe facial burns and very severe burns to both hands.

P/O. Davies left hand was severely burnt and his right hand and face burnt.

P/O. Lee had suffered internal injuries.

I consider that P/O. Davies throughout displayed exemplary coolness, and presence of mind, and set a Captain's example to the survivors of his crew.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

gosford_street_380x280.jpg

During the morning enemy activity was slight being limited to a few reconnaissances; later in the day reconnaissance activity was on an increased scale. At about 1100 hrs, one enemy aircraft flew west over Southwold and penetrated to within 20 miles of Coventry before turning back. This aircraft was intercepted and destroyed near St Neots. Between 0700 and 1100 hrs, five single aircraft were plotted in the Channel, one in the Estuary and one flew from Deal to Kenley, Farnborough, Middle Wallop and Southampton. Later a few aircraft penetrated to the Maidstone areas, two to Kenley and Northolt and one to Debden and Duxford. During the morning, a Do17 was destroyed between Dover and Ostend and a Bf109 damaged near Ashford In the morning, one enemy aircraft reconnoitred the coast from Portland to Beachy Head and one was reported in Cardigan Bay. In the afternoon, single aircraft flew inland to Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare, one to Guildford and one from Portsmouth to Northolt, Reading and Leighton Buzzard.

Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-341-0456-03_Frankreich_Flugzeuge_Dornier_Do_17.jpg

Between 1900 Hrs to 2100 Hrs Enemy aircraft began to appear from the Dutch Islands, the Somme area and Cherbourg at about 1900 hrs, the majority flying towards London and the remainder - about six tracks - towards St Alban's Head. London and Birmingham appeared to be the main objectives, but activity towards the former was not on a large scale, many aircraft apparently turning away after reaching the outer suburbs. Birmingham: At 1953 an attack commenced during which many HE and incendiary bombs were dropped causing 90 fires, some of which were serious. New Street Station suffered considerable damage, fires breaking out on five platforms. Damage included a passenger train, 3 signal boxes, loaded parcel vans, and the roof of the station was badly affected. Bombs are also reported to have been dropped on the following buildings, Snowhill Station, Dunlop Rubber Co's Works. Frankenburg's, Lawrence Bros and Woolworth' in New Street. Casualties were 5 dead and 28 injured. One raid was plotted in the Liverpool area. 2100 to 0100 hrs - The moderate intensity of the raids on London appeared to diminish at the commencement of this period, and up to 2330 hrs had been maintained only by isolated aircraft. Raids continued to be plotted towards Birmingham via Bristol, but this attack had ceased by 2200 hrs. About 2330 hrs, a repetition of the previous night's activity from the Yorkshire Coast to Liverpool Bay was apparent, though on a smaller scale, the aircraft again returning on Easterly courses. Other enemy aircraft were plotted from a South Easterly direction towards the Clyde.

bombing.original.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 11

P007942LG.jpg

UK-RAF-I-8.jpg

RAF – 0

The meeting between Hitler and the French leader, Maréchal Pétain on the 24th October 1940.

Fre%2BP%2Band%2BH.jpg

The above photograph taken at Montoire and was a ‘Scarlet Letter’ Petain would wear in his last days. The handshake was a matter of protocol but was exploited as an undeniable symbol of collaboration. It was vice-premier Pierre Laval who coerced Petain to go to this meeting. Two days before, Laval had a meeting with Hitler in the same location and he had suggested to Hitler that he met with the Marechal of France.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

25th October 1940

Rslp19401025.gif

Fair but overcast.

RAF Bomber Command

Heavy raids on Berlin and Hamburg.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

image055.jpg

50 Luftwafe aircraft crossed the coast at Dungeness and flying towards Maidstone and Biggin Hill split into five sections. A sweep followed over South East London to Kenley. While this attack was in progress two other formations flew inland - one of 12 aircraft at Dungeness and the other of 40 aircraft at Hastings. At 0920 hrs, the raids, increasing to 65 aircraft concentrated towards Biggin Hill but a split of some 20 aircraft flew to central London. At 0930 hrs, these enemy aircraft had turned south but at 0925 hrs, two further raids numbering 90+ aircraft were plotted in at Dungeness. The leading raid of 50 aircraft flew towards Biggin Hill and penetrated to Central London at 0955 hrs. The second formation of 40 aircraft remained in the Maidstone area. By 1010 hrs, the attacks had spent themselves. During the period, patrols estimated at 100 aircraft were maintained in the Channel. Enemy aircraft numbering 100 crossed the coast near Dover at 20,000 feet at 1154hrs and flew on a Westerly course past Maidstone. The formation split into many small sections and covered the South East from Hornchurch to South of Biggin Hill. By 1215 hours, the attack had become still further split up and spread from Gravesend to Hastings. Three Squadrons from 12 Group which we in the air at Duxford were sent to the Maidstone patrol line. 50 enemy aircraft then flew inland at Dungeness followed by 20 others. A split remained near Dover while the main body flew to Central London at 1330 hours splitting into small formations en route. The IAZ was clear at 1345 hours.

dorniers-beachy-head.jpg

Enemy aircraft began massing from1440 hrs and flying in gradually extended circles, flew inland following the usual route. Of the 60 aircraft, 30 penetrated Central London. While this attack was in progress two formations - each of 20 aircraft - crossed the coast at Beachy Head and flew in, turned near Kenley and spread out over an area between Tangmere and Maidstone. The enemy aircraft were returning to France in small sections by 1540 hrs

eb5.jpg

At1620hrs on the 25th, 8 HE bombs dropped on Eastbourne and damage included this property destroyed in The Goffs, there were 5 casualties.

