Date: 17th October 1940

• Weather: Bright intervals with some showers.
• Day: Fighter-bomber attacks on London and Kent.
• Night: Raids on London, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Enemy action by day

During the day the enemy made four fighter sweeps over Kent, some reaching the London district and the Thames Estuary. Approximately 300 fighter aircraft were employed, some of which carried bombs.

Our fighters destroyed four enemy aircraft (plus six probable and five damaged), while our losses were three aircraft and three pilots killed or missing.

First Sweep

At 0820 about 15 aircraft flew over Dover, the Thames Estuary and reached Hornchurch, where they turned South-East and were intercepted without conclusive results by our fighters. At 0900 a second wave of about 60 enemy aircraft North to the Estuary and then home Eastwards, the other penetrated to Central London and then dispersed. Six Squadrons were sent up but did not intercept.

Second Sweep

At 1305 two raids of 50 aircraft in all crossed the coast at Lympne and after passing over Gravesend divided, some retiring South Eastwards, others reached Hornchurch before turning back. Of the seven Squadrons sent up, four sighted the enemy and one intercepted (One Me109 probable).

Third Sweep

At 1510 four raids totalling about 80 enemy aircraft approached East London and the Kenley-Biggin Hill areas. Some of these aircraft penetrated to Central London. Fourteen Squadrons met this attack, six sighted the enemy and four intercepted (four enemy aircraft destroyed, plus four probable and three damaged).

Fourth Sweep

At 1630 about 60 enemy aircraft in three waves approached the Kenley and Biggin areas, and attacked Kenley Aerodrome. Of the five Squadrons sent up, one intercepted (one probable, two damaged).

Reconnaissances

Hostile reconnaissance aircraft were active in the Thames Estuary and the Channel during the day. During the afternoon a number of enemy aircraft reconnoitred and reported shipping off Lands End and in Falmouth Harbour.

Night Operations - 17th / 18th October 1940

The first night raiders were plotted leaving the Dutch Islands and the Somme area at 1825 hours. London was the main objective, but some raids from Cherbourg flew to the Midlands, Birmingham in particular, and later to Liverpool, which received considerable attention. Some minelaying was suspected.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

Raids from Holland to the Estuary flew mainly to London, but a few were plotted over East Anglia and up to the Humber. Raids from Somme/Dieppe crossed near Hastings, and raids from Le Havre crossed between Shoreham and Beachy Head, all approaching London. Raids from Cherbourg via Weymouth Bay to Bristol and the Midlands appeared to concentrate on the Birmingham area. Slight minelaying was suspected in the Thames Estuary and off Southwold.

2100 Hours to 2300 Hours

No fresh raids appeared from Holland, but raids from France, Dieppe in particular, continued to approach London. Raids to Midlands continued North to Liverpool area, where considerable hostile activity was plotted.

2300 Hours to 0100 Hours 18/10/40

Activity appeared to be slackening, but a few fresh raids appeared from Holland, while of those from France the majority originated from Dieppe. A few raids were returning from the Midlands, but otherwise activity was confined to London and the South-East.

0100 Hours to 0300 Hours

A small number of raids continued to approach London from the Dutch Islands and from France, but the rest of the country was clear.

0300 Hours to 0600 Hours

Solitary raids continued to the London area.

Statistics

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

• Blenheim - 46
• Spitfire - 217
• Hurricane - 404
• Defiant - 17
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 692

Casualties:

• Own:
  • 3 aircraft and 3 pilots killed or missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 16th / 17th October - 5 patrols involving 5 sorties.
  • During the day of 17th October - 100 patrols involving 563 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 320 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 17th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 17th October 1940
    • During the day, enemy aircraft succeeded in dropping a small number of bombs in London which, except for the St Pancras incident, caused little damage and few casualties. Intermittent and widespread bombing occurred in Kent and Essex but damage on the whole was slight.
    • After dark, raids were again directed against London and railway communications seem to have been selected for particular attention. Several bombs were dropped in the Westminster district and practically all suburbs were visited resulting in a varying amount of damage.
    • Birmingham & Liverpool were again bombed but little damage has been reported although there appear to be a number of casualties.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 17th October 1940
    • North Weald: In addition to the attack already reported at 0300 hours a single enemy aircraft dropped several bombs just off the perimeter of the Aerodrome at about 1730 hours on the 16th October, a further bomb fell just off the landing ground at 2230 hours.
    • Heston: Attacked at 2045 on the 16th. The photographic Section was destroyed and Equipment Section partially destroyed by fire; however, some equipment was salvaged.
    • West Drayton: Two bombs were dropped on No 1 Signal Depot from a single aircraft at 2040 hours on the 16th. A concrete shelter was destroyed and a certain amount of damage done to windows and roof. The bombs were evidently dropped at random through dense cloud and heavy rain.
    • Kenley: Seven HE bombs were dropped on the Squadron's dispersal point at 1942 on the 17th. Damaging five aircraft. The runway is serviceable and no damage to buildings is reported.

  • Railways
    • Damage and dislocation in certain cases occurred at Southwark, where a signal box and platform were demolished, Wandsworth (between Mount Pleasant and Woodlands Way Bridge), Lambeth, Woolwich, Poplar, Wimbledon and Abbey Wood.

  • Central London
    • Bombs were dropped in the courtyard of the National Gallery, near Colonial Office and Home Office and considerable damage was done to the Treasury where four or five people are believed to be trapped. A suspected land mine has been located in the river between County Hall and India Wharf.

  • Other damage
    • Birmingham: Bombs were dropped intermittently from 2005 to 2256 hours, falling chiefly in the poorer quarter of the City and causing a considerable amount of damage to houses. No damage of importance was reported to industrial establishments which included Metropolitan Cammell, Wilders Fireworks, Bakelite, BSA Tools and BSA Guns. An engine and railway bridge were hit blocking the main Leicester, Birmingham, Derby line. Casualties over this period were small.
    • Rochester: An attack was made at 2142 hours and damage was done to part of the Fort Bridgewood Wireless Station, where casualties were also reported. Bombs are also said to have fallen in the airport field and at Fort Borstal.
    • Crayford: IT is believed that the damage to Vickers Armstrong is serious and will affect production in several departments.
    • Hendon: It is reported that an AA shell fell on the Titanine Dope Stores. However, there was no fire although dope was running over the pavement and road.
    • St Pancras: At 1525 hours on the 17th 5 HE fell in Wilkins Street. Three people were killed, ten injured and one hundred believed trapped.
    • Stepney: A direct hit wrecked the engine room of the Regents Canal Lock.
    • Battersea: It is reported that an unexploded bomb is on the foreshore of the Thames, 30 feet from Battersea Bridge which is consequently closed.

Images

Date: 18th October 1940

• Weather: Fog in Straits of Dover and Thames Estuary. Visibility poor.
• Day: Relatively quiet.
• Night: Raids on a reduced scale.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a very reduced scale and consisted mainly of reconnaissance flights and raids by single aircraft. Our fighters damaged one enemy aircraft.

At 0645 hours a single aircraft was plotted from Holland to Malden and back to Ostend. At 0730 hours another track was plotted along the coast from Beachy Head to Dover, Rye and Dungeness.

At 0900 hours a convoy off Deal was visited by one enemy aircraft.

At 1025 hours two sections of fighters unsuccessfully attempted to intercept an enemy aircraft which appeared 70 miles East of St Abb's Head and flew on to the Forth Estuary.

At 1049 hours two raids approached Harwich, and at 1134 hours a raid circled the Thames Estuary and another carried out reconnaissances in the Channel.

At 1330 and 1700 hours single enemy aircraft crossed the coast and were active over London and East Anglia.

At 1627 hours one aircraft, crossing the coast at St Albans Head flew over Wincanton and Gillingham and back over the same course.

At 1700 hours one raid came in at Southwold, to stay for a short period, and another entered at Dungeness and flew to Kenley and Northolt and out at Pevensey at 1825 hours. Two further raids came inland and out again at Brighton and Pevensey respectively and at 1733 hours a raid flew in at Selsey and out over the Isle of Wight.

Night Operations - 18th/19th October 1940

Activity commenced at 1830 hours when the first raids were plotted leaving France.

1900 Hours to 2000 Hours

28 raids were plotted from the Somme to Pevensey, seven from Baie de La Seine to Shoreham, twenty-five from Cherbourg to Poole and sixteen from Holland to Harwich. The Cherbourg raiders proceeded to Bristol, Liverpool and Birmingham areas in approximately equal numbers, the remainder of the raiders from France flying to the London area. Some of those from Holland came inland to London, but about eight remained in the Estuary presumably minelaying.

2000 Hours to 2100 Hours

Activity during this period was somewhat reduced, six raids entering from the Somme over Pevensey to London, four from Cherbourg over Poole to Bristol, two from Holland to East Anglia and three from Baie de la Seine to the Southampton district.

2100 Hours to 2300 Hours

A steady stream of raids was maintained during this period, eight crossing the coast from France between Selsey and Beachy Head, fifteen between Beachy Head and Dungeness, while thirty entered the Estuary from Holland. These raids confined their activity almost entirely to London, Kent and Essex with occasional tracks to Buckinghamshire and East Anglia.

2300 Hours to 0100 Hours 19/10/40

During this period activity gradually declined, only eight incoming tracks being plotted, all to the London area, Liverpool, the Midlands and the West Country were by now completely clear of enemy raiders.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

By 0100 hours no hostile raids were left over this country, until 0355 hours when six aircraft from Holland at various intervals visited London. The country was again clear at 0550 hours but a further raid was plotted leaving Holland.

Statistics

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

• Blenheim - 43
• Spitfire - 218
• Hurricane - 408
• Defiant - 16
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 692

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 17th / 18th October - 9 patrols involving 9 sorties.
  • During the day of 18th October - 36 patrols involving 135 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 40 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 18th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• Sherburn and Leconfield unserviceable by night.
• Caistor unserviceable by day and night.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 18th October 1940
    • A small number of enemy aircraft operating during the day dropped a few bombs in Kent, Surrey and London where damage was of a minor character and casualties low.
    • Night activity directed against London was on a far smaller scale than recently. Liverpool and particularly Birmingham were subjected to raids, the latter receiving considerable damage.
    • Information is to hand of a new type of bomb which is of considerable interest. It appears that eight HE are strung together by wire and dropped by parachute, the material of which is non-inflammable. A wire trailing behind exploding the first bomb when contact is made with an object. The explosive force from this drives the parachute up again and the procedure is repeated as each bomb explodes.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 18th October 1940
    • Hatfield: Attacked at 2330 hours on the 16th. Three mushroom craters and one unexploded bomb across centre of Aerodrome. There was slight damage to a wing of one aircraft.
    • Heston: Attacked at 1950 hours on the 17th. One long-range Spitfire was completely destroyed by bomb.
    • Wembley: Attacked at 2130 hours on the 17th. The Drawing Office was wrecked, windows blown in and structure cracked.
    • North Weald: Bombs were dropped at 0330 hours on the 18th. These dropped outside the perimeter causing no damage.
    • Null Head (Orkneys): Sixteen bombs were dropped near Station and seven unexploded bombs are reported on Shapinsay causing, as yet, no damage.
    • Hooton Park: It has been reported that heavy bombing occurred at 2100 hours on the 18th. No damage reported.

  • Other damage
    • Birmingham: Raids commenced at 2008 hours on the 18th. And the Aston and Bordesley areas appear to have been the principal targets. Considerable damage was done to property including Verity's Ltd, Wood Carving Co, LMS Goods Yard and Windsor Street Gas Works. At 2100 hours several fires were observed in the centre of the City, which include the GPO Corporation Bus Depot, Birmingham School of Art, 2 timber yards at Aston, 2 paper factories and several other buildings. However, it is reported that all fires are well in hand.
    • Lambeth: The Rose and Crown Public House was completely demolished at 2025 hours by a direct hit. So far casualties are 2 dead, 6 injured with a further 40 trapped, for whom little hope of survival can be entertained.
    • Harrow: It is reported that at 2200 hours a bomb dropped near the corner of the Air Ministry Unit annexe on the main road. Four airmen were killed and their bodies taken to Harrow Weald Mortuary. Telephones are out of action but Operations are safe and an emergency line from main shelter is in order. The gas main is broken but no serious damage is reported to main buildings.
    • Northwood: It is reported that a few bombs fell in the vicinity of Coastal Command Headquarters at about 2125 hours, 18th October.
    • Streatham: At approximately 2135 hours on the 17th a direct hit was registered on the fire station. Two heavy appliances were wrecked. Twelve fatal AFS casualties together with eight injured.

  • Enemy Shelling
    • Dover: Between 1137 and 1311 hours on the 18th, ten shells fell in the Dover area, of which only two exploded on land. Slight damage was caused to dye works and it is reported that there were three minor casualties.

Images

Date: 19th October 1940

• Weather: Cloudy in Channel, mist in northern France clearing later.
• Day: Isolated patrols and reconnaissance.
• Night: Raids on London, Liverpool, the Midlands and Bristol.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a reduced scale, being limited to one attack by fighters on London and reconnaissance activity off the South and East Coasts, a few of which penetrated inland. Our fighters destroyed two aircraft (plus one damaged) and we lost two aircraft and one pilot missing.

Attack on London

At 1430 hours, two enemy raids totalling abut 60 aircraft flew over Dungeness and Maidstone and into the Inner Artillery Zone, some penetrating to Central London, with plots also at Biggin Hill and near Hornchurch. The raids are reported to have been composed of fighters, some carrying bombs. They turned about and returned to France on a reciprocal course, the country being again clear at 1510 hours. Five Squadrons were despatched to meet this attack; three reported having sighted the enemy. Our losses were two aircraft and one pilot missing.

Reconnaissances

East: In the morning several reconnaissances were plotted off East Anglia and one flew across Suffolk to Coventry area. A section of fighters sighted this aircraft, but it escaped in cloud.

