Date: 17 July 1940

• Weather: Dull with occasional rain.
• Day: Search for shipping off Scottish and east coasts.
• Night: Targets attacked in south-west. Minelaying.

Enemy action by day

Weather hampered our fighters in their action against enemy air activity which was again on a reduced scale. Raids were plotted off the Scottish, East and South coasts, apparently searching for shipping. An attack was made on shipping off Dundee and trawlers were attcked off Beachy Head. One or two raids crossed the coast and bombs were dropped in Surrey, Kent, at Portland and in Ayrshire.

South and South-West

A number of raids apparently in search of shipping were plotted during the day and a vessel was reported attacked 13 miles from Dartmouth at 1540 hours. One raid, a Do17, crossed the coasts at 1136 hours and came inland as far as Kenley. It was intercepted and chased out to sea over Pevensey, being damaged by our fighters. This raid dropped bombs near Kenley. Two attacks were reported on trawlers off Beachy Head, and three aircraft plotted South East of this point at 1515 hours are reported to be responsible for the bombs which were dropped near Ashford and Lydd. At 1540 hours three Heinkels were reported over Portland and appeared to attack the Mere Oil Fuel Depot, dropping six bombs. Slight damage was done to a railway and cloud enabled the raiders to achieve surprise. Although our fighters encountered a Junkers 88, which they attacked, off the Isle of Wight. Two of our Hurricanes were damaged during the day and one Spitfire which was on patrol off Beachy Head is reported missing.

East Coast

Up to 2100 hours eight raids were plotted off the East Coast and a reconnaissance of a convoy was made although no subsequent attack on this convoy is reported. Two of the raids crossed the coast in the Humber area.

Scotland

Four raids were plotted off the Scottish Coast and Orkneys. One crossed from Peterhead to the west Coast and dropped bombs at Ardeer ICI factory doing little damage. Of the remainder two carried out a reconnaissance of the Orkneys at 0721 hours and were intercepted but without successful results.

French Coast

Tracks were frequently reported coming into or going out from the Cherbourg peninsular. These tracks were not seen any distance out to see. It seems probable that aircraft are going to and coming from an unknown destination in the west as the tracks frequently start or stop at short distances off the Cherbourg peninsular.

By night

At 2232 hours nine raids, which first of all proceeded towards Cherbourg, having come over the coasts of Northern France, Belgium and Holland, turned northwards heading towards south-west England. Some of the raids crossed the coast covering the Bristol Channel area. At 0026 hours a further number of raids approached South West England, some again crossing to the Bristol Channel area. Bombs are reported to have been dropped at Port Talbot, and near Swansea and near Radstock. Mine laying is suspected in the Bristol Channel and off the Plymouth coast. Between 2200 and 0235 hours some 19 raids were plotted off the east coast, of which probably seven were minelaying. None reported further north than the Wash. A few crossed the coast and bombs are reported to have been dropped at Queenborough near Rochester, Felixstowe, Harwich, Chatham, near Barking and at Gillingham. Not more than 40 in all enemy aircraft are estimated to have operated during the night.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 17 July 1940

• Blenheim - 67
• Spitfire - 237
• Hurricane - 331
• Defiant - 20
• Total - 659

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - nil; Bombers - 2 unconfirmed.
• Own: 2 Hurricanes (Nos. 145 and 615 Squadrons), 1 Spitfire (No. 64 Squadron); category unknown, pilot wounded.

Patrols:

• 70 patrols despatched involving 266 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1166. Casualties 20.

Aerodromes:

• Catterick unserviceable.

Organisation:

• No 238 Squadron from Middle Wallop to Warmwell.
• No 32 Squadron from Biggin Hill to Hawkinge
• No 65 Squadron from Hornchurch to Manston.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

Home Security Reports

• 16th/17th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • During the 17th July there was little enemy activity. Slight bomb dropping was widely dispersed but no serious damage has been reported.

  • Detailed Summary
    • Further information on 3 HE dropped at Fraserburgh is that damage was done to a small naval store and contents. Casualties at Fraserburgh and Portsoy now number 26.
    • No reports have been received of bombs dropped on aerodromes during the 17th July.
    • Near Ashford (Kent) bombs dropped demolished three houses and damaged the railway track which was, however, quickly repaired.
    • Considerable damage was done to the ICI works at Ardeer (Ayrshire) but there is no serious interference with production.

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Images

Date: 18 July 1940

• Weather: Occasional rain in southern districts. Straits of Dover cloudy. Cool.
• Day: Shipping off south and east coasts attacked.
• Night: Very little activity.

 

Enemy action by day

Less activity centred on attacks on shipping but at 0930 hours a force of some 30 aircraft assembled behind Calais and flew towards Deal. An attack on a convoy did not develop. One fighter squadron was operating off Deal and two other squadrons were patrolling nearby as reserves. Interception took place under cloudy conditions. No enemy aircraft was brought down, but a Spitfire of No. 610 Squadron is missing. Enemy aircraft bombed a coastguard station and sank the East Goodwin Light Vessel.

South and South-West

Between 0740 and 0830 hours, 4 raids crossed the coast between Portland Bill and Bournemouth, penetrating inland to railway junctions at Castle Cary and Bruton (Somerset), Netheravon, Upavon, Abingdon and Upper Heyford. Two of these raids returned via Ventnor and Shoreham. No bombs were dropped.

At about 1145 hours a Ju88 penetrated to Bristol and Cardiff and Penarth was bombed. The aircraft was intercepted and the rear gunner is believed to have been killed. The aircraft escaped across the south coast.

At 1240 hours raids appeared off Selsey Bill and at about 1300 hours No 145 Squadron shot down a He111. Off the Isle of Wight at about 1300 hours No. 609 Squadron intercepted enemy aircraft and two Spitfires are reported as casualties, but the pilots are safe. Further raids were plotted, of which one crossed the coast towards Bristol at about 1715 hours.

Bombs were dropped at Alverstoke (Gosport) and near Ringwood and Newport, but no damage was caused. At St Atham's [?] Aerodrome, however, minor damage and casualties occurred, also at Burnham-on-Sea and Axbridge. At St Atham's [?] one fatal, three serious and several minor casualties took place.

A Heinkel 111 was reported to be brought down near Christchurch, but the report so far lacks confirmation.

South-East Coast

No. 111 Squadron probably brought down one Henschel 126 over the Channel at about 1520 hours.

East Coast

Shipping reconnaissance took place off the East Coast and fifteen enemy aircraft were reported east of Bawdsey at about 1500 hours. There unconfirmed reports of dive-bombing on trawlers.

Scotland

At 0942 hours a Heinkel 111 bombed Montrose Aerodrome, diving as low as 500 feet. Some aircraft received slight splinter damage and five casualties, two fatal, were suffered by RAF personnel. Montrose was bombed at 1030 hours.

Between 1300 and 1800 hours four raids appeared off north-east Scottish coasts while activity was increase up to 2100 hours. A convoy was continuously attacked and minelaying in its vicinity is suspected. No reports have been received of damage to convoy, but Anstruther RDF Station was bombed and the nearby coastal town of Crail (South of Fifeness). No interceptions were made.

Patrols

Twenty-four fighters escorted 18 Blenheims on a raid on Boulogne between 1900 and 1912 hours, and report no enemy aircraft was seen.

By night

Enemy activity began at about 2350 hours and was directed mainly North of a line Humber to Liverpool. Ten to twelve raids at least were plotted in this area. Several crossed the coast proceeding westward and fading off the West coast. Minelaying is suspected off Cumberland, Westmoreland and Lancashire as far south as Liverpool. Several of the raids were picked up returning eastwards.