The evening attack on London commenced at about 1830 hours from the mouth of the Scheldt and from Dieppe in moderate strength, while at the same time a minor attack was carried out in the Montrose area. Raids also appeared from Cherbourg flying Northwards. 33 were tracked over the coast between Selsey and Portland, 22 of which continued to Birmingham and the Midlands and 11 to Pembroke, Cardiff and Liverpool. Meanwhile, 45 raids approached London from the East and South and the attack was sustained, although in gradually diminishing strength, throughout the period. A single enemy aircraft was shot down by a Beaufighter of 219 Sqn (Redhill) at Seaford. The Luftwaffe aircraft continued to penetrate to the Midlands and to a lesser extent to Liverpool, and in the former area the attack was maintained until about 2300 hrs, while in the latter area, it had ceased by about 2230 hrs. The attack on London was maintained spasmodically, never completely ceasing but reviving towards the end of the period when enemy aircraft were also plotted flying West of London in a North Westerly direction towards Slough and returning on reciprocal tracks. The Germans reluctantly allow the Italian Expeditionary Force to join them in Fiat BR 20s from Belgian bases, bombing Harwich at night and losing 3.

cai_5.jpg

blackfriars-road-then.jpg

Blackfriars Road, 25 October 1940 a huge bomb landed destroying some trams, which were trying to temporarily shelter from the onslaught.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 21

BB10-Fallen-Eagle-Me109-Spitfire.jpg

Leutnant Hermann Ripke of 8/JG26 falls victim to P/O Tom Sherrington of 92 Sqn high above Sevenoaks, Kent on 25 October 1940. Leutnant Ripke's Messerschmitt 109E fell at Riverhill House, Sevenoaks. His wingman Joseph Gartner was shot down by 92 Sqn's F/O "Pancho" Villa. Gartner's aircraft crashed at Congelow Farm, Yalding.

RAF

OxspringB.gif

66 Sqn Spitfire X4107 R.W.’Oxo’ Oxspring was on patrol leading a flight when they bounced 6 Bf 109's. He bailed safely out of his blazing aircraft over Tonbridge after the combat at 0900hrs.

145 Sqn Hurricane P3926 R.D.Yule was shot down by Bf 109s in a combat over Kent and was admitted to hospital with leg wounds after making a forced landing which completely wrote off his aircraft

249 Sqn Hurricane P3615 J.M.B.Beard was wounded when he baled out of his stricken Hurricane after combat with a Bf 109 over Linton, Kent at 1200hrs.

302 Sqn Hurricane V7593 F.Jastrzebski was K.I.A. He failed to return after a patrol over the Channel

501 Sqn Hurricane N2438 V.R.Snell was shot down over Cranbrook at 1515hrs on. He was not injured. Hurricane P2903 V.Goth was killed when he collided with P/O K.W.Mackenzie's Hurricane V6806 during combat with Bf 109's over Tenterden, Kent at 1525hrs.

603 Sqn Spitfire P7635 S.F.Soden shot down by a Bf 109, baling out near Chartham, Kent and badly injuring a leg on landing. Spitfire P7309 P.Olver was injured when he baled out after combat with Bf 109's near Chartham, Kent at 1015hrs

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

26th October 1940

Rslp19401026.gif

Cloudy with showers, brighter in the west with some channel haze

RAF Bomber Command

83sqnhampden.gif

Sgt Gwyn Loveluck of 83 Sqn died on the 26th October 1940. He was the pilot of a Hampden bomber, which was on a mission to mine the Gironde river estuary in recently occupied France. The bomber was shot down by a night fighter near Liege, and no trace ever found. Also lost in this accident were crew members:

Sgt KE Young aged 20

Sgt JM Dall aged 22

Sgt GL Middleton aged 27

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

Enemy activity during the day appears to have consisted chiefly of raids by small formations of Bf109s on southeastern areas. On only one occasion - in the morning - were the raids sufficiently close together to constitute a major attack and few enemy aircraft penetrated to Central London. At 0855 hrs in Kilburn Terrace, the Station, Harding Avenue and Bourne Street in Eastbourne – 4 people were killed including a bomb disposal team killed by a UXB under a train. There was some enemy activity in the straits of Dover and the Channel, extending as far west as Poole. In the morning, shipping in the Estuary and in the Channel appears to have been visited. Reports indicated that RAF fighters destroyed 4 enemy aircraft, plus 4 probable and 8 damaged. At 1136 hrs, formations varying in size from 3+ to 30+ and totalling 80+ aircraft, crossed from the Gris Nez and Boulogne areas to Lympne. Some of these did not penetrate far inland, whilst others flew to Tonbridge and some on to London.

x003-8460-cLG.jpgBomb damage at Oxley, 26 October 1940.

During the evening there was little variation from the usual procedure, the main attacks being directed against London, the Midlands and Liverpool. The attacks were moderately heavy during the earlier part of the night, but later, only London was kept on the 'Alert' by a succession of single aircraft. Operations commenced at 1806 hrs with raids plotted from points on the French Coast and from the Scheldt at 1815 hrs. Early phases showed the greatest intensity and 95 raids were plotted entering the Country towards London, the majority reaching the Capital. Several others fanned out towards Bedford, Northampton and two to Chesterfield. Between 1800 and 1900 hrs, 18 raids crossed the South Coast in the Swanage area and these - with some entering at Shoreham - went to Bristol, the Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool. One raid was tracked from the Tay to Glasgow and Eastwards via Firth of Forth. Minelayers were probably operating off the Essex Coast. From 2100 to 0100 hrs there was a gradual decrease of effort against London, until by 0100 hrs it had developed into a 'nuisance' attack. The attack on the Midlands had ceased by 2330 hrs. Enemy minelayers again crossed the Yorkshire to the Lancashire Coast, returning on same courses. A more unusual feature was the plotting of eight raids from Denmark at about 2345 hrs. These approached within 50 miles of Scarborough, maintaining this distance from the coast while flying north to Firth of Forth before returning to Denmark. A 13 Group report (unconfirmed) that an enemy aircraft exploded off the Tees Mouth at 0011 hrs.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 10

RAF

222 Sqn Spitfire R6773 P.O.Davis crash landed at 1745hrs. His Merlin engine had caught on fire but he escaped injury.

229 Sqn Hurricane V6704 D.B.H.McHardy became a P.O.W. when his Hurricanewas shot down off the French coast by a Bf 109 after attacking an He 59 at 1130hrs.and Hurricane W6669 G.M.Simpson was killed in action when he was shot down off the French coast by a Bf 109 after he attacked an He 59 at 1130hrs.