South East: During the morning reconnaissances were plotted at intervals in the Straits, a few penetrating inland, and one Ju88 was destroyed near Maidstone. After the attack on London reported above patrols in the Straits were particularly active.

South and West: A few reconnaissances appeared between Cherbourg and the Isle of Wight, one of which was damaged by fighters. Slight activity continued, and late in the afternoon a Ju88 was destroyed near Falmouth.

Night Operations - 19th/20th October 1940

Activity commenced at dusk and for the first four hours was abnormally heavy, then continuing on a large but more usual scale. The main attacks were against the London area, but Liverpool, Manchester and Coventry districts received considerable attention.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

Hostile raiders were extremely active, 14 from Le Havre, 33 from Dieppe, 20 from Belgium, 14 from Holland, and 18 from Baie de la Seine concentrating on London and its suburbs during this period. In addition, at least 10 raids from Cherbourg penetrated to Liverpool and Manchester, Birmingham and Coventry, with plots also showing over Bristol and South Wales. Three raids from Holland also visited North Eastern areas.

2100 Hours to 2200 Hours

17 raids from France over Kent and Sussex, and 23 from Holland and Belgium via the Thames Estuary, concentrating on London, with a few raids in East Anglia. Seven further raids from Cherbourg flew to the Coventry and Liverpool areas, with plots as far North as Barrow, and at Bradford.

2100 Hours to 2300 Hours

A few additional raids entered from Cherbourg, the Midlands and Lancashire, 12 from France and 9 from Holland to London, and six from Holland to East Anglia and Lincolnshire.

2300 Hours to 0200 Hours 20/10/40

During this period no fresh raids were plotted to the Midlands, all new activity concentrating on London and East Anglia. About 40 raids were plotted, 26 from France and 14 from Holland. From considerable initial volume numbers gradually decreased and at 0100 only three fresh incoming raids were plotted. The South-East gradually cleared and at 0200 hours all hostile aircraft were leaving.

0200 Hours to 0600 Hours

Activity was resumed at 0220 hours, single enemy aircraft alternating from the Somme and Belgium every twenty minutes. Those from Belgium flying by the Estuary, over London, and to the Somme, those from the Somme reversing the procedure. This well organised activity continued steadily until 0550 hours, when the country was reported clear.

Statistics

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

• Blenheim - 47
• Spitfire - 233
• Hurricane - 412
• Defiant - 22
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 721

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Two aircraft. One pilot missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 18th / 19th October - 2 patrols involving 2 sorties.
  • During the day of 19th October - 63 patrols involving 286 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 230 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 19th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 19th October 1940
    • There has been little enemy air activity during the day except for one ineffective attack on London. A number of houses were damaged in Coventry and the By Pass Road machine-gunned. There are only minor incidents to report in Essex, Surrey and Kent.
    • As soon as darkness fell, a particularly vicious attack was launched against London and surrounding suburbs. Railway communications appeared to be the main objective and considerable damage was done. The Dockyards were attacked by damage was not as great as at first thought, owing to a large number of bombs falling either on empty sheds or on warehouses already destroyed. There were numerous fires But all are now under control.
    • In the Midlands attacks were concentrated on Coventry. Districts in and around Liverpool & Birkenhead were also attacked but on the whole damage to factories and residential quarters was not as great as at first feared.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 19th October 1940
    • Hatfield: attacked at 2210 hours on the 17th. Four incendiary bombs which dropped on the Aerodrome were immediately extinguished.
    • Kidbrooke: Attacked at 0030 hours on the 18th and slight structural damage was caused but no casualties.
    • Heston: Attacked with HE and IB at 2155 hours on the 19th and these bombs fell on the Airport Field. All fires are extinguished.
    • Bombs were dropped in the vicinity of Pembrey and Luton.

  • Other damage
    • Coventry: At 1205 hours on the 19th a single enemy aircraft dropped 10 HE in the Coundon and Keresley District. Gas mains and 27 houses were damaged but no casualties are reported. The Coventry By Pass was machine gunned presumably by the same machine. After dark, attacks caused considerable damage and people have been evacuated in Built-up areas owing to the presence of approximately 40 unexploded bombs. The centre of the town was not affected and business premises and shops have not suffered greatly in consequence. Reports of slight damage appear to have been sustained by Dunlop's and the Riley Motor Co and Armstrong Siddeley, Parkside received a direct hit on the Surgery but it is also reported that there are two unexploded bombs located outside the works.
    • A fire was reported at the Humber Works but it appears that there was a great deal of smoke and with no apparent flame. However, there are twelve pumps in attendance.
    • Margate: Eighteen HE were dropped in the Central District at 1145 hours on the 19th. Four houses and two workshops were demolished. Fourteen houses and water mains badly damaged. A few casualties are reported.
    • Southwark: The South Eastern Post Office was damaged. The loading bank and sorting rooms on the first and second floors in Swan street were mostly affected. It is reported that the ordinary mail was damaged but registered mail is intact.
    • Acton: The Dubilier Condenser Co was badly damaged. The Electrolytic Condenser shop was completely wrecked by a direct hit. The spray shop, impregnation shop and other departments were less severely damaged. No casualties reported.
    • Stepney: At 2125 hours on the 19th HE partially demolished 'D' Block of the Mile End Hospital.

  • Railways
    • Euston Station: Damage by fire was caused to Large Hall on the Station and bombs fell on Nos 2 and 3 roads. Coaches were derailed but some electric services are available.
    • Hampstead Heath Station: A direct hit was obtained on the station which is strewn over the tracks blocking all lines.
    • Wimbledon: Bombs fell near Durnsford Power Station and 30 casualties have been reported, some of which may be trapped in passenger train.
    • Poplar: A direct hit was registered on the District railway at Foot Bridge.
    • Deptford: Bombs fell through SR Arch at Filwood Street causing major damage.
    • Brentford: HE fell on the SR track south of Chiswick Station.
    • Woolwich: Wellhall Station damaged by fire.
    • Sundry Damage
      • Two coaches overturned blocking all tracks between Richmond and North Sheen.
      • Lines blocked between Kentish Town Junction and Canonbury Station.
      • The Southern Railway arch at Windmill Walk damaged.
      • GWR bridge adjacent to Central London Railway Bridge reported to be unsafe.
      • No damage was caused when eight IB fell on Lordship Lane SR Station and permanent way.

  • Docks
    • London Dock: Bombs fell on the Western end of Denmark Shed and No 9 Warehouse. The bridge between No 9 Warehouse and 'F' Warehouse collapsed in Nightingale Lane. Fires are under control.
    • St Leonards Wharf: It is reported that owing to damage to Olisal Oil tank, oil is running into the roadway and entering sewers.
    • Royal Albert Dock: No 17 Shed (empty) was partially demolished.
    • Surrey Commercial Dock: HE dropped in the ruins of Nos 2 and 15 Warehouses and also in water of Greenland Dock and South Dock.
    • Bombs were also dropped in St Catherines, King George V No 12 Shed, Lavender Yard and Downing Wharf.

  • Fires
    • Reports of a 20 pump fire at Smeed Road, Bow.
    • Reports of a 50 pump fire at Goswell Road, Clerkenwell.
    • Reports of a 30 pump fire at Gas Works, Poplar.
    • Reports of a 20 pump fire at Hopton Street, Southwark.
    • Reports of a 20 pump fire at Medical College, Charterhouse Square.
    • Reports of a 20 pump fire at College Hall, St Bartholomew's Hospital.
    • It is now reported that all these fires are all either out or well under control.

Images

Date: 20th October 1940

• Weather: Mainly cloudy in most districts.
• Day: Fighter-bomber raids on London and the south-east.
• Night: Heavy attacks on London and industrial targets in the Midlands

Enemy action by day

There were five main attacks during the day, all in South East England, with some penetration to London. The bulk, if not all, of the enemy aircraft engaged would appear to have been fighters and fighter-bombers.

Patrols were maintained in the Channel and Straits, and several reconnaissance flights were made.

Reports so far received indicate that our fighters destroyed seven enemy aircraft, plus five probable and six damaged. Our casualties were three aircraft (pilots safe).

Main Attacks

At 0935 hours, a raid of 20+ aircraft from Cap Gris Nez flew over Biggin Hill and Kenley to Central London and Harrow, and out again over Dover at 1035 hours. Eight Squadrons were despatched to intercept.

At 1100 hours, 50+ aircraft crossed the coast at Folkestone, flew to Maidstone and Biggin Hill and out again on a reciprocal course at 1140 hours. At the same time 30+ flew in at Lympne, on to Biggin Hill and Croydon and out again over the South Eastern route. Again eight Squadrons took off to intercept.

At 1315 hours, raids totalling 45+ aircraft came in at Dover and flew across Kent to South London. The raids split into two parts, one from South of Hornchurch going out by the Estuary and North Foreland, and the other over Kent and Dungeness, at 1350 hours.

While the latter attack was in progress further enemy aircraft were massing in the Straits, and at 1420 hours a wave of 50+ made landfall at Dover and headed for Maidstone and South East London. The attack was split up, part flying from Biggin Hill and out at Dungeness at 1450 hours, the remainder veering to Hornchurch and out by the Thames Estuary at 1445 hours.

A second wave of 40+ at 1430 hours flew behind the North Foreland into the Estuary, but did not penetrate inland and left by the same route at 1440 hours.

At 1500 hours, a raid plotted as 50+ came in near Dungeness and fanned out over Kent and the Estuary in five sections, the last finally leaving the country at 1600 hours.

Patrols

Patrols were plotted in the Channel and the Straits of Dover from 0730 hours to 0900 hours. Between 0910 and 1029 hours three small groups crossed the coast, two at Dungeness and one at Folkestone, but penetrated only a few miles inland. At 1100 hours, 6+ enemy aircraft flew in at Hastings and out at Dungeness and 3+ flew parallel with the coast from Beachy Head to Shoreham. From 1145 hours, when shipping off Dover was visited, Channel patrols were almost continuously maintained until 1730 hours.

Reconnaissances

At 0630 hours a single enemy aircraft from Le Havre flew North over the Isle of Wight, Bristol and onwards over Sealand and out into the Irish Sea. It made landfall again at Kendal turned South over Lancashire and Shrewsbury and back to Le Havre. During the morning reconnaissances were made in the North Sea to a point 60 miles East of Spurn Head. During the afternoon a single raider was plotted from 100 miles East of the Firth of Forth over the Coast into West Perthshire and out over Kinnairds Head. This aircraft is reported to have attacked one of our trainers south of Wick. Enemy reconnaissance aircraft were also active off East Anglia, Portland and the Dutch coast.

Night Operations - 20th/21st October 1940

The first enemy night raiders were plotted leaving France at 1830 hours. The main concentrations were on London and the Midlands, notably the Birmingham District. Activity was heavy, and steadily maintained until about 0100 hours, when the numbers engaged against London began to diminish rapidly. Minelayers were active off East Anglia, and from the Humber to the Tees. It is reported that by 0300 hours AA had accounted for one enemy destroyed plus two probable; additionally one Do17 was destroyed near Shaftesbury, cause unknown.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

The first raiders from France crossed the coast at about 1900 hours, and those from Holland at 1918 hours. During the period 45 enemy aircraft crossed the South Coast and eleven flew to the Essex Coast, of which only two appeared to penetrate inland. The majority of raids from the South went to the London area, a few, however, passing West of London to the Northampton/Bedford area. Seen raids had Birmingham and Derby as their objective. Minelayers were very active from Shoeburyness to the Tees.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 21/10/40

Raids from the South Coast continued, 30 flying to the London area and Northern environs, and approximately a further 30 to the Midlands, with special concentrations on Birmingham, Coventry and neighbouring towns. Between 2350 and 0100 hours about 25 raids crossed the Essex Coast and also appeared to go to North London. Minelaying enemy aircraft continued active as before.

0100 Hours to 0300 Hours

Activity over London was slight, and by 0245 hours no new incoming tracks to the Inner Artillery Zone were showing. The stream to the Midlands continued unabated, with special concentration on Birmingham and Coventry. Individual raids were also plotted in the Catterick, Peterborough, Manchester and Cambridge Districts. It is noted that raids to the Midlands flew in due North, between Portland and Selsey Bill, but many return flights were on a more easterly course, over London and Beachy Head.

0300 Hours to 0600 Hours

The London area was practically clear throughout this period. Activity in the Midlands continued on a gradually lessening scale until 0530 hours, when the last raider left. In addition to Wolverhampton and Coventry, some activity was plotted over Manchester, Merseyside, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester.

Statistics

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

• Blenheim - 44
• Spitfire - 226
• Hurricane - 411
• Defiant - 20
• Gladiator - 7
• Total - 708

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Three aircraft. Pilots safe.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 19th / 20th October - 15 patrols involving 18 aircraft.
  • During the day of 20th October - 87 patrols involving 457 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 300 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 20th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence Reports:

• Italy: Indications that Italian aircraft now in Belgium may soon operate over South East England. Types include BR20 bombers, G50 Fighters and CR42 fighters. Small number of Cant Z1007 long range bombers also believed to be in Belgium.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 20th October 1940
    • During the day, bombs were again dropped in the London area but only a few casualties occurred, and property, mostly private, was little damaged. A number of incidents are reported in Surrey, Sussex, Essex and Kent, and although widespread, did not on the whole cause much damage.
    • Eastbourne & Hove were machine-gunned by an enemy aircraft.
    • As is now customary, London was attacked as soon as darkness fell and the surrounding suburbs were again bombed indiscriminately but not so heavily as on the previous night. Several districts in the Midlands were attacked and Coventry was again the primary objective.
    • Dover was shelled during the day and considering the number of shells fired the results were mediocre.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 20th October 1940
    • Lindholme: It is reported that at 0015 hours on the 21st a magnetic mine was discovered on the Aerodrome preventing five aircraft of No 50 Squadron taking off.