Belfast was given the Yellow warning on account of one raid traced across from the East coast to the West to St Abb's Head where it faded but was later picked up off West Belfast Lough at about 0105 hours proceeding north-west, and again picked up in about the same position flying south-east at about 0130 hours. Some raids did not cross the coast and minelaying is suspected off the Yorkshire coast and Southwards. There was some activity at about 0030 hours in the Straits of Dover and along the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk, one raid going inland as far as Kings Lynn. Very little activity was reported from the South Coast and no reports have been received.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 18 July 1940

• Blenheim - 62
• Spitfire - 232
• Hurricane - 323
• Defiant - 23
• Total - 640

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - nil; Bombers - 1 confirmed, 2 unconfirmed.
• Own: 3 Spitfires (from Nos. 152, 609 and 610 Squadons).

Patrols:

• 166 patrols despatched involving 583 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1168. Casualties 34.

Aerodromes:

• Catterick and Leconfield unserviceable.

Organisation:

• No changes.

Air Intelligence Reports

• There is evidence of an increase of bomber-reconnaissance aircraft in Norway, which may indicate that it is the intention to attack seaborne targets out of the range of British fighter aircraft.

Home Security Reports

• 17th/18th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • During the 17th July there was moderate enemy air activity over coastal areas, chiefly in South East England, South Wales and East Scotland. No reports of very serious damage have been received.

  • Detailed Summary
    • Bombs were dropped on Aerodromes at St Athan and Crail, but did no damage of importance.
    • Montrose Aerodrome was attacked by one enemy aircraft at 1029 hours on July 18th. Eighteen lightweight HE bombs and eight incendiary bombs were dropped, most of which fell on the landing ground. There was some damage to aircraft on the ground and slight damage to the oil store.
    • Four houses were wrecked and others damaged at Gillingham in a raid at 0110 hours on July 18th.
    • At 0200 hours on 18th July bombs were dropped on Jersey Marine, near Swansea. Some damage was done to the railway, level crossing, electric cables and telegraph wires.
    • At 1152 hours bombs were dropped on Penarth causing damage to houses, telephones and water mains.
    • Bombs dropped at Leith at 1927 hours on July 18th caused damage to docks and telephone cables. Traffic is only slightly affected and repairs are being put in hand.

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Images

Date: 19 July 1940

• Weather: Showery with bright intervals in most cases. Channel winds light - fair.
• Day: Dover raided. Defiant squadron largely destroyed.
• Night: Some activity between Isle of Wight and Plymouth, Thames Estuary and Harwich.

Enemy action by day

Two major engagements took place off Dover, the first at 1215 hours and the second at 1600 hours. An enemy bomber was shot down off Shoreham in the morning and another in the evening, whilst one Hurricane (pilot saved) was shot down near East Grinstead. Glasgow was bombed in the morning by 2 Do17s and small vessels were attacked east of Clacton and south of the Isle of Wight.

South and South-West

At 0703 hours a Do17 which had carried out a reconnaissance over Croydon, Northolt and Brooklands was shot down by a Hurricane off Shoreham.

At 1431 hours Hurricanes encountered 12 Me109s off Selsey Bill and one Me109 was shot down (unconfirmed). One Hurricane is missing. At about 1735 hours one Hurricane landed in flames at West Grinstead following enemy action. It was a total loss but the pilot is safe.

At 1803 hours a Heinkel 111 which had penetrated inland was shot down off Shoreham.

Other raids were reported in the Bristol Channel, Portsmouth and Swanage areas during the day and minesweepers were attacked off the Isle of Wight.

It is noticeable that approximately six raids of some strength approached our coasts chiefly in the Channel and North Eastern area but when fighters were sent up they turned away before contact as established.

South-East Coast

About 30 enemy aircraft assembled behind Cap Gris Nez and approached Dover at 1215 hours. A squadron of Defiants (No. 141), one of Hurricanes and one of Spitfires took off to intercept. No. 141 Squadron was ordered to a position over Cap Gris Nez where it was attacked by 12 Me109s. Three Defiants were shot down immediately and another three crashed while returning to Hawkinge. (4 pilots killed, 2 injured; 5 air gunners missing). One Me109 was shot down by the Defiants. The Hurricanes shot down 2 Me109s (confirmed) and one Me109 (unconfirmed) and Anti-aircraft at Dover shot down one Do215. The Spitfires apparently failed to make contact with the enemy.

At 1600 hours about 36 enemy bombers and fighters again approached Dover. One squadron of Hurricanes and two of Spitfires were sent up. 6 Me109s and one Ju87 were shot down (unconfirmed). In addition one section of Spitfires shot down 2 enemy seaplanes (unconfirmed) near Calais. One Hurricane crashed (pilot safe).

East Coast

Meteorological reconnaissance was carried out over the North Sea. A raid attacked some naval units 40 miles off Clacton and several reconnaissances were reported.

North-East Coast

One raid of two Do17s crossed the coast north of Aberdeen and bombed Glasgow at 1013 hours. 42 people were injured.

France

The enemy maintained 15 patrols over the Calais/Dunkerque area.

By night

Considerable enemy activity from 2330 until 0230 hours.

33 raids were directed against the coast west of the Isle of Wight as far as Plymouth, 5 or 6 of which crossed to the Bristol Channel. Minelaying is suspected.

There were about 15 raids in the Thames Estuary - Harwich area, many of which are suspected of minelaying. One raid made an attack on Manston Aerodrome in the vicinity of which bombs were dropped, but no serious damage has been reported.

Several raids appeared north of Harwich as far as Aberdeen and minelaying is suspected at various places along the coast including the Hull area, Firth of Forth and a number of aircraft crossed to the Firth of Clyde, presumably minelaying. Bombs are reported dropped north west of Kilmarnock and Abbotsinch.

At about 0030 hours, Blenheims on patrol encountered and shot down an enemy seaplane at 0107 hours (confirmed). It was seen to fall into the sea in flames near Harwich.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 19 July 1940

• Blenheim - 62
• Spitfire - 227
• Hurricane - 331
• Defiant - 22
• Total - 642

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 3 confirmed, 8 unconfirmed; Bombers - 3 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed; Seaplanes -1 confirmed, 2 unconfirmed.
• Own: 6 Defiants confirmed (all No. 141 Squadron), 3 Hurricanes confirmed (Nos. 1, 32 and 43 Squadron) plus one unconfirmed (No. 43 Squadron; crashed on landing).
  • AA claims one bomber confirmed in above totals.

Patrols:

• 175 patrols despatched involving 735 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1178. Casualties 66.

Aerodromes:

• Catterick and Dyce aerodromes are unserviceable during the hours of darkness.

Organisation:

• No. 602 Squadron (Spitfires) "A" Flight at Montrose.
• No. 615 Squadron (Hurricanes) moved from Kenley to Hawkinge.
• No. 609 Squadron (Spitfires) moved from Middle Wallop to Warmwell.
• No. 65 Squadron (Spitfires) moved from Hornchurch to Manston.
• No. 151 Squadron (Hurricanes) moved from North Weald to Rochford.
• No. 73 Squadron (Hurricanes) "A" Flight moved from Church Fenton to Prestwick.
• Nos. 245 and 72 Squadrons (Hurricanes) operational by day only.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

Home Security Reports

• 18th/19th/20th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • During the 19th July, enemy aircraft activity was again confined to almost entirely to coastal areas. With the exception of an attack on Glasgow, there is little to report.

