Date: 16th September 1940

• Weather: General rain and cloud.
• Day: Goering in conference following the previous day's losses. German effort to be switched against Fighter Command. Only minor air activity.
• Night: Continuous attacks against London. Smaller raids on Merseyside and the Midlands.

Enemy action by day

An attack by some 350 enemy aircraft developed in Kent at about 0800 hours and formations flew in the direction of London, but the attack was not pressed home.

Other activity during the day consisted of a large number of reconnaissances off and over the Coast mostly by single aircraft, but one raid totalling 30 aircraft approached Dover. No attack, however, developed.

Weather largely hindered fighter action.

North and North-East Coast

One raid appeared off Fifeness in the early afternoon, turned South and crossed the Coast at Amble, flying to Carlisle and Cockermouth. It returned by the same route.

East Coast

Reconnaissances were made from Whitby to the Wash and off Cromer, where a Ju88 was intercepted with inconclusive results. One convoy was approached on two occasions and an aerodrome was attacked.

South-East Coast

A mass raid by 350 enemy aircraft crossed the Kentish Coast in waves between 0735 and 0805 hours. Formations spread out from Dover to Rye and to the Isle of Sheppey. One raid crossed the Estuary into Essex and towards London but soon turned back. By 0832 hours all the aircraft had re-crossed the Coast. No interception was made. 21 Fighter Squadrons were in the air, and it may have been on this account that the enemy turned away so soon.

Throughout the day enemy aircraft were actively engaged on reconnaissances, especially towards London and the Estuary.

South and West Coast

One aircraft crossed the Coast near the Needles and flew North-easterly to Northolt, Duxford and Debden, while a second crossing at the same place flew North-westerly to Middle Wallop and Cheltenham.

Other reconnaissances were made in the Bristol Channel. Between 1700 and 2000 hours some 15 raids were plotted in the Isle of Wight area, some of which flew inland. Some of these were the leading aircraft of the night operations.

By night

Hostile activity was of greater intensity than on recent nights and was of two distinct phases.

At 1940 hours raids were plotted out of Cherbourg and Le Havre areas followed by a steady stream from the Dieppe area. Raids crossed the Coast between the Isle of Wight and Dover, some flying North west to Bristol channel whence they spread out and penetrated to North Wales, Midlands and up to Liverpool. Other raids flew over South-eastern Counties to London and North of the Estuary.

From 2350 hours raids concentrated on London, East Anglia and the South-eastern Counties. At 0020 hours fresh raids originating from the Dutch Islands approached East Anglia and the Thames Estuary, some of them penetrating to London. At about 0242 hours all raids had withdrawn and the Country was clear.

The second phase commenced at 0330 hours, aircraft being plotted out of the Dieppe area towards London and out of the Ostend area towards the East Coast. The latter were probably mostly minelaying. This second phase continued until 0530 hours.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 16th September 1940

• Blenheim - 60
• Spitfire - 216
• Hurricane - 356
• Defiant - 19
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 659

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
		1 Ju88
Nil	Nil	1
By Balloon Barrage
1 Ju 88
1	Nil	Nil
Crshed (Cause Unknown)
1 He 115
1	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • One Spitfire of which the pilot is safe.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 15th/16th September - 67 patrols involving 68 sorties.
  • During the day of 16th September - 78 patrols involving 428 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 175 enemy aircraft operated over Great Britain during the night 15th/16th September and 350 during the day of 16th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• Exeter is unserviceable by night.

Organisation:

• Corrigendum: Cancel the move of No 609 Squadron from Middle Wallop to Turnhouse recorded on 14th September.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 16th September 1940
    • Enemy bombing activity overland during daylight was scattered and ineffective. Bombs were dropped in some districts of the capital, and attacks were made on several RAF stations, but on the whole very little damage and few casualties were caused during this period.
    • As soon as darkness fell, the attack on London was renewed, and many heavy HE bombs were dropped in the West End and the City, starting serious fires, most of which however, came under control after a time. Minor bombing is reported from most districts in Greater London, and communications have been interrupted, but it would appear that no vital targets have been hit, and damage is comparatively light.
    • Bombing over the rest of the country during the night was rather more widespread, and reports have been received from many counties in Southern England and also from South Wales and the Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle Districts, but in no case has very serious damage occurred.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Bombing attacks were made on Hampstead Norris at 1750 hours, Honington at 1550 hours, at Yatesbury at 0300 hours, at Alconbury at 1235 hours, at Feltwell, at Woodley, where production at Philips and Powis is temporarily suspended owing to unexploded bombs at 1600 hours, at Oulton at 1630 hours and Henlow at 1400 hours, and Speke before noon; in all these attacks only craters and superficial damage was caused and there are no reports of casualties to RAF Personnel.
  • London Area
    • Thameshaven: A fire was started at the Oil Wharf by HE and incendiary bombs at 2104 hours and two tanks are involved.
    • Hackney: At 2300 hours HE Bombs fell at the Victoria Park LMS Signal Box, damaging the track and stopping all traffic. Bombs also fell on the railway bridge at Homerton causing heavy damage.
    • Poplar: HE bombs caused damage to the East Ferry Crane and Engineering Company at 2340 hours.
    • Southwark: At 0020 hours, 17th September, a direct hit was made on the Southern Railway Arch at Guildford Street, Union Street Junction.
    • St Pancras: The Reception Ward of St Pancras Hospital was demolished by HE but nobody was hurt. Unexploded bombs are suspected in the building.
    • Fires: The following fires were reported during the night; but the majority have been reported under control.
      • Ordell St Bow (30 pumps)
      • Farrington St Station and Market (30 pumps)
      • West Smithfield (80 pumps)
      • Old Bond Street (30 pumps)
      • Bermondsey (50 pumps)
      • Great Portland Street (30 pumps)
      • Clerkenwell (40 pumps)
      • Eastcheap (30 pumps)
      • Tower Hill (20 pumps)
      • Old Broad Street (20 pumps)

  • Elsewhere
    • Coventry: HE and Incendiary Bombs fell in the North part of the City at 2345 hours and caused extensive damage to working class houses; casualties have not yet been reported.
    • Newport (Monmouthshire): Two HE bombs were dropped at 2143 hours, one in the Dock, one at a coalhoist. No interference with working caused.
    • Newcastle-on-Tyne: At 2006 hours bombs fell in the Gosforth, Heaton and Hebbern districts, but damage was only slight.
    • Wakefield: At 2000 hours bombs fell in the city area and fires were started in the Prison and at Williams and Womersley's Engineering Works, but production there will not be affected.
    • Birmingham: HE bombs fell at 2300 hours in the Kingsheath and Hall Green Districts, wrecking houses and causing about ten casualties.
    • Skinningrove: At 1610 hours two HE bombs were dropped outside the Ironworks, causing damage to mains and to the Electric Power Line, but production will not be materially affected.

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Images

Date: 17th September 1940

• Weather: - Squally showers with thunder and bright intervals.
• Day: Reduced activity again with only one large fighter sweep during the afternoon. German invasion cancelled indefinitely.
• Night: Heavy attacks against London. Merseyside and Glasgow also raided.

Enemy action by day

Seemingly on account of weather conditions, reconnaissance activity was on a reduced scale, but a big attack was launched in the East Kent area about 1530 hours. This was met by 23 Fighter Squadrons some of which made successful interceptions and casualties were inflicted.

During the day our fighters destroyed 5 enemy aircraft (plus 4 probable and 2 damaged). In addition AA destroyed 2 enemy aircraft.

Own casualties 5 of which one pilot.

East Coast

Reconnaissances by single aircraft were made off the Wash and East Anglian Coast, and one of these aircraft approached North-East London.

South-East

Between 0730 and 1300 hours thirteen reconnaissances by single aircraft were made in East Kent, four of these up to 0930 hours flew towards Kenley, Biggin Hill and London. At about 1530 hours a series of formations totalling about 300 aircraft crossed the Coast at Lympne, Dover and Deal. The leading raid of 110 plus aircraft flew as far West as Maidstone, the remainder spread out over East Kent. The area of activity was bounded on the West by a line running North and South through Maidstone, and on the North by the Estuary which was not crossed. The Inner Artillery Zone was not penetrated. No 11 Group detailed 23 Squadrons to meet the attack while No 12 Group had 5 Squadrons patrolling at 15,000 to 20,000 feet north of the Estuary. From 1700 hours reconnaissance activity continued in the Dungeness area.

South and West

A few reconnaissances were made along the South Coast. In the course of these an inconclusive interception was made at 123 hours near Brighton, while a Ju88 which flew North to Filton from Portland was intercepted and shot down near Warminster.

One enemy aircraft flew across the Bristol Channel to North Wales and Liverpool area. Its return flight was made via Stoke and Oxford.

By night

Enemy activity was again concentrated mainly on the London area and the South-eastern Counties, with a few raids penetrating to Wales.

At about 1930 hours, the first hostile raids were plotted out of Cherbourg, Seine Bay and Dieppe areas, after which a steady stream of raids, mostly single aircraft, crossed the Coast between Selsey Bill and Dungeness. The majority flew towards the London area, but many of them turned South again without penetrating the AA barrage.

Between 2100 and 0030 hours, a number of raids flew to South Wales, some of which penetrated to the Liverpool area.

Raids were also plotted over East Anglia and in the Digby, Middlesborough and Glasgow areas.

Minelaying was suspected in the Thames Estuary and off Southwold and Foreness.

After 0100 hours, activity was almost entirely confined to London area, East Anglia and the South-eastern counties. Intensity slackened at 0230 hours but increased again at 0345 hours when further raids became active originating from the Dieppe area.

Some of the night raiders were plotted returning in the direction of Ostend and the Dutch Islands.

During the night, one Ju88 was destroyed by a Defiant of No 141 Squadron. AA guns claim to have destroyed 5 enemy aircraft but only two of these have so far been confirmed.

The Country was not free of raids at the close of this report.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 17th September 1940

• Blenheim - 49
• Spitfire - 222
• Hurricane - 362
• Defiant - 23
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 659

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters by Day
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
4 Me109	4 Me109	1 Me109
1 Ju88		1 Ju88
5	4	2
By Fighters by Night
1 Ju 88
1	Nil	Nil
By Anti-Aircraft by Day
2 Me 109
2	Nil	Nil
By Anti-Aircraft by Night
2 E/A
2	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • Five aircraft of which four pilots are safe.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 16th/17th September - Nil.
  • During the day of 17th September - 121 patrols involving 544 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 248 enemy aircraft operated over Great Britain during the night 16th/17th September and 356 during the day of 17th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• Biggin Hill is serviceable with caution.

Organisation:

• Nil

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 17th September 1940
    • Enemy bombing activity was on a small scale during the day, the only notable incidents being an unsuccessful attack on Speke, Liverpool, and some civil damage at Portsmouth and at Caterham (Surrey).
    • During the night of 17th/18th September, bombs fell in many districts in Central and greater London causing damage to buildings and communications and some fires broke out; many of these have since come under control, an exception being the fire at Thameshaven, control of which is difficult owing to strong wind.
    • Bombs were also dropped during the night in most of the Southern Counties of England, in Glasgow, South Wales and in Liverpool where some damage and casualties were caused.
    • Several large bombs, or mines, about 8 ft. long and 2 ft. in diameter, have been dropped by parachute n various districts in London, Kent and Essex during the night. Most of these are unexploded and the Admiralty, which is investigating, advises that no metal be brought near, and all vibration avoided in their vicinity. The explosion of one of these appears to produce very severe blast and one report states that plate glass was broken over a mile away.

• Detailed Summary
  • Caterham: AT 0850 hours, five HE bombs seriously damaged a food store, and a house was demolished.
  • Portsmouth: At 1321 hours HE bombs caused 15 casualties and damage to a church, property and mains.
  • Speke: At 1505 hours a single enemy aircraft attacked Roote's Factory, but without success. Two houses were hit but no casualties were caused.
  • Greenwich: During the night of the 17th/18th a direct hit by an HE bomb was made on the telephone exchange; the staff were safe in the shelter and damage has not yet been ascertained.
  • Woolwich: At 0004 hours, September 18th, two HE bombs fell on Siemen's Works, and a fire started. No further details are available at present.
  • Liverpool: Between 1943 and 2350 hours many HE bombs and incendiaries were dropped in Central and surrounding districts causing considerable damage to property and mains. Twenty-four medium fires were started but these were extinguished by about mid-night.
  • Fires: The following fires were reported in progress in London during the night:
    • Bermondsey (20 pumps) in hand at 2125 hours.
    • Old Kent Road (20 pumps)
    • Stockwell Road (10 pumps)
    • Poplar (40 pumps)
    • Millwall Dock (20 pumps) under control
    • East India Dock Gate (30 pumps)
    • Deptford (20 pumps) under control
    • Lewisham (15 pumps)
    • D H Evans Oxford Street (40 pumps)
    • John Lewis Oxford Street (30 pumps)
    • Islington (20 pumps)

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Images

Date: 18th September 1940

• Weather: Bright and squally.
• Day: London and Merseyside bombed.
• Night: Heavy damage to London.

East Coast

3+ enemy aircraft appeared off Dover and after approaching Yarmouth, flew in and out along the coast line to Clacton finally escaping eastwards. At 1640 hours one section of Fighters was despatched to a convoy of Orfordness.