  • Other damage
    • Coventry: Severe raids commenced at 2252 hours on the 20th and were at least as heavy as the night of 19th/20th. A number of fires were caused and considerable damage done. Rescue parties are being heavily tested as several people are known to be trapped.
    • Damage is reported at Singer Motors, Armstrong Siddeley Mechanisation & Aero Ltd, Motor Fittings (Gosford Street), Alfred Herbert's and Coventry Transport Depot. A slight fire is reported at Courtaulds but a severe fire is still raging at the Ordnance Works together with another of major character at Gosford Green, LMS Railway Wharf. An infants' school containing a Warden's Post was badly damaged and over the whole area casualties so far are reported as 20 dead, 78 injured with at least 15 trapped.
    • Birmingham: Raids commenced at 2230 hours and have been on a small scale. Erdington Institution, where children evacuated from London are installed, was hit and of the 20 casualties it is reported that no children are injured.
    • Wanstead: Two HE fell on the Royal Wanstead School which is occupied by the Military. One fell near the Officers' Mess causing only minor injuries to men. The other fell on the quarters occupied by other ranks of the Royal Corps of Signals resulting in five dead and a number of wounded.
    • Eastbourne: An enemy aircraft cruising over the town about midnight machine-gunned the town and dropped one incendiary bomb - one AFS mar was wounded. About the same time, Hove was also machine-gunned with negligible results.

  • Railways
    • London
      • Addison Road: Three craters on GWR track dislocating four running roads. Booking hall, parcels office and other buildings damaged.
      • Willesden: permanent way of Metropolitan Railway blocked by debris and power cable displaced near Neasden Station.
      • Brentford: Track and station at Turnham Green damaged. Bridge over Turnham Green Terrace partially collapsed blocking road.
      • Enfield: HE on tracks at Painters Lane - train service suspended.
      • Lambeth: Bridge and track damaged on the St Paul's to Herne Hill line.
    • Sundry Damage
      • Upminster Electric Railway blocked.
      • Brentwood Station unserviceable.
      • HE on SR just South of Morden Tube Station.
      • Unexploded bomb near signal box of Uxbridge Road Station.
    • Country
      • Damage to up-line between Tadworth tunnel and Kingswood Station.
      • HE on track near Barracks. Up and down line between Maidstone and Rochester blocked.
      • Debris on track between West Hallam Station and Morley Tunnel (Derby).

  • Enemy Shelling
    • Of 51 shells which fell in the Dover area between 1108 and 1310 on the 20th only 15 exploded on land. One shell hit a garage adjoining an auxiliary fire station and damaged a 5,000 gallon dam. One man is reported killed and two seriously injured.
    • It is also reported that at 1805 hours shells fell, without causing any damage, at St Margarets.

Images

Date: 21st October 1940

• Weather: Mainly cloudy with fog and intermittent rain. Poor visibility.
• Day: Sporadic raids on London, Liverpool and the West Country.
• Night: London, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Birmingham and Liverpool bombed.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a small scale. During the morning and early afternoon a series of raids, mostly of single aircraft, approached the London area. A few raids were also plotted to the Midlands and Liverpool. Many of our aerodromes were unserviceable early owing to weather conditions, but fighters were able to take off from Kenley, Biggin Hill, Tangmere and Speke after 1100 hours. Low clouds made interception difficult.

Our fighters destroyed one enemy, plus three damaged. Harwich AA destroyed one. We suffered no loss.

South East

From 0700 to 1100 hours about eight single aircraft entered the triangle North Foreland - Hornchurch - Beachy Head, the majority flying to the Estuary. One crossed South and West London.

Between 1100 and 1400 hours activity increased, approximately 60 raiders flying from between Calais and Le Havre northwards to London, a few continuing on to Bedford, Northampton, Duxford and Cambridge.

After 1500 hours activity decreased and only a few raids were plotted in the Straits. Two flew to the Kenley-Biggin Hill districts.

South and West

In the morning two raids entered the Liverpool area, one of which flew on to Blackburn and returned over Derby. Several single aircraft entered the Midlands.

In the afternoon one enemy aircraft flew over Portsmouth to Gloucester then turned South and was destroyed near Old Sarum.

Later on occasional raid was plotted in the Bristol Channel-South Wales area.

Night Operations - 21st/22nd October 1940

Activity on a considerable scale was concentrated on London, the Midlands and Liverpool areas. Irregularity of communications between some stations affected the reports of plottings over the eastern part of the South Coast after 2230 hours.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

The first raiders crossed the coast at about 1900 hours, and during this period 39 left Dieppe, 8 Baie de la Seine and 5 Cherbourg. Approximately half of these flew to London, 14 to Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and the remainder to Liverpool and South Wales area.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 22/10/40

12 raids from Cherbourg concentrated on the industrial Midlands and Liverpool until 2300 hours, when activity to these areas appeared to cease. 16 raids were plotted from France, and 25 from Holland, via the Estuary, to London; approximately 6 raids from Denmark flew in over Yorkshire (one visiting Sheffield) and on to the Preston and Barrow areas.

0100 Hours to 0300 Hours

There were no raids in the midlands and fog restricted activity in the South East. 18 raids from Holland flew to the Thames, some proceeding to London, others probably minelaying. Three raids were plotted from Denmark to Yorkshire, on to Preston and Barrow, and back.

0300 Hours to 0600 Hours

All incoming raids ceased at 0300 hours and London was clear after 0400 hours, but at 0410 hours, 6 raiders flew from Brittany over Devon, Somerset and the Bristol Channel to Cardiff and Swansea, returning at 0545 hours. Two reconnaissance flights were plotted from Ostend to Harwich and back between 0430 and 0600 hours.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 20th / 21st October - 12 patrols involving 13 aircraft.
  • During the day of 21st October - 113 patrols involving 262 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 80 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 21st October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence Reports:

• A correspondent from America writes: "I met an American oil chemist who had been employed in Germany by a German oil firm for 14 years. He had just come back because all 12 plants of this firm had been put out of existence by the RAF and there is nothing for him to do."

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 21st October 1940
    • During the day considerable activity by single aircraft and small formations was noticeable over widespread areas. London boroughs were bombed, resulting in a few casualties and damage to property. Incidents were reported in the following counties: Lancashire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Sussex and Kent. Chief objectives were aerodromes, but it was also noticeable that the enemy indulged in a certain amount of promiscuous machine-gunning without any apparent damage or casualties.
    • The night attack on London was not so intense as of late, but the attack on Coventry was very severe and fires and damage were extensive. Elsewhere, enemy activity was on a small scale.
    • Dover was again shelled during the day.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 21st October 1940
    • Hornchurch: attacked at 2330 hours on the 20th. 2 HE fell near a hangar and on landing ground and further bombs fell in the vicinity. Very slight damage and no casualties.
    • Docking: At 2030 hours on the 20th a land mine was dropped near the flare path, and has since been successfully destroyed. Aerodrome serviceable.
    • Catterick: HE bombs and hundreds of IB reported South of the Aerodrome on the night of 20th/21st.
    • Manston: At 1040 hours on the 20th 3 bombs were dropped near the Aerodrome buildings. One Hampden was slightly damaged by splinters, and one Lysander is unserviceable but damage not yet ascertained.
    • Heyford: bombs are reported to have fallen on the Aerodrome at 1240 hours on the 21st but there are no details.
    • Old Sarum: An enemy aircraft machine-gunned the aerodrome at 1340 hours on the 21st. No damage reported, but one airman slightly injured.
    • Attacks on Hendon and North Weald are reported, but no details available. An unexploded parachute mine lies approximately half a mile from the RAF Experimental Station at Old Shotton.

  • Elsewhere
    • Coventry: The attack commenced at 1945 hours on the 21st and appears to be quite as severe as last night. Dicken Leather Works, GEC Stores, Morris Bodies, and Cheylesmore Schools are all gutted. There are other fires at Courtaulds, Riley's and shops in the centre of the town. However, these are under control. The Staff Canteen at Alfred Herberts is completely wrecked, and hits have been registered on the Gaumont Cinema, King's Head Hotel, and the London Road institution, causing 41 casualties and 23 trapped. It is reported that BTH Company will be completely out of action for three days, owing to unexploded bomb and failure of gas and electric supply. Damage to Armstrong Siddeley was extensive and production delayed considerably. The Aero Finished Stores, Tool Stores and Office and Canteen are gutted; the water tower is down and the main fractured. There are 22 minor roads blocked in the district and many houses have been demolished, rendering 4-500 persons homeless.
    • Weymouth: Bombs were dropped near the railway station at 1215 hours on the 21st. South National Bus Depot was partially demolished and a number of buses damaged. Four HE were also dropped in Portland Harbour.
    • Hull: At 0140 hours on the 22nd 2 parachute mines caused extensive damage, but no particulars available.
    • Southwark: A bomb hit the edge of an underground shelter in the New Kent Road, where 26 people were sheltering. Of this number 3 dead have been brought out.
    • St Pancras: A heavy HE making a crater of 40 feet in diameter, fell at the junction of Eversholt Street and Phoenix Road. A large water main was fractured allowing the water to enter the Northern Line railway tube 50 feet below. A 36" gas main is on fire but under control.

  • Machine Gun Attacks
    • At 0800 hours - area round Bala Junction.
    • At 1100 hours - An Open Air School at Blackburn.
    • At 1130 hours - workers in field at Iden.
    • At 1345 hours - A convoy on the Tillshead to Lavington Road.
    • No casualties - No damage.

  • Enemy Shelling
    • Dover was shelled between 1403 and 1557 hours; Six shells falling in all, inflicting no casualties nor damage.

Images

Date: 22nd October 1940

• Weather: Widespread fog in the south, clearing to rain later.
• Day: Quiet morning and afternoon.
• Night: London, Coventry and Liverpool attacked.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was confined principally to limited coastal reconnaissances in the forenoon, with slightly increased activity later in the day, due to better weather conditions. It culminated in two fighter sweeps, one over Kent and the other toward South-East London and the Estuary.

Inter-communication irregularities, referred to in yesterday's report, continued to affect the reports of plottings over the eastern half of the South Coast. Our fighters destroyed three enemy fighters, plus one damaged. We lost six aircraft but only four pilots.

Main Attacks

At 1425 hours a formation of 30 enemy aircraft crossed the coast at Dungeness and flew towards Redhill and Kenley, where it circled. Three other raids totalling 40 remained in the Straits: of these 9 aircraft eventually flew to North Foreland and Hornchurch passing over two convoys. Both formations turned South and the area was clear by 1520 hours.

At 1615 hours one raid of 18 aircraft again made a landfall at Dungeness while 4 other raids amounting to 60+ aircraft remained in mid-Channel. Those crossing the coast pursued a course for Hornchurch finally turning South to Biggin Hill, re-crossing the Coast at about 1655 hours.

Eight fighter squadrons were despatched to meet these attacks.

Reconnaissances

North East and East Coast

Reconnaissances by single aircraft were made in the morning off Berwick and the Wash, the latter flying inland towards Wittering.

South East Coast

Up to 1230 hours some 30 tracks were plotted round North Foreland to Beachy Head. In one case a Dornier flew low inland and over Manston.

Interceptions were much hampered owing to fog and low cloud. Enemy patrols continued in the afternoon, two penetrating inland, one towards Redhill and one towards Northolt.

Between 1700 and 1730 hours considerable activity developed in the Straits by patrols of from 2 to 6 aircraft but no attack or penetration inland was made.

South and West Coasts

A few raids were tracked off the South Coast, while others were plotted off Lands End and Cardigan Bay. Single aircraft also appeared in the North West and in the Midlands.

Night Operations - 22nd/23rd October 1940

Raids were on a very much reduced scale. London and the Home Counties, the Midlands, Liverpool and South Wales were attacked.

1830 Hours to 2100 Hours

The first enemy aircraft crossed the coast at 1830 hours, and 40 raiders were tracked in up to 1900 hours, coming from France and Holland; thereafter activity slackened. It was noted that several enemy aircraft turned back before reaching the coast. The majority concentrated on London, and the Birmingham-Coventry area; a few raids penetrated to the Liverpool, Bristol and South Wales areas. One attacked a convoy in the Thames Estuary. By the end of the period there were very few new tracks entering the country.

2100 Hours to 2330 Hours

Activity continued on a small scale. 11 raids from France and seven from the Scheldt were plotted to London and the environs, one to Bicester and one to Amersham. Three raids visited Liverpool, six were in the Birmingham area, and three in South Wales. At 2330 hours the country was clear of enemy aircraft.

2330 Hours to 0600 Hours 23/10/40

At 0038 hours one enemy aircraft left the Scheldt and flew to the Thames Estuary and London, leaving at 0125 hours.

There was no further activity until 0515 hours, when two raids from Brittany flew to South Wales, and one was plotted over Devon at 0550 hours. These were still in progress at 0600 hours.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

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

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 21st / 22nd October - 24 patrols involving 24 aircraft.
  • During the day of 22nd October - 70 patrols involving 360 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 70 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 22nd October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• Luton, Gatwick, Debden and Biggin Hill unserviceable owing to fog.

Organisation:

• No 242 Squadron moved from Coltishall to Duxford.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 22nd October 1940
    • During daylight several small scale bombing attacks were reported in Devon, Sussex, Surrey and Kent. No bombs fell in London.
    • After dark the enemy considered London of secondary importance, and launched their main attacks against the Midlands causing considerable damage in Coventry. There were also some minor incidents reported in Essex.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 22nd October 1940
    • Brockworth: Bombs were dropped at 1435 hours on the 21st. One oil bomb fell on the roof of a tool shed and 3 HE fell on the airfield doing no damage. Casualties reported are 2 killed and 32 injured. It is now reported that at 1645 hours on the 16th an enemy aircraft dropped bombs and machine-gunned balloon sites. No Home Office warning was received.
    • Coventry: 2 IB were dropped at 1941 hours on the 21st causing no damage.
    • Stapleford: One 750lb bomb was dropped at 2030 hours on the 21st. It fell inside the perimeter 100yds from Southern boundary, causing no damage to aircraft or personnel.
    • Cranfield: An enemy aircraft attacked the Aerodrome at 0001 hours on the 22nd but was driven off by Lewis gun fire.