  • Detailed Summary
    • It is now learned that six bombs were dropped on July 17th at Nutfield Aerodrome (near Godstone, Surrey) at 1155 hours. No damage was caused.
    • At about 1040 hours on the 19th July, 8 HE were dropped in the Govan and Scotstoun areas of Glasgow. Tenements were seriously damaged and an occupied communal shelter was blown up. Windows of the Royal Ordnance Factory, Cardonald, were broken by splinters and blast, but the factory was not otherwise damaged.
    • At about 0603 hours on the 19th July, bombs were dropped on the Norfolk and Norwich Aerodrome at Norwich. A hangar, used for the storage of AFS appliances, was hit and the clubhouse was burnt out.
    • During the July 19th, bombs were also dropped on Milton Aerodrome (near Pembroke) at 1245 hours and on Manston Aerodrome at 2320 hours. No damage has been reported.
    • At 1720 hours on the 19th July, a boy's school was demolished when bombs were dropped on Polruan, near Fowey.
    • At 0120 hours on July 20th bombs were dropped at Abbotsinch Aerodrome (Renfrew).
    • At 0220 hours on the 20th July, bombs were dropped on Stirling. Two houses were demolished and minor damage caused to adjacent buildings.

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Images

Date: 20th July 1940

• Weather: Occasional thunderstorms. Straits of Dover cloudy clearing to bright intervals.
• Day: Convoys off shipping at Dover attacked.
• Night: Widespread minelaying from the Needles, Isle of Wight, to Land's End; Bristol Channel and eastern coastal waters.

Enemy action by day

Our fighters were again mainly engaged in the south against enemy formations despatched to attack convoys and shipping in Dover Harbour. These attacks were preceded by reconnaissance flights up to mid-day. Our fighters engaged the enemy, inflicting casualties and turning him away from his objective before serious damage could be done. On several occasions, however, the enemy did not wait to meet our fighters but turned back on sighting them or on hearing our RT.

South and South-West

Several raids were plotted along the south coast during the morning. Fighter patrols were flown over the convoys and two attacks were made on convoys in this area during the afternoon. The enemy were engaged by our fighters on each occasion. 3 Me109s and one seaplane were shot down for certain and 3 Me109s probable. 3 of our aircraft are missing. In addition, one He59 was probably shot down off the Isle of Wight during the afternoon. One raid plotted from Shrewsbury out over the Isle of Wight was reported as a four-engined Dornier.

South-East Coast

At 0900 hours, 4 raids, each consisting of 3+ aircraft approached the Kent coast. Fighters were despatched and the tracks became confused. No combat reports have been received. Just after 1500 hours dive-bombers escorted by Messerschmitts carried out an attack on Dover Harbour. These were intercepted and one Jaguar-ME was shot down for certain and one probable. Pilots of No. 32 Squadron responsible for this success report that they caught up the enemy aircraft in a straight chase at 2-3,000 feet within 12 miles. Our aircraft were flying at full boost at about 300 miles per hour and were not fitted with Rotol Air Screws. The enemy aircraft were camouflaged pale and dark blue and silver. Later in the afternoon 2 raids of 30+ and 20+ approached Dover from Calais but turned back on perceiving our fighters. One, however, made a quick attack on a convoy and was engaged. 2 Me109s were shot down for certain, 3 Me109s and 3 Jaguar-ME's were possible casualties. 3 of our own aircraft were lost.

East Coast

Up to mid-day, several reconnaissance flights were made off the Norfolk coast and one Ju88 was shot down. At about 1315 hours, three raids apparently attacked a convoy but no bombing reports have been received. Fighters were despatched and one Do17 was a probable casualty.

North-East Coast

Only three raids were plotted in this area. One approached Peterhead and turned back on the arrival of our fighters. The remaining two were probably meteorological flights. One was intercepted and a Do17 shot down off Kinnaird's Head.

France

Normal activity in the Cap Gris Nez area was reported during the day.

By night

Very extensive mining operations were carried out by the enemy between 2200 and 0200 hours, and included the areas of the Needles to Land's End - Bristol Channel - Norfolk - Suffolk - Humber, Tees with special concentration upon Harwich and the Thames Estuary. One raid crossed to the Mersey. Some enemy activity took place between the Orkneys and Kinnaird's Head, probably in search of shipping, but no reports of attacks have been received. A few raids came inland and bombs were are reported to have been dropped on Hartlepool, Silloth, Rochford, Eastchurch, Swansea and near Wells, Lechlade and Chatham; but no reports of serious damage have been received. One enemy aircraft is reported shot down 3 miles off Margate.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 20 July 1940

• Blenheim - 62
• Spitfire - 224
• Hurricane - 308
• Defiant - 11
• Total - 605

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 6 confirmed, 10 unconfirmed; Bombers - 2 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed; Seaplanes -1 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed; Type unknown - 1 unconfirmed.
• Own: 5 Hurricanes confirmed (Nos. 32 (2 aircraft), 43, 238 and 501 Squadrons), 1 Spitfire confirmed (No. 610 Squadron).
  • AA claims one bomber confirmed in above totals.

Patrols:

• 191 patrols despatched involving 655 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1168. Casualties 44.

Aerodromes:

• Catterick aerodrome unserviceable during the hours of darkness.

Organisation:

• No. 229 Squadron (Hurricane) moved from Wittering to Turnhouse.
• No. 3 Squadron (Hurricane) "B" Flight moved from Wick to Sumburgh.
• No. 64 Squadron (Spitfire) Red and Blue Sections are non-operational at Kenley.
• No. 245 Squadron (Hurricane) moved from Turnhouse to Aldergrove.
• No. 141 Squadron (Defiants) non-operational at West Malling.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

Home Security Reports

• 19th/20th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • Enemy activity during the day of the 20th July was mainly in the Straits of Dover and over Dover Harbour, where bombs dropped, fell in the harbour and sea and only minor damage was caused.
    • During the night 20th/21st July, enemy aircraft were reported at West Hartlepool, and in the Sunderland area, near Lowestoft, Harwich and Barling (Essex). In South Wales, Mountain Ash and Jersey Marine were targets attacked. In no case has serious damage been reported.

  • Detailed Summary
    • With reference to the bomb attacks on 19th July in the Plymouth area, it is now believed that a total of 24 HE bombs were dropped, of which five did not explode.
    • Further reports of damage by bombs which fell on Stirling at 0220 hours on 20th July, state that damage was done to three sheds and some vehicles at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Forthside.

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Images

Date: 21 July 1940

• Weather: Fine and fair early, clouding over during the morning. Fair in the evening.
• Day: Raids on convoys in Channel and Straits of Dover.
• Night: Targets chiefly at Merseyside.

Enemy action by day

The main activity of the day was centred in the Channel and the Straits of Dover, convoys being the objectives. A few isolated raids penetrated inland.

South and South West

In the morning, the enemy carried out shipping reconnaissance in the Channel and shortly afterwards made two unsuccessful attacks on convoy "Peewit". At 1458 hours another large raid approached this convoy but retired when three squadrons were despatched to intercept. On Spitfire is reported lost whilst on convoy patrol at about 0930 hours.

At 1520 hours, 9+ aircraft were approaching Portland; this formation turned 90° and attacked "Peewit". In the engagement one Me109 was shot down certain and one Hurricane of the escorting flight is missing. Meanwhile, one flight of Hurricanes sent to Portland to intercept, chased and shot down 10 miles from the French coast 1 Me110 confirmed, and 1 Me110 unconfirmed.