South-East Coast

Between 0700 and 0800 hours one aircraft entered by Shoreham and flew over London. Between 0800 and 0900 hours one aircraft, first noticed over Kent flew over London and returned out to sea by Dungeness.

First Major Attack

At 0900 hours 150 enemy aircraft were plotted concentrating in the Calais area. At 0927 hours 50+ aircraft crossed the coast near Hythe followed by another 50+. A further 50+ crossed the coast at North Foreland and entered Thames Estuary. One raid split and made North West across Kent, was driven back North East towards East Kent except for one portion which entered the London area. Another raid remained mostly in Kent with a split over Herne Bay going to Essex. The third raid split behind North Foreland, part being intercepted and driven back and part going across the Estuary to Hornchurch.

Second Major Attack

At 1215 hours enemy aircraft were again concentrating in the Calais area. At 1237 a raid of 100+ crossed the coast North of Dover and penetrated to Maidstone.

Another raid of 50+ followed, then further raids crossed the coast at Deal and also proceeded to Maidstone. These three movements constituted the first wave. At 1245 hours the second wave consisting of three raids of 54 aircraft crossed the coast near Dover leaving 12+ aircraft circling in the Straits. At 1300 hours, two raids totalling approximately 60+ aircraft were already in the London area with another 120+ distributed from Rye to the Mouth of the Thames. At 1300 hours enemy aircraft started to return home and by 1345 hours, the majority had left.

Third Major Attack

This attack started with about 100 enemy aircraft entering East Kent. At 1545 hours one half passed via the Thames Estuary and Shoreham to Detling, the other half went East to Maidstone leaving the coast at 1630 hours. By 1640 hours about 100 enemy aircraft crossed the coast in the Dover/Deal area and by 1700 hours seven more raids totalling about 200+ had followed, covering the Sheppey mid-Kent and Medway areas. These were rapidly repulsed by our fighters and driven back to the South-east coast by 1730 hours.

South and West

One enemy raid of 1+ aircraft left Cherbourg at 0900 hours and entering East of Portland flew to Bristol and left by the Needles. A convoy off Selsey Bill asked for help at 1711 hours and at 1735 hours the raid was intercepted and one enemy aircraft was destroyed.

By night

At 1955 hours London Central was given a "red" warning. Approximately 200 aircraft were plotted approaching Dungeness. This is the first time that such formations of aircraft have been plotted at night. Two raids came from the Dutch coast and proceeded to the North East Coast where they split three raids entering between Humber and Newcastle and two raids continuing to the East Coast towards Scotland. From 2100 hours onwards a steady flow of enemy aircraft were mainly concentrated on the London area. Enemy aircraft were plotted from many directions and not only from the usual areas. It is estimated that a greater number than usual were operative. The Liverpool area and the North East Coast had a number of raids, the Bristol area fewer than usual. Minelaying was suspected off the Norfolk Coast to the Wash and Spurn Head to St Abbs. At 0307 hours the London district was clear of enemy aircraft but at 0325 hours a fresh stream of enemy aircraft were approaching London from the Le Havre/Dieppe area.

At 0434 hours a further phase developed in the Thames Estuary from the Ostend area and at 0530 London received the "all clear". The rest of the country was also free of raids at this same time.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 18th September 1940

• Blenheim - 51
• Spitfire - 212
• Hurricane - 362
• Defiant - 25
• Gladiator - 5
• Total - 655

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
9 Me109	11 Me109	12 Me109
1 Me110
6 Do215		2 Do215
14 Do17	2 Do17	1 Do17
11 Ju88	2 Ju88	1 Ju88
5 He111	1 He111	3 He111
33	16	19

• Own:
  • Twelve aircraft of which nine pilots are safe.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 17th/18th September - 44 patrols involving 45 sorties.
  • During the day of 18th September - 200 patrols involving 1210 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over Great Britain during the night 17th/18th September and 800 during the day of 18th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 232 Squadron moved from Sumburgh to Wick on 17th September.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 18th September 1940
    • Enemy bombing activity during the day of September 18th was confined to the Thames Estuary, where attacks were made on Tilbury (twice) and Port Victoria (Isle of Grain), and on several towns in Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The important targets at these points were not hit, but some civil damage and casualties resulted.
    • After dark, and during the night of September 18th/19th, the attack was again concentrated on the capital, where many HE bombs and incendiaries were dropped in Central London and the surrounding districts. Little industrial damage such as would interfere with production has been caused, but some damage to buildings and communications, and some fires have been reported. Increasing use is being made by the enemy of parachute mines, the explosion of which produces an exceptionally severe blast, but casualties caused by this weapon appear to be comparatively moderate.
    • Bombs also fell during the night in the Home Counties and isolated raids were made in Lincolnshire, Northumberland and Durham, and in Cornwall, but the damage caused in these attacks does not appear to have been heavy.

• Detailed Summary
  • Tilbury: The town was heavily bombed at 0953 hours, when some houses were demolished, and again at 1720 hours when HE bombs fell in the civic square and further damage was done to property and utility services.
  • Isle of Grain: The Medway Oil Company, Port Victoria, was attacked at 1615 hours; no damage was done to the Oil Company's premises, but an Admiralty Tank was set on fire and soon under control.
  • Gillingham (Kent): Seven houses were demolished by HE bombs at 1255 hours, but casualties were confined to two killed and six seriously injured.

  • London Area
    • Ilford: The Plessey Company Works were hit by HE bombs at 2130 hours, and a fire was started, extensively damaging plant. No casualties were caused.
    • Waltham Holy Cross: A fire in the Cordite section of the ICI Gunpowder Factory was caused by bombs at 2114 hours, but control was obtained at 2240 hours.
    • Southall: At 2030 hours bombs fell at the Gas Light & Coke Co.'s premises, causing the fracture of a 30" coal gas main.
    • Enfield: At 2058 hours unexploded HE bombs fell near the Royal Small Arms Factory and near a gun position.
    • Acton: At 2230 hours a fire was caused by incendiary bombs at the I B Beaton & Sons' works. HE bombs caused some damage at the G A V Factory, but this is not considered serious.
    • Westminster: A 30 pump fire was started at The County Hall, and it is believed that this was caused by a parachute mine which exploded at about 2330 hours. The fire was brought under control soon after midnight.
    • Battersea: Incendiary bombs fell at the Morgan Crucible Co. at 2330 hours, but the only damage caused by the resulting fire was to a dust filter, which will have no effect on production.

  • Fires
    • Taylor's Depository, Pimlico (30 pumps)
    • County Hall, Westminster (30 pumps) - in hand
    • Hackney (20 pumps)
    • Millwall (20 pumps) - in hand
    • Waltham Holy Cross (8 pumps) - in hand.

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Images

Date: 19th September 1940

• Weather: Showery.
• Day: Reduced activity, attacks mainly over Thames Estuary and East London.
• Night: Raids on London and Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a much reduced scale. There were no major attacks, but a considerable number of single enemy aircraft reconnaissances were made over South East England, South Wales and the Liverpool area, and also over convoys. It has been noticed that raids often appeared to originate in the Liverpool area without having been previously plotted. Furthermore raids are sometimes lost some 60 miles North of Milford Haven. During the day our fighters destroyed four enemy aircraft (plus one probable) and a Ju88 force landed complete with bombs and crew undamaged at Oaklington.

South and East

At 0950 hours a raid crossed the coast at Beachy Head flew North over London to as far as the Sutton Bridge area and was shot down near Newmarket at 1050 hours.

At 1045 hours one raid which flew to Harwich and North West inland was intercepted and shot down near a convoy off Orfordness.

At 1442 hours a raid appeared 60 miles South of Tangmere crossed the coast there and went North to Kenley, Northolt and the Wittering area, thence to Peterborough. Fighters followed this enemy aircraft, which was a Ju88 and which force landed intact at Oaklington, east of Peterborough, owing to engine trouble.

Throughout the day many single reconnaissances were active in the Kent and Sussex areas, two of which were destroyed by our fighters (plus one probable).

South West and West

In the morning two raids were plotted in the Liverpool area.

At 1930 hours, two raids appeared in the Liverpool area and at that time ten enemy aircraft were off the coast of Wales approaching Liverpool. The tracks of these raids appeared to have been completely lost between South West and North Wales.

At 2005 hours 13 raids, each of one single aircraft, came from the North West corner of the Cherbourg Peninsular and went inland from the Needles to Selsey Bill.

By night

At 1956 hours London received the "red" warning as raids commenced to come from the mouth of the Scheldt. They were flying at about 20,000 feet straight up the Thames Estuary to the London area.

At 2100 hours there were about six raids operating over London. A similar number of raids was in the Isle of Wight area, in Kent and in Wales, making a total of some 30 enemy aircraft inland with many more on their way.

At 2130 hours enemy aircraft were still crossing the coast in fair numbers, but only in the sector between the Isle of Wight and Harwich. The Wales area was clearing and enemy aircraft were going South to Devon and Somerset and at 2200 hours the West Country was practically clear and enemy activity was confined to Kent, London and the Thames Estuary, off the Suffolk and possibly the Sussex Coasts. During the night considerable enemy activity occurred in the East Anglian area.

At 0023 hours it was reported that a Dornier had crashed near Kenley as a result of AA fire.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 19th September 1940

• Blenheim - 51
• Spitfire - 211
• Hurricane - 364
• Defiant - 21
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 654

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
4 Ju88	1 Ju88
4	1	Nil
By Forced Landing
1 Ju88
1	Nil	Nil
By Anti-Aircraft
1 Dornier
1	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • Nil

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 18th/19th September - 63 patrols involving 65 sorties.
  • During the day of 19th September - 108 patrols involving 237 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 275 enemy aircraft operated over Great Britain during the night 18th/19th September and 70 during the day of 19th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 234 Squadron moved from Warmwell to St Eval.
• No 238 Squadron moved from St Eval to Middle Wallop.
• No 257 Squadron whole Squadron at Martlesham.
• No 25 Squadron 1 Flight at North Weald and 1 Flight at Martlesham.
• No 222 Squadron moved from Hornchurch to Rochford.
• No 41 Squadron moved from Rochford to Hornchurch.
• No 600 Squadron moved from Hornchurch to Redhill.
• No 264 Squadron whole Squadron at Northolt.
• No 266 Squadron whole Squadron at Wittering.
• No 64 Squadron 1 Flight at Leconfield and 1 Flight at Ringway.
• No 610 Squadron moved from Croydon to Acklington.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 19th September 1940
    • Enemy bombing activity on the 19th September was not so intensive as of recent days, but bombs were dropped in the London area and in Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Essex. A number of casualties were reported but damage was not severe.
    • During the night of September 19th/20th, London was again the centre of attack and there are reports of varying damage to buildings and communications. Bombs were also dropped in Cheshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Scampton: Three craters were reported on the landing ground as a result of bombing at 0050 hours.
    • Lyneham: Two HE and on oil IB were dropped at 1610 hours resulting on a direct hit on one hangar. Eight civilian casualties reported.
    • Chivenor: Twenty-five IB were dropped at 2010 hours but damage, if any, not known.
  • London Area
    • Edmonton: Major damage reported on the night of the 18th/19th September. An unexploded bomb is suspected at De La Rue, Thomas & Co's factories, necessitating all production being stopped.
    • Battersea: The windows of the Projectile & Engineering Co of Acre Street, have been shattered and production held up in three shops.
    • Willesden: Bombing took place at 2156 hours on the 19th September and George Kent Ltd of the North Circular Road was hit but there was no damage to production machinery. However, and unexploded bomb is suspected in the East Wing.
    • Tottenham: It is reported that at 2250 hours on the 19th September, an HE struck an escape hatch of a public trench shelter situated in Lordship Lane. Reports so far suggest about 60 casualties.
    • Walthamstow & Hackney: These areas were machine-gunned at a low altitude at about 1455 hours on 19th September. No casualties nor damage reported.
    • It is reported that there are two unexploded bombs in the quadrangle of the War Office, a fire on the roof of the Foreign Office and a burst main at the Scottish Office. The two latter incidents have been dealt with satisfactorily.
    • As a result of HE bombing at 0219 hours on 20th September, Whitehall is blocked from Parliament Square to Whitehall Place.

  • Elsewhere
    • Liverpool: HE & IB were scattered over a wide area in the City on the night of 18th/19th September, causing damage to a church, private property, shops, gas, electricity and water mains. Fire was caused on the roof of the Electricity Power Station but it was extinguished and no interruption of supply was sustained. An unexploded bomb is reported in the Automatic Telephone Company's factory which necessitated sending 800 workers home.
    • Birkenhead: HE & IB damaged railway sheds and tracks near Morpeth Docks. A barge loaded with steel billets was sunk and a hydraulic main fractured.
    • Southend: HE were dropped at 1000 hours and seven houses were wrecked and several damaged. Electric, water & gas mains were fractured, the latter catching fire.
    • Tilbury Fort: Damage was done to the Military Quarters at 1025 hours but no details are available.
    • Lewisham: A parachute mine is reported to have been dropped at 0240 hours on the 20th September, in the grounds of the Ladywell Institution and evacuation of some 900 people is involved.

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Images

Date: 20th September 1940

• Weather: Fair with bright periods, showery.
• Day: One major fighter sweep towards London, otherwise reconnaissance only.
• Night: Raids concentrated on London.