  • Elsewhere
    • Coventry: Raids commenced at 1958 hours and ceased at 2155 hours causing widespread fires and considerable damage. Fires are reported at Cornercroft Ltd, Armstrong Siddeley, Morris Bodies, Smith Molesworth, Coventry Brace Co, Rotherham's Ltd, GEC, LMS Goods Yard, shops and residential property. St Mary's Hall, the Queen's Hotel, and a Public Shelter were hit by HE and a number of people trapped, but all have since been extricated alive. The spare parts department of the Daimler Works was hit, and an unexploded bomb is also suspected. A further unexploded bomb was removed from Riley's and full production resumed. The situation is well in hand and all fires (150) were brought under control by 2200 hours. It is reported that during this raid about two hundred persons have been rendered homeless.
    • Birmingham: A few HE were dropped in the City and suburbs at 2100 hours, causing fires and slight damage.
    • Eastbourne: One HE and 10 anti-personnel bombs were dropped at 1025 hours, causing 18 casualties of which 2 were fatal. Five houses were demolished and other extensive damage to property caused.
    • Folkestone: Attacks were delivered at 1152 hours, 1330 hours and 1616 hours. There were a few casualties, and the gas and water mains were damaged.
    • Hull: The 2 parachute mines dropped last night exploded with characteristic results. 10 houses were seriously damaged, 400 damaged in one way and another, and 70 persons injured.
    • Windsor Castle: At 1920 hours on the 22nd one oil bomb and a suspected unexploded bomb fell in the grounds 300yds South of the Castle, near Frogmore House. No damage and no casualties.
    • Seal: At 1500 hours on the 22nd an officer was attempting to remove the fuse from an unexploded bomb which fell about three weeks ago, when it exploded, and no trace of him has since been found.

  • The following roads are now open:
    • Chelsea Embankment.
    • Gunnersbury Avenue.
    • Cheapside.
    • Baker Street, at York Street.
    • Whitechapel High Street.
    • Watford By-pass.

  • Enemy Shelling
    • Between 0750 and 0904 hours Dover was again shelled. Two shells fell on the land and one in the sea. Thirty houses were slightly damaged and four persons slightly injured. Road A259 to Folkestone is partially blocked but is reported to be available for single line traffic.

Images

Date: 23rd October 1940

• Weather: Low cloud and drizzle. Visibility poor.
• Day: Mainly reconnaissance.
• Night: Attacks on London and Glasgow. Minelaying off the Yorkshire coast.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a small scale, no raids being reported between 0600 and 1200 hours. All those plotted during the day, except one, appear to have been made by single aircraft. Our fighters damaged one enemy aircraft, but themselves suffered no loss.

Reconnaissances

South East

At 1240 hours an aircraft from Calais flew from Dover to Dungeness and Hastings, where it turned North and crossed the Inner Artillery Zone. This aircraft is reported to have attacked the Stanmore before returning across the IAZ and going across Kent. At 1245 a reconnaissance was flown off the North Foreland.

At 1323 hours a raid from Holland came into the Estuary over a convoy off Clacton, circled Harwich for ten minutes and returned to the Scheldt; this was followed at 1331 hours by another from Holland into the Estuary, over two convoys North West of Herne Bay and then to South East London and back to the Scheldt.

Between 1424 and 1522 hours a reconnaissance was made from the South of Orfordness to Luton, North of North Weald and Clacton.

At 1522 hours an unidentified aircraft crossed the coast between Southwold and Orfordness and flew to Peterborough, Grantham, Wittering, Duxford and Bury St Edmunds and faded North of Martlesham.

At 1547 hours a raid flew into the Estuary as far as Hornchurch.

At 1610 hours an aircraft from the Scheldt flew over a convoy in the Estuary and then via the Blackwater to Hornchurch, Gravesend and Rochester and back to Holland.

Between 1630 and 1700 hours two aircraft crossed the coast at Beachy Head but did not penetrate far inland. At 1700 hours an unidentified aircraft was off Southwold and a single enemy aircraft entered the Estuary and flew to Hornchurch, round the London area and out over Sheppey.

Between 1700 and 1800 hours a reconnaissance was made from the Dutch Coast to the Mouth of the Estuary.

South and West

At 1210 hours a single enemy crossed the coast near St Alban's Head, passed near Swindon and turned South to the Isle of Wight and Le Havre.

Between 1359 and 1440 hours a raid from the East of Cherbourg passed between two convoys off Portsmouth but did not cross the coast.

At 1536 hours a reconnaissance from the Caen areas flew over Portsmouth and Southampton.

Night Operations - 23rd/24th October 1940

1800 Hours to 2100 Hours

The first aircraft engaged on night operations was plotted leaving the Abbeville area at 1807 hours and between that time and 2100 hours activity developed on a moderate scale only, 10 tracks being plotted from the Dutch Islands via the Estuary to London, and 17 from the Somme area towards the same objective. At 2100 hours there was only one raid inland, flying East down the Estuary.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 24/10/40

Although slight activity was continued towards London, mainly from Eastern points, throughout this period, about 12 enemy aircraft began to penetrate the Yorkshire Coast from the East. These held their course until they reached the Western seaboard and were tracked a short distance out to sea off the Lancashire Coast. It is conjectured that these aircraft were minelaying as their speeds varied between 150 and 180 mph only. The majority returned on reciprocal courses, while other tracks returned on reciprocal courses, while other tracks indicated probable minelaying off the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire coasts. A few enemy aircraft may also have been minelaying in the Estuary.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

A series of 13 raids approached Montrose at 0150 hours, continuing West and returning reciprocally. South England was clear by 0152 hours, but new waves appeared from Dieppe at 0440 hours, and from Holland at 0500 hours heading for London. These raids were still in progress at 0600 hours.

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 23rnd October 1940

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

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 22nd / 23rd October - 9 patrols involving 11 aircraft.
  • During the day of 23rd October - 32 patrols involving 79 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 35 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 23rd October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 85 Squadron is now at Kirton-in-Lindsey.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 23rd October 1940
    • During the day enemy aircraft activity was on a very small scale and was confined to a few isolated raids by single aircraft.
    • Night activity commences at 1830 hours and was much less severe than for some long time. London appearing to be the main objective.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 23rd October 1940
    • Kemble: An attack was made at 2100 hours but there was only negligible damage to one hangar.

  • Fires - Nights of 22nd/23rd and 23rd/24th October 1940
    • The number of fires reported during the last two nights in the London Region showed a considerable decrease and only one incident was serious, namely a 30 pump fire which was started at Messrs Whiteleys on the night of 22nd/23rd but was under control soon after midnight.
    • A fire occurred at the saw mills belonging to Messrs Jones and Co Larbert, Stirlingshire, on the same night, causing damage estimated at £20,000 and production is reduced by 80 per cent.

  • Elsewhere
    • St Pancras: An attack was made at 1847 hours on the 23rd of October, causing considerable damage, including a large crater on the London main line, 2 holes through a bridge; also property and rolling stock suffered severely.
    • National Gallery: A delayed action bomb exploded at 1340 hours, causing extensive structural damage.
    • King George V Dock: An attack was made at about midnight and Shed No 14 was hit but details of damage are not yet available.

Images

Date: 24th October 1940

• Weather: Overcast and hazy in the Channel, clearing to a starlit night.
• Day: Very quiet.
• Night: Raids on London and Birmingham.

Enemy action by day

During the morning, enemy activity was slight being limited to a few reconnaissances; later in the day reconnaissance activity was on a somewhat increased scale.

Our fighters destroyed two enemy aircraft (plus two damaged). Our casualties were nil.

East

At about 1100 hours, one enemy aircraft flew West over Southwold and penetrated to within 20 miles of Coventry before turning back. This aircraft was intercepted and destroyed near St Neots.

South East

Between 0700 and 1100 hours, five single aircraft were plotted in the Channel, one in the Estuary and one flew from Deal to Kenley, Farnborough, Middle Wallop and Southampton. Later a few aircraft penetrated to the Maidstone areas, two to Kenley and Northolt and one to Debden and Duxford. During the morning, a Do17 was destroyed between Dover and Ostend and a Me109 damaged near Ashford.

South and West

In the morning, one enemy aircraft reconnoitred the coast from Portland to Beachy Head and one was reported in Cardigan Bay. In the afternoon, single aircraft flew inland to Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare, one to Guildford and one from Portsmouth to Northolt, Reading and Leighton Buzzard.

Night Operations - 24th/25th October 1940

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

Enemy aircraft began to appear from the Dutch Islands, from the Somme area and from Cherbourg at about 1900 hours, the majority flying towards London and the remainder - about six tracks - towards St Alban's Head. London and Birmingham appeared to be the main objectives, but activity towards the former was not on a large scale, many aircraft apparently turning away after reaching the outer suburbs. One raid was plotted in the Liverpool area.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 25/10/40

The moderate intensity of the raids on London appeared to diminish at the commencement of this period, and up to 2330 hours had been maintained only by isolated aircraft. Raids continued to be plotted towards Birmingham via Bristol, but this attack had ceased by 2200 hours.

It is reported but not confirmed that an enemy aircraft was shot down near Oxford at about 2110 hours.

At about 2330 hours, a repetition of last night's activity from the Yorkshire Coast to Liverpool Bay was apparent, though on a smaller scale, the aircraft again returning on Easterly courses. Other enemy aircraft were plotted from a South Easterly direction towards the Clyde.

Minelaying was probable in the Estuary and between the Wash and the Firth of Forth.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

By 0100 hours, the Southern half of the country was clear of enemy aircraft, while in the Northern half only isolated raids were plotted, mostly returning from Liverpool. At 0130 hours however, a single enemy aircraft approached London via the Estuary and penetrated to South West of Northolt.

Minelaying was again apparently extensive, chiefly in the Estuary, off the Essex Coast and between Scarborough and the Tyne.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 23rd / 24th October - 11 patrols involving 11 aircraft.
  • During the day of 24th October - 119 patrols involving 463 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 30 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 24th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• Skitten is unserviceable by night.

Organisation:

• No 232 Squadron moved from Castletown to Drem.
• No 312 (Czech) Squadron is now operational.

Air Intelligence:

• The following extract from correspondence is of interest:
• "The RAF seem to be shaking up Berlin. We heard today that the Berlin underground has stopped running because the power station has 'gone west'".
• From Hamburg on 11 September 1940

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 24th October 1940
    • During the day enemy aircraft activity was again on a small scale and was principally carried out by single aircraft.
    • At night, activity commenced at about 1920 hours and was not severe with the exception of Birmingham which received the main force of the attack. Elsewhere, including London, bombing was of a minor nature.

• Detailed Summary
  • Elsewhere
    • Birmingham: At 1953 hours an attack commenced during which many HE and incendiary bombs were dropped causing 90 fires, some of which were serious.
    • New Street Station suffered considerable damage, fires breaking out on five platforms. Damage included a passenger train, 3 signal boxes, loaded parcel vans, and the roof of the station was badly affected.
    • Bombs are also reported to have been dropped on the following buildings:
      • Snowhill Station.
      • Dunlop Rubber Co's Works.
      • Frankenburg's.
      • Lawrence Bros.
      • Cinema.
      • Woolworth' in New Street.
    • Casualties so far reported amount to 5 dead and 28 injured.
    • Hayes: Bombs were dropped at 1434 hours and a serious fire was started at the works of the Fairey Aviation Co, where the main store was damaged. There were five casualties and production is expected to be temporarily affected.
    • Basingstoke: At 1445 hours an attack was made during which several HE bombs were dropped causing considerable damage to house property.
    • It is reported by the Bomb Disposal Officer that one bomb was of a new type weighing 2 tons.

Images

Date: 25th October 1940

• Weather: Fair but overcast.
• Day: Fighter-bomber raids on Kent and London.
• Night: Italian Air Force carries out an attack on Harwich.

Enemy action by day

Considerably greater activity took place than of late. Reconnaissances were made from the Orkneys Southwards to the Estuary, thence along the South Coast to Lands End.

Four enemy fighter sweeps were made in Kent and these developed towards London. During the day's operations 14 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 12 probable and 16 damaged). Our losses amounted to 10 aircraft and 3 pilots.

Main Attacks

First Attack 0845 Hours

50 enemy aircraft crossed the coast at Dungeness and flying towards Maidstone and Biggin Hill split into five sections. A sweep followed over South East London to Kenley. While this attack was in progress two other formations flew inland - one of 12 aircraft at Dungeness and the other of 40 aircraft at Hastings. At 0920 hours, the raids, increasing to 65 aircraft concentrated towards Biggin Hill but a split of some 20 aircraft flew to Central London. At 0930 hours, these enemy aircraft had turned South but at 0925 hours, two further raids numbering 90+ aircraft were plotted in at Dungeness. The leading raid of 50 aircraft flew towards Biggin Hill and penetrated to Central London at 0955 hours. The second formation of 40 aircraft remained in the Maidstone area. By 1010 hours, the attacks had spent themselves. During the period, patrols estimated at 100 aircraft were maintained in the Channel.

Second Attack 1154 Hours

Enemy aircraft numbering 100 crossed the coast near Dover at 20,000 feet and flew on a Westerly course past Maidstone. The formation split into many small sections and covered the South East from Hornchurch to South of Biggin Hill. By 1215 hours, the attack had become still further split up and spread from Gravesend to Hastings. Three Squadrons from 12 Group which we in the air at Duxford were sent to the Maidstone patrol line.