Several other large formations approached convoys but retired after our fighters had been sent up.

Of the raids which penetrated inland, on Me110, which shot down a Hector near Old Sarum, was shot down by Hurricanes near Goodwood. Hurricanes also shot down a Do17 near Blandford.

North and East Coasts

There was little enemy activity off the North and East coasts. The enemy carried out reconnaissance work off Wick and East Anglia.

France

Numerous patrols were maintained over the Calais - Dunkerque area, particularly over Calais.

By night

Enemy operations appear to have been on a smaller scale than usual, but cover a large area. Minelaying was suspected in Plymouth area, Thames Estuary and immediately north of it and in the Tyne area.

Attacks on the West Country seem to have started mostly from Cherbourg district. Some 6 or 8 raids crossed the coast between 2330 and 0300 hours at various places. Two raids went as far as Barrow-in-Furness and returned via Liverpool and over Yorkshire. Other isolated raids went over Leeds, Church Fenton, Tyneside, over Norfolk and Wiltshire. Bombs are reported to have been dropped in Tyneside, near Derby, Driffield and Hornsea, but no serious damage has been so far reported. It is reported at 0520 hours that an unsuccessful attempt was made on a convoy off the Lincolnshire coast.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 21 July 1940

• Blenheim - 65
• Spitfire - 236
• Hurricane - 309
• Defiant - 21
• Total - 620

Casualties:

• Enemy:
  • Fighters - 3 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed; Bombers - 1 confirmed.
  • Anti-Aircraft at Plymouth claims one aircraft (type unknown) unconfirmed.
• Own:
  • 1 Hurricane confirmed (No. 43 Squadron), 1 Spitfire confirmed (No. 54 Squadron).

Additional Information From information since received, enemy casualties reported yesterday are now:

• 15 confirmed and 8 unconfirmed [fighters and bombers]. In addition, 1 He111, 1 Do17 and one Ju88 were shot down by anti-aircraft fire.

Patrols:

• 190 patrols despatched involving 596 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1142. Casualties 60.

Aerodromes:

• All serviceable

Organisation:

• No. 152 Squadron (Spitfire) has moved from Warmwell to Middle Wallop.
• No. 64 Squadron (Spitfire) "Blue" Section now operational, "Red" Section non-operational.
• No. 229 Squadron (Hurricane) has not yet moved to Turnhouse.
• No. 263 Squadron (Hurricane) 4 aircraft only operational.
• No. 605 Squadron (Hurricane) 3 aircraft only operational.
• No. 253 Squadron (Hurricane) moved to Turnhouse.
• No. 3 Squadron (Hurricane) 8 aircraft moved to Sumburgh.

Air Intelligence Reports

• Nil

Home Security Reports

• 17-20th July 1940.
  • General Summary
    • During the 19th July, enemy aircraft activity was again confined to almost entirely to coastal areas. With the exception of an attack on Glasgow, there is little to report.

  • Detailed Summary
    • It is now learned that six bombs were dropped on July 17th at Nutfield Aerodrome (near Godstone, Surrey) at 1155 hours. No damage was caused.
    • At about 1040 hours on the 19th July, 8 HE were dropped in the Govan and Scotstoun areas of Glasgow. Tenements were seriously damaged and an occupied communal shelter was blown up. Windows of the Royal Ordnance Factory, Cardonald, were broken by splinters and blast, but the factory was not otherwise damaged.
    • At about 0603 hours on the 19th July, bombs were dropped on the Norfolk and Norwich Aerodrome at Norwich. A hangar, used for the storage of AFS appliances, was hit and the clubhouse was burnt out.
    • During the July 19th, bombs were also dropped on Milton Aerodrome (near Pembroke) at 1245 hours and on Manston Aerodrome at 2320 hours. No damage has been reported.
    • At 1720 hours on the 19th July, a boy's school was demolished when bombs were dropped on Polruan, near Fowey.
    • At 0120 hours on July 20th bombs were dropped at Abbotsinch Aerodrome (Renfrew).
    • At 0220 hours on the 20th July, bombs were dropped on Stirling. Two houses were demolished and minor damage caused to adjacent buildings.

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Images

Date: 22 July 1940

• Weather: Straits fair; Channel cloudy. Light westerly winds in both. Bright intervals between showers in the east.
• Day: Shipping off the south coast attacked.
• Night: Minelaying the whole length of the eastern seaboard.

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Enemy action by day

Enemy activity by day was on a considerably reduced scale. Just prior to the opening of the period covered by this summary, two convoys were attacked by enemy aircraft off the East Coast. One of these attacks was referred to in the previous summary (21st July) but it is now reported that fighters intercepted and claim one Do17 as a probable casualty.

Thereafter some 14 raids were detected. These appear to have been mainly engaged in meteorological and shipping reconnaissance flights off the East and South coast; although convoys were approached, no resultant attacks were reported. Convoy and shipping protection patrols were flown by our fighters and possibly accounted for the apparent reluctance on the part of the enemy to attack by daylight. A few raids crossed our coasts; one was plotted between Bristol and the Sussex coast, flying very high. Another Do17 crossed the coast near Selsey Bill and was intercepted and shot down off Tangmere. A raid of three aircraft was plotted 10 miles off Selsey Bill and appeared to have been intercepted but no combat reports have been received.

France

A number of hostile raids were plotted in the Calais - Boulogne - Dunkirk - St Omer areas and several raids went from Cherbourg to mid-Channel in the late evening, but these faded and nothing more was heard of them.

By night

Considerable enemy activity again took place over a wide area. Shortly after 2100 hours, raids commencing down Channel from the Boulogne/Calais area turned north, north of Cherbourg towards Portland and Land's End, minelaying being suspected, and some crossing the coast. From 2200 hours until about 0200 hours, a number of raids approached the North-East, East and South-East Coasts. Another group, presumably from Norway, attacked objectives in Scotland. Minelaying throughout the whole of the East coast is suspected, particularly in the Thames Estuary, and to a lesser extent, in the Tees, off the Norfolk coast, Humber and Tyne areas. A number of raids came inland and bombs were reported to have been dropped in the following districts:- Thames Estuary, North Kent, near Manston, South Essex, Norfolk, Kidderminster, Welshpool, Brough, Edinburgh, near Drem and South Wales. At about 2347 hours, it is reported that a Do 17 was shot down off Selsey Bill. No reports of serious damage or casualties have been received.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 22 July 1940

• Blenheim - 63
• Spitfire - 228
• Hurricane - 357
• Defiant - 21
• Total - 669

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - nil; Bombers - 2 confirmed, 1 unconfirmed.
• Own: Nil.

• Anti-Aircraft at Plymouth claims one aircraft (type unknown) unconfirmed.

Patrols:

• 208 patrols despatched involving 637 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1193. Casualties - 36.

Aerodromes:

• All serviceable.

Organisation:

• No. 238 Squadron (Hurricanes) is at Warmwell
• No. 141 Squadron (Defiants) is at West Malling and is operational.
• No. 615 Squadron (Hurricanes) is at Hawkinge.

Air Intelligence Reports

• The German Air Force (GAF) is up against an efficient fighter defence organisation for the first time, and in the face of this it constantly varies the composition of its tactical forces.
• The present scale of operations against this country can be accounted for by the following facts:
  • i. The GAF is not fully prepared for major operations
  • ii. In order to maintain service and civilian morale it is necessary to carry out operations on some scale
  • iii. This interim period is an opportunity for tactical experiments against efficient air defence.