Enemy action by day

One major attack at 1100 hours by a force of about 100 enemy aircraft, consisting mostly of fighters, was made on East Kent with apparently London as the final objective. The attack was broken up and casualties were inflicted. Reconnaissance flights round the Coasts were also carried out.

During operations, four enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus one probable and two damaged).

Our losses amounted to seven aircraft, four pilots killed or missing.

North and North East Coast

One raid was plotted off the Aberdeenshire Coast in the afternoon.

East Coast

A reconnaissance aircraft off East Anglia reported on a convoy at 1600 hours.

South East Coast

From 0600 hours to 1030 hours enemy aircraft made reconnaissance in the Estuary, round North Foreland, Dover and westwards to Beachy Head.

At 1040 hours enemy aircraft started to mass in the Calais area. At 1100 hours a formation of 20+ aircraft at 15,000 feet apparently led in by a single aircraft at 21,000 feet, flew inland at Dungeness. Other formations of from 12+ to 30+ aircraft crossed the coast at Dover, Lympne and Deal, between 1100 and 1110 hours. One raid flew up the Estuary without crossing the coast.

The enemy aircraft converged on East London and the attack reached Biggin Hill, Kenley, the Inner Thames Estuary and Hornchurch. 20 Squadrons were detailed to meet the attack while four Squadrons were patrolling. The enemy turned back at 1135 hours.

Between 1300 and 1700 hours, various reconnaissances were made in the Straits and in the Kent and Sussex areas, penetrating in some cases inland up to 10 miles. Throughout the day observation balloons were flying over long range guns on the French Coast.

South and West

From 0600 to 1500 hours slight activity by single aircraft took place as far West as the Lizard. Three small raids were plotted off Anglesey in the late afternoon but they did not threaten Liverpool.

By night

At 1950 hours London Central received a 'red' warning. This was occasioned by raids of single aircraft from Le Havre crossing the coast between Beachy Head and Selsey Bill. Activity was on a very much smaller scale than on the previous night.

From 2100 to 2300 hours enemy aircraft started to approach in fair numbers from Cherbourg/Calais/Ostend entering this country over Shoreham and Dungeness and North of the Thames Estuary. The number of enemy aircraft operating soon diminished and at midnight the country was clear; London was given the 'all clear' signal at 0014 hours.

Minelaying activity was fairly certain off the North East Coast, St Abb's Head to the Tees, also from the Humber to the Norfolk coast as far as Cromer.

At 0100 hours a further stream of enemy aircraft started to come over Beachy Head and Dungeness from Dieppe, and London Central received a 'red' warning at 0119 hours.

---

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 20th September 1940

• Blenheim - 55
• Spitfire - 237
• Hurricane - 391
• Defiant - 21
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 711

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
2 Me109	1 Me109	2 Me109
1 He126
1 He113
4	1	2
By Anti-Aircraft
1 He?
1 Ju88 (night of 19th/20th)
2	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • 7 aircraft with 4 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 19th/20th September - 12 patrols involving 16 sorties.
  • During the day of 20th September - 124 patrols involving 540 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 19th/20th September and 150 during the day of 20th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• Nil.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 20th September 1940
    • Enemy activity again appeared to be on a reduced scale but the London area was penetrated by a few aircraft.
    • Counties in the South received some attention but very little material damage is reported save for road blockages. However, it is interesting to note that in nearly every case bombing was in the vicinity of major or minor railways.
    • London districts were again visited after nightfall and several serious fires were started in the South of the City including dock areas.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Kirton: HE were dropped on the landing ground at 0213 hours. No damage reported.
    • Biggin Hill: IB were dropped at 2250 hours but the resulting fires were soon extinguished.
    • Sudbury: Bombs were dropped at 1019 hours near the RAF Wireless Station but no damage was reported.
    • Heston: A large explosion was reported at 2300 hours on the 19th, possible caused by a mine but confirmation of damage is not to hand. At 1210 hours on the 20th, an HE bomb exploded killing 6 men of the BD Section RE and further UxBs were discovered near All Tools Factory and Firestone Tyre & Rubber Factory. Both factories have been evacuated.

  • London Area
    • Southwark: HE & IB were dropped at 2145 hours resulting in damage to telephone, gas and water mains.
    • The railway bridge collapsed blocking Gt Suffolk Street and Pocock Street. Holborn Viaduct Station and St Paul's Southern Railway Station have been closed. Fire reported at HM Stationery Office.
    • Bermondsey: Major damage reported and fires from Dock Head to London Bridge, including Kitchen's Wharf, Shad Thames.
    • Camberwell: A land mine exploded at Waterloo Square, Lomond Grove, damaging a block of flats where many casualties are reported.
    • Lambeth Palace: It has now been reported that the Palace has been damaged by HE.
    • The following firms are known to have been affected by the fires:
      • Spillers Ltd, Mill Street
      • Hay's Wharf
      • Scott's Wharf
      • Mark Brown's Wharf, Tooley Street
      • Kitchen's Wharf, Shad Thames
      • Yardleys, Braddon Street
      • Talbot & Lugg, Tower Bridge Road.

  • Elsewhere
    • Brighton: HE were dropped at 1155 hours near the viaduct on the Lewes Road. Eleven persons were killed and several injured. Water supply will be affected for a short time.
    • Hastings: Several small fires were quickly dealt with and caused no damage. An unexploded bomb has stopped railway service between Hastings and Rye.
    • Thames Board Milles: Suspected unexploded bomb resulted in the evacuation of the works and the main railway line has been closed.
    • Skinningrove: It is reported that full production has now been resumed but the estimated loss of production, up to 0600 hours on the 20th, is - Pig-iron 460 tons and Finished Steel 1150 tons.

---

Images

Date: 21st September 1940

• Weather: Mainly fine.
• Day: Some fighter sweeps in east Kent.
• Night: London and Merseyside attacked.

Enemy action by day

Enemy reconnaissances were active along the East, South and South West Coasts during the day and attacked some isolated objectives.

In the evening a strong formation, consisting mainly of fighters, made a sweep over Kent and the Estuary, some penetrating to the eastern boundary of Central London. During the day our fighters destroyed 2 enemy aircraft (plus 1 probable plus 6 damaged). Our casualties were nil.

Major Attack

Between 1750 and 1800 hours seven formations crossed the coast between Dungeness and North Foreland, flying North West. These were followed by others until about 200 enemy aircraft in all were over the country. Twenty Squadrons were sent up, while others patrolled Hornchurch, North Weald, and Guildford. Combats do not appear to have been numerous and only one enemy aircraft is reported damaged.

North and East

Reconnaissance aircraft were reported off North East Scotland in the Castletown area, 20 miles South of Scapa, and East of Flamborough Head. In the afternoon the Royal Air Force Station at Waltham was attacked and suffered minor damage.

South East

At 0823 hours enemy aircraft attacked Weybridge and one of these is believed damaged. Later targets near Ramsgate and Rye were unsuccessfully attacked. Reconnaissance aircraft flew over the Hastings, Dungeness, Redhill and Tonbridge areas during the day. Attempts to intercept did not succeed.

South and West

Hostile aircraft reconnoitred Thorney Island, Tangmere, Kenley, Middle Wallop, Spithead and districts in South Wales. Of these two were destroyed, one near Tangmere and one in South Wales (plus one probable and four damaged).

By night

London Central received a RED warning at 2009 hours. A steady stream of enemy aircraft came from Holland and Le Havre. Those from Holland crossed the coast between Thames Orfordness and went to London from the North; those from Le Havre crossed the coast near Shoreham and went to London and then returned to the South. Later hostile raids continued to come from the direction of the Belgian Coast and later still from the direction of Le Havre and Dieppe entering between Beachy Head and Dungeness and covering South London, Biggin Hill and Kenley districts.

On the whole, it would seem that the enemy activity was not quite so intense as of late.

Just after dust East Anglia received a good deal of attention and some of the raiders flew down to the London area. Many enemy aircraft flew over the Bristol Channel and up over Wales to Liverpool which was given more notice than for some time past.

Minelaying was suspected in the Estuary also off the North-East coast of Yorkshire, in the Tyne area, possibly off the Firth of Forth and off the entrance to Stranraer. Raiders also visited the Lancashire Coast, North of the Tyne and the Midlands near Derby and Sheffield, and two raids were plotted off the Scottish Coast South of Aberdeen.

Four or five raids flew over two convoys North of the Tyne and it is reported that two aerial torpedoes were dropped.

---

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 21st September 1940

• Blenheim - 56
• Spitfire - 215
• Hurricane - 394
• Defiant - 27
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 700

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
		1 Me109
1 Ju88		3 Ju88
1 Do215	1 Do215	1 Do215
		1 Do17
2	1	6

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 20th/21st September - 40 patrols involving 46 sorties.
  • During the day of 21st September - 118 patrols involving 563 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 170 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 20th/21st September and 250 during the day of 21st September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Attacks on Aerodromes:

• Middle Wallop - not hit.

Organisation:

• One Flight of No 264 Squadron (Defiants) has moved to Luton.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 21th September 1940
    • During the day Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Essex and the East End of London were indiscriminately bombed, but very little damage was done and few casualties reported.
    • After dark London was again attacked and bombing seems to have been chiefly directed against the East End and the Dock areas where very serious fires have resulted.
    • Liverpool and adjoining areas were also the scenes of bombing resulting in several fires.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Middle Wallop: HE bombs were dropped at 1429 and 1450 hours, but no damage was done to aircraft or aerodrome.
    • Hunsdon: At 2310 hours HE were dropped but no damage has been reported.
    • Hornchurch: An unexploded mine was reported on the land field of the aerodrome near the Southend Road, which has been closed to traffic.
    • It is reported that an unexploded bomb was discovered in the Fairey Aviation Factory Aerodrome at Heath Row.

  • London Area
    • Grand Union Canal was bombed at 1030 hours on the 21st September and the explosion cracked the wall of Limehouse Cut and also damaged part of a warehouse. Navigation is therefore closed from the Thames to Britannia Bridge.
    • Bethnel Green: Major damage is reported at Allen & Hanbury's. It is not possible to estimate when production will recommence as machinery is useless. It is hoped to re-open surgical instruments and appliances department on Monday.
    • Poplar was bombed at 0016 hours on the 22nd September and it is reported that an 80 pump fire is in progress at Howard's Timber Yard.
    • Lambeth: A serious fire occurred at 0040 hours on 22nd September at the South Metropolitan Gas Co, where it is reported that there are more than fifty casualties.
    • West Ham: Fire was caused by a bombing attack at 0125 hours on 22nd September at J Rank's flour mills and also at the Corporation Electricity Supply.
    • Shoreditch: It is reported that HE were dropped at 0207 hours on the 22nd September and one railway arch was completely demolished and a direct hit on the track attained. Forty yards of bank by Kingsland Road Bridge is reported to have fallen into the canal.

  • Elsewhere
    • Weybridge: The Hawker Aircraft Factory was bombed and machine-gunned at 0833 hours. The boiler house was hit and unexploded bombs are believed to be in the dope shop and main shop. The effect on production is small and only slight casualties are reported to have been caused.
    • Hookwood (Near Horley): At 1140 hours an enemy aircraft dive-bombed the military camp. The store was set on fire. Fifteen casualties have so far been reported.
    • Brentford: An unexploded bomb has been discovered on a shelter with a capacity for 350 people, 180 yards East of Simmons Aerocessories.
    • Malden: Unexploded bombs are reported between Malden and Raynes Park Station, and consequently traffic has been suspended. HE have also been dropped on the Southern Railway West of Kingston-by-Pass.

---

Images

Date: 22nd September 1940

• Weather: Dull with fog in the morning. Cloud clearing during the afternoon. Some rain.
• Day: Reduced activity.
• Night: London attacked.

Enemy action by day

Several enemy reconnaissances were plotted along the coasts from Portsmouth round to Harwich, but activity was on a comparatively small scale with no mass raids or important engagements.

East

A reconnaissance was flown over a convoy off Lowestoft at 0700 hours. At 1545 hours two enemy aircraft crossed the coast at Harwich and flew to Debden and Duxford and were engaged by Fighters. At 1720 hours a further raid by one aircraft touched the coast near Harwich.

South East

Between 0700 and 1100 hours and again between 1300 and 1500 hours enemy aircraft flew several reconnaissances and patrols in the Straits of Dover and over a convoy in the area. Between 1500 and 1700 hours six or seven enemy aircraft operating singly, flew from Dieppe over Biggin Hill, Northolt, Central and West London and back to France over Sussex.

One aircraft crossed the coast near Bognor flew to Northamptonshire.

At 1900 hours three raids crossed the coast at Rye en route for London and after 1930 hours a steady stream of raids was plotted from between Beachy Head and Dungeness, also from the Dutch Islands over East Anglia to London and from Cherbourg over Selsey Bill to London.

South and West

At 0700 hours a hostile reconnaissance was flown from Calais to West of Shoreham. At 0800 hours one enemy aircraft crossed the coast near Lyme Bay, flew to Gloucester, Liverpool and Burnley and then turned South again flying over Wolverhampton and South Wales and out over Lyme Bay to the Channel Islands. Fighters unsuccessfully attempted to intercept.

Between 1130 and 1330 hours several raids from Cherbourg and Baie De La Seine approached the Isle of Wight, but turned back before reaching the coast.