Third Attack 1305 Hours

50 enemy aircraft flew inland at Dungeness followed by 20 others. A split remained near Dover while the main body flew to Central London at 1330 hours splitting into small formations en route. The IAZ was clear at 1345 hours.

Fourth Attack 1515 Hours

Enemy aircraft which had been massing from 1440 hours and flying in gradually extended circles, flew inland following the usual route. Of the 60 aircraft, 30 penetrated Central London. While this attack was in progress two formations - each of 20 aircraft - crossed the coast at Beachy Head and flew in, turned near Kenley and spread out over an area between Tangmere and Maidstone. The enemy aircraft were returning to France in small sections by 1540 hours.

Reconnaissance

At about 0800 hours patrols were active in the Channel and Estuary.

Between 1040 and 1200 hours, these had increased in the South Eastern area and had extended to flights off the Cornish Coast. Central London was reconnoitred twice by single aircraft.

At 1400 hours further reconnaissances were being made over Lands End, one was made over Pembrey and three plottings were recorded in the Orkneys.

At 1600 hours hostile reconnaissances were again reported over the Orkneys, South of Inverness, off Aberdeen and over East Anglia with continuous activity around Lands End.

Attack on Shipping

At 1740 hours some 20 enemy aircraft in two formations were in the vicinity of a convoy off North Foreland and at 1744 hours the convoy was attacked. In response to a 'help' message, four Squadrons were despatched but no interception appears to have been made.

Night Operations - 25th/26th October 1940

1800 Hours to 2100 Hours

The attack on London commenced at about 1830 hours from the mouth of the Scheldt and from Dieppe in moderate strength, while at the same time a minor attack was carried out in the Montrose area. Raids also appeared from Cherbourg flying Northwards. 33 were tracked over the coast between Selsey and Portland, 22 of which continued to Birmingham and the Midlands and 11 to Pembroke, Cardiff and Liverpool.

Meanwhile, 45 raids approached London from the East and South and the attack was sustained, although in gradually diminishing strength, throughout the period.

Minelaying was also probably carried out between the Firth of Forth and Aberdeen, in the Estuary and off Liverpool.

During the period, it is reported that an enemy aircraft was shot down by an aircraft of No 219 Squadron off Seaford.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 26/10/40

Enemy aircraft continued to penetrate to the Midlands and to a lesser extent to Liverpool, and in the former area the attack was maintained until about 2300 hours, while in the latter area, it had ceased by about 2230 hours. The attack on London was maintained spasmodically, never completely ceasing but reviving towards the end of the period when enemy aircraft were also plotted flying West of London in a North Westerly direction towards Slough and returning on reciprocal tracks. About the same time tracks were followed across Yorkshire Westwards to the coast of Lancashire, probably indicating further minelaying in that area.

0100 Hours to 0400 Hours

Apart from a continuance of 'nuisance' raids on London, the main feature of this period was an extension during the entire period of minelaying activity which appears to have extended from the North Foreland to Aberdeen.

A few of the London raids went far beyond their objective, one penetrating to Wittering and another to Middle Wallop before returning.

0400 Hours to 0600 Hours

At the commencement of this period, activity to London had practically ceased but a succession of raids approached the Aberdeenshire coast at heights between 5000 and 12000 feet. The majority of these having penetrated some short distance inland, it is possible that an attack was made on the area. At 0600 hours, single raiders were still flying towards London at lengthy intervals.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

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

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 24th / 25th October - 33 patrols involving 33 aircraft.
  • During the day of 25th October - 131 patrols involving 775 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 440 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 25th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• Caistor is serviceable by day and night.

Organisation:

• No 601 Squadron moved from Warmwell to Exeter.
• No 56 Squadron moved from Exeter to Boscombe Down.
• No 229 Squadron moved from Northolt to Heath Row.
• No 29 Squadron moved from Digby to Wittering (1 Flight) and Ternhill (1 Flight).
• No 607 Squadron moved from Montrose to Turnhouse.
• No 804 Squadron moved from Hatton to Skeabrae.
• No 422 Squadron is at Tangmere.
• No 611 Squadron is at Ternhill.
• No 600 Squadron moved from Redhill to Acklington (1 Flight) and Catterick (1 Flight).
• No 87 Squadron moved from Colerne to Exeter (1 Flight) and Bibury (1 Flight).
• No 232 Squadron (consisting of 1 Flight) is now operational.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 25th October 1940
    • During the day enemy aircraft activity was on a larger scale than during the last few days and was almost continuous, most of the effort being centred on London and the Home Counties.
    • At night - activity recommenced at about 1830 hours, when London and Birmingham again appeared to be the main targets, but South Wales and the Midlands as far north as Liverpool were also visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 24th October 1940
    • Tholthorpe: A few incendiary bombs were dropped at 2000 hours but no damage is reported.

  • RAF Stations 25th October 1940
    • Montrose: At about 1920 hours an attack was made causing a fire and considerable damage to one hangar, the Officers' Mess and certain electrical equipment. The casualties are reported to be 6 killed and several injured.
    • Cardington: HE and incendiary bombs were dropped at about 2000 hours but so far no further details are available.
    • Arbroath: This aerodrome received two very low attacks and it was suspected that two unexploded time bombs were dropped. Details of damage and casualties, if any, are not so far available.

  • Birmingham
    • A raid started at 2000 hours, the districts of Deritend, Highgate and Balsall Heath being chiefly affected but bombs were also dropped over a wide area.
    • A large number of incendiary bombs were used causing about 100 fires, the largest of which was in the Balsall Heath area where a number of small factories were set alight.
    • The following key points are reported to have suffered damage:
      • Fisher Ludlow.
      • Deritend Stamping Co.
      • United Wireworks.
      • Birmingham Batteries and Metal Corporation.
      • Windsor Street Gas Works.
      • Forwerd Radiator Co.
    • Many gas and water mains were damaged, and at Bordesley this is reported to have flooded the Great Western Railway and the lines are said to be unusable.
    • House property and the Municipal Bank suffered damage, but details of the extent of this are not yet known.
    • The casualties so far reported are 22 persons killed and 39 injured, but these figures should be treated as preliminary and with reserve.

  • Battersea
    • An unexploded bomb was dropped on Dorman Long's yard at 0930 hours on 25th October, causing delay to important Government work.

  • Westminster
    • The Air Provost Marshal's department was hit by an HE bomb at 1330 hours, killing four RAF personnel and injuring eight.

Images

Date: 26th October 1940

• Weather: Cloudy with local showers chiefly in the north and east.
• Day: Fighter-bomber raids on London and Kent.
• Night: Raids on London, the Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool.

25th/26th October 1940

It is confirmed that an aircraft of No 219 Squadron destroyed an enemy aircraft off Seaford at 1910 hours on 25th October.

26th October 1940

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity during the day appears to have consisted chiefly of raids by small formations of Me109s on the South Eastern areas. On only one occasion - in the morning - were the raids sufficiently close together to constitute a major attack and few enemy aircraft penetrated to Central London.

There was some enemy activity in the straits of Dover and the Channel, extending as far West as Poole.

In the morning, shipping in the Estuary and in the Channel appears to have been visited.

Reports so far received indicate that our fighters destroyed 4 enemy aircraft, plus 4 probable and 8 damaged. Our casualties were 2 aircraft and pilots.

Main Attack

At 1136 hours, formations varying in size from 3+ to 30+ and totalling 80+ aircraft, crossed from the Gris Nez and Boulogne areas to Lympne. Some of these did not penetrate far inland, whilst others flew to Tonbridge and some on to London.

Small Attacks and Reconnaissance

South East and the Channel

Between 0600 and 0658 hours, the night raids on London continued. Between 0600 and 0820 hours, many single aircraft were active in the Straits of Dover and a section was despatched to intercept one of them believed to be reconnoitring a convoy.

Between 0700 and 0800 hours, one enemy aircraft reconnoitred from Selsey to Northolt, Newmarket, Bristol, Christchurch and the Needles.

At 0915 hours, 15+ aircraft visited a convoy in the Estuary.

At 0945 hours, a raid of 6+ aircraft from Gris Nez crossed the Coast at Lympne and penetrated about 30 miles into Kent.

At 1127 hours, a raid from Dieppe went in and out again almost immediately at Rye, and another raid - later shown as 15 aircraft - flew to London.

At 1245 hours, 1+ enemy aircraft came in near Tangmere, going North West and 12 unidentified aircraft were plotted from Eastbourne to Biggin Hill.

Between 1300 and 1700 hours, 12 small raids crossed at various points on the Sussex and Kent Coasts. Penetration behind Brighton, Beachy Head and Dungeness was shallow but some raids went to Guildford, Kenley, Sheppey, the Estuary and Essex. One of these small raids is reported to have attacked Ventnor.

Between 1741 and 1808 hours, a single aircraft from the Somme area patrolled off Beachy Head, and between 1743 and 1835 hours, another reconnoitred from mid-Channel to Beachy Head.

South and South West

At 1045 hours, a reconnaissance was made from the Bristol Channel South to St Eval and out by the South Coast. One to six enemy aircraft were plotted between Poole and the Straits of Dover. Several tracks were plotted off Start Point and a number off the Coast of Cornwall.

East

During the afternoon, two reconnaissances were flown along the coast of East Anglia to the Mouth of the Humber and back over the Thames Estuary.

At 1713 hours, a Dornier which went inland North of Lowestoft flew to Martlesham and then back up the Coast, going out North of Orfordness. It passed over a convoy and made towards Dunkirk.

At 1748 hours, a single aircraft appeared 50 miles East of Mablethorpe, patrolled to about 50 miles Eat of the Coast and faded off Flamborough Head at 1850 hours. It is possible that this aircraft was looking for out outgoing bombers.

At 1757 hours, an aircraft approached the Firth of Forth from a point 50 miles East of St Abb's Head and was lost off Fifeness. It reappeared at 1848 hours going South East and two sections of fighters were sent up.

At 1745 hours, an unidentified aircraft - later reported as two enemy aircraft - attacked the RAF Station at Lossiemouth and a site at Wick. One of these aircraft crashed on the aerodrome at Lossiemouth and exploded.

Night Operations - 26th/27th October 1940

There has been little variation from the usual procedure, the main attacks being directed against London, the Midlands and Liverpool. The attack was moderately heavy during the earlier part of the night, but later, only London was kept on the 'Alert' by a succession of single aircraft.

1800 Hours to 2100 Hours

Operations commenced at 1806 hours with raids plotted from points on the French Coast and from the Scheldt at 1815 hours. Early phases showed the greatest intensity and 95 raids were plotted entering the Country towards London, the majority reaching the Capital. Several others fanned out towards Bedford, Northampton and two to Chesterfield.

Between 1800 and 1900 hours, 18 raids crossed the South Coast in the Swanage area and these - with some entering at Shoreham - went to Bristol, the Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool. One raid was tracked from the Tay to Glasgow and Eastwards via Firth of Forth. Minelayers were probably operating off the Essex Coast.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 27/10/40

There was a gradual decrease of effort against London, until by 0100 hours it had developed into a 'Nuisance' attack. The attack on the Midlands had ceased by 2330 hours. Enemy minelayers again crossed the Yorkshire to the Lancashire Coast, returning on same courses. Other minelaying activity was apparent from Flamborough Head to Firth of Forth and in the Estuary. A more unusual feature was the plotting of eight raids from Denmark at about 2345 hours. These approached within 50 miles of Scarborough, maintaining this distance from the Coast while flying North to Firth of Forth before returning to Denmark. 13 Group report (unconfirmed) that an enemy aircraft exploded off the Tees Mouth at 0011 hours.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

The attack on London was maintained by small numbers of enemy aircraft in relays during this period and there was probable minelaying on a small scale in the Estuary.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

• Own:
  • 2 aircraft with both pilots missing.

Addendum:

• Since the above was written, it has been reported that another Me109 was damaged and that we have lost an additional fighter but the pilot is safe. The total of Me109s damaged is, therefore, 8 and our total losses are 3 aircraft of which two pilots are missing.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 25th / 26th October - 54 patrols involving 54 aircraft.
  • During the day of 26th October - 134 patrols involving 678 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 200 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 26th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 26th October 1940
    • During the day enemy aircraft again made continuous attacks on this country, London and South East England being the objectives.
    • Night activity commenced at about 1800 hours, the Capital again receiving most attention, and Birmingham suffered its third night in succession of heavy attack.
    • The Bristol Channel area and the Midlands as far North as Liverpool and Manchester were also visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 25th October 1940
    • Kidbrooke: An attack was made at 0912 hours, but the damage was negligible.
    • Montrose: With further reference to the attack reported yesterday, further information to hand shows that 6 HE and many incendiary bombs were dropped causing the following damage:-
      • 33% of Officers' sleeping quarters destroyed.
      • 12 airmen's huts damaged.
      • Flying training school damaged.
      • Sick quarters damaged.
      • Night flying store burnt out.
      • Small arms store damaged but equipment saved.
      • 2 hangars badly damaged.
      • 6 Master aircraft destroyed.
      • 7 Master aircraft damaged.
      • 1 Oxford aircraft destroyed.
      • 3 Oxford aircraft damaged.
      • 1 Blenheim aircraft destroyed.

  • RAF Stations 26th October 1940
    • Cardington: Incendiary bombs were dropped at (illegible) hours.
    • Wick: At 1800 hours 5 HE bombs were dropped, 2 falling on the Aerodrome and 3 nearby demolishing several houses and causing 15 civilian casualties, 3 of which were killed. The attack was made by two He111s flying very low and flashing correct recognition signals. One hangar was hit and a Hudson aircraft burnt out, two others being damaged, and another hangar was also damaged.
    • Lossiemouth: The Aerodrome was attacked at 1830 hours by two enemy aircraft approaching from the sea at 100 feet and a third from the West of the Aerodrome. Bombs were dropped on the edge of the landing ground and one Blenheim was burnt out, two others being damaged. One He111 crashed, and it is believed that this was due to the explosion of its own bombs. The casualties reported are 2 dead and 12 wounded.
    • Boscombe Down: Bombs were dropped near the Aerodrome at 0425 hours.