602 Sqn Spitfire R6839 D.W.Elcome was reported M.I.A. when he failed to return from patrol. His body was never recovered.

605 Sqn Hurricane P3737 C.W.Passy escaped injury when he force landed near Marks Cross, Sussex at 1235hrs. His Hurricane had developed engine problems whilst chasing a Bf 109. Hurricane P2916 J.C.F.’Spud’ Hayter was attacked at 25000 feet and his aircraft set on fire. Slightly wounded, Hayter baled out after combat with the Bf 109 at 1545hrs. He landed in the grounds of a house where a cocktail party was taking place. He was invited to join it and was later picked up by his fiancée, who lived not far away!

i00007ux.jpg

London Transport took a hammering as the Luftwaffe kept up its nightly attacks on the capital. Railways in particular were hit hard, not just at the docks but also with main-line stations regularly bombed. This week 70 years ago it was the turn of St Pancras station, but the forecourt of Victoria station was also badly damaged. For travellers train services, especially on the Southern Railway, often terminated in the suburbs, and commuters faced new puzzles every day in finding "passable" routes to the office. Unexploded bombs closing many streets added to the frustration by diverting bus routes. So many buses and tramcars had been bombed that Londoners saw the unfamiliar colours of buses borrowed from as far away as Aberdeen and Exeter on their streets. Bombs had also interrupted the Underground. Four stations were hit, the worst being Ballam, where 600 people sheltering were deluged with a river of sludge when the road and water mains above caved in, suffocating 64 of them

A Focke-Wulf Fw 200 bombed the luxury liner 'Empress of Britain' off the coast of Ireland. An attack by U32 finally sank the liner, 2 days later.

empressofbritain2_04.jpg

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

27th October 1940

Rslp19401027.gif

Cloudy all day except for some brighter weather in the late morning. At night, clearer conditions bring heavy attacks on London, Bristol and Merseyside, plus low-level attacks on East Anglia and other airfields.

RAF Bomber Command

In a night of widespread bombing, the RAF successfully targets the key Skoda arms plant at Plzen in Czechoslovakia.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

me_109_2_001.jpg

During the day, the enemy made four attacks in southeast England and in the afternoon, one attack in the Portsmouth/Southampton area. Enemy formations were almost entirely composed of fighters, but in some cases a few bombers were observed. Between 0740 and 0900 hrs, three waves, totalling about 60 aircraft, flew into the Kenley and Biggin Hill areas, and about 10 enemy aircraft reached Central London. A number of other airfields came under attack again. Hawkinge, still a forward airfield and of only minor importance, Martlesham, Kirton-on-Lindsay, Driffield and Honnington were are also attacked, but serious damage was kept to a minimum.14 Squadrons were sent up and 6 Bf109s were destroyed. At 1020 hrs, about 10 enemy aircraft flew 10 miles inland from Beachy Head but then turned back. At 1125 hrs, 60 enemy aircraft in three formations crossed the coast to the Dartford and Biggin Hill districts. 12 Squadrons were sent up, of which 7 sighted the enemy. At 1320 hrs, one raid of 14 aircraft approached Faversham from Dungeness and then turned east; simultaneously another raid of 20 aircraft reached the Central London area and a secondary wave turned back over Ashford. At 1615 hrs, a raid of 60 aircraft came in over the North Foreland. Some remained in East Kent, but the majority crossed the Estuary to the Martlesham and Harwich areas, and Martlesham was attacked. 5 Squadrons were detailed to this raid. At the same time, 55 aircraft flew in over Dungeness to Biggin Hill and 7 Squadrons were sent up to this raid. There were no interceptions. Concurrent with this attack, about 50 fighters and a several Ju88s flew from Cherbourg towards Southampton. 10 Squadrons were sent up and the main raid was turned back near the coast, a few only penetrating to Southampton/Portsmouth area.

BB4-The-Chase-Me109-Spitfire.jpg

A depiction of Unteroffizier Arno Zimmermann's Messerschmitt Bf109 of 7/JG54 is in trouble as he is pursued at low level by a Spitfire on the morning of 27 October 1940. Zimmermann made a safe forced landing on the beach at Lydd and survived the war as a P.o.W

Night operations were mainly on lines similar to those of last night but at slightly reduced strength. An extensive dusk attack on aerodromes and a widening of the areas covered by enemy aircraft were unusual features. Between 1800 Hrs to 2100 Hrs as a preliminary to night operations, a dusk attack was launched against aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. By the time the first of the night raiders appeared off the French Coast (1840 hrs), those attacks had ceased. The main objectives were again London, the Midlands and Liverpool. By 2100 hrs, 52 raids had flown towards London and 8 had crossed the Coast en route to Liverpool or the Midlands. Between 2100 and 0100 hrs the attack on London was maintained at fair strength but later became sporadic, assuming the single 'relay' character. These enemy aircraft operated mainly from Le Havre, Somme and the Dutch Islands. The attacks on Coventry and Liverpool increased in strength and over the former were still being plotted at 010 hrs, although they had ceased over the latter about midnight. A marked feature was wide dispersal of raiders, practically all districts South of a line Barrow to Middlesbrough being visited at some time during the period. The route Selsey - Oxford - Midlands, with fanning out both East and West, seemed particularly favoured. It was confirmed that AA guns shot down a He111 near Coltishall at 1810 hrs, and a Ju88 South East of Malton at about the same time. Tees guns also claimed a victim destroyed at 0300 hrs, but this was not confirmed. Mine laying activity was fairly continuous throughout his period, extending from the Estuary to the Firth of Forth, and being more intense in the Forth to Hartlepool area.