A Ju88 was destroyed by Spitfires near the Lizard at about 1700 hours.

North West

At 0750 hours it was reported that a convoy was being attacked off North West Ireland. Fighters attempted interception without success.

By night

The usual night activity started at an early hour, the first raids having been plotted arriving during the hours of daylight.

By 2030 hours there was very considerable activity concentrated almost exclusively on the London area. Enemy aircraft entered from the South, South-East and East Coasts the raids originating from many points ranging from Cherbourg to the Dutch Islands. By 2135 hours single raiders had appeared in the Bristol area and over Wiltshire, Hampshire and Norfolk but otherwise all raids seemed to make London their objective. By 0200 hours most raids had left, and London which had received the 'Red' warning at 1904 hours, went 'White' at 0230 hours. Two raids were still operating in the area of the Humber, and one in South Wales, which at 0300 hours flew on to the Liverpool area.

Activity recommenced over London and East Anglia at 0330 hours.

---

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 22nd September 1940

• Blenheim - 58
• Spitfire - 237
• Hurricane - 384
• Defiant - 20
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 707

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
1 Ju88
		1 Do215
1	Nil	1

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 21st/22nd September - 43 patrols involving 46 sorties.
  • During the day of 22nd September - 65 patrols involving 158 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 130 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 21st/22nd September and 60 during the day of 22nd September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Attacks on Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• Nil.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 22nd September 1940
    • There was not a great deal of enemy activity during the day, but bombs were dropped in London, Essex, Kent and Sussex without causing much material damage. Railways again appeared to be a primary objective but on the whole the damage was not serious.
    • London was again the main target after dark and South of the River several fires were started but in most cases these were quickly extinguished. However, it is reported that there are very large fires raging at Dagenham and Woolwich.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Fowler: At 1430 hours on the 22nd 9 HE were dropped on the landing ground. There were no casualties but one Spitfire was wrecked.
    • Digby: At 0230 hours on the 23rd IB were dropped on a hangar but no damage reported.
    • Kirton-in-Lindsey: At 0245 hours on 23rd IB were dropped on the flare path, near a hangar, and near the married quarters, but bombs were extinguished and no damage resulted.
    • Waddington: At 0245 hours on 23rd IB were dropped but no damage reported.

  • London Area
    • Woolwich: The fire in the Royal Arsenal Timber Field was the result of last night's bombing, but at 0328 hours on the 23rd this increased to two major conflagrations, involving the Arsenal. However, it is reported that the fires are in hand at 0432 hours, but damage not known.
    • Lambeth: At 2330 hours on the 22nd HE damaged the S R Generating Station by Canterbury Theatre, Westminster Bridge Road. This cannot be attended to until daylight.
    • Ilford: A mine exploded at 2140 hors on the 22nd, and it is reported that 100 houses were demolished and 100 damaged. So far only 12 casualties reported.
    • Poplar and Lambeth: Direct hits were registered on two Air Raid Shelters and it is reported that between thirty and fifty people were killed in addition to numerous others injured.
    • J Rank Flour Mills, Victoria Dock, report that the Factory will be out of commission for the duration, and 1800 employees will be affected.

  • Elsewhere
    • Basingstoke: At 1645 hours on the 22nd three HE and one UXB were dropped on the Southern Railway Line which is now blocked North of the junction.
    • Hastings: HE were dropped at 1605 hours and again at 1720 hours on the 22nd, causing a certain amount of damage to property.
    • Eastbourne: Several HE caused a few casualties and damaged some 20 houses, gas and water mains.
    • Dagenham: The fire at Briggs Body Works is still raging and not yet reported to be in hand.

---

Images

Date: 23rd September 1940

• Weather: Fine.
• Day: Fighter sweeps towards London.
• Night: Attacks on London and Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

A major attack by some 200 enemy aircraft developed over East Kent, the Estuary and South Essex at 0930 hours. It was broken up by Fighters and the London area was not penetrated.

At about 1730 hours a second attack of lesser importance and covering a more restricted area, involving about 100 enemy aircraft, took place in East Kent.

Reconnaissance activity was on a minor scale and was confined to the East Anglian Coast and Southwards to Cornwall.

During the day's operations 11 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 6 probable and 6 damaged). In addition AA guns at Dover claim 1 probable and 1 damaged. Our losses amounted to 11 aircraft and 3 pilots killed or missing.

East Coast

Between 1030 and 1300 hours reconnaissance flights were made off the East Anglian Coast.

South East Coast

Between 0600 and 0900 hours three reconnaissances were made in the North Foreland - Dungeness area.

At 0926 hours a formation numbering 100 enemy aircraft crossed the coast at Dover. This was joined at 0941 by 3 other raids totalling 80 enemy aircraft.

At 0935 hours a section of 9 aircraft detached itself from the main body and flew West along the South Coast to Hastings.

The remainder spread out from Dover towards Maidstone and over the Estuary into Essex.

At about 1015 hours a formation of 12 enemy aircraft came out from Dunkirk heading for the North Foreland but turned South West joining other enemy aircraft leaving Rye. None of the above raids entered the London area. Twenty-four Fighter Squadrons were detailed to the attack and casualties were inflicted.

At 1330 hours an Anson spotting for big guns firing from Dover and escorted by two Spitfires, was attacked by 9 Me109s. The Anson was compelled to land, but the fighters shot down one Me109 and damaged another.

At 1730 hours 40 enemy aircraft flew to the North Foreland, turned into the Estuary, crossed inland at Sheppey and flew South to Rye. At about the same time 55 aircraft crossed the coast between Folkestone and Dover.

The attack lasted for only a short time and was confined to the area East of a line Sheppey - Rye.

Twelve Fighter Squadrons were detailed to the attack, but no casualties on either side were reported.

At 1930 hours two raids by single aircraft flew to Northolt from Beachy Head, recrossing the coast at Shoreham.

South Coast

Between 0900 and 1030 hours four tracks were plotted in the Devon - Cornwall area flying North.

At 1300 hours reconnaissances were made in the Isle of Wight area Eastwards, including a single aircraft reported to have been active in the Beachy Head area.

At 1605 hours a reconnaissance by one aircraft was made over Portsmouth.

Channel and Straits

In the early morning and again between 1300 and 1700 hours considerable activity took place off the French Coast and as far North as the Dutch Islands.

By night

At 1945 the usual stream of enemy aircraft started from East of Baie De la Seine area, crossing coast at Beachy Head. At the same time a number of enemy tracks also appeared from the direction of Antwerp, crossing coast at Harwich and spreading out inland towards Bury St Edmunds where they turned South West towards London area.

From 2100 - 2300 hours intense hostile activity continued from the French, Belgian and Dutch Coasts. During this period, 10 raids originated from Cherbourg, 22 from Le Havre and 10 from Dieppe, all crossing the coast between Beachy Head and Selsey Bill, and converging on West and Central London via Kenley and Biggin Hill.

From the Belgian coast about 10 raids and from Antwerp area 12 raids originated, mostly entering North of Harwich and spreading over most of East Anglia, penetrating to Digby, Duxford, East and North London.

After 2300 hours there was a lull in raids originating from Belgium but others began to come across from Holland, the tracks being intermingled with our returning bombers. One raid is reported to have attacked Newmarket. Activity from the French Coast also decreased in intensity, but a constant stream was maintained from this direction.

About 2030 hours there were about 6 raids in the Liverpool area.

Subsequently isolated raids visited this area and also the Midlands, including one or two as far as Preston.

Only minor activity occurred in South Wales and the West Country.

Minelaying from Humber to Firth of Forth is suspected.

By 0345 hours only one raid remained in the London area, and a few between London and the South Coast.

Elsewhere activity had almost ceased.

---

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 23rd September 1940

• Blenheim - 60
• Spitfire - 237
• Hurricane - 401
• Defiant - 18
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 723

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
10 Me109	6 Me109	5 Me109
1 Me110
		1 Potez
11	6	6
By Anti-Aircraft
	1 Me109
Nil	1	Nil
In addition an He111 is reported down near Chobham during the night: crew baled out.

• Own:
  • 11 aircraft with 3 pilots missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 22nd/23rd September - 46 patrols involving 50 sorties.
  • During the day of 23rd September - 116 patrols involving 710 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 22nd/23rd September and 300 during the day of 23rd September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Attacks on Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 312 (Czech) Squadron (Hurricanes) becomes operational at Duxford.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 23rd September 1940
    • Enemy activity during the day was confined chiefly to the South East Coast. Attempts were made to reach the Capital but enemy aircraft were driven off without dropping any bombs.
    • After dark widespread attacks and indiscriminate bombing were again resumed, with London as the chief objective. However, it also appears that Surrey received rather more attention than is usual.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • The following were attacked but little or no damage has been reported: Feltwell, Oulton, Methwold, Redhill and Northolt.
    • It is also believed that Hornchurch was bombed, but communications have temporarily broken down and no details can be obtained.

  • London Area
    • Wandsworth: At 2107 hours the Stevenage Wharf was hit and it is reported that petrol is leaking into the river from tanks of the National Benzol Co. During a later attack HE were dropped on Wandsworth Common Station, resulting in a complete blockage of the London - Brighton line.
    • Walthamstow: The Mills Equipment Co was hit again at 2230 hours. A fire completely gutted the ARP Transport Store and Garage, at Lowhall Farm, but all the vehicles were saved.
    • Note: before this attack on Mills Equipment Co it is reported that "Nos 3 and 4 Factories cannot continue production. However, Nos 1 and 2 factories hope to recommence production in a few days."
    • Poplar: At 2325 hours Clarnico's Factory was set on fire and it is reported that approximately 100 people are believed trapped in a shelter under the Factory.
    • West Ham: At 0007 hours on the 24th, serious fires were caused at LNER running shed, and at various factories (including Dextrine Ltd.) and at Upton Lane School.
    • Stepney: It was reported that at 0300 hours on the 24th a direct hit was registered on the Mile End Road Underground Station.
    • Further bombings are reported at Chelsea, Islington, Hackney, Stratford, Camberwell, Hornsey, Ilford, Hendon, Finchley, Willesden and Surbiton.

  • Elsewhere
    • Eastbourne: Twenty eight HE were dropped at 1150 hours and 24 casualties have so far been reported. Damage to gas and water mains are believed to be extensive.
    • Hastings, Bexhill and Seaford were also attacked, but casualties were few and damage confined to property.
    • Salfords (Near Redhill): At 2209 hours an oil bomb caused a fire at the Monotype Factory, considerably damaging records but production will not be affected.
    • Hertford: It is reported that a mine exploded at 2119 hours demolishing three houses and causing approximately 30 casualties.

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Images

Date: 24th September 1940

• Weather: Early morning fog in northern France. Channel cloudy with haze in the Straits and Thames Estuary.
• Day: Tilbury and Southampton raided.
• Night: Continued bombing of London and Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

During the morning, the enemy made two major attacks over Kent and the Thames Estuary.

In the afternoon, two smaller attacks were carried out against objectives in the Southampton district.

During the day, our fighters destroyed seven enemy aircraft (plus eight probable and thirteen damaged), while our losses were five aircraft of which two pilots are killed or missing.

First Major Attack

At 0830 hours, the leading formations of nine raids totalling about 200 aircraft, crossed the coast between Dover and Dungeness. The main body flew across Kent to attack objectives at Tilbury and Gravesend, while a diversion of fighters crossed East Kent to the Isle of Sheppey.

Fifteen Squadrons were sent up in connection with this attack and one enemy aircraft was destroyed (plus five probable and seven damaged). Weather conditions were very hazy. The proportion of enemy fighters to bombers was approximately two to one.

Second Major Attack

At 1115 hours, a primary wave of about one hundred enemy aircraft flew in over the Dover Area. A secondary wave of eighty aircraft came in over the Estuary and turned South into Kent. Objectives were towns on the South East Coast and in the middle of Kent.

Eighteen Squadrons were sent up but interceptions were few, probably due to weather conditions. Again there were approximately two enemy fighters to each bomber.

First Southampton Attack

At 1320 hours, fifty enemy aircraft of which about half were bombers, approached the Isle of Wight and attacked Woolston in the Southampton area.

Six Squadrons were despatched but failed to effect any conclusive interceptions.

Second Southampton Attack

At 1610 hours fifty enemy aircraft (half of which were again bombers) flew in over the Isle of Wight and penetrated inland to the borders of Oxfordshire.

Seven Squadrons were sent up and four enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus two damaged).

Reconnaissances

During the day, hostile reconnaissances were plotted over East Anglia (four), Kent, Biggin Hill, and the RAF Station at Rye and along the coast from Beachy Head to Shoreham.

In the West of Scotland, a target at Oban was attacked.

Escorts

Three Squadrons were detailed to escort one Squadron of Blenheims which attacked enemy shipping in the Channel. In an attack by enemy fighters, two Spitfires were lost.

Night Operations - 24th/25th September 1940

At 1930 hours, raids started coming out of Le Havre making for Shoreham and London. These were followed by a sequence of other raids on the same course which were not, however, as numerous as usual. At about the same time, raids from the direction of Holland crossed the North Norfolk coast and for the most part remained in East Anglia except for two which penetrated more deeply Westwards. None of these raids appeared to proceed to the London area.