  • Birmingham
    • For the third night in succession the city was attacked commencing in this case at 2010 hours. A large number of heavy calibre HE and many incendiary bombs were dropped. Widespread fires were started, four of which were major, but most of these were under control by about 0300/27.
    • Bombing was mainly directed against the centre of the city, where large blocks of offices and commercial buildings were hit. In addition the Midland Homeopathic Hospital had to be evacuated.
    • The New Street (LMS) Station is closed to all traffic owing to HE on No 1 platform.
    • A fire was started on top of the GPO in Paradise Street.
    • Casualties so far reported total 50 dead and 200 injured, but these will probably be exceeded.
    • The factories of Stratton & Co Ltd and Bulpitt and Son were gutted.

  • London
    • The following were the major incidents in or near London:
      • Oil
        • Anglo American Oil co at Silvertown. 1 large tank smashed and pipes damaged.
        • Fire caused the loss of 5 Diesel oil tanks containing 180 tons each at Leatherhead.
      • Railways
        • Communications were attacked, the four most outstanding features being:
          • Line from Chorley Wood to Chalfont blocked.
          • Line from Leatherhead to Bookham closed.
          • Line from Eat Dulwich to Herne Hill torn up.
          • Lines from Dagenham to Barking blown out.
        • Fires
          • The major fire was started at Saffron Hill, Clerkenwell, necessitating the employment of 50 pumps.
        • Chelsea
          • The Royal Hospital suffered a direct hit but there were no casualties.
        • Brentford
          • The Sperry Gyro Co was damaged but from information so far received there is reason to believe that production will not be affected.

  ---

  Images

Date: 27th October 1940

• Weather: Cloudy all day except for brighter weather in the late morning.
• Day: Mainly fighter and fighter-bomber sweeps.
• Night: Widespread raids with London the main target.

Enemy action by day

During the day, the enemy made four attacks in South East England and in the afternoon, one attack in the Portsmouth/Southampton area.

Enemy formations were almost entirely composed of fighters, but in some cases a few bombers were observed.

Our fighters destroyed 8 enemy aircraft, plus 7 probable and 9 damaged; and our losses were 9 aircraft and 5 pilots.

First Attack

Between 0740 and 0900 hours, three waves, totalling about 60 aircraft, flew in t the Kenley and Biggin Hill areas, and about 10 enemy aircraft reached Central London. 14 Squadrons were sent up and 6 Me109s were destroyed. At 1020 hours, about 10 enemy aircraft flew 10 miles inland from Beachy Head but then turned back.

Second Attack

At 1125 hours, 60 enemy aircraft in three formations crossed the Coast to the Dartford and Biggin Hill districts. 12 Squadrons were sent up, of which 7 sighted the enemy.

Third Attack

At 1320 hours, one raid of 14 aircraft approached Faversham from Dungeness and then turned East; simultaneously another raid of 20 aircraft reached the Central London area and a secondary wave turned back over Ashford.

Fourth Attack

At 1615 hours, a raid of 60 aircraft came in over the North Foreland. Some remained in East Kent, but the majority crossed the Estuary to the Martlesham and Harwich areas, and Martlesham was attacked. 5 Squadrons were detailed to this raid.

At the same time, 55 aircraft flew in over Dungeness to Biggin Hill and 7 Squadrons were sent up to this raid. There were no interceptions.

Southampton Attack

Concurrent with the fourth attack above, about 50 fighters and a few Ju88s flew from Cherbourg towards Southampton. 10 Squadrons were sent up and the main raid was turned back near the Coast, a few only penetrating to Southampton/Portsmouth area. Our fighters destroyed one Ju88, plus one probable.

Night Operations - 27th/28th October 1940

Night operations were mainly on lines similar to those of last night but at slightly reduced strength. An extensive dusk attack on aerodromes and a widening of the areas covered by enemy aircraft were unusual features.

1800 Hours to 2100 Hours

As a preliminary to night operations, a dusk attack was launched against aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. By the time the first of the night raiders appeared off the French Coast (1840 hours), those attacks had ceased.

The main objectives were again London, the Midlands and Liverpool. By 2100 hours, 52 raids had flown towards London and 8 had crossed the Coast en route to Liverpool or the Midlands.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 28/10/40

During the early part of this period, the attack on London was maintained at fair strength but later became sporadic, assuming the single 'relay' character. These enemy aircraft operated mainly from Le Havre, Somme and the Dutch Islands.

The attacks on Coventry and Liverpool increased in strength and over the former were still being plotted at 010 hours, although they had ceased over the latter about midnight. A marked feature was wide dispersal of raiders, practically all districts South of a line Barrow to Middlesborough being visited at some time during the period. The route Selsey - Oxford - Midlands, with fanning out both East and West, seemed particularly favoured.

It has been confirmed that AA guns shot down an He111 near Coltishall at 1810 hours, and a Ju88 South East of Malton at about the same time. Tees guns also claim a victim destroyed at 0300 hours, but this is not yet confirmed.

Minelaying activity was fairly continuous throughout his period, extending from the Estuary to the Firth of Forth, and being more intense in the Forth to Hartlepool area.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

Activity was very slight and confined to a few straggling raids in various parts of the Country, one or two being maintained in the London area, probably with the object of maintaining the 'Alert'.

Minelaying was carried out in the Thames Estuary and off Harwich.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

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

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 26th / 27th October - 40 patrols involving 40 aircraft.
  • During the day of 27th October - 166 patrols involving 967 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 500 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 27th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 27th October 1940
    • During the day, enemy aircraft activity was centred over London, Kent, and Sussex and Portsmouth was attacked in the late afternoon.
    • The commencement of night activity was at 1800 hours when the South East and East Coast aerodromes were attacked. Later London, Bristol Channel area and the Midlands as far North as Liverpool were visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 25th October 1940
    • The enemy's main objective appeared to be RAF Stations, attacks being made on no less than 16 of these.
    • Heston: At 0320 hours, an attack was made but so far no details of damage are available.
    • Catfoss: A machine-gun attack was carried out by the enemy at 1815 hours but no damage resulted.
    • Lindholme: At 1732 hours, a Heinkel 111 made a low-flying attack and dropped 6 HE light bombs scoring two direct hits, one on the sick quarters and the other on the Barrack Block, causing 8 casualties; and there were 8 small craters made on the North West side of the aerodrome.
    • Leconfield: At dusk, and He111 flying at 4,000 feet dropped bombs, one of which made the RT Station unserviceable for a short period, and caused damage, the extent of which is at present unknown, to five aircraft.
    • Coltishall: At 1745 hours, an attack was made by a Do17 at 5,000 feet and a further low-flying He111, which machine-gunned the aerodrome, causing very little damage and no casualties. A second attack took place at 1810 hours by high-flying aircraft, which dropped bombs but caused no damage, but No 3 Post was dive machine-gunned by a Me109 from 100 feet.
    • Feltwell: At 1815 hours, bombs were dropped causing a small fire which was quickly extinguished, and some structural damage to buildings, a Maintenance Hangar and the Water main. Dispersed aircraft were machine-gunned.
    • Dishforth: Nine bombs were dropped at 1806 hours, causing damage to married quarters and 8 casualties.
    • Mildenhall: At 1805 hours, bombs were dropped causing damage to the Men's Mess, two Barrack Blocks and one Hangar. There were 4 casualties 2 proving to be fatal.
    • Newmarket: Bombs were dropped at 1758 hours, when the Power house was damaged but power is still available, and 7 craters were made on the edge of the aerodrome.
    • Horsham St Faith: At 1758 hours, an attack was made by a Do17 which it is believed acted as decoy as five minutes later another enemy aircraft approached flying at about 150 feet. Bombs estimated to be 50 Kilo type were dropped causing slight damage to a hangar and 8 small craters.
    • Hawkinge: At 1715 hours, the aerodrome was bombed by some Me109s, four bombs dropping inside the boundary of the aerodrome, causing little damage, except to the old Officer's Mess, and two more bombs were dropped outside the perimeter.
    • Honington: Between 1810 and 1830 hours, three or possibly more Do17 aircraft dropped 36 HE bombs. Three aircraft were damaged and one destroyed, one hangar set on fire, and there was damage caused to other buildings throughout the Camp but it is believed that this damage is not extensive. The landing ground is unfit until daylight inspection has been carried out.
    • Caistor: A He 111 made a machine-gun attack down to 100 feet firing tracer bullets, but no damage was done and there were no casualties.
    • Kirton in Lindsey: At 1800 hours, and He111 approached the aerodrome and came down to 2,500 feet and carried out a machine-gun attack before dropping two bombs which exploded on the roof of No 1 Hangar. A further three bombs were dropped on the South West building and four buildings under construction, one of which was a new explosive store. The aerodrome is serviceable and fully operational by day and night.
    • Martlesham: Nine Me109s dive-bombed the aerodrome at 1642 hours. Between 9 and 12 - 50 Kilo bombs were dropped and three delayed action bombs are reported on the East side of the aerodrome. The only damage is one workshop, and the aerodrome is serviceable during daylight on the West side.
    • North Weald: HE bombs were dropped 0735 hours, the only damage was slight to property.

• Night of 27th/28th October 1940
  • Coventry
    • The raid lasted from 2023 to 2130 hours and during this period 75 fires were started, but these were all under control by 2220 hours. Considerable damage was caused to shop property, Central Market Hall and to house property, and the following factories were affected by fire:-
      • Armstrong Siddeley Ltd, Parkside.
      • Alfred Herbert Ltd, Foleshill.
      • Royal Naval Ordnance Store, Red Lane.
      • Valves Ltd, Quinton Road.
    • A second raid commenced at 2308 hours when He bombs were dropped but no details of damage are yet available.

  • Hayes
    • Slight damage was caused to the Tinsmith Shop at the factory of the Fairey Aviation Co and production has temporarily ceased owing to the believed presence of an unexploded bomb.

  • London (Area)
    • The main damage was the blockage of the LMS line at Tottenham and the Kingston Southern Railway Line at Malden due to flooding caused by a main bursting.

Images

Date: 28th October 1940

• Weather: Misty in northern France. Fog over the Thames Estuary and Straits clearing later.
• Day: Convoy off Dover and shipping in the Thames Estuary attacked. London attacked during the afternoon.
• Night: Widespread attacks across the country.

Enemy action by day

Two minor sweeps and one major attack were made in the South East area, the latter in conjunction with a demonstration in the Portsmouth area. In none of these did enemy aircraft penetrate to Central London.

Reconnaissances were fairly active in the Estuary and the Bristol Channel during the period.

During the day's operations, four enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 7 probable and 8 damaged). Our losses were nil.

Enemy Attacks

First Attack 1300 Hours

20 to 30 enemy aircraft crossed the Coast to Dungeness and flew on a 5 mile front towards Biggin Hill but split into several sections and turned away before reaching it. They were recrossing the Coast by 1315 hours.

Second Attack 1427 Hours

18+ enemy aircraft flew in from Dover to Maidstone and the Biggin Hill area. As in the previous sweep, penetration was not made further North West. The enemy were heading South East by 1440 hours.

Third Attack 1605 Hours

While 65+ aircraft were circling off Calais, a raid of 30+ flew Northwards from Le Havre towards the Isle of Wight. They were over Portsmouth at 1630 hours and remained there until 1650 hours. Meanwhile, of the Calais formations which had increased, 20 made a landfall at Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, and 80 - crossing at Beachy Head - made for Biggin Hill. Neither raid penetrated further than the Biggin Hill - Kenley area and they were recrossing the Coast by 1635 hours.

At 1642 hours, fresh formations of 50, 30+ and 50 aircraft came inland between Beachy Head and Dungeness, one raid going to Hornchurch and the others to Biggin Hill. They were all retiring Eastwards down the Estuary and across the South Coast by 1710 hours.

Bombs are reported at various localities although only Me109s appear to have been operating.

Two Squadrons were despatched to the Portsmouth feint and 9 Squadrons to the Kentish attack.

Reconnaissances

Activity was slight in the early morning but had increased by noon. Flights were made over convoys in the Straits and Estuary and off the Cornish Coast, and 8 single aircraft were plotted in the Bristol Channel.

Several reports on shipping off the East Coast were made by enemy aircraft.

Inland flights were made to East London, Luton, Debden, Maidstone and to Birmingham (twice).

In all 8 interceptions were made of which two were successful (plus 2 probable and 4 damaged).

Attacks on Shipping

At 1152 hours, a 'Help' signal was received from a convoy off Dover. Fighters were on the spot almost at once.

At 1310 hours, a drifter was sunk off Southwold by an enemy aircraft.

At 1450 hours, 14 enemy aircraft were plotted off Harwich. Three of these flew inland for a short distance, while the others remained near a convoy.

Night Operations - 28th/29th October 1940

Enemy activity was again on the reduced scale of recent nights. Early raids were widespread over most of the Country and the main objectives were London and its suburbs, and the Midlands where Birmingham received most attention.

The first raids showed strengths of 1+ to 3+ aircraft, but later raids were plotted as single aircraft. The first raider reached Beachy Head at 1843 hours from the direction of Abbeville.