12.jpg

L to R - Brian Draper, Harbourne Mackay Stephen who destroyed a Bf109 on 27 October 1940 and Sailor Malan all from 74 Sqn

Losses

Luftwaffe – 12

bf109-shot-down.jpg

RAF

74 Sqn Spitfire P7526 J.A.Scott was shot down and killed by a Bf 109 over Maidstone at 0900hrs.

92 Sqn Spitfire R6721 D.E.Kingaby orce landed near Leatherhead, Surrey.

145 Sqn Hurricane V7422 D.G.S.Honor force landed near St Leonards, Sussex at 1220hrs. He had run out of fuel after combat and was unhurt. Hurricane N2494 D.B.Sykes also force landed near St Leonards, Sussex at 1220hrs. He had run out of fuel after combat and was unhurt. Hurricane P3168 A.I.R.G.Jottard was shot down and killed by a Bf 109 at 1715hrs off the Isle of Wight. Hurricane V6888 J.K.Haire ditched on the sands of Bembridge and escaped injury after a dogfight with a Bf 109 at 1715hrs. Hurricane V7592 F.Weber baled out off the Isle of Wight safely after combat with a Bf 109 at 1715hrs and was picked up out of the Channel.

222 Sqn Spitfire X4548 E.F.Edsall ran out of fuel after combat and he was injured when he crash-landed at Pattendens Farm, Battle Road Hailsham at 1405hrs. He flew through some power cables and as he came down, crashed heavily He was rushed to Hellingly Hospital for treatment leaving his aircraft a complete right-off.

603 Sqn Spitfire P7439 C.W.Goldsmith was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 51 South of Maidstone at 1405hrs. He died of his wounds the following day and Spitfire P7365 R.B.Dewey was killed when he was shot down by another Bf 109 of JG 51 south of Maidstone at1405hrs.

605 Sqn Hurricane V7599 A.Ingle was wounded with slight cuts to the face when his Hurricane sustained battle damage and suffered a forced landing at Barcombe, Sussex at 0940hrs.

609 Sqn Spitfire P9503 P.A.Baillon bailed out safely after combat over Andover at 1150hrs.

Mussolini and Hitler speak in Florence on 27 October 1940:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cwju6X-pl4

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

28th October 1940

Rslp19401028.gif

Misty in northern France. Fog over the Thames Estuary and Straits clearing later.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

20 to 30 enemy aircraft crossed the Coast to Dungeness and flew on a 5-mile front towards Biggin Hill but split into several sections and turned away before reaching it. They were recrossing the Coast by 1315 hrs. 18+ enemy aircraft flew in from Dover to Maidstone and the Biggin Hill area. As in the previous sweep, penetration was not made further North West. The enemy were heading South East by 1440 hrs. While 65+ aircraft were circling off Calais, a raid of 30+ flew Northwards from Le Havre towards the Isle of Wight. They were over Portsmouth at 1630 hrs and remained there until 1650 hours. Meanwhile, of the Calais formations, which had increased, 20 made a landfall at Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, and 80 - crossing at Beachy Head - made for Biggin Hill. Neither raid penetrated further than the Biggin Hill - Kenley area and they were recrossing the Coast by 1635 hrs. At 1642 hrs, fresh formations of 50, 30+ and 50 aircraft came inland between Beachy Head and Dungeness, one raid going to Hornchurch and the others to Biggin Hill. They were all retiring Eastwards down the Estuary and across the South Coast by 1710 hrs. Bombs are reported at various localities although only Bf109s appear to have been operating. Two Squadrons were despatched to the Portsmouth feint and 9 Squadrons to the Kentish attack.

spitfire-602-squadron-firth-of-forth.jpg

Between 1900 Hrs to 2100 Hrs, 31 raids were plotted from the Cherbourg and Le Havre areas, crossing the Coast between Swanage and Beachy Head. From other French sources - in particular, Dieppe - 44 raids were plotted to the Coast between Selsey Bill and North Foreland. 15 raids originated from the Dutch Coast. Activity was fairly widespread over most of the Country, but the majority of raids made London and its suburbs their objective, although many appeared to turn back without penetrating the Inner Artillery Zone. In the Midlands, Birmingham was the principal target but raids were also plotted over Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry and Reading. One or two raids appeared in the Sunderland area while others were plotted near aerodromes in Lincolnshire and East Anglia. Minelaying was suspected by about 6 raids in the Estuary. From 2100 Hrs to 0100 Hrs, 43 incoming raids were plotted from the French Coast, and about 12 from the direction of Holland. London and Birmingham continued to be the main objectives. Between 2100 and 2300 hrs, there was considerable activity along the Coast Between Newcastle and Aberdeen but no penetration inland of more that a few miles. Enemy activity lessened considerably towards the end of this period.

CH1500LG.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 12

RAF - 0

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

29th October 1940

Rslp19401029.gif

Channel overcast. Haze in northern France and Dover Straits.

RAF Fighter Command and ‘the Blitz’

31oct(a).jpg

On October 29th, the Luftwaffe launched what was possibly their last and final raid of any importance on London during the Battle of Britain. 40+ bombers are intercepted by RAF fighters but a number of them get through and manage to drop bombs on London. Park again asks that 12 Groups fighters to intercept the bombers, but it takes over twenty minutes before the Duxford Wing to form and is again too late to attack the bombers. At 1025 hrs 15+ enemy aircraft crossed the Coast at Folkestone and split North of Maidstone, one part penetrating to West and North West London, the other flying to Central London. These aircraft returned over Kenley and recrossed at Beachy Head and Deal. At 1045 hrs 9+ enemy aircraft flew in over Deal and swept over Manston, flying out along the Estuary. At 1220 hrs 2 raids of 30+ and 20+ crossed the coast at Dungeness and Dover respectively.