At about 2230 hours, there was a temporary lull and after 2300 hours owing to returning friendly bombers, it became difficult to distinguish hostile tracks. However, enemy activity in the London area continued and appeared to increase after 0300 hours. The approach was mainly from the South Coast but a few raids flew in from East Anglia.

Early in the evening, several raids proceeded up the Irish Sea in the direction of Liverpool but turned away South East across Wales. One raid remained in the Anglesey area for a considerable time.

Later in the night, Liverpool was visited by several raids and there was also some activity in the Dundee area, the Midlands and South Midlands.

In the London area, activity further increased after 0400 hours and only at 0538 hours had the last raid recrossed the coast.

---

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 24th September 1940

• Blenheim - 58
• Spitfire - 233
• Hurricane - 380
• Defiant - 19
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 698

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
2 Me109	6 Me109	5 Me109
1 Me110		1 Me110
1 Ju88	1 Ju88	1 Ju88
1 Do215
2 Do17		5 Do17
	1 He111	1 He111
7	8	13

• Own:
  • Five aircraft with two pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 23rd/24th September - 70 patrols involving 70 sorties.
  • During the day of 24th September - 126 patrols involving 880 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 225 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 23rd/24th September and 530 during the day of 24th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Attacks on Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 24th September 1940
    • During the day enemy activity was on a far larger scale than yesterday, and bombs were dropped in the dock areas, but damage was not large and casualties were few. Sussex and particularly Kent were subjected to widespread bombing and the objectives appeared to be Aerodromes, but very little damage was done.
    • During the night London was again the chief target and was continuously bombed from nightfall onwards. Many fires were started and hits obtained on railways. A certain amount of indiscriminate bombing was observed in Essex and Surrey, but these particular raids do not appear to have caused much damage or casualties.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Wittering: Attacked on the night of the 23rd, and one UXB was discovered on the Aerodrome, but no damage was done. Two further craters were found 2 miles South West of Aerodrome near road A47.
    • Hemswell: At 0230 hours on the 24th, the flare path was machine-gunned just after the flares were extinguished. Shortly after midnight a Hampden aircraft crashed whilst taking off, and a bomb exploded injuring (1 fatal) six members of the picket who were in attendance.
    • Feltwell: Several HE were dropped at 0314 hours and slight damage was done to walls and windows of one hangar. One Wellington aircraft was burnt out and another was damaged.
    • Lympne: 25 HE, some of which were unexploded, were dropped at 1145 hours, but no damage was reported.
    • Luton: At 0030 hours on the 25th, HE were dropped but damage not yet known. Urgent flying cancelled pending further investigation, probably due to 5 IB dropped across the flare path.
    • Attacks were made in the vicinity of the following:
      • Cranfield
      • Ramsgate
      • Shoreham

  • London Area
    • Kensington: At 2100 hours IB fell on the Sunbeam-Talbot Motor Works, the offices of which were damaged by fire but production is not likely to be affected. It is reported that Warwick Road is blocked and Earls Court Railway Station closed.
    • Westminster: Bombs are reported near the West End Central Police Station - fires at Boyle Street and Saville Row. It is also reported that the Hungerford Bridge and Signal Box is on fire, together with St Margaret's, Westminster.
    • Battersea: Bombs dropped on the SR track at Broughton Street, and the line from Battersea to Clapham Junction is blocked.
    • Lambeth: Major damage is reported at No 10 Platform Waterloo Station, involving approximately 30 casualties.
    • Edmonton: IB are reported to have fallen on the West Wings of the North Middlesex and St David's Hospitals.
    • Ilford: At 2115 hours HE slightly damaged Plessey & Co's. There were no casualties, but effect on production is not yet ascertained.
    • City: Major damage at 0217 hours on the 25th was reported at Blackfriars Station, 'Times' Office, Queen Victoria Street, and Upper Thames Street.
    • Further bombings are reported at Hammersmith, Wood Green, Hendon, Tottenham, Wimbledon, Hornsey, Wandsworth, Richmond, Barnes, Southall and Ealing.

  • Elsewhere
    • Southampton: Bombs were dropped on and near the City at 1330 hours and at 1626 hours. One direct hit was made on a shelter of the Supermarine Aviation Works, resulting in heavy casualties, but it is reported that production has only been slightly affected. Major damage is reported to Railway between Bitterne and Woolston.
    • Brighton: 3 HE and 1 oil bomb were dropped at 1545 hours, causing approximately 50 casualties and seriously damaging 100 houses. In addition damage was done to telephone, electric light, gas and water mains.
    • Luton: At 0027 hours on the 25th, HE caused several fires in the town, and many casualties are reported. An unexploded mine is reported to be inside the Percival Aircraft Factory, and it should be noted that there are several other key points. In the vicinity.

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Images

Date: 25th September 1940

• Weather: Fair to fine in most areas. Cool.
• Day: Bristol and Plymouth bombed.
• Night: London, North Wales and Lancashire attacked.

Enemy action by day

With the exception of attacks on Filton and Portland during the morning and an attack on Plymouth in the afternoon enemy activity has been confined to small raids chiefly in the South Eastern area. About one hundred aircraft had massed in the Calais area by 0900 hours but an attack did not materialise.

During the day our fighters destroyed twenty-two enemy aircraft (plus eight probables and ten damaged). In addition anti aircraft destroyed three enemy aircraft (plus two damaged). Our losses were four aircraft with one pilot missing and one died of wounds.

In the main attacks, the proportion of fighters to bombers appears to have been approximately equal.

Attack on Filton

At 1148 hours, about sixty enemy aircraft consisting of twenty seven bombers with fighter escort, which had crossed the coast near Weymouth, attacked the Bristol Aeroplane Company's Works at Filton. The attack was made from 11,000 feet and all bombs were dropped simultaneously. Three Squadrons plus one section were despatched to intercept and all of them engaged, though only one Squadron succeeded in doing so before the enemy aircraft reached the target. Eighteen enemy aircraft - chiefly bombers - were destroyed (plus six probables and seven damaged). Anti aircraft destroyed three enemy (plus two damaged). Our losses were four aircraft and one pilot (died of wounds).

Attack on Portland

It is reported by AA Command that seven Ju88s broke away from the main body flying to Filton, and made an unsuccessful dive bombing attack down to 500 feet on the oil tanks at Portland.

Attack on Plymouth

Approximately twenty-four enemy bombers with an escort of twelve Me110s crossed the coast at Start Point and attacked the Plymouth area at 1647 hours. Two sections of fighters intercepted and dispersed this formation. One enemy bomber was destroyed (plus two aircraft probably destroyed and one damaged) without loss to our fighters.

Reconnaissances and Patrols

Hostile reconnaissances - mostly of single aircraft - were plotted during the day as follows:

• Over three convoys - one of which is reported to have been attacked.
• London (three), Thames Estuary, Luton, Hatfield, Farnborough, Northolt, Kent, Sussex Coast, Bristol Channel, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and east of Yarmouth.

Some interceptions were effected and casualties inflicted.

Patrols by enemy aircraft were frequent in the Straits.

Night Operations - 25th/26th September 1940

Enemy activity in the London area was widespread and steadily maintained throughout the night.

1930 to 2100 Hours

Shortly after 1930 hours, raids began doming out of Le Havre towards Portsmouth and made for London. These were followed by others from Cherbourg which entered along the coast Westward from Beachy Head. Other raids from Holland came in over the Norfolk Coast and the Wash. Some of the later made a wide sweep and approached London from the North West.

During this period, about twenty-five raids crossed our Coast, some of which flew to South Wales and one over Derby.

Anti-aircraft in the Rochford area claim to have destroyed on JU88 at 1940 hours which is reported to have fallen into the sea.

2100 to 0100 Hours

About 100 enemy aircraft came inland, nineteen of which proceeded to the Midlands (as far North as the Mersey) and to the West Country and South Wales.

After 2300 hours, raids ceased to approach London from East Anglia, the points of entry being between Dungeness and the Isle of Wight. Many raids appeared to return via the Estuary to the Dutch Coast.

After midnight, about nine aircraft from the Dutch Coast circled in the outer Thames Estuary and may have been engaged on a shipping search or minelaying operations.

0100 to 0500 Hours

At 0115 hours, a new series of about twenty raids started approaching from Holland and made for the London Area, but some remained in the Thames Estuary and these, to, may have been minelaying.

By 0530 hours, the last raids from the London area had recrossed the South Coast.

In addition to the activity mentioned above, there have been a few raids in Lincolnshire, the Humber area and in the South West. There has been no activity in the North of England or in Scotland.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 25th September 1940

• Blenheim - 48
• Spitfire - 218
• Hurricane - 376
• Defiant - 19
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 669

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
1 Me109
3 Me110	3 Me110	3 Me110
4 Ju88	1 Ju88
1 Do215		2 Do215
2 Do17	3 Do17	1 Do17
9 He111		4 He111
2 E/A	1 E/A
22	8	10
By Anti-Aircraft
4 E/A		2 E/A
4	Nil	2

• Own:
  • Four aircraft with two pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 24th/25th September - 46 patrols involving 50 sorties.
  • During the day of 25th September - 137 patrols involving 668 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 150 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 24th/25th September and 280 during the day of 25th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• Prestwick is unserviceable by night.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence Reports

• A reliable source reports that in South Germany and Austria some malicious satisfaction is being expressed at the bombing of Berlin.
• Italy: Transfer of Italian aircraft to German occupied territory.
  • 36 CR42 Fighters and 36 G50 Fighters are being transferred as complete units (2 Gruppos) to Melsbrouck on the Western Front.
  • 72 BR20 Bombers and 5 Cant1007 Bombers are also being transferred and a number of transport aircraft are to accompany them.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 25th September 1940
    • During the day enemy activity was principally centred over Bristol and South West England, and in the evening indiscriminate bombing took place at Coastal Towns from Margate to Worthing and the South East area of Essex.
    • Night activity commenced at 2020 hours, the main force of the attack being directed against London, East and South East England, and the Midlands as far North as Liverpool, South Wales and the Bristol Channel areas were also visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Filton: at 1148 hours a heavy attack was delivered by enemy aircraft, when many HE, IB and Delayed Action bombs were dropped, in spite of which there were no casualties amongst RAF Personnel and serviceability was not affected.
    • Worthy Down: HE bombs were dropped near the married quarters at 2200 hours, damaging the camp water main. There were no casualties.
    • North Weald: It is reported that there were that there is an unexploded bomb on the Aerodrome.

  • London Area Night of 25th/26th September 1940
    • It would appear that railway property in and around London was one of the enemy's main objectives during this period. Damage and traffic interference being caused as follows:
      • At 2240 hours a crater was made on the GWR Line near Ruislip Garden Station.
      • HE bombs were dropped on the GW and LMS (London Joint) Railway at Kensington at 0500 hour, lines being completely blocked by debris.
      • The railway bridge over Thames Road, Chiswick, was hit by HE at 0055 hours.
      • A small crater is reported on the LMS down track near Acton Central Station, electric cables were severed and the presence of an unexploded bomb was suspected.
      • The track and an overhead footbridge, belonging to the Southern Railway Company, between Kew Bridge and Grove Park Stations was damaged.
      • Hendon was attacked at 2045 hours and again at 2250 hours, resulting in the Station at Collingdale being hit.
    • Fires.
      • Major fires were started at Wandsworth, Edmonton, Tottenham, Old Kent Road and Hammersmith.
      • During these fires damage was caused to British Oxygen Co's plant at Edmonton, and the GWR sheds at Hammersmith.

  • Elsewhere
    • Bristol: A severe attack was made by a large force of enemy aircraft soon after 1130 hours, considerable damage being caused at the Rodney Works of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, where the casualties so far reported amount to 60 killed and 150 injured. The Aeroengines Factory and Flight shed were also hit and production seriously affected. Damage to house property, gas and water mains was experienced over a wide locality including Filton village, Westbury-on-Trim, South Mead and Chipping Sodbury.
    • Portland: A large amount of damage was caused to house property, water mains, electric supply and telephone wires when an attack was made by enemy aircraft at 1120 hours. It is further reported that owing to the fractured water mains a serious situation would develop should water be needed for fire-fighting.
    • Plymouth: At 1700 hours four HE bombs were dropped, causing an oil main to burst and the destruction of a crane; also damage to railway trucks, jetty and carriage shed.

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Images

Date: 26th September 1940

• Weather: Mainly fair to cloudy.
• Day: Supermarine factory at Southampton attacked and wrecked.
• Night: Raids on London and Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

A major attack by formations totalling about 100 enemy aircraft was made on Southampton at 1630 hours. Heavy bombing resulted causing severe damage to the Supermarine Works.

Fighter Squadrons intercepted and casualties were inflicted on the enemy.

At dusk, 25 enemy aircraft, originating from the Bay of Biscay, attacked Crewe.

Reconnaissances by small formations and single aircraft were made along the South Coast and inland, increasing in intensity particularly between 1600 and 1700 hours.

During the day's operations, fighters destroyed 32 enemy aircraft (plus 10 probable and 11 Damaged), and AA claim 1 destroyed (plus 1 probable and 2 damaged). Our casualties amounted to 10 aircraft with three pilots killed or missing.

East Coast

Activity in this area was confined to the morning. Enemy aircraft approached Skinningrove and Whitby where bombs are reported to have been dropped. Harwich and Orfordness were also visited.

Intense activity took place off the Dutch Coast.