One enemy aircraft was shot down by AA guns near Poole and another was damaged by No 85 Squadron, near Binbrook.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

31 raids were plotted from the Cherbourg and Le Havre areas, crossing the Coast between Swanage and Beachy Head. From other French sources - in particular, Dieppe - 44 raids were plotted to the Coast between Selsey Bill and North Foreland. 15 raids originated from the Dutch Coast. Activity was fairly widespread over most of the Country, but the majority of raids made London and its suburbs their objective, although many appeared to turn back without penetrating the Inner Artillery Zone. In the Midlands, Birmingham was the principal target but raids were also plotted over Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry and Reading. One or two raids appeared in the Sunderland area while others were plotted near aerodromes in Lincolnshire and East Anglia. Minelaying was suspected by about 6 raids in the Estuary.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 29/10/40

43 incoming raids were plotted from the French Coast, and about 12 from the direction of Holland. London and Birmingham continued to be the main objectives. Between 2100 and 2300 hours, there was considerable activity along the Coast Between Newcastle and Aberdeen but no penetration inland of more that a few miles. Enemy activity lessened considerably towards the end of this period.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

A few sporadic raids from the Dutch Coast continued the attack on London via the Estuary. One raid penetrated towards Bedford before recrossing the Coast at Southwold.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

• Own:
  • Nil.
  • With reference to yesterday's report, one pilot and aircraft reported missing on 27th October are now known to be safe, thereby reducing the casualties for the day to 8 aircraft and 4 pilots.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 27th / 28th October - 33 patrols involving 33 aircraft.
  • During the day of 28th October - 117 patrols involving 606 aircraft.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 250 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 28th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No 421 Flight from Gravesend to West Malling.
• No 141 Squadron from Gatwick to Gravesend.
• No 264 Squadron (1 Flight) Luton to Hornchurch, (1 Flight) Martlesham to Hornchurch.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 28th October 1940
    • During the morning enemy aircraft were active on a small scale over East Anglia.
    • In the afternoon Kent and East Sussex were the areas affected and in the evening a large scale attack was attempted on London which failed, but bombs were dropped in Surrey and Kent.
    • Night activity commenced at about 1840 hours and was widespread during the early part of the night with Birmingham and the Capital appearing to be the main objectives.
    • From midnight onwards the concentration was on the London suburbs and South East England.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 26th October 1940
    • Farnborough: It is now reported that this station was attacked at 1345 hours by a single aircraft presumed to be a Ju88 which passed over the aerodrome and dropped 3 bombs in the residential area east of the Station.

• RAF Stations 27th October 1940
  • Binbrook: At 1755 hours, an attack was made by 3 Ju88 aircraft flying low from the North East and was preceded by 5 minutes by one reconnaissance He111 at 4,000 feet. Bombs were dropped causing 19 craters across the aerodrome and damage to hangar. The aerodrome is partly unserviceable by day and at present unserviceable for night flying.
  • Driffield: At 1800 hours, bombs were dropped causing the following damage:-
    • Water mains which will be repaired with 12 hours.
    • Sgt. Pilot's quarters.
    • Shelter trench demolished.
    • One heating duct badly damaged.
    • Night-flying equipment store damaged.
    • 6 craters on the aerodrome.
    • Station Headquarters damaged.
    • Slight damage to Guard Room and other buildings.
    • Direct hit on No 2 Hangar.
  • Altogether 24 bombs were dropped and a machine-gunning attack was also made. The bombs used were found to be of concrete and aluminium construction.
  • Massingham: At 1900 hours, 20 He bombs were dropped causing slight damage to a building and to two aircraft. The casualties were 4 killed and 7 injured.
  • Linton on Ouse: At 1815 hours, an attack was made by three enemy aircraft believed to be Ju88s and bombs were dropped causing 14 craters on and around the aerodrome and damage to three aircraft, one motor bus, and buildings. It was expected that the whole aerodrome surface would be serviceable by noon on the 28th October.

• RAF Stations 28th October 1940
  • Digby: Incendiary leaves were dropped close to the aerodrome at 2050 hours. They appeared to fall from a container, spreading over a fairly large area and were alight in the air but extinguished before reaching the ground.
  • Hawkinge: Bombs were dropped just outside the Camp at 1030 hours but there were no casualties and no damage.
  • Biggin Hill: At 1947 hours, approximately 300 incendiary bombs fell on the aerodrome. All fires were extinguished and there were no casualties.

• Night of 28th/29th October 1940
  • Birmingham
    • The City again received fierce attack and there were altogether 230 incidents reported about 32 of which involved damage by high explosive bombs, the remainder being fires caused by incendiary bombs including several oil bombs. The most serious fire was New Street Station where a fire started on No 3 platform and spread to platforms No 4 & 5, Midlands Parcel Office, Refreshment Room and offices and other building on the Station. The latest report regarding this fire is that he whole station is enveloped in flames.
    • The Cathedral, Woolworth's and the Army and Navy Stores were amongst the many other buildings which were affected by fire.

  • Ipswich
    • A new type of bomb is reported to have been used by the enemy during an attack at about 1800 hours on the evening of the 27th October when 200 of these were dropped. The description of this bomb is as follows:- The complete case and bomb are small in size approximating to a CD respirator container 3½" diameter. The outer case enclosing the bomb is coloured a very dark green (typical German Field Service) and is ribbed. The interior bomb is almost a black lead grey. The case halves opening into flaps acting on powerful springs. When it bursts on percussion it makes a small crater but the resultant violent explosion may be felt up to 50 feet.

  • London
    • A 50 pump fire broke out at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich but was under control by about 0200 hours on the morning of the 29th October.
    • The only other serious incident reported was major damage at Southwark which occurred at 0140 hours on the 29th October when a Public Shelter was hit containing 400 people, the casualties being 100.

  ---

  Images

Date: 29th October 1940

• Weather: Channel overcast. Haze in northern France and Dover Straits.
• Day: London and Southampton raided.
• Night: Heavy raids on London and the Midlands.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity consisted of five main attacks in the South East, two attacks in the Portsmouth area and an attack at dusk on aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Hostile patrols were maintained in the Straits and Channel, and a number of reconnaissances of shipping were made.

During the day our fighters destroyed 27 enemy (plus 8 probable and 10 damaged). Our casualties were 7 aircraft, of which 5 pilots are safe.

South East

First Attack

At 1025 hours 15+ enemy aircraft crossed the Coast at Folkestone and split North of Maidstone, one part penetrating to West and North West London, the other flying to Central London. These aircraft returned over Kenley and recrossed the coast at Beachy Head and Deal.

Second Attack

At 1045 hours 9+ enemy aircraft crossed at Deal and swept over Manston, flying out along the Estuary.

Third Attack

At 1220 hours 2 raids of 30+ and 20+ crossed the Coast at Dungeness and Dover respectively. The former raid flew over Biggin Hill area to West London and then turned East, returning home via Rochester area. The other raid split near Canterbury, one part flying over the Isle of Sheppey to Hornchurch and the other part to Rochester, returning over Maidstone.

Fourth Attack

At 1255 hours, 12+ crossed near Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, where they turned and recrossed the Coast at Dungeness. While this raid was in progress 15+ flew over Dover and penetrated to Central London, returning over Dover at 1340 hours.

Fifth Attack

At 1255 hours, 12+ crossed near Dungeness and flew to Maidstone, where they turned and recrossed the Coast at Dungeness. While this raid was in progress 15+ flew over Dover and penetrated to Central London, returning over Dover at 1340 hours.

Portsmouth Area

First Attack

At 1430 hours, 50+ enemy aircraft approached the Isle of Wight, where they split, one part approaching Portsmouth, while the other part flew to Thorney Island area. All raids were returning to Le Havre at 1500 hours.

Second Attack

At 1700 hours, 30+ enemy aircraft off Selsey Bill turned to attack Portsmouth but were dispersed without penetrating inland.

Attack on Aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire.

At 1740 hours, a number of raids showing strengths of 1+ to 3+ crossed the East Coast at various points, and approached aerodromes in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. About nine raids crossed between Orfordness and Southwold, and about twelve between the Wash and the Tees. Most of these raids were returning home by 1850 hours.

Patrols and Reconnaissances of Shipping

At 0830 hours, 2 enemy aircraft flew over a convoy near Selsey Bill, but turned away before fighters from Tangmere could intercept.

Small patrols were maintained in the Straits and Channel between 0900 and 1300 hours, but strengths of up to 30+ were plotted between 1700 and 1800 hours.

A convoy off Dover was visited by enemy aircraft at 0945 and 1025 hours.

Between 1515 and 1540 hours, 2 convoys in the Thames Estuary were shadowed, and one of them asked for help at 1640 hours.

At 1735 hours, a convoy off Lowestoft is reported to have been attacked.

Night Operations - 29th/30th October 1940

Enemy activity was on a reduced scale, but a larger proportion of raids visited the Midlands, where the Birmingham/Coventry area was the main target. London received less raids than usual but activity was widespread over the Home Counties. The majority of raids appeared to originate from the French Coast.

1900 Hours to 2100 Hours

Many raids in South East England turned back before reaching the Inner Artillery Zone. Raids from Seine and Cherbourg areas penetrated to the Midlands and concentrated on Birmingham and Coventry areas; a few were plotted over Liverpool. Four raids crossed the Country from Flamborough Head to Barrow area. Minelaying was suspected in the Thames Estuary.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 30/10/40

Raids from Cherbourg and Channel Islands continued the attack on Birmingham and Coventry. Plots also appeared over Oxford and Reading areas. Activity in the South East continued to be widespread over the Home Counties. Minelaying was suspected between the Forth and Hartlepool.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

Isolated raids continued to visit the London and Coventry areas, but at 0450 hours London was given the "All Clear" and the only raid over the Country was returning home from the Midlands.

Statistics

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

• Blenheim - 40
• Spitfire - 211
• Hurricane - 403
• Defiant - 13
• Gladiator - 8
• Total - 675

Casualties:

• Own:
  • 7 aircraft with two pilots killed. Of these, 2 aircraft were destroyed and one pilot killed by bombs when taking off from North Weald aerodrome.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 28th / 29th October - 20 patrols involving 20 sorties.
  • During the day of 29th October - 148 patrols involving 649 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 460 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 29th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• Skitten is unserviceable.
• North Weald unserviceable by night 29th/30th October; serviceable by day with caution.
• Lossiemouth serviceable only with extreme caution when landing on North East corner.

Organisation:

• No 66 Squadron from Gravesend to West Malling.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 29th October 1940
    • During the day between 400 and 500 enemy aircraft took part in six attacks on this country. Two raids were directed against Portsmouth area, the remainder having London as their objective.
    • Some of the attackers succeeded in reaching the London area, but the resultant damage and casualties appear to have been slight.
    • Night activity commenced at about 1850 hours and was widespread over London and the Home Counties. The Midlands, East Anglia and Yorkshire were the other principal areas visited.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 27th October 1940
    • North Coates: At 1750 hours the Aerodrome received a machine-gunning attack by three low flying enemy aircraft, but no serious damage is reported.
    • Norwich: The Maintenance Unit was bombed at 1755 hours and one hangar was partly destroyed, the Stores also being damaged.
    • West Raynham: An attack was made at 1815 hours by six aircraft believed to be Junkers 88, and bombs were dropped ranging from 50 kilos to 250 kilos. Eight aircraft were damaged, but are capable of being repaired, and a hangar was also damaged. Other buildings received damage and the Aerodrome was rendered unserviceable.

  • RAF Stations 29th October 1940
    • Heston: at 0300 hours bombs were dropped causing extensive damage to works and buildings, also gas an water mains and telephone communications.
    • Wattisham: Approximately 12 bombs were dropped at 1800 hours, causing damage to one aircraft, motor transport and equipment section, the hospital and other buildings.
    • Leeming: At 1805 hours a large number of apparently light calibre HE bombs were dropped on and around the Aerodrome. No damage is reported.
    • Newmarket: HE bombs were dropped and a machine-gunning attack took place at 1800 hours on the Aerodrome and also the town. The only casualties and damage so far reported appears to have taken place in the town.
    • Honington: It is reported by the Police that the Aerodrome was bombed at about 1830 hours.
    • North Weald: The aerodrome was dive-bombed by Me109s at 1645 hours, but the damage appears to be not extensive, although one bomb fell on one of the runways running East and West. Aerodrome unserviceable by night.
    • Matlask: An attack took place by three enemy bombers at 1810 hours, when the Aerodrome was bombed and machine-gunned from 50 feet. Hits were superficially damaged and the casualties amounted to 5 Civilians and 1 Soldier.
    • West Raynham: At 1810 hours the Aerodrome was again attacked by four enemy aircraft, and as far as can be ascertained no damage was caused, but the Aerodrome is still unserviceable.
    • Linton on Ouse: One enemy aircraft, believed to be a Ju88 made an attack on the Aerodrome at 1805 hours, but the damage is reported as being practically nil.

  • Naval Stations 28th October 1940
    • Aberdeen: It is reported from the Naval Base, and their opinion is shared by Dyce, the two objects which exploded were acoustic mines which exploded at 40-50 feet above the water, causing a terrific flash of light and blast.

  • Naval Stations 29th October 1940
    • Coventry: At 2003 hours a large number of incendiary bombs, some of which caused a fire at Royal Naval Ordnance Store, were dropped.

  • Army Stations 28th October 1940
    • Beacon Hill Camp: At 1123 hours one high explosive bomb was dropped.

  • Army Stations 29th October 1940
    • Deal: At 1640 hours three HE bombs were dropped in the barracks, the casualties being 1 Officer and 7 other ranks killed, 6 Officers and 6 other ranks wounded.

  • Major Damage 29th October 1940
    • Coventry
      • Fires are reported at several industrial works including Messrs Humber Ltd and also the Isolation Hospital.

    • Portsmouth
      • An attack took place at 1750 hours, causing 39 casualties, including 3 killed. Four shops were demolished and 50 houses badly damaged, also one high explosive bomb fell on the railway, demolishing ten wagons. Two new wings of the works of Messrs Evans & Sons were seriously damaged.