FP_Bucks_Civi_%20Defence_Sit_Rep29Oct1940.jpg

The former raid flew over Biggin Hill area to West London and then turned east, returning home via Rochester area. The other raid split near Canterbury, one part flying over the Isle of Sheppey to Hornchurch and the other part to Rochester, returning over Maidstone. Around 1200hrs, 100+ bomb carrying Bf 109s were intercepted by nine squadrons of British fighters. The Hurricanes and Spitfires had height advantage and dived onto the approaching 109s. 8 of the Messerschmitts were shot down in less than ten minutes, and the others dropped their bombs at random and turned back in retreat. At 1255 hrs, 12+ crossed near Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, where they turned and recrossed the coast at Dungeness. The Italians reappear briefly with 15, Fiat BR20 bombers escorted by 39 CR42 and 34 G50bis fighters attacking Ramsgate. The CR42 biplanes causing more puzzlement than anxiety!

fiat-cr-42-falco-fighter-02.png

Other attacks were made at Harwich, Portsmouth, and North Weald is attacked by dive bombing Bf109s. 15+ flew over Dover and penetrated to Central London, returning over Dover at 1340 hrs. At 1255 hrs, 12+ crossed near Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, where they turned and recrossed the coast at Dungeness. While this raid was in progress 15+ flew over Dover and penetrated to Central London, returning over Dover at 1340 hrs. At 1430 hrs, 50+ enemy aircraft approached the Isle of Wight, where they split, one part approaching Portsmouth, while the other part flew to Thorney Island area. All raids were returning to Le Havre at 1500 hours. At 1700 hrs, 30+ enemy aircraft off Selsey Bill turned to attack Portsmouth but were dispersed without penetrating inland. There were attacks on aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire and at 1740 hrs, a number of raids showing strengths of 1+ to 3+ crossed the east coast at various points, and approached aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. About nine raids crossed between Orfordness and Southwold, and about twelve between the Wash and the Tees. Most of these raids were returning home by 1850 hrs.

249-stroud-29oct40.jpg

Evening enemy activity was on a reduced scale, but a larger proportion of raids visited the Midlands, where the Birmingham/Coventry area was the main target. London received less raids than usual but activity was widespread over the Home Counties. The majority of raids appeared to originate from the French Coast. Many raids in South East England turned back before reaching the Inner Artillery Zone. Raids from Seine and Cherbourg areas penetrated to the Midlands and concentrated on Birmingham and Coventry areas; a few were plotted over Liverpool. Between 2100 and 0100 hrs raids from Cherbourg and the Channel Islands continued the attack on Birmingham and Coventry. Plots also appeared over Oxford and Reading areas. Activity in the South East continued to be widespread over the Home Counties.

Losses

Luftwaffe – 19

AAAAAAAAAFL3.jpg

Messerschmitt%252520Bf%252520109E-7%252520Akemi%252520Mizoguchi_400x.jpg

Bf 109 (5+I) of JG3 flown by Oberleutnant Egon Troha crash-landed at Shepherdswell, Kent 29 October 1940

RAF

1 Sqn Hurricane P3318 W.T.Page force landed near Peterborough after combat with a Dornier Do 17 at 1730hrs and Hurricane P3893 F.Surma baled out safely over Bobbingworth at 1700hrs.

spitfiremk1.06.jpg

19 Sqn, Spitfire P7423 A.G. Blake killed, believed 'picked-off' by Bf109 whilst acting as 'weaver' during squadron patrol over south London, crashed and burned out at 'Oakhurst', 216 London Rd, Chelmsford at 1715 hrs.

46 Sqn Hurricane s/n unknown, Sgt H.E. Black killed (died 9/11/40), shot down in combat with Bf109s and believed crashed in Hothfield Park near Ashford.

213 Sqn Hurricane V7622, R.R. Hutley killed, abandoned aircraft during squadron patrol - baled out off Selsey after combat at 1445, picked up but died.

257 Sqn Hurricane V6852, A.G. Girdwood killed, caught taking-off during low-level bombing attack on base by Bf109s of LG2, crashed and burned out at 1640 hrs.

302 Sqn Hurricane J.A.Thomson was injured when he baled out after colliding with another Hurricane over Brooklands.

310 Sqn Hurricane P3889, E Fechtner killed, crashed near base after mid-air collision whilst formatting during wing patrol at 1510 hrs.

501 Sqn Hurricane V7595 P.O'Bryne crashed near Leatherhead, he got out safely.

615 Sqn Hurricane V6785 N.D.Edmond was wounded at 1245hrs. His Hurricane was badly damaged in the combat.

Wales: A new type of German mine, set off by the noise of a ship is discovered near Porthcawl. Two Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers, Lieutenant Baker and Sub-Lieutenant Cummins, succeeded in recovering safely a German acoustic mine from the River Ogmore near Porthcawl, allowing its mechanism to be studied at HMS Vernon and counter-measures developed.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

30th October 1940

Rslp19401030.gif

Low cloud and continuous drizzle in all regions, the weather was finally to get the better of a handful of pilots who were in the last two days of the official Battle of Britain.

6LG.jpg

RAF Fighter Command

The Luftwaffe made two fighter sweeps over South East England, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A few single reconnaissance aircraft were reported in other parts of the country. It was estimated that about 150 aircraft operated in three waves. In the first wave about 60 aircraft came in over North Foreland to Shoeburyness, where they turned south and flew out over Kent. This was followed by a second wave of about 40 aircraft, which turned south over North Foreland and passed out over Hawkinge. A third wave crossed the coast at Hastings but turned back at Ashford. Some bombs were dropped in Kent by these raids. Ten bombs were dropped in Kent by these raids. Ten Squadrons of 11 Group were sent up, of which 6 sighted the enemy; three Squadrons intercepted and destroyed 3 enemy aircraft (plus one probable and 6 damaged). The second attack was divided into two phases. In the first about 80 enemy aircraft approached Maidstone of which 40 continued North West to South East London, where a few bombs were dropped; these latter aircraft were then intercepted and split up by two of our Squadrons. In the second phase five small formations totalling about 50 aircraft crossed the Coast between Dover and Beachy Head, and one formation of 12 reached Harwich. Several of these formations were intercepted and quickly retired. In all, ten Squadrons were detailed to meet these raids and 5 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 7 probable and one damaged). 12 Group were grounded on account of deteriorating weather conditions.