South East Coast

Reconnaissances in the Estuary and over East Kent were made during the morning and 4 aircraft operating singly, penetrated to London.

Great activity prevailed in the Straits and off the French Coast.

During the afternoon, activity increased and coastal towns were bombed by single aircraft. Landfalls were made at Harwich and Hastings, the aircraft in the former case penetrating to London via Debden and Northolt and departing via Kenley and Biggin Hill.

Interceptions were attempted without conclusive results.

South and West Coasts

Between 1500 and 1700 hours, reconnaissances were made from Selsey Bill to Cornwall.

At 1630 hours, about 40 enemy aircraft approached the Isle of Wight from Cherbourg and these were followed by a second wave of bombers and fighters amounting to about 60 aircraft.

At the same time, single aircraft approached Beachy Head possibly as a diversion. The objective was Southampton where the Supermarine Works were extensively damaged. Dive-bombing as well as high-level bombing is reported. 12 Squadrons were in the air of which 8 were engaged in the defence of Southampton. No interception was made prior to the attack. 31 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 10 probable and 10 damaged) as a result of combats during this attack with a loss of 8 of our aircraft (plus one probable and 2 damaged).

At about 1800 hours, a reconnaissance by 3 aircraft was made over Southampton and Middle Wallop, while a further 3 aircraft came in at Christchurch.

Midlands

At 1950 hours, 23 enemy aircraft attacked Crewe having flown from the Bay of Biscay up the Irish Sea and across Wales. After leaving Crewe, the raids split up and returned via Bristol and Poole Bay.

Night Operations - 26th/27th September 1940

Enemy activity was first widespread over the whole country South of a line Liverpool to Humber. Raids did not approach London until 2030 hours and then continued until 0300 hours. A lull until 0500 hours followed when 12 further raids visited London.

1930 to 2100 Hours

40 raids crossed our Coasts originating from the Dutch Coast, Le Havre and Cherbourg and entering between Cromer-Humber, Beachy Head - Selsey and Selsey - Swanage, respectively. Many of the raids from the Dutch Coast flew due West to the Midlands.

At 1950 hours, a convoy in the Firth of Forth reported that it was being attacked.

2100 to 0100 Hours

Hostile activity was continuous and was concentrated on the London area although some raids visited Liverpool, the Midlands, Cambridge, Mildenhall, Newmarket and Duxford, and enemy aircraft from Cherbourg flew coastwise from Lyme Bay to Start Point.

There was suspected minelaying in the Thames Estuary and off North Foreland.

0100 to 0600 Hours

Enemy raids originating from Dieppe and proceeding to the London area, mostly entered between Beachy Head and Folkestone. One raid entering at the Wash, penetrated inland to Digby and flew back over King's Lynn.

There was a lull from 0300 to 0500 hours and the Country was entirely clear for 1 hour, when about 12 raids - some of which were at first thought to be returning friendly bombers - came out of Dieppe and were plotted to London. These were all homing by 0450 hours and the Country was again clear by 0600 hours.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 26th September 1940

• Blenheim - 56
• Spitfire - 203
• Hurricane - 392
• Defiant - 15
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 673

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
10 Me109	5 Me109	1 Me109
5 Me110		2 Me110
1 Me110(Jaguar)
	1 Do?	4 Do?
		1 Do17
13 He111	4 He111	3 He111
3 Ju88
32	10	11
By Anti-Aircraft
1 E/A	1 E/A	2 E/A
1	1	2

• Own:
  • 10 aircraft with 3 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 25th/26th September - 37 patrols involving 39 sorties.
  • During the day of 26th September - 120 patrols involving 417 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 275 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 25th/26th September and 200 during the day of 26th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• Grangemouth is unserviceable by night.

Organisation:

• No 504 Squadron has moved from Hendon to Filton.
• No 25 Squadron - whole Squadron now at North Weald.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 26th September 1940
    • During the day, there was no enemy air activity over the Capital but other parts of the Country were visited, the most important attacks being made on Southampton, the South Coast from Chatham to Shoreham and in the North of England at Skinningrove.
    • Night activity commenced at 1945 hours and was widespread over the whole country South of Liverpool.
    • London received the "Red" warning at 2030 hours and the "All Clear" at 0355 hours, but the warning was renewed about an hour later.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations - 25th September
    • Northolt: At 2315 hours, about 5 bombs were dropped on the North-East corner of this Station. Two or three fell very close together near Barrack Block 1. The water main was broken. Another hit the North-East wall of Block 1 and at a very steep angle passed through both floors into the ground. No aircraft were damaged or destroyed.
    • Pembrey: At 2100 hours, a stick of incendiary bombs fell across the perimeter of the aerodrome - approximately from North-East to South-West. Fires were extinguished. Three HE were also dropped on the landing ground making craters 15 ft by 6 ft deep. One delayed action bomb exploded at 0530 hours on the 26th September. The craters have been filled in and no other damage was sustained.

  • RAF Stations - 26th September
    • Henlow, Cranfield, Harwell, Uxbridge, West Malling, Leighton Buzzard, Bramcote, Shawbury and Northolt were all attacked but in no case is any damage of importance reported.

  • London Area
    • Reports so far received indicate the damage in the London area is not so severe as on the previous night, but railway communications are affected at Carlton Hill and part of the track between Park Avenue and Palace Gate Stations is damaged. Castlehaven Road Railway Bridge is badly damaged and there is also a large fire on the Southern Railway Crystal Palace line.
    • In the Westminster district, one bomb fell outside the Houses of Parliament and another in front of the steps leading from King Charles Street to St James Park.

  • Elsewhere - 26 September
    • Coventry: At 1734 hours, HE and IB were dropped causing a fire and damage to the Works of the Standard Motor Co, but aircraft production will not be affected. There were 20 casualties.
    • Southampton: At 1628 hours, enemy aircraft attacked the town and scored direct hits on the Works of the Supermarine Aviation Co, Messrs Vickers Armstrong and the premises of the Gaslight & Coke Co. A grain warehouse on the docks was also hit.
    • At the Supermarine Works, there was a direct hit on two shops and production is indefinitely suspended. The casualties are estimated at 10 killed and 30 injured.
    • The production of the Gas, Light & Coke Co was totally suspended for a number of hours.
    • A warehouse full of grain was destroyed.
    • Portsmouth: At 0930 hours, a fire not caused by enemy action, broke out at the Works of Messrs Vosper in which a motor torpedo boat was involved causing 1,500 gallons of petrol to explode. The damage to the boat is estimated at £5,000.
    • Dover: At 1435 hours shell fire caused considerable damage which included 100 houses and shops. The casualties are 2 killed and 13 injured.
    • Enfield: At 2336 hours, a large number of incendiary bombs were dropped on the Royal Small Arms Factory causing several fires. No estimate of the extent of interference with the production has yet been reported.
    • Skinningrove: Four HE bombs were dropped on the Skinningrove Iron Co's Works causing damage to part of the Plant which may reduce production of pig iron by 33%.
    • Crewe: At about 1952 hours, HE and IB were dropped causing damage to property and Coppenhall Junction. At the latter, all four lines are reported out of action.
    • Birkenhead: At about 1945 hours, incendiary bombs were dropped between Central Station and Morpeth Docks and fires were started at the Great Western Railway warehouse, the Customs Offices, a theatre and shop property. The tunnel between Birkenhead Park Station and Hamilton Square Station has been damaged by a bomb.
    • Liverpool: At 2100 hours, HE and IB were dropped causing very considerable damage to property and starting severe fires in the Dock areas where ships and warehouses are burning. There would appear to be considerable loss of stocks of food, copra and palm kernels.

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Images

Date: 27th September 1940

• Weather: Fair in the extreme south and south-west. Cloudy in the Channel with light rain over southern England.
• Day: Heavy attacks on London and Bristol.
• Night: Further raids on London, Merseyside and the Midlands.

Enemy action by day

During the day, there were three major attacks on London and South-East England, and one smaller attack on Filton. Balloons were attacked at Dover.

Our fighters destroyed 131 enemy aircraft (plus 33 probable and 52 damaged) and AA guns shot down two (plus two probable). Our losses were 27 aircraft of which 18 pilots are killed or missing.

First Major Attack

About 0900 hours, some 180 enemy aircraft (100 fighters and 80 bombers) crossed the Coast between Folkestone and Dover in six formations at heights varying from 15,00 to 20,000 feet. No 11 Group sent up 13 Squadrons to meet this attack and 11 of these Squadrons intercepted. No 12 Group provided 4 Squadrons to patrol North Weald and Hornchurch. The attack was halted in the Maidstone - Tonbridge area but some enemy aircraft penetrated to Central and West London. By 0943 hours, raids were dispersing over the Coast from Shoreham to Dungeness.

Second Major Attack

Between 1147 and 1215 hours, six formations totalling 300 enemy aircraft crossed the coast between Dover and Lympne at heights varying from 12,000 to 29,000 feet, and headed towards the Chatham area. Twenty Squadrons were sent up and the main engagements took place over Kent and East Sussex. Enemy formations encountered were principally composed of fighters. Enemy dispersal commenced at 1230 hours and was practically completed by 1300 hours.

Third Major Attack

Between 1500 and 1526 hours, nine formations totalling about 160 enemy aircraft, of which probably half were bombers, crossed the coast between Dover and Brighton at an average height of 22,000 feet, and flew towards South London. The enemy formations were intercepted but about 20 aircraft appeared to penetrate to the Central London area. The last raids had recrossed the coast by about 1600 hours.

Attack on Filton

At 1120 hours two formations consisting of about 25 bombers escorted by 45 Me110s and some Me109s, crossed the coast near Swanage and flew to Filton. At Frome, the Me109s turned back. Eight Squadrons were despatched to meet the attack, one of which intercepted and dispersed the enemy formations before they reached the Bristol Aeroplane Co's Works, but Filton RAF Station was attacked from 11,000 feet. Formations were also intercepted on their return journey.

Dover

At 1143 hours, Dover Balloons were unsuccessfully attacked by three Me109s.

Patrols and Reconnaissances

During the greater part of the day, the enemy maintained patrols in the Channel.

In the evening, there was some reconnaissance activity off the South-East Coast, in the Estuary, and off East Anglia, the last probably being shipping reconnaissances over a convoy.

Night Operations - 27th/28th September 1940

Enemy activity was chiefly directed towards London from the French Coast and lasted from 1940 hours to 0600 hours, with a brief lull from 0215 to 0315 hours. Edinburgh was visited just after dusk and there were scattered raids in the Liverpool District, Birmingham and Nottingham, mostly up to midnight.

1930 to 2100 Hours

There were 18 raids to the London area which originated from Dieppe and Le Havre. Nine raids from Cherbourg crossed the Coast between Swanage and Selsey and made for the Bristol Channel area, some proceeding to Liverpool.

Four raids from the direction of Denmark crossed the coast North of St Abb's Head and proceeded to Edinburgh, after visiting a convoy.

2100 to 0100 Hours

55 raids were plotted of which the majority proceeded to London from Cherbourg and Dieppe. A few of these went as far North as Duxford.

Two or three raids visited the Liverpool district as well as one each to Birmingham and Nottingham.

No minelaying operations are suspected.

By 2300 hours the Western half of the Country was clear.

0100 to 0600 Hours

Raids continued to come in fairly steadily from the French Coast to the London area until 0215 hours.

Activity in the remainder of the Country was very slight.

At 0315 hours, there was renewed activity from the Abbeville area to London crossing the coast between Bexhill and Hastings. This stream continued until about 0600 hours when the last raids were recrossing the coast.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 27th September 1940

• Blenheim - 53
• Spitfire - 214
• Hurricane - 391
• Defiant - 19
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 684

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
44 Me109	9 Me109	13 Me109
47 Me110	12 Me110	18 Me110
18 Ju88	6 Ju88	5 Ju88
7 Do215	2 Do215	7 Do215
3 Do17	2 Do17	5 Do17
1 Do?		1 Do?
11 He111	2 He111	3 He111
131	33	52
By Anti-Aircraft
2 E/A	2 E/A
2	2	Nil

• Own:
  • 27 aircraft with 18 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 26th/27th September - 34 patrols involving 34 sorties.
  • During the day of 27th September - 138 patrols involving 939 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 350 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 26th/27th September and 850 during the day of 27th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence Reports

• The Fuhrer has expressed a personal wish that all damage from future bombing should be made good immediately. It is stated that citizens suffering most must be the first to be freed from their material troubles and that all signs of bomb and fire damage should be removed as quickly as possible. This work was to be regarded as important war work (Source AA Stockholm).
• A neutral official recently returned from Berlin stated that night life has been considerably affected by the recent bombing, and all transport services both above and underground now cease at either 11 or 11.30 pm (Source AA Stockholm).

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 27th September 1940
    • During the day, enemy aircraft activity was on a much larger scale than usual, London, South East Coast and Bristol being the areas principally attacked. Night activity commenced at about 2017 hours, the Capital receiving most attention. South East England, Bristol Channel, South Wales, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham and Edinburgh were also visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations - 25th September
    • Hendon: At 2245 hours approximately 300 incendiary bombs were dropped on the aerodrome which were promptly extinguished, causing only slight damage. An oil bomb weighing approximately 100 lbs was dropped and rebounded off a hangar and exploded but did not ignite. There was some damage.