    • Dover
      • Bombs were dropped at 1635 hours when two shops were demolished and 31 houses damaged, and the railway track between Dover and Canterbury.
    • London
      • A severe fire was caused at the works of Messrs Wrays Optical Works Ltd by incendiary bombs which were dropped at 1940 hours. The centre part of the factory was completely gutted, the whole of the factory heating system is damaged, the boilers probably being destroyed, and the store containing all raw materials for glass work was burnt out. Production will be seriously curtailed.
    • Other Incidents
      • A new type of bomb made of brass 2¾ inches long and 2 inches in diameter was dropped by aircraft on night of 28th October.

Images

Date: 30th October 1940

• Weather: Low cloud and continuous drizzle in all regions.
• Day: Nuisance raids on a reduced scale.
• Night: Activity reduced.

Enemy action by day

The enemy made two fighter sweeps over South East England, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. A few single reconnaissance aircraft were reported in other parts of the Country.

Our fighters destroyed 9 enemy aircraft (plus 8 probable and 7 damaged), and our losses were 5 aircraft and 4 pilots killed or missing.

First Attack - 1130-1245 Hours

It is estimated that about 150 aircraft operated in three waves. In the first wave about 60 aircraft came in over North Foreland to Shoeburyness, where they turned South and flew out over Kent. This was followed by a second wave of about 40 aircraft which turned south over North Foreland and passed out over Hawkinge. A third wave crossed the Coast at Hastings but turned back at Ashford. Some bombs were dropped in Kent by these raids. Ten bombs were dropped in Kent by these raids. Ten Squadrons of 11 Group were sent up, of which 6 sighted the enemy; three Squadrons intercepted and destroyed 3 enemy aircraft (plus one probable and 6 damaged).

Second Attack - 1540-1650 Hours

This attack was divided into two phases. In the first about 80 enemy aircraft approached Maidstone of which 40 continued North West to South East London, where a few bombs were dropped; these latter aircraft were then intercepted and split up by two of our Squadrons. In the second phase five small formations totalling about 50 aircraft crossed the Coast between Dover and Beachy Head, and one formation of 12 reached Harwich. Several of these formations were intercepted and quickly retired. In all, ten Squadrons were detailed to meet these raids and 5 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 7 probable and one damaged). 12 Group were grounded on account of bad weather conditions.

Reconnaissances

During the morning the usual reconnaissances were reported in the Straits and Channel. In the afternoon single aircraft were plotted off Exeter, Portland and in the Firth of Forth. Attempts to intercept these aircraft were not successful. One He111, which dropped bombs near Skegness, was destroyed.

Night Operations - 30th/31st October 1940

During the early evening London and the South East Counties were the recipients of a major attack, with minor raids in the Midlands; whilst in marked contrast, the remainder of the night passed comparatively quietly, activity at times sinking to zero. The "All Clear" was sounded in Central London at 0337 hours.

1830 Hours to 2100 Hours

Enemy activity began with the converging on London district of approximately 60 raids from the usual sources. Only a remarkably small proportion penetrated to Central London area, however, and the major activity was over South Eastern Counties.

Approximately 4 raids made landfall in Portsmouth district and proceeded to Nottingham/Sheffield areas, returning via London.

Minelaying is suspected off North Foreland, the Estuary and Harwich; 12 raids in all.

By 2100 hours, hostile activity was decreasing rapidly.

2100 Hours to 0100 Hours 31/10/40

During this period Midlands area continued to receive some attention.

About 20 sporadic raids from the Somme/Dieppe area visited the environs of the Capital and the South East Counties, only odd ones penetrating to Central London. A few of these raids continued North to the Duxford/Debden areas. All returned on approximately reciprocal courses.

A few minelaying raids flew into the Estuary, ex Belgian and Dutch Coasts.

0100 Hours to 0600 Hours

Activity declined to practically nothing by 0100 hours, and by 0400 hours the Country was clear of raids.

Statistics

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

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

Casualties:

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

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 29th / 30th October - 44 patrols involving 45 sorties.
  • During the day of 30th October - 91 patrols involving 533 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 300 enemy aircraft operated over or near our coasts during the day of 30th October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Air Intelligence:

• Further reports have been received of complaints about the ineffectiveness of the German AA defences. A joke current in Berlin is:- "A prisoner condemned to death was asked to choose the method of his execution. He requested that is should be by an AA gunner." (Source: Home Office)

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 30th October 1940
    • Enemy raids during the day have been on a small scale and little serious damage has been reported. A few bombs were dropped on the outskirts of South East London, but Kent and Sussex have been the chief victims of the enemy, especially the former county. The Farington Steelworks in Lancashire also received a visit, whilst the Armstrong-Siddeley and Humber Works in Coventry were both machine-gunned.
    • During the evening the enemy concentrated on London, but a few minor raids are reported from the Midlands. There was, however, very little activity and London received the "All Clear" signal at 0337 hours.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 29th October 1940
    • Feltwell (Norfolk): Aerodrome was subject to attacks by the enemy in three waves, at 1801, 1812 and 1818 hours. One hangar of No 75 Squadron was hit and one aircraft set on fire, but this was quickly extinguished. Some damage was done to the structure and several craters were created, and it is understood that one enemy aircraft was shot down.
    • Bagington (Warwickshire): Was attacked at 1955 hours. Parachute flares were seen which were followed by showers of IB which were quickly dealt with. About eight HE bombs were dropped at random outside the aerodrome limits and no material damage was done.
    • Wattisham (Suffolk): During the day a number of new type small bombs were found in fields near the aerodrome.
    • Abridge (Essex): An HE was dropped three quarters of a mile North of the aerodrome. This time is not known.

  • RAF Stations 30th October 1940
    • North Weald (Essex): An oil bomb was dropped at 1940 hours near the aerodrome, but no damage has been reported.

  • Army Stations 30th October 1940
    • Islington: At 2037 hours 5 HE dropped on the Kings Royal Rifle Drill Hall but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

  • Major Damage 29th October 1940
    • Battersea
      • At 1930 hours an AA shell burst at the Projectile and Engineering Co and damage was done to the roof, electric cables and air compressor, but production is not in any way affected.

  • Major Damage 30th October 1940
    • Leyland (Lancs)
      • At 1352 hours 2 UXBs fell in Farington Steelworks near Leyland, which has caused the building to be temporarily evacuated.
    • Stepney
      • An HE destroyed a new five-storey block of flats at 1955 hours. Fortunately most of the tenants were in public shelters and consequently casualties were small.

  • Other Incidents 29th October 1940
    • Gatwick
      • A number of bombs fell on the railway track between the Racecourse and the Airport Station at 1929 hours. Traffic was temporarily suspended whilst an examination of the damage sustained was carried out, details of which are not yet available.
    • Speke
      • As the result of an IB some fires were caused at 2100 hours at the railway sidings at Speke Station, but the amount of the damage caused is not yet known.

  • Other Incidents 30th October 1940
    • Hythe, Margate and Coventry have all been machine-gunned by enemy aircraft, and at the last mentioned town the Armstrong-Siddeley and Humber works were the chief victims of the attack.
    • Reports have been received concerning small objects about the size of a Mills bomb, possibly with wire attached, being dropped by enemy aircraft. The public are warned not to handle such objects which may be dangerous, but such matters should be reported immediately to the Police or Wardens.

Images

Date: 31st October 1940

• Weather: Drizzle in the Channel, haze in the Thames estuary and Dover Straits.
• Day: Fighter-bomber and fighter sweeps.
• Night: Activity greatly reduced.

Enemy action by day

Hostile activity was very reduced in the morning. In the afternoon it was a little more marked and this increased in the late afternoon to flights inland especially in East Anglia. The objective would appear to have been reconnaissance of aerodromes. The activity resembled night operations on a reduced scale.

There were no interceptions and no casualties to the enemy or ourselves.

North and North East Coast

At about 1100 hours a ship off Rattray Head and the Bell Rock Lighthouse were machine-gunned. While this ship was being salvaged in the afternoon it was again attacked.

East Coast

Between 1300 and 1700 hours, five tracks were plotted of single aircraft in the East Anglian area. Between 1700 and 1800 hours one aircraft flew inland at Mablethorpe to Kirton-in-Lindsey, and a second at 10,000 feet from Cromer to Spurn Head, Driffield and Hull thence South again to Kirton-in-Lindsey. Four other single aircraft made flights in the neighbourhood of Lowestoft, Norwich, Dereham, Mildenhall, Downham Market and Bassingbourn, the last named is reported to have been bombed at 1300 hours. Reconnaissance of or attacks on aerodromes may have been the objective.

South East Coast

At 0720 hours one aircraft flew inland from Dover to Detling and is reported to have dropped bombs at Martlesham. Other reconnaissances took place in the Straits up to 0900 hours. Between 1300 and 1700 hours, three raids were plotted inland to Hornchurch, Debden and Kenley areas.

South and West Coast

At 1145 hours one aircraft crossed the coast at Worthing and flew to Bristol, Monmouth and Newport. Glascoed is reported to have been bombed.

At 1230 hours one aircraft flew along the coast and bombed an RAF Station at Poling. At 1235 hours an enemy aircraft was plotted over Liverpool.

Between 1300 and 1700 hours, eight raids crossed the coast to Wittering, Spurn Head, Nottingham and East Anglia. In addition other raids were plotted from the Isle of Wight to Salisbury and Swindon, to Middle Wallop - Warwick and then South East to London.

Night Operations - 31st October/1st November 1940

Enemy activity was divided into two phases, one in the early evening and the other in the early morning. Adverse weather conditions accounting for intervening absence of any enemy operations.

First Phase - 1825 Hours to 2100 Hours

At 1825 hours the first night raiders (approximately 30) were leaving Dieppe on the usual North Westerly route. Strong westerly gales blew them off course so that landfalls were made in the Hastings/Dungeness area. These raids were joined by two from Calais and all proceeded towards West and Central London, though only a few achieved their objective.

In addition two raids were suspected of minelaying off Spurn Head. All raids returned on reciprocal courses.

By 2020 hours the London area was quite clear and by 2100 hours no enemy raiders were plotted in or near the country.

The "All Clear" was sounded at 2100 hours.

Second Phase - 0245 Hours to 0600 Hours 01/11/40

Two attacks developed with London and the Midlands as their respective objectives. The Midland raids of approximately six aircraft made landfall in the Weymouth area, the majority proceeding to Birmingham and in one or two cases further North. Approximately 25/30 raids from Dieppe/Le Havre Coast were concerned in the London attack. At 0500 hours the attack on London began to slacken and the last raids on the Midland area were leaving the country. A few raids were still active at the close of this report.

Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 31st October 1940

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

Casualties:

• Enemy:
  • Nil.

• Own:
  • Nil.

Patrols:

• Own
  • During the night of 20th / 31st October - 6 patrols involving 6 sorties.
  • During the day of 31st October - 53 patrols involving 145 sorties.

• Enemy
  • It is estimated that about 65 enemy sorties operated over or near our coasts during the day of 31st October.

Balloons:

• No report.

Serviceability of Aerodromes:

• No report.

Organisation:

• No report.

Home Security Reports

• General Summary
  • Date: 31st October 1940
    • Enemy air activity during the day took the form of aircraft operating singly in widespread parts of Great Britain. Very little damage was done but a characteristic feature of the raids was the machine-gunning of many towns. Birmingham & district appeared to receive most attention from the enemy.
    • The evening raids started at 1830 hours but the "All Clear" was received in London at 2100 hours and there was no further activity until 0030 hours when London and Birmingham again became the main objectives of the enemy bombing.

• Detailed Summary
  • RAF Stations 30th October 1940
    • Fowlmere: Two HE were dropped on the landing ground at 2245 hours and one Spitfire was damaged.

  • RAF Stations 31st October 1940
    • Bassingbourn: the enemy attacked the Aerodrome at 1300 hours with HE bombs and five craters were formed but otherwise there is no damage to report.
    • Lawford Heath: The Aerodrome, which is under construction, was attacked at 1345 hours and five HE were dropped and 16 wooden huts were badly damaged.
    • Ingham: Four HE bombs fell at dusk on the edge of the Aerodrome but no damage occurred.
    • Horsham St Faith: Five HE were dropped during the evening on the landing ground but there was no damage.
    • Newton: The Aerodrome was attacked at 1745 hours and two unexploded HE were dropped. The enemy aircraft then proceeded to machine-gun an adjacent main road.
    • Duxford: At 1948 hours 5 HE fell East of the Aerodrome. No further details available.
    • Gravesend: A number of incendiary bombs fell near the Aerodrome at 2018 hours but no fires have yet been reported.
    • The following Aerodromes are reported to have been bombed but no further details are yet available:-
      • Scampton.
      • Hemswell.
      • Kirton-in-Lindsey.
      • Sutton Bridge.
      • Martlesham.
      • Henlow.

  • Major Damage 31st October 1940
    • The Royal Ordnance Factory at Glascoed was attacked by a single enemy aircraft at 1250 hours. The attacking aircraft dropped 12 bombs, three of which are still unexploded and then proceeded to machine-gun the factory from a height not greater than 200 feet. The roof of the building was damaged and whilst the unexploded bomb is being removed there will be a slight interference with production.
    • The LMS Goods Siding at Washwood Heath received serious damage from HE bombs which will cause interference with rail traffic.

  • Other Incidents
    • With regard to the recent bombing of the Pobjoy Ammunition & Aircraft Ltd it is likely that production will be affected for two days owing to damage done to the gas, water and electricity mains.

  • Cambridge
    • At 1325 hours, an HE fell on the Works of the British Portland Cement Co and damaged the electricians' shop but production is not likely to be affected.

  • Castle Bromwich
    • At 1444 hours, five enemy aircraft machine-gunned many houses in the vicinity and some damage was done to roofs and glass from AA guns and blast. The Repairable Equipment Ltd Factory was the chief sufferer but the extent of the damage is not yet known.

Images