6_pilots_early.jpg

During the early evening London and the South East Counties were the recipients of a major attack, with minor raids in the Midlands; whilst in marked contrast, the remainder of the night passed comparatively quietly, activity at times sinking to zero. The "All Clear" was sounded in Central London at 0337 hrs. Enemy activity began between 1830 and 2100 hrs with the converging on London district of approximately 60 raids from the usual sources. Only a remarkably small proportion penetrated to Central London area, however, and the major activity was over South Eastern Counties. Approximately 4 raids made landfall in Portsmouth district and proceeded to Nottingham / Sheffield areas, returning via London. By 2100 hrs, hostile activity was decreasing rapidly. About 20 sporadic raids from the Somme/Dieppe area visited the environs of the Capital and the South East Counties, only odd ones penetrating to Central London. A few of these raids continued North to the Duxford/Debden areas. All returned on approximately reciprocal courses.

Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-408-0847-10_Flugzeuge_Heinkel_He_111.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 8

RAF

23 Sqn Blenheim L6721, H.J. Woodward, P/O A.A. Atkinson and H.T. Perry killed when their aircraft crashed at Orchard Way, South Bersted, West Sussex having suffered R/T failure in deteriorating weather conditions following routine night patrol at 2030 hrs. These were the last RAF airmen to lose their lives during the Battle of Britain. In 1917, Woodward's father had been killed in action whilst serving in France with the British Army - on the 30th October……..

41 Sqn Spitfire P7375, L.A. Garvey killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s over Ashford, believed crashed on Church Farm, Stanford at 1610 hrs and G.G.F.Draper was injured after a combat over Ashford, Kent at 1600hrs. His Spitfire was a write off.

219 Sqn Beaufighter R2065, K.W. Worsdell, Sgt E.C. Gardiner killed, hit trees trying to locate base in bad visibility, crashed and exploded 150 yds south of Balcombe Place, West Sussex at 2010hrs

222 Sqn Spitfire N3119, A.E. Davies killed - wing shot off during combat with Bf109s, crashed and burned out on Upper Wilting Farm, Crowhurst, 1211 hrs. Spitfire K9939 H.P.M Edridge killed (died from injuries after being pulled from wreckage), severely damaged in combat with Bf109s, crashed in flames attempting to land at Longwood Farm, Ewhurst at 1215 hrs.

249 Sqn Hurricane V7536, W.H. Millington missing, failed to return from sporadic action with enemy fighters over the Channel at around 1300 hrs.

602 Sqn Spitfire X4542 W.B.Smith was wounded when he force landed his Spitfire near Lydd at 1620hrs after being attacked by a Bf 109.

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

31st October 1940

Day 114 - the final day

4040450264_588500d358.jpg

Rslp19401031.gif

Low cloud, drizzle and haze. Little activity due to worsening weather cuts back further sorties and limits night activity.

RAF Fighter Command

messer7.jpg

Hostile activity was very reduced in the morning. In the afternoon it was a little more marked and this increased in the late afternoon to flights inland especially in East Anglia. The objective would appear to have been reconnaissance of aerodromes. At 0720 hours one aircraft flew inland from Dover to Detling and was reported to have dropped bombs at Martlesham. Other reconnaissances took place in the Straits up to 0900 hrs. At 1145 hrs one aircraft crossed the coast at Worthing and flew to Bristol, Monmouth and Newport. Glascoed is reported to have been bombed. At about 1100 hrs a ship off Rattray Head and the Bell Rock Lighthouse were machine-gunned. While this ship was being salvaged in the afternoon it was again attacked. At 1230 hrs one aircraft flew along the coast and bombed an RAF Station at Poling. At 1235 hrs an enemy aircraft was plotted over Liverpool. Between 1300 and 1700 hrs, three raids were plotted inland to Hornchurch, Debden and Kenley areas, eight raids crossed the coast to Wittering, Spurn Head, Nottingham and East Anglia. In addition other raids were plotted from the Isle of Wight to Salisbury and Swindon, to Middle Wallop - Warwick and then South East to London. Five tracks were plotted of single aircraft in the East Anglian area.

DJF00003.jpg

Between 1700 and 1800 hrs one aircraft flew inland at Mablethorpe to Kirton-in-Lindsey, and a second at 10,000 feet from Cromer to Spurn Head, Driffield and Hull thence South again to Kirton-in-Lindsey. Four other single aircraft made flights in the neighbourhood of Lowestoft, Norwich, Dereham, Mildenhall, Downham Market and Bassingbourn, the last named is reported to have been bombed at 1300 hrs. That night, enemy activity was divided into two phases, one in the early evening and the other in the early morning. Adverse weather conditions accounting for intervening absence of any enemy operations. At 1825 hrs the first night raiders (approximately 30) were leaving Dieppe on the usual North Westerly route. Strong westerly gales blew them off course so that landfalls were made in the Hastings/Dungeness area. These raids were joined by two from Calais and all proceeded towards West and Central London, though only a few achieved their objective. By 2020 hrs the London area was quite clear and by 2100 hrs no enemy raiders were plotted in or near the country. The "All Clear" was sounded at 2100 hrs.

Spitfire-&-Hurricane-over-Ladybower-Dam-PDP068.jpg

Losses

Luftwaffe – 2

BB9-Height-of-the-Battle-Spitfires-Do17.jpg

RAF

Today, on what from the British point of view came to be regarded as the last day of the Battle of Britain there were no fatalities amongst the RAF squadrons taking part.