Home Security Reports

• 22nd/23rd July 1940
  • General Summary
    • Reports in addition to those mentioned show that bombs also fell in East Yorkshire and Suffolk and on Leith, early on 22nd July.
    • During the day and the night of 22nd/23rd July, bombs fell in Banffshire, where casualties resulted, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and in the coastal areas of Kent, Suffolk, Essex and Monmouthshire.
    • Fifeshire, South Wales, South Hampshire and Lincolnshire were among the widely separated areas where bombs fell during this period, but no material damage or casualties have been reported from these areas.

  • Detailed Summary
    • Slight damage to property was caused at Cramlington (Northumberland) where 2 HE fell at 0030 hours on the 22nd July.
    • Bombs which fell on a farm at Skipsea (East Yorkshire) at 0145 hours, 22nd July, causing damage to electricity supply, are described as a "supposed new type containing petrol, paraffin and other oils."
    • Nine HE bombs fell in a field at Troston (2 miles from Honington) at 0225 hours, 22nd July, causing damage to windows and glasshouses.
    • Four HE and many IB were dropped at Leith at 0559 hours, 22nd July, causing considerable damage to a fire station and a pressure main. A 1,000lb bomb fell near the Albert Dock, and some sidings and mains were damaged, but main traffic is unaffected and rolling stock was not hit. One dead and six injured people are reported.
    • Six German prisoners were killed, and eighteen injured, by HE bombs which fell on Duff House, Banff, at 0922 hours. The house was severely damaged.
    • Margate reported eight HE bombs at 2235 hours, one house being demolished. The electricity supply failed and gas mains were fractured. It is reported that 15-20 HE fell near Manston aerodrome at 2230 hours.
    • The Maldon district of Essex was attacked with HE bombs at 2340 hours but no reports of damage have been received.
    • Edinburgh reported bombs early 23rd July and damage by fire to store buildings was caused.
    • Slight damage to Sheerness Pier was caused by bombs at 0128 hours, 23rd July, and bombs fell at Pembrey, Milford Haven, near Emsworth and Cleethorpes, but no damage or casualties are reported.

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Images

Date: 23 July 1940

• Weather: Slight haze in the Straits of Dover. Cloudy with occasional rain in other districts.
• Day: East coast shipping raided.
• Night: Minelaying from Dover to the Tyne and Forth Estuary.

 

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity appeared to have further decreased and those aircraft with few exceptions approaching the coast seemed to devote their attention to reconnaissance of shipping and to attacks when opposition was not immediately encountered but turned away when fighters were in the vicinity.

While patrolling a convoy off Yarmouth in the early morning, Hurricanes shot down a Ju86[?] and it is a probable casualty.

A 'help' message from a convoy some distance off Lowestoft was received at about 0809 hours but only one bomb is reported to have been dropped from a great height.

Later, a raid penetrating inland as far as Kenley dropped bombs during the flight. It at once retraced its track on the approach of fighters. At 1120 a force of six aircraft approached North Foreland and bombed trawlers. Two fighter squadrons intercepted without conclusive results. During the morning, various other aircraft were detected around the coast from the North of Scotland southwards. No contact was made by fighters.

During the afternoon activity was still further reduced but in a raid near Kinnaird's Head a Do215 was intercepted and is confirmed as having been shot down by Spitfires at 1540 hours.

At 1530 hours a raid of nine aircraft appeared without being tracked in RDF 50 miles east of Harwich. A naval vessel is reported to have been bombed. Another raid appeared inland near Yarmouth at 1640 hours and re-crossed the coast near Bawdsey after dropping bombs at Pulham Market. It evaded fighters in the clouds. Fighters were sent up to a raid which appeared inland over North Scotland after 1800 hours but the enemy aircraft escaped east at great speed.

France

Hostile tracks were plotted along the French coast and to mid-Channel but few approached nearer to our coasts.

By night

Enemy activity again was again at somewhat on a lesser scale and almost exclusively confined to coastal flights, presumably minelaying. The chief activity was along the east coast from Dover to the Tyne and Forth Estuary, with one or two raids as far north as Kinnaird's Head and considerably less concentration in the Thames Estuary and the South Coast.

It is reported that one He111 was shot down for certain at 0040 hours by a Spitfire near Dunbar. About eight raids visited the West Country picking out Falmouth, Plymouth and Bristol and four raids were lost going north off the Welsh Coast., but were picked up in the Liverpool area where anti-aircraft guns were in action and they claim one enemy aircraft (type unknown) unconfirmed.

At about 0043 hours a smoke screen about 100 yards long and thirty feet high was reported by the Observer Corps off Dover.

From information received during the late evening it would appear that attempts were being made to intercept our bombers, an attack upon one having been reported.

It was noticeable too that that throughout the night there were only two or three isolated raids which crossed the coast, one over Middlesborough proceeding south of Catterick and one over Cornwall and South Wales.

The only report of any bombs having been dropped is near Hartlepool.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 23 July 1940

• Blenheim - 62
• Spitfire - 243
• Hurricane - 282
• Defiant - 12
• Total - 599

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 1 unconfirmed; Bombers - 2 confirmed.
• Own: Nil.

Patrols:

• 182 patrols despatched involving 495 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1205 Casualties - 34.

Aerodromes:

• No changes.

Organisation:

• No. 43 Squadron (Hurricanes) has moved from Tangmere to Northolt.
• No. 1 Squadron (Hurricanes) has moved from Northolt to Tangmere
• No. 264 Squadron (Defiants) has moved from Duxford to Kirton in Lindsey.
• No. 141 Squadron (Defiants) have arrived at Prestwick and are non-operational.

Air Intelligence Reports

• Nil.

Home Security Reports

• Date
  • General Summary
    • Additional reports of districts affected by enemy bomb attacks early on July 23rd show that East Yorkshire, Berwickshire, Isle of Wight, Gloucestershire and the Swansea area were all visited, but very little damage was caused and casualties were slight.
    • During the day and night of 23/24 July, enemy bombing activity was very slight, but some bombs were dropped in parts of Norfolk, Kent and West Sussex; apart from structural damage at Pulham (Norfolk), the effects were negligible.

  • Detailed Summary
    • Montrose aerodrome reports one HE bomb which fell in the landing ground at 0043 hours without causing damage or casualties.
    • Eleven HE bombs were dropped near Ternhill Aerodrome at 0133 hours, the only damage caused being the partial blocking of a road for which repairs are now in hand. No casualties are reported.
    • HE and IBs fell at Tetney near North Coates in the early morning, without causing damage or casualties.
    • Bombs fell at Yarmouth and Brightstone (Isle of Wight) at 0045 hours causing slight damage to one house.
    • The HE did considerable damage to six houses in Willerby (East Yorkshire) at 0122 hours, and a signal arm on the railway was wrecked. The track was undamaged and four slight casualties resulted.
    • At 0838 bombs fell on the beach and inland at Worthing, and at 0935 whistling bombs were dropped in a field at Itching Field (Horsham). In neither of these incidents was there any damage.
    • Air Ministry property at Pulham (Norfolk) suffered structural damage at 1648 hours when sixteen HE fell, but there were no casualties.
    • There are unconfirmed reports of bombs at West Hartlepool at 0100 hours (24 July).