  • RAF Stations - 27th September
    • Filton: A large enemy force attacked this aerodrome at 1136 hours, 2 bombs falling near the Operations Room, one on perimeter of dispersal tack and 5 in fields near the North corner of the landing ground. Serviceability was not affected and only damage was to one hangar, water pipe to hydrant and the field telephone. There was no damage to service aircraft.
    • Penhurst, Speke, Burtonwood, Ringway and Mount Batten were also ineffectively attacked.

  • London Area - Night 27th/28th September 1940
    • It appears that damage was of a less serious nature than on previous night although communications were again affected and several fires started, but all these are now reported to be out or under control. A fire was started at The Thames Ammunitions Works but the damage was negligible.

  • Dover
    • At 1340 hours shelling commenced as a result of which 20 fell in the Harbour and along the sea front, causing little damage and only one casualty.

  • Elsewhere - 26th/27th September 1940
    • Southampton: Further information received regarding the attack made on 26th September indicates the following:-
      • The Gas, Light and Coke Co: At best the production of gas will be suspended till Monday. After that time hope for 40-50 per cent of normal output half of which will be reserved for key points, bakeries, and installations of national importance. This will supply them with all they require.
      • The Supermarine Aviation Co: Damage to both Woolston and Itchen Works sheds very widespread. However damage to plant, aircraft in course of construction and stores not estimated at more than 33 per cent. Restricted production however is continuing in subsidiary workshops.
    • Birmingham: At 1735 hours on 27th September HE bombs were dropped in the grounds of the Dunlop Rubber Co Ltd, but very slight damage to the Works is reported.
    • Coventry: Further to the attack made on the Standard Motor Co on 26th September, details now received state that the enamelling shop was completely wrecked and the car assembly and finishing shops temporarily affected. Other workshops suffered slight damage and the production of armoured cars and mine sinkers will probably be suspended for a considerable time. 200 employees are laid off and the damage is estimated at £100,000.

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Images

Date: 28th September 1940

• Weather: The Channel, Straits and Thames Estuary cloudy otherwise generally fair to fine.
• Day: Raids on London and the Solent area.
• Night: Continued attacks on London.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity consisted of a few isolated raids and three main attacks, of which two were delivered over Kent towards London and one was directed against the Portsmouth area. Two attacks on convoys are reported.

The number of enemy fighters employed appears to have greatly exceeded the number of bombers. Enemy aircraft are reported to have been stepped up to a great height and to have attacked our fighters from above and out of the sun. In some cases, slight haze hindered interception of raids.

Our fighters destroyed 6 enemy aircraft (plus 4 probable and one damaged). 16 of our fighters are lost or missing but 7 pilots are safe.

First Main Attack

At 0955 hours, raids totalling 120+ aircraft approached the Kent Coast, of which 70 penetrated inland in two waves. The first wave of 30 aircraft flew to Biggin Hill and about 6 of these reached Central London. The second wave did not penetrate further West than Maidstone. 17 Squadrons ere despatched to intercept these raids which finally dispersed at about 1040 hours. Enemy patrols were unusually active in the Straits during this attack.

Second Main Attack

At 1330 hours, about 160 aircraft of which about 35 were bombers, crossed the coast between Dungeness and Lympne and flew towards Maidstone and the Thames Estuary. These raids spread out over Kent but did not penetrate further West than a line Beachy Head - Maidstone - Isle of Sheppey. All operational squadrons of No 11 Group were employed against this attack and five Squadrons of No 12 Group patrolled Hornchurch and North Weald. By 1410 hours, enemy aircraft were flying back towards France.

Third Main Attack

At 1415 hours, some 60 enemy aircraft flew from Cherbourg towards Portsmouth. Some turned towards the Tangmere - Thorney Island area. The raids were met by five Squadrons of No 11 Group which were diverted from the Kent attack, and by four Squadrons of No 10 Group. Four Squadrons sighted the enemy. It is reported that none of the enemy crossed the Coast and that they jettisoned their bombs into the sea.

Other Activity

At about 1000 hours, raids of 1 and 1+ aircraft were plotted over Liverpool and a single enemy aircraft crossed the Coast at Shoreham and flew over Uxbridge. This latter track faded South of Kenley.

At 1515 hours, an attack on a convoy off Spurn Head was reported.

At 1610 hours, a raid of one aircraft was plotted over Bristol.

At 1730 hours, an attack on a convoy near the Thames Estuary was reported.

At 1732 hours, A Naval Unit is reported to have been attacked.

At 1920 hours, a single enemy aircraft attacked Dover.

Patrols and Reconnaissances

During the morning and again between 1700 and 1930 hours, patrols were active in the Straits.

Reconnaissances were plotted off St Abb's Head, North Foreland and the Thames Estuary, Beachy Head and the Isle of Wight.

Night Operations - 28th/29th September 1940

Enemy activity commenced at about 2000 hours when the first raids crossed the Sussex Coast and approached London. At the same time, raids which appeared to originate from the Dutch Islands crossed the Coast in the Wash area and penetrated over Lincolnshire and Norfolk to Digby, Peterborough and Nottingham. Raids were also plotted into the Liverpool area, returning over Wales.

At 2100 hours, a concentration of raids on London was plotted, crossing the Coast near Portsmouth and also between Beachy Head and Shoreham.

After midnight, activity spread westwards to include an area Selsey Bill - St Albans Head and North to Middle Wallop, but the main objective of most raids still appeared to be London and its Western suburbs. Two isolated raids were plotted in Oxfordshire, and two in the Bristol Channel.

By 0230 hours, raids were less in number but were still approaching London from the Coast of Sussex. Two raids were plotted in the Derby area.

At 0345 hours, a fresh stream of raids came from Dieppe towards London and activity over this area continued until 0550 hours.

During the course of the night, considerable minelaying was suspected off North Foreland and in the Thames Estuary.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 28th September 1940

• Blenheim - 57
• Spitfire - 214
• Hurricane - 390
• Defiant - 12
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 681

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
3 Me109	3 Me109
3 Me110
		1 Ju88
	1 E/A
6	4	1

• Own:
  • 16 aircraft with 9 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 27th/28th September - 27 patrols involving 27 sorties.
  • During the day of 28th September - 110 patrols involving 770 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 27th/28th September and 300 during the day of 28th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 28th September 1940
    • Enemy aircraft activity was on a much reduced scale, but a small number penetrated to London and bombs ere dropped in Poplar, Deptford and Woolwich shortly after 1000 hours.
    • Three other efforts of little consequence were made during the afternoon over Hastings, Ramsgate, Folkestone, Eastbourne, Portsmouth and Southampton, and no bombs are reported as having been dropped at the last two mentioned places.
    • Night activity commenced at about 2000 hours which was widespread, although London appeared to be the main objective, but the following areas were also visited, South and South East of England, East Anglia as far North as Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Derby, Liverpool and South Wales.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations - 28th September
    • Digby: An attack was made at 2234 hours when six incendiary bombs were dropped near the married quarters and Sergeants' Mess. The fires were extinguished and there was no damage.

  • Railway Communications - Night 28th/29th September 1940
    • These appear to be one of the main objectives and damage occurred as follows:-
      • Crater between Twickenham and Strawberry Hill. Down line blocked.
      • Suspected unexploded bomb stopping freight trains between Feltham and Neasden.
      • Main up and down lines blocked by HE between Brentford and Chiswick.
      • Up and down lines between Mortlake and North Cheam blocked by crater.
      • HE blocking both lines at Hounslow.
      • Guildford to West Clandon closed owing to mine.
      • Southern Railway Crystal Place line blocked at Drewstead Road owing to HE.
      • One track on Dorking-Horsham line blocked by incendiary bomb.
      • Acton Lane Bridge damaged. Up and down electric line blocked.
      • Down line from Barkson East - Honington unsafe to work owing to damage by HE.
      • IB between Leatherhead and Effingham. Traffic suspended.
      • Four railway tracks uprooted and bridge over railway rendered unsafe at Eastbourne.
      • Southern Railway blocked West of Twickenham Station.
      • Unexploded bomb affecting GWR main line at Acton.

  • Factories - Night 28th/29th September 1940
    • Major damage is reported at the factory of Messrs W Ottway & Co Ltd, Orion Works, Ealing, through an incendiary bomb which was dropped at 0008 hours and caused a fire, which is now believed to be under control.
    • 200 IB and 20 HE bombs were dropped opposite the works of Messrs Vickers Armstrong at Weybridge, causing the road to be blocked, but it is reported that there is no damage to the factory.
    • At 2340 hours HE was dropped at the Acton works of Messrs S & G Brown Ltd, causing severe damage to the offices and the destruction of part of the factory roof. No information is yet available as to the effect on production.

  • Hospitals - Night 28th/29th September 1940
    • Several hospitals were hit including West Middlesex Heston, Staines Emergency, St Bernards (Uxbridge) and Barnes Isolation.

  • Elsewhere - 26th/27th September 1940
    • At 0100 hours on 29th September 6 HE were dropped between Somerford Bridge and The Air Defence Experimental Establishment.

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Images

Date: 29th September 1940

• Weather: Fine at the start and end of the day, cloudy in-between.
• Day: Reduced activity in the south-east and East Anglia.
• Night: Raids on London and Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

Apart from a sweep by enemy fighters through Kent westwards, and as far as Reading by one element, the day's activities consisted of reconnaissances, attacks on shipping and some inland flights.

Our fighters destroyed 3 enemy aircraft (plus 3 probable and 2 damaged), and in addition one was destroyed by Lewis Guns at Dover.

East Coast

Reconnaissances were made throughout the day off East Anglia, and in one instance to Duxford, and between 1300 and 1700 hours one convoy was attacked and two inspected by enemy aircraft.

Bombs are reported to have been dropped at Felixstowe.

At dusk an enemy aircraft with British markings is reported to have been minelaying near Farne Islands and to have fired at a Naval Unit with a torpedo.

South-East Coast

In the morning extensive reconnaissances took place off-shore in the East Kent and Thames Estuary areas. One Do215 flew inland at Ramsgate to Maidstone and Northolt and was shot down at Taplow.

At 1610 hours three formations of 50, 20 and 20 enemy aircraft crossed the Coast West of Dungeness at 10 minute intervals, while a further 12 aircraft went inland at Dover. The first raid flew westwards of the London area before wheeling South. A split however, flew towards Central London. The remainder penetrated only some 25 miles inland. All the enemy aircraft appeared to be fighters flying at a great height.

Between 1700 and 1800 hours reconnaissances by single aircraft were made in Kent, in one case Eastchurch and Detling being visited.

South & West Coasts

At 0910 hours one aircraft crossed the Coast at Lyme Bay and flew through Somerset to Wiltshire. At about 1127 hours one convoy was attacked in the Portsmouth area, and at 1135 hours a "Help" message was received from another off the North Wales Coast. Fighters failed to intercept.

Between 1800 and 1900 hours three small raids of 9+, 3+ and 3+ aircraft were plotted in St George's Channel, and intercepted. One enemy aircraft being destroyed.

Night Operations - 29th/30th September 1940

At 1930 hours the first enemy raids were plotted approaching the Coast at Shoreham from the direction of Dieppe. From 2000 hours onwards, a steady stream of raids crossed the Coast between Portsmouth and Beachy Head, the majority having London as their objective. A few, however, coming in over Portsmouth, flew North-west to the Middle Wallop area.

Between 2100 and 0200 hours, raids of 1 or 1+ aircraft crossed the Coast between Poole and Start Point and flew to the South Wales area, some continuing North to Liverpool.

A number of raids crossed the Coast at points between Clacton and the Wash. A few of these approached London from the North-east, whilst the others were active over East Anglia and the Midlands.

Raids were also plotted off Kinnairds Head, in the Aberdeen area and in the Firth of Forth.

At 0250 hours it was noticed that there was a definite tendency with the London raids to fly home Eastwards along the Estuary.

After 0200 hours activity was almost entirely confined to the South Eastern Counties and the London area. At 0230 hours, raids were approaching London both from the South and from the East.

Activity continued until 0305 hours when the last raids were plotted leaving this Country.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 29th September 1940

• Blenheim - 59
• Spitfire - 227
• Hurricane - 387
• Defiant - 16
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 697

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
1 Me109	1 Me109	1 Me109
	1 Me(Jaguar)
1 Do215
		1 Do17
1 He111	1 He111
3	3	2
By Lewis Gun, Dover
1 Ju88
1	Nil	Nil
By Anti-Aircraft
2 E/A
2	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • 5 aircraft with 3 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 28th/29th September - 53 patrols involving 65 sorties.
  • During the day of 29th September - 121 patrols involving 451 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 28th/29th September and 180 (120 overland) during the day of 29th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence Reports

• The following is an extract from the report of a reliable source recently in Amsterdam:-  The people of Holland are tremendously impressed at the bravery, strength and extraordinary accuracy of the RAF bombings. Particular mention is made of the bombing of a factory about 3 weeks ago. The 'plane circled over the factory for half an hour and then dropped one single bomb which scored a bull's eye and completely wrecked the drafting department and the main machine shop. From all over the country reports of similar accuracy are passed about by word of mouth.  (Source: Foreign Office)

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 29th September 1940
    • Between 0650 and 0900 hours enemy aircraft visited Berkshire, Essex, Kent and Surrey, but no incident of importance took place.
    • Later in the morning East and South East England were subjected to an attack during which Lowestoft suffered the most damage.
    • Several aircraft endeavoured to reach London during the afternoon but only a few were able to do this, and there were no major occurrences, but in the evening Sittingbourne was subjected to heavy bombing.
    • Night operations commenced at about 2000 hours and it appears that the capital was again the main objective, but considerable activity took place over South and South East England, South Wales, the Midlands s far North as Liverpool, East Anglia, Aberdeen and the Firth of Forth area.