The British date the battle from 10 July to 31 October 1940, which represented the most intense period of daylight bombing. German historians usually place the beginning of the battle in mid-August 1940 and end it in May 1941, with the withdrawal of the bomber units in preparation for Operation Barbarossa, the campaign against the Soviet Union, which began on 22 June 1941

The British government released 5,000 building workers from the army to try to catch up with the urgent task of repairing bomb damage. In London 60,000 houses were uninhabitable, 130,000 less badly damaged, and 16,000 totally destroyed. Three-quarters of the houses in the East End were estimated to be wrecked. At that point only 7,000 people have been re-housed by local authorities out of 250,000 made homeless, at least temporarily. No more repair workers were to be called up until further notice. In the meantime, 5,000 men of the Pioneer Corps were clearing debris. London's "Rest Centres" were badly overcrowded, with 25,000 homeless people seeking shelter each night. In this month 70 years ago, 6350 civilians were killed and 8700 injured by enemy action

Conclusion

The Battle of Britain marked the first defeat of Hitler's military forces, with air superiority seen as the key to victory. Both sides in the battle made exaggerated claims of numbers of enemy aircraft shot down. In general, claims were two to three times the actual numbers, because of the confusion of fighting in dynamic three-dimensional air battles. Post-war analysis of records has shown that between July and September, the RAF claimed 2,698 kills, while the Luftwaffe fighters claimed 3,198 RAF aircraft downed. Total losses for both sides vary according to source, and the start and end dates for recorded losses. Luftwaffe losses from 10 July to 30 October 1940, totalled 1,652 aircraft, including 229 twin engined, and 533 single-engined fighters. RAF Fighter Command aircraft losses totalled 1087 from July 10 to October 30, 1940, including 53 twin-engined fighters. To the RAF figure should be added an additional 376 Bomber Command and 148 Coastal Command aircraft conducting bombing, mining, and reconnaissance operations in defence of the country. The losses attributed to each type of aircraft were as follows:

Hurricane 601

Spitfire 357

Blenheim 53

Other 76

Of the 2367 Pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain, 446 were killed. They can be defined by nationality as follows:

United Kingdom 1878 took part 348 were killed

Poland 141 took part 29 were killed

Canada 88 took part 20 were killed

Czechoslovakia 88 took part 8 were killed

New Zealand 73 took part 11 were killed

Belgium 26 took part 6 were killed

Australia 21 took part 14 were killed

South Africa 21 took part 9 were killed

Free French 13 took part none were killed

Ireland 8 took part none were killed

United States 7 took part 1 was killed

Southern Rhodesia 2 took part neither were killed

Palestine 1 took part he was not killed

A list of all the aircrew, ‘The Few’ who took part in the Battle of Britain, can be found here:

wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_RAF_aircrew_in_the_Battle_of_Britain

But the Battle of Britain was not just about those pilots. It was about thousands of people working together, organisations that joined forces to support Fighter Command and its quest for victory. From the citizens of London, especially the East End that took the brunt of the bombing, to the regular and volunteer services of the fire brigades, the medical personnel and ambulance drivers, electrical technicians, water and sewerage maintenance, telephone operator and engineers, the civil defence, the Observer Corps, the radar operators, filter room personnel, cooks, aircraft armourers, fitters and riggers. There are so many, but they all played a part in supporting Fighter Command and keeping the aircraft in the air. Whether you think that the Royal Air Force won or the Luftwaffe lost, the true fact remains that whoever may be responsible, they thwarted Germany's plan of an invasion of Great Britain and so many people from so many services can take credit for that.

Part_Of_Battle_Of_Britain_Memorial.jpg

The Battle of Britain memorial at Victoria Embankment London

Capel-le-FerneLG.jpg

BattleBritainMemorial-db50770.jpg

The Battle of Britain memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, Kent

Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us.

Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science.

Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.

Winston Churchill – 18 June 1940

pilots.jpg

Further reading – The conduct of the Battle of Britain by Air Chief Marshal Dowding

The following link takes you to a transcript of the ’Despatch on the conduct of the Battle of Britain’ submitted by Dowding to the Air Ministry in August 1941. It covers 8 pages but is a fascinating insight to Dowding’s view of the Battle and its aftermath:

www.spitfiresite.com/2010/04/battle-of-britain-in-the-words-of-air-chief-marshal-hugh-dowding.html

Further reading – The Battle of Britain film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HLvz2c8SnQ

An interesting and well researched website which shows ‘behind the scenes’ during the filming of the epic 1969 United Artists movie, The Battle of Britain.

www.daveswarbirds.com/bob/frames.htm

Further reading – The Met Office in WW2

The administrative HQ of the Met Office remained in Kingsway (London) throughout the War, but other HQ units were dispersed from London. Forecasting and Communications were evacuated, briefly, to Birmingham, but early in 1940 were established on Dunstable Downs, where they remained until long after the War, and were known as ETA. The TOP SECRET so-called IDA Unit for decryption was set up alongside and worked closely with Bletchley Park. The Sferic Unit for thunderstorm detection and later the East Hill unit for weather radar development were also nearby.

Climatological, Marine and Instrument Branches, also the Library and Stores, took over the requisitioned premises of Wycliffe College at Stonehouse, near Stroud in Gloucestershire. The Training School in Berkeley Square which had closed in Spring l940 was re-established in December that year at Gloucester, but returned to the London area later in the War.

There were four types of Met Office outstation. Type I stations provided fully independent forecasting services on a 24 hour basis; these were located at Command and Group HQs and were known as Main Meteorological Offices (MMOs). Type II stations had one or more experienced forecasters who were allowed to predict independently for specific operations; 24 hour forecaster coverage was normally available, at least on call. The forecasters at Type III stations were not fully independent and were supervised as necessary by their Group MMOs; some of these stations maintained a 24 hour forecast watch, but others only covered local hours of flying. Type IV stations had no forecasters at all, their Assistant grade staff acting primarily as observers, but also as suppliers of up-to-date weather reports and Group forecast products as needed locally by the RAF. The maintenance of a good observation network was of paramount importance, and reports were also made at Type III, Type II and some Type I stations.