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Images

Date: 24 July 1940

• Weather: Channel and Straits of Dover cloudy. Coastal and hill fog in western districts spreading east. Rain in most districts.
• Day: Convoys and shipping in the Channel attacked.
• Night: Nil.

Enemy action by day

The main activity was centred in the Channel. A combat involving approximately 90 aircraft took place at midday off Deal and North Foreland. Convoys and shipping were the main objectives. A few raids penetrated inland and dropped bombs without inflicting any serious damage except near Glasgow where a printing works was practically demolished.

North and North-East

At 0630 hours, hostile aircraft appeared over Glasgow and bombed the Hillingdon district where a printing works was seriously damaged. Some windows of the Rolls Royce factory were broken and a few minor casualties are reported. This aircraft was intercepted and it is reported that the rear gunner was killed and one engine put out of action. The enemy aircraft dived into clouds and was lost but it is doubtful if it will reach home. In the afternoon, several reconnaissances were plotted in the Aberdeen area.

East and South-East

Numerous hostile reconnaissances were carried out off the East and South-East coasts and in four cases were followed by attacks on shipping. One Do215 was shot down.

Just before midday, a large force of enemy aircraft assembled behind Calais and then approached two convoys off the North Foreland and the Downs. Three squadrons were up ready to intercept. A battle ensued in which approximately fifty enemy aircraft were involved with thirty-six of our fighters. The enemy aircraft were driven off after - it is reported - having sunk two trawlers and damaged two more. Enemy losses reported in this combat are reported as 10 confirmed (including one by AA) and sixteen unconfirmed against the loss of two of our Spitfires.

At 1503 hours, an enemy aircraft crossed the coast west of Shoreham and dropped bombs on the Vickers landing ground at Weybridge and on the gas works at Walton on Thames and at Byfleet. Little damage is reported and production has not been affected. There was no interception by our fighters.

At 1727 hours, three enemy aircraft bombed ships off Dover. No 74 Squadron report that one Do215 was shot down (unconfirmed) off Manston.

At 1950 hours, a hostile track appeared 20 miles south of Hastings and is reported to have machine-gunned inshore patrols. Weather conditions were too bad for fighter action to be taken.

At 2050 hours, one Spitfire of No 66 Squadron whilst on patrol, came down in the sea 30 miles north-east of Cromer but the pilot was rescued.

South and West

At 0730 hours, a Ju88 which approached Portcawl and bombed shipping was shot down by No 92 Squadron. Several raids approached Bournemouth and Portland but faded without and attack being made. Considerable enemy reconnaissance activity was plotted in the Channel.

By night

No enemy activity is reported with the exception of one track which was possibly minelaying off Bamburgh.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 24 July 1940

• Blenheim - 56
• Spitfire - 238
• Hurricane - 294
• Defiant - 15
• Total - 603

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 9 confirmed, 13 unconfirmed; Bombers - 3 confirmed, 4 unconfirmed.
• Own: 2 Spitfires 1 Hurricane.

• AA claims one Do215 confirmed.

• In addition it is now reported that a further four Spitfires are unserviceable owing to enemy action.

Patrols:

• 191 patrols despatched involving 591 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1211 Casualties - 30.

Aerodromes:

• All serviceable.

Organisation:

• No. 607 Squadron is now operational by day only at Usworth.

Air Intelligence Reports

• A Me110 brought down near Goodwood on 21 July belonged to a reconnaissance gruppe and carried a camera in place of cannons.

Home Security Reports

• 23rd/24th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • During the early morning of July 24, enemy bombing attacks were confined to the Scottish areas of East Lothian, Fifeshire, Aberdeenshire and the Glasgow district. Only in the last-named was material damage caused.
    • During the day, bombs were dropped on Suffolk and Norfolk without effect, but an attack was made on the Walton and Weybridge district, details of which follow.
    • Enemy bombing attacks during the night of July 24/25 have been negligible.

  • Detailed Summary
    • It is now reported that the HE bomb that fell on Montrose at 0043 (23 July) damaged one aircraft considerably and two aircraft slightly.
    • At 0640 hours, an attack was made by a single enemy aircraft on the Scottish Industrial Estate, Hillington, Glasgow, where 4 HE and 40 Ibs did considerable damage. A small printing and stationary factory was almost destroyed and a sugar and oilcake factory was damaged. Many windows were broken. Casualties were confined to 18 injured, one seriously.
    • At 1515 hours, one enemy aircraft dropped 18 HE bombs in the Weybridge-Walton-Byfleet district. Six bombs fell near the Wandsworth Gas Company's containers, Walton, causing four slight casualties and broken glass, but production was not affected. Six, of which one did not explode, fell on the Vickers-Armstrong landing ground without causing any damage, and six were dropped at St George's Hill without effect.
    • Great Yarmouth report two bombs at 1818 hours; these failed to explode.
    • At 1820 hours, 17 small HE bombs were dropped at Wherstead near Ipswich without causing damage or casualties.

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Images

Date: 25 July 1940

• Weather: Fine day with haze in the Straits of Dover. Winds north-westerly and light.
• Day: Convoys and shipping in the Channel raided.
• Night: Minelaying in the Firth of Forth and Thames Estuary. Reconnaissance over Bristol and Channel area.

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity by day was again concentrated on attacks on shipping and convoys in the Channel, the major engagement taking place off Dover. A few raids penetrated inland and dropped bombs without inflicting any serious damage.

North and North-East

A meteorological flight was plotted in the Wick area at 0730 hours. A WT [wireless/telegraphy - radio] intercept suggested that this flight had a dual purpose, reference being made to "dropping carried out" at 0704 GMT. Later a He111 was shot down between the Orkneys and Kinnaird's Head. In the evening, an unidentified raid was plotted over Scapa.

East and South-East

During the early morning, an attack was made on a convoy off Spurn Point. This raid was intercepted and the He111s are claimed as probable casualties. Another attack was made on this convoy in the evening but no damage is reported.

From about 1127 hours, when a large raid was plotted approaching Dover from the Calais area, attacks interspersed by reconnaissances continued in waves against Dover harbour and shipping until 1930 hours. Bombs were dropped in the harbour and near a RAF experimental station. Ships in convoy and naval units are reported to have been hit. The first attack at 1207 hours was directed against Dover harbour and plotted as 50+ aircraft. This was quickly followed up by an additional raid of 40+ - probably the escorting fighters. Three and a half squadrons of our fighters engaged the enemy. Later, an attack of two or three waves of some 12+, 20+ and 30 aircraft was made on a convoy off Dover at approximately 15-minute intervals. Fighters again intercepted and inflicted casualties. No sooner had the tracks indicate that these raids had returned to France than other enemy aircraft commenced to congregate behind Gris Nez and a further attack on the convoy was made. Large formations of enemy aircraft continued to be plotted in the Channel up to 1930 hours.

During the period of these attacks, our fighters successfully accounted for 14 enemy aircraft confirmed and an additional 11 probable against a loss of only four Spitfires. In addition, AA claim one confirmed enemy casualty.

Ten or eleven fast coastal motor boats with fighter escort were spotted by a pilot of No 111 Squadron off Gris Nez in the afternoon.

South and West

In the early morning, two raids approached Portland but turned back - possibly on hearing the volume of our fighter's RT engaged in escorting naval units. Later, two raids of 30 and 12+ approached Portsmouth and three fighter squadrons were despatched to meet them. These raids approached the Needles and then moved westward towards Portland; trawlers were reported to have been bombed. Our fighters intercepted and shot down six enemy aircraft with the loss of one Spitfire. A later raid off Portsmouth was intercepted and one enemy aircraft was confirmed as being shot down and another is probable.