• Detailed Summary
  • 29th September 1940
    • Lowestoft: At 1120 hours 18 HE bombs were dropped near the naval base. A land mine was detonated and some ammunition exploded causing damage to property, water mains and telegraph wires. There were several casualties.

  • Night 29th/30th September 1940
    • Liverpool: An attack was made at about 2235 hours on this area which resulted in fires being started at Duke's Dock and Salthouse Dock. Four warehouses, including one containing grain, caught on fire.
    • Sandhurst: HE bombs were dropped at 2120 hours at the Royal Military College, resulting in the bursting of a water main.

  • Railway Communications
    • These again received attention from the enemy but not on such a large scale as on the previous night. The principal incidents were as follows:-
      • Willesden LMS Railway on siding.
      • GWR main up and down lines between Acton middle signal box and Acton middle starter.
      • The Southern Railway lies were blocked between Ashford and Feltham, also down line between St Margaret's and Twickenham.
      • A severe fire either side of railway line between Ascot and Bagshot.

  • Factories
    • The following occurrences are reported:-
      • An unspecified type bomb at Messrs Hoopers (Coach Builders) Ltd, Acton.
      • Suspected unexploded bomb in the fitting shop at Messrs Napier & Son Ltd, Acton.
      • Serious fire at Bryant Carton Factory, Mitcham.
      • Damage at Messrs S Smith & Sons (MA), Waterloo Road, NW2.
      • An unexploded bomb at Messrs Johnson & Sons Ltd, Hendon Way, which may have since exploded but this has so far not been verified.

  • The City
    • Bombing took place at 0015 hours causing several fires, the most serious being in Upper Thames Street. An unexploded bomb is also reported to have dropped in the South East corner of St Paul's Churchyard, as a result of which the traffic position is acute. Cheapside and Queen Victoria Street are already closed. Horse Shoe Wharf, Cannon Street and Carter Lane were also affected.

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Images

Date: 30th September 1940

• Weather: Generally fair but cloudy with light winds.
• Day: Fighter sweeps towards London, but few bombs dropped.
• Night: London attacked.

Enemy action by day

Four attacks of considerable weight were made over East Kent, one of which spread westwards, and two others took place in the Portland area. The second of these synchronised with the fourth attack (which spread westwards) in Kent.

Other activity consisted of reconnaissance flights along the Coasts, and investigation and attacks on shipping were again reported.

Our fighters destroyed 45 enemy aircraft (plus 32 probable and 29 damaged), and in addition one destroyed by AA.

Our losses amounted to 20 aircraft with 8 pilots killed or missing.

North and North-East Coast

At 1030 hours single enemy aircraft approached the Firth of Forth but turned away when 40 miles to sea.

East Coast

At Ju88 which made a reconnaissance of Chesterfield at 0630 hours re-crossed the Coast at the Humber and was shot down.

Later a Naval Unit was bombed off Harwich. Reconnaissance of two convoys off Yarmouth and later off Cromer, were made at 0900 and 0930 hours.

At 1010 hours a hostile reconnaissance was made over Bedford, Cardington, Duxford, Debden and Eastchurch.

Between 1200 and 1300 hours other reconnaissances were made and a convoy reported that it was being shadowed.

At 1700 hours a single enemy aircraft crossed the Coast at Bawdsey penetrating only a few miles inland.

South-East Coast

From 0635 hours single enemy aircraft were active from the Estuary to Beachy Head and inland in two cases to Farnborough and Worthing.

Kent - 1st Attack

At 0900 hours formations of 30 aircraft including 12 bombers and 50 aircraft all fighters, crossed the Coast East and West of Dungeness respectively. They were preceded by a single aircraft which flew in over Rye. The attack penetrated to Biggin Hill and Kenley. Meanwhile another raid of 12 aircraft patrolled Dungeness eastwards of the attack, just inland, and 50 additional aircraft remained off-shore at Dover.

Kent - 2nd Attack

At 1010 hours 75 enemy aircraft composed of bombers with fighter escort crossed at Dungeness and again flew to Biggin Hill - Kenley area where the formations were broken up. 25 enemy aircraft patrolled the Straits. By 1030 hours the raids had turned South.

Kent - 3rd Attack

At 1310 hours some 100 enemy aircraft with 18 others in advance, flew inland at Lympne. A second wave brought up the total to about 180 aircraft in all, with 40 more patrolling at Dover. The formation of 18, followed by the main body, spread inland on a general for London. It was principally held up 20 miles from Central London, but 9 aircraft consisting of JU88s and Me109s penetrated while others approached the South-Western suburbs. The aircraft were recrossing the Coast at 1345 hours.

Kent - 4th Attack

At 1608 hours four raids totalling about 200+ enemy aircraft flew from Dungeness to Biggin Hill and scattered over East Kent from Kenley to Hornchurch. Some flew West and approached Weybridge from the South. These again turned West down the Thames Valley as far as Reading. Dispersal continued and aircraft were over Middle Wallop, North of Tangmere and near Winchester. Bombers predominated in this attack which finished at about 1730 hours. 1700-1900 hours - Patrol activity continued in the Estuary, Straits and Beachy Head to Dungeness.

South & West Coasts

Portland - 1st Attack

At 1055 hours 100 enemy aircraft crossed the Coast at St Albans Head of which 50 came from Cherbourg and 50 from the Seine. A split of 25 flew across Dorset and Devon to the Somerset border, but the remainder penetrated inland only some 15 miles. The raid was over by 1200 hours. No 10 Group detailed one squadron to patrol Bristol, while the other Squadrons were detailed to counter the attack. No 11 Group sent four Squadrons to patrol Portsmouth-Southampton.

Portland - 2nd Attack

At 1635 hours, while the East Kent raid was in progress, 50 aircraft flew over Portland, a further 50 following the Coast to Lyme Bay. These joined the first formation and flew inland some 20 miles. Weymouth was bombed and damage is also reported in the Yeovil area. By 1700 hours the aircraft were returning to France. At 1730 hours a reconnaissance of Southampton was made by a single aircraft.

Night Operations - 30th September to 1st October 1940

There was considerable enemy activity over a widespread area during the earlier part of the night, but after 2330 hours raids were less in number and from 0100 hours onwards, were confined almost entirely to an area South of a line from the Wash to St David's Head.

At 1900 hours, the first night raiders were plotted leaving Seine Bay. These crossed the Coast at Selsey Bill and headed for London. Raids from the Dutch Coast crossed between Orfordness and Harwich, and some of them penetrated through Duxford/Debden areas to approach London from the North.

From 2100 hours onwards, raids from Cherbourg and Havre flew to the Isle of Wight and then to Bristol Channel, spreading to South Wales and the Midlands and up to the Liverpool and Mersey area.

From 2200 hours, raids approaching from the East crossed the Coast between the Wash and the Thames Estuary, some heading for London, whilst others spread over East Anglia, penetrating through Lincolnshire to the Nottingham area.

It was estimated at 0530 hours that 275 enemy aircraft had operated over or around this Country of which 175 penetrated to Central London.

Minelaying was suspected in the Firth of Forth, Thames Estuary and off Harwich.

Activity continued until about 0600 hours, when the last raids were leaving the Country.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 30th September 1940

• Blenheim - 45
• Spitfire - 218
• Hurricane - 403
• Defiant - 13
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 687

Casualties:

Enemy Losses
By Fighters
Destroyed	Probable	Damaged
24 Me109	20 Me109	7 Me109
7 Me110	4 Me110	7 Me110
7 Ju88	3 Ju88	4 Ju88
	1 He113
1 Do17		6 Do17
2 Do215	2 Do215
4 He111	2 He111	5 He111
45	32	29
By Anti-Aircraft
1 Me109
1	Nil	Nil

• Own:
  • 20 aircraft with 8 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 29th/30th September - 25 patrols involving 25 sorties.
  • During the day of 30th September - 168 patrols involving 1,173 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 180 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the night 29th/30th September and 650 during the day of 30th September.

Balloons:

• No report.

Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 312 Squadron has moved from Duxford to Speke.
• No 308 Squadron has moved from Speke to Baginton (Coventry).
• No 257 Squadron has moved from Martlesham to Debden.
• No 263 Squadron has moved from Drem to Grangemouth.
• No 71 Squadron (Brewsters) is at Church Fenton.
• No 234 Squadron has moved from St Eval to Middle Wallop.
• No 238 Squadron has moved from Middle Wallop to St Eval.

Air Intelligence Reports

• Italy
  • Italian aircraft previously reported transferring to German occupied territory are now known to have arrived in Belgium.
  • The Italian Air Force was completely inactive on all fronts on September 28th.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 30th September 1940
    • There was considerable enemy aircraft activity during the day and three attacks were directed against the Capital including a dive-bombing attack on Uxbridge (Greenford area).
    • The South and South-West of England were also visited, the main concentration being on Bexhill, Hastings, Sherborne and Weymouth.
    • Night operations commenced at about 1945 hours and were wide-spread during the earlier part of the night, but London again appeared to be the main objective. Activity was on a slightly larger scale than on the previous night and the following areas were visited - South and South-East England, Bristol Channel and South Wales, the Midlands as far North as Liverpool, and East Anglia.
    • Aircraft were also in the vicinity of Aberdeen and the Firth of Forth.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations
    • Manston: An attack was made at 1550 hours when bombs were dropped on the South-West corner of the Aerodrome. There was no damage to personnel or aircraft.
    • Bodney: At 0425 hours four HE and forty incendiary bombs were dropped but no damage was reported.

  • Factories - 29th/30th September 1940
    • The following information has been reported:-
      • Messrs. Bowden (Engineers) Ltd and Messrs G Beaton & Sons Limited of Acton. Production affected by failure of electric supply.
      • A fire occurred at Renaults Factory, Acton.
      • LEP Transport, Chiswick. Roof of Bond Warehouse and 1 lathe damaged.
      • Gas Light & Coke Co, Nine Elms. Slight damage.
      • Messrs Strachans Factory, North Acton. Damage to glass, but production will not be affected if weather holds.
      • Tate & Lyle's Factory at Silvertown. Damage to Offices and Laboratory. Production not affected.
      • The Celotex Factory, Wembley. Fire caused by incendiary bomb. 500 tons of wood pulp destroyed.

  • Factories - 30th September 1940
    • At 2045 hours a fire was started at CAV Ltd, Acton but this is under control and it is believed that production will not be affected.
    • An unexploded bomb is reported at the AEC Works, Southall.

  • Railway Communications - 29th/30th September 1940
    • The following information is available regarding recent attacks:-
      • HE on locomotive shed at Nine Elms.
      • Crystal Palace main level line blocked.
      • Woolwich Dockyard and Station, unexploded bomb on Embankment and at Wellhall Station, as a result of which most services are suspended.
      • Fire at Stonebridge Park Siding.
      • HE at Horn Lane Bridge.
      • Central line service suspended between North Acton and Ealing Broadway.
      • Ealing Common Station out of use owing to escape of gas due to bomb damage.
      • Metropolitan Railway closed between Kings Cross and Moorgate and suspended between Latimer Road and Addison Road, also Fenchurch Street and Marylebone.

  • Railway Communications - 30th September 1940
    • Incendiary bombs dropped at 2005 hours. Set alight to rollingstock at Willesden.

  • Elsewhere - 30th September 1940
    • Bexhill: Two attacks were made, one being at 0810 and the second at 1030 hours. These resulted in considerable damage to house property, gas and water mains. Trolley bus cables were severed and fires started which are not reported under control.
    • Grantham: At about 2045 hours HE bombs were dropped on the Works of Messrs, Ruston, Hornsby & Co Ltd, causing extensive damage to water, gas and electricity mains. The part of the Works on the East Side engaged in the manufacture of ship fittings will be out of production for a considerable length of time. The Section on the West Side working on tank parts and depth charges will be in production again in a day or so.
    • The casualties are reported as being five killed and eighteen injured.
    • Uxbridge (Greenford Area): A dive bombing attack was made by six aircraft at 1350 hours when 100 bombs were dropped causing very severe damage which included 400 houses. A sub-station of the Uxbridge Electric Supply Co received a direct hit and there was extensive damage to mains which affected 1,000 small consumers. The casualties so far reported amount to 13 persons killed and 106 injured.
    • Dover: Between 1124 and 1148 hours the Town was again subjected to shell fire. One house and a garage were wrecked and 210 houses damaged, including a Bank and the Police Station. The casualties are reported as being one killed and 11 injured.
    • Coventry: Production on the Bristol Aircraft Section as the Standard Motor Co, is being held up by the strike which still continues, although 50 tin smiths today restarted work.
    • London: The Metropolitan Water Board reports that 42" diameter and 48" diameter mains from Kempton Park to Cricklewood were broken at about 2030 hours. Positions of breakages are at present unknown and the matter is under immediate investigation. The supplies at North and North-West London will be seriously affected and the supplies to West London will be affected to a less extent.

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