The network reached its maximum density around the time of D-Day when, astonishingly, over 500 stations in the UK were making reports, most of them hourly. Admittedly, though, this figure was swollen by many USAAF reports. There were a few Auxiliary stations (e.g. Coastguards), and RAF Flying Control personnel made observations at some small airfields, but the very large majority of the data came from Met Office staff.

The total number of people working in the Met Office increased throughout WW II to reach a peak of nearly 10,000 by late 1945, including considerable numbers by then serving with the RAF overseas in Europe, the Mediterranean area, Africa, the Middle East, India and the Far East, and even in places like Iceland, Bermuda and the Azores. In addition to its primary duties for the RAF, the Met Office also covered all the needs of the Army, Smoke Screens, Chemical Warfare and FIDO research and development. Although HQ staff in London and elsewhere remained as civilians, by April 1943 all outstation forecasters and assistants were in RAF uniform, including those serving with Army units; there was also direct recruitment of both officers and airmen into the Meteorological Branch of the RAFVR. Over 1800 WAAFs were recruited and after training took over all the assistant/observer posts at UK outstations. Some 40 or so WAAF officers were commissioned and trained to fill forecaster posts at Flying Training Command (i.e. non-operational) stations in the UK.

The civilian (Air Ministry) meteorological offices before, and at first during the War, were not normally rank-conscious places, and thankfully this relaxed tradition continued after the forecasters were put (almost overnight !) into uniform. The Met Office was often the only place on an RAF airfield where aircrew of all ranks could meet on level terms for both meteorological and social reasons, and this happy state of affairs brought benefits for both sides. Aircrew could develop their meteorological understanding, whilst forecasters learnt more about in-flight problems. The good personal rapport and mutual respect that came about in this way undoubtedly improved the quality of the vital debriefing reports received after operations or local air tests. Forecasters at many stations were issued with RAF Flying Logbooks; they were encouraged to get as much flight experience as possible, and the RAF normally welcomed this.

Outstation weather reports were sent, mostly by teleprinter (T/P) but some by telephone, to Collecting Centres at MMOs, where they were assembled into Group Collectives for onward transmission to ETA at Dunstable and subsequent broadcast. During the early war years all T/P work outside ETA was performed by Met Assistants, and T/P training was eventually added to all Met WAAF courses; but the sheer volume of switchboard work and message transmission at MMOs made it essential to introduce rosters of WAAF T/P operators to look after this non-meteorological work.

Taken from a series of occasional papers on meteorological history - Meteorological services leading to D-Day by R J Ogden, a full transcript of which can be downloaded in .pdf format here:

http://www.rmets.org/pdf/hist03.pdf

Posted
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
  • Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (work in Mid Sussex)
Posted

04WeShallNotFlaglge.gif

Of course, all the preceding posts contained in this diary owe a lot to information on the web, in books and from personal recollections. I would like to acknowledge all the following for the details made available in compiling this thread and apologies if I missed anyone, please let me know and I’ll add a link:

http://www.raf.mod.uk

http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk

http://ww2today.com

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://photobucket.com

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_britain.htm

http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington

http://www.wetterzentrale.de/topkarten/fsslpeur.html

http://1940.iwm.org.uk

http://www.rafbombercommand.com

http://www.vectorfineart.co.uk

http://www.studio88.co.uk

http://www.flickr.com

http://www.battleofbritain1940.net

http://www.bbm.org.uk

http://battleofbritainblog.com

http://www.aircrewremembrancesociety.com

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk

http://www.bbc.co.uk

http://www.theargus.co.uk

http://www.btinternet.com/~williamenigma/ebwar3.htm

http://www.london-weather.eu

http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Bailouts/bailout_1940-02.htm

http://www.markstyling.com/index.htm

http://www.aviartnutkins.com

http://www.museumofworldwarii.com/TourText/Area04_BattleofBritain.htm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

http://www.eastbournecousins.com

http://www.spitfires.ukf.net

http://www.daveswarbirds.com/bob/frames.htm

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news

http://www.spitfirepilots.com

http://spitfirespares.com

http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org

http://www.152hyderabad.co.uk

http://213squadronassociation.homestead.com

http://www.601squadron.com

http://www.74squadron.org.uk

http://www.96squadron.org.uk

http://www.mcdoa.org.uk

http://www.spitfirepv270.co.nz

http://www.blitzandpeaces.co.uk/main.asp

http://www.youtube.com

http://www.doverwarmemorialproject.org.uk

http://www.ne-diary.bpears.org.uk

http://www.solarnavigator.net

http://www.militaryimages.net

http://www.lessons-from-history.com

http://www.techmod.pl

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net

http://www.century20war.co.uk

http://www.westendatwar.org.uk

http://www.royal.gov.uk

http://www.airliners.net

http://www.luftwaffe.cz

http://www.luftwaffe39-45.historia.nom.br

http://www.ww2awards.com

http://www.unithistories.com

http://www.bills-bunker.privat.t-online.de

http://www.findonvillage.com

http://www.newman-family-tree.net

http://www.jwnewport.co.uk

http://bentleypriory.org

The Battle of Britain, by Richard Hough and Denis Richards ISBN: 978-1844156573

Reach For The Sky by Paul Brickhill ISBN 978-0304356744

Beachy Head! Angles 20 by Paul Nash ISBN 978-0955944406

Spitfire: A Test Pilot's Story by Geoffrey Quill ISBN 978-0947554729

The Battle of Britain by James Holland ISBN 978-0593059135

Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain by Len Deighton ISBN 978-0712674232

The Battle of Britain by Richard Townshend Bickers ISBN 978-0130838094

My old mate Charles ‘Alex’ Alexander, formally of 114 Squadron - West Raynham, the family of Eric ‘Boy’ Marrs, the owner of New Barn Farm, Hailsham and all the contributions and additions by posters in this thread.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...