In the afternoon, two raids - probably of single aircraft - crossed the coast near Poole and were intercepted in the Stroud area. One Hurricane was shot down by a Ju88 which in turn was shot down by a training aircraft and the other enemy aircraft was accounted for by AA fire. Bombs were dropped at about this time near Cowley, Gloucestershire, and near South Cerney but no damage is reported. Later a raid of 12+ approached Ventnor, but turned south on the despatch of our fighters.

France

The usual Gris Nez patrols were reported between 0900 and 1100 hours. These raids totalling 15+ aircraft were unusually active north of Cherbourg between 1200 and 1230 hours.

By night

Several raids started from the Cherbourg district and crossed the coast of Dorset en-route for the Bristol Channel and South Wales but no bombing has been reported from this area. AA claim an enemy aircraft shot down in flames near Milford Haven.

There appeared to be considerable minelaying activity in the Firth of Forth (where some 28 were also dropped into the sea) and the Newcastle area. Harwich and Lowestoft were also visited by raiders, bombs being dropped at Bungay (Norfolk) and near Harlestown. Minelaying was also being carried out in the Thames Estuary and the Downs by approximately ten aircraft.

Two aircraft appeared off Trevose Head and were tracked down the west coast of Cornwall and faded south west of Land's End. These aircraft may have laid mines in the Bristol Channel.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 25 July 1940

• Blenheim - 56
• Spitfire - 234
• Hurricane - 316
• Defiant - 25
• Gladiator - 8 (1 Flight only)
• Total - 639

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 14 confirmed 11 unconfirmed; Bombers - 11 confirmed 3 unconfirmed. 1 unknown aircraft type also confirmed as shot down.
• Own: 5 Spitfires 1 Hurricane.

• AA claims 3 confirmed in the above totals.

Patrols:

• 171 patrols despatched involving 684 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1237 Casualties - 30.

Aerodromes:

• All serviceable.

Organisation:

• No 141 (Defiant) Squadron is now operational by day and night at Prestwick.

Air Intelligence Reports

• Chance-Vought dive-bomber aircraft (ex French Air Force) were operating against shipping on the 24th July. One or probably two were shot down.

Home Security Reports

• 24th/25th July 1940.
  • General Summary
    • With reference to the report of 24th July, it is now reported that a further six HE bombs one one unexploded were dropped in the Glasgow area in open fields by an aircraft which had arrived without being plotted. This was at 0640 hours on the 24th July. On the previous day an unidentified aircraft was over Glasgow and not plotted until over the city.
    • There has been very little enemy activity over the land, but extensive raids have been made on convoys in the Channel in the neighbourhood of Dover.

  • Detailed Summary
    • At 1530 hours bombs were dropped off St Catherine's Point (Isle of Wight) which struck a steamer beached there on 21st July.
    • Bombs were dropped at Dover Harbour but no damage was done, and at Swing Gate aerodrome near Dover, where posts at the aerodrome were machine-gunned, windows and fences were damaged but no casualties have been reported.
    • Bombs were also dropped near South Cerney aerodrome, Cowley (Gloucestershire) and Scarning (Norfolk) but all fell in fields and no damage has been reported.

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Images

Date: 26 July 1940

• Weather: Heavy cloud with rain and poor visibility.
• Day: Shipping off the south coast attacked.
• Night: Minelaying in Thames Estuary and off the Norfolk coast. Bristol area.

 

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a much-reduced scale. Reconnaissances were made of shipping and the few raids which penetrated inland only inflicted minor damage. The chief feature was the lack of determination of the enemy to press home attacks. Several times, raids - whether small or large size up to 50 aircraft - turned away when 10-20 miles from the coast when our fighter squadrons were sent up.

North and North-East

A meteorological flight took place in the early morning off the Orkneys. Of two other raids plotted, one crossed to Glasgow and dropped bombs near Kilmarnock.

East and South-East

Two raids occurred off Orfordness, one of which successfully bombed a naval unit. Four other raids were in the Yarmouth-Cromer area flying at about 18,000 feet. One of these raids approached to within 20 miles of the coast and the others to about 50 miles.

South and West

At about 0603 hours, a single aircraft crossed the coast at Beachy Head and flew inland via Uckfield, Maidstone, Crowborough, Lingfield, Sevenoaks, East Grinstead and back to Hastings and Abbeville. Bombs were dropped at Mayfield and Hastings. Fighters failed to intercept.

At about 0900 hours, three raids consisting of 21+ aircraft in all approached Swanage. In each case as the fighters were sent to intercept, the raiders turned away not less than 10 miles from the coast.

At about 0945 hours, No 601 Squadron when on patrol off the Isle of Wight, intercepted a formation and a Me109 is a probable casualty. One Hurricane fell into the sea and the pilot is lost.

Between 1100 and 1300 hours, twenty enemy aircraft approached Portland but turned back when some distance from the coast on the approach of our fighters. No 238 Squadron shot down one Me109 (confirmed).

At 1530 hours, eight raids consisting of fifty aircraft assembled in the Bay of Seine and flew towards the Isle of Wight. Three fighter squadrons ordered to patrol at heights between 10,000 - 20,000 feet turned the enemy force which split and flew to within 30 miles of the Isle of Wight whence it returned to its rendezvous area. One raid crossed the coast north of Dungeness and No 65 Squadron shot down one Me109 (confirmed) off Dover.

A force of 24+ aircraft (and probably considerably more) appeared in the Cherbourg area at 1848 hours. The formation was plotted on a 10-mile front, flying in layers at an average height of 16,000 feet. It turned west towards Portland and then broke into separate raids and returned direct to Cherbourg. Squadrons off Portland failed to sight the enemy.

West Coast

Two unidentified raids appeared off the Pembroke coast and at 1700 hours, No 92 Squadron whilst on patrol off this coast, shot down one Ju88 (unconfirmed).

France

Early in the day there were the normal enemy reconnaissances off the French coast bit later, a continuous patrol was kept up, but a few aircraft ventured out to sea.

By night

At 2128 hours, an enemy aircraft was plotted from 12 miles south of Dunkirk to North Foreland, Shoeburyness, Kent and north over Hornchurch and to within 8 miles of North Weald, re-crossing the coast at Mersea Island. It crashed into the sea of Brightlingsea. This raid is reported to have dropped bombs in Kent and Essex. No definite report as to why this enemy aircraft crashed has yet come to hand.

At 2205 hours, a hostile raid of one aircraft at 10,000 feet was plotted 50 miles east-north-east of Hazeburgh. This raid eventually faded without crossing the coast and was either a meteorological flight or hoping to intercept our out-going bombers. One raid of 2+ aircraft was plotted on patrol from east-north-east of North Foreland to south of Rye. No convoys were in this vicinity.

Between 2230 and 0100 hours, enemy aircraft were active over a widespread area. Thirteen raids approached and crossed the coast in the vicinity of Portland, flying north-north-east and some continued to the Bristol area. Bombs are reported to have been dropped without causing serious damage. Ten raids were plotted in the Thames Estuary between Deal and Harwich and the majority appeared to be minelaying. Three raids were plotted near the Tyne in the vicinity of two convoys and were probably mainelaying. Seven raids appeared near Aberdeen of which the majority flew over convoys in the vicinity and some minelaying is suspected. Bombs are also reported to have been dropped at Rosehearty, south of Frazerburgh and on Dyce aerodrome, but no damage is reported. Peterhead is reported to have been machine-gunned by low-flying aircraft. Single tracks were also plotted over the coast between the Humber and Whitby and may also have been engaged in minelaying.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 26 July 1940

• Blenheim - 61
• Spitfire - 242
• Hurricane - 318
• Defiant - 26
• Gladiator - 8 (1 Flight only)
• Total - 655

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 3 confirmed 1 unconfirmed; Bombers - 1 confirmed 1 unconfirmed. 1 unknown aircraft type also confirmed as shot down.
• Own: 1 Hurricane.

Patrols:

• 144 patrols despatched involving 612 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1239 Casualties - 19.

Aerodromes:

• Abbotsinch, Sumburgh and Hartlepool serviceable by day only.

Organisation:

• No. 111 Squadron from Hawkinge to Croydon.
• No. 54 Squadron from Hornchurch to Catterick.
• No. 41 Squadron from Catterick to Hornchurch.
• No. 501 Squadron from Middle Wallop to Gravesend.
• No. 56 Squadron is now at North Weald and is operational.

Air Intelligence Reports

• It is reliably reported that the RAF's night bombing of Germany is most effective and is worrying the German High Command. It is also reported from another source that the RAF raids are causing serious damage. The Germans are stated to be considerably worried by these raids and our delayed action bombs are particularly unpopular.

Home Security Reports

• 25th/26th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • Enemy activity overland was again on a small scale. Bombs were dropped in East Sussex and over a considerable area in Essex, but casualties were few and damage slight. At Hastings, it is reported that some of the bombs dropped were of the "whistling" variety.

  • Detailed Summary
    • On 26th July, bombs were dropped at Hastings and neighbouring portions of East Sussex. At Hastings five houses were demolished and others damaged, and small damage was also caused to gas and water mains and electric cables. Casualties were slight.
    • Small quantities of bombs were also dropped over a wide area in Essex but the damage reported to be negligible.
    • Bombs were also dropped at Poole (Dorset), Weymouth and in Monmouth and Gloucestershire, but no damage has been reported.
    • At 0030 hours on 27th July, bombs were dropped on Dyce aerodrome, Aberdeen, but it is reported that no damage was caused.

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Images

Date: 27 July 1940

• Weather: Fair Straits, cloudy in Channel. Slight rain in the midlands and the North Sea.
• Day: Raids on shipping and naval units in Dover harbour and Straits.
• Night: Attacks on south-west England.

Enemy action by day

During the afternoon, several raids attacked shipping and naval units in the Straits and in Dover harbour. Two enemy aircraft were shot down and we lost one Hurricane.

One raid approaching a convoy off Swanage was intercepted and driven back, two enemy aircraft being shot down and one Spitfire missing. Other raids approaching shipping and ports on the South Coast retired before our fighters could intercept.

North and North-East

Five raids of one aircraft each were reported off the east coast of Scotland and the Orkneys.

South and West

During the day, six raids approached the South Coast between Selsey Bill and Portland. One of these, which was attempting to attack a convoy off Swanage, was intercepted and driven off. One Me109 (confirmed) and one Ju87 (confirmed) was shot down by Hurricanes of Nos. 145 and 238 Squadrons respectively. The other raids retired before fighters could intercept.

Enemy aircraft made a reconnaissance of Belfast, Isle of Man and the area south-west of Anglesey to Cardiff.

Spitfires of No 234 Squadron shot down one Ju88 (unconfirmed) off Land's End.

Dover Area

At 1430 hours, ten Me109s which had been patrolling the Calais area, crossed the Straits and dropped bombs which caused damage to dock equipment. Fighters chased the enemy aircraft towards France but did not make contact.

At 1602 hours, one raid of 6+ flew towards Dungeness, turned west and bombed a steamer (which was damaged) off Sandgate.

At 1730 hours, three Squadrons were sent up to patrol the Dover area and No 41 Squadron shot down one He113 (confirmed) and No 615 Squadron shot down one He59. No 501 Squadron lost one Hurricane.

Off East Anglia

At 0930 hours, one raid attacked a convoy off Lowestoft. Our fighters failed to intercept.

At 1706 hours, a convoy and naval units off Orfordness were attacked. RDF lost track of this raid and it was not intercepted.

Approximately six other raids approached the east and south-east coasts but did not penetrate inland.

By night

At 2230 hours, about 20 enemy aircraft were plotted out of Cherbourg and the Channel Islands to Cornwall and other western counties as far as Anglesey, Bala, Kidwelly, Upton-on-Severn, west of Gloucester, Cardiff and Bristol area. In some instances fighters were despatched but no interceptions are reported.

Between 2348 and 0130 hours, four raids approached the coast near St Abb's Head - apparently minelaying - and went north as far as the Firth of Tay where explosions were heard. Three further raids appeared to carry out minelaying from the Tay to Kinnaird's Head.

By 0300 hours, most of the raiders had returned from the west to northern France, but not all landed in the Cherbourg area.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 27 July 1940

• Blenheim - 63
• Spitfire - 242
• Hurricane - 331
• Defiant - 24
• Gladiator - 8 (1 Flight only)
• Total - 668

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 2 confirmed; Bombers - 1 confirmed 1 unconfirmed. 1 seaplane also confirmed as shot down.
• Own: 1 Spitfire, 1 Hurricane.

Patrols:

• 141 patrols despatched involving 522 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1274 Casualties - 70.

Aerodromes:

• Abbotsinch, Sherburn and Hartlepool serviceable by day only.
• Evanton is unserviceable.

Organisation:

• No 604 Squadron moved from Gravesend to Middle Wallop.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

Home Security Reports

• 26th/27th July 1940.
  • General Summary
    • With reference to yesterday's report, it is now established that no bombs were dropped at Poole on July 26th.
    • Bombs were dropped in many localities during the early hours of the morning of July 27th, but casualties and damage reported are negligible, the majority of bombs falling in open country.

  • Detailed Summary
    • Early on July 27th, bombs were dropped near Faversham (Kent), in the Wimborne and Dorchester sections of Dorset and at Weymouth, without any damage being reported.
    • Bombs were also dropped at Elie, Kinglassie and Falkland in Fifeshire and at North Berwick.
    • In all, reports of bomb droppings were received from nearly thirty points but only one slight casualty has been reported.
    • An unexploded bomb at Westerleigh (Gloucester) has now been established as a petrol bomb.
    • All the above incidents occurred during the early hours of the morning, and the remainder of the day of July 27th has been quiet.
    • Late at night on the 27th of July and early in the morning of the 28th July, bombs were dropped at Swansea Docks, Upton-upon-Severn and Kidwelly (Carmarthen). No damage has been reported except at Swansea where a railway line was displaced.

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Images

Date: 28 July 1940

• Weather: Fine early. Fair for the rest of the day, clouding over in the evening.
• Day: Shipping attacked off Dover and south coast ports.
• Night: Minelaying from Thames Estuary to Humber. Scattered raiders over England and Wales.

Enemy action by day

There was less enemy activity in the morning, and it was not until the afternoon that the major engagement of the day took place in the Straits, off Dover.

Our fighters shot down seven enemy aircraft at a cost of two Spitfires.

Other raids approached shipping and ports on the south and west coasts, either doing no damage or retiring before our fighters could intercept.

North and North-East

At 1029 hours, one aircraft was plotted 15 miles north-east of Montrose but a section of fighters sent to investigate did not make contact.

At 1522 hours, a further raid was plotted in this area.

South and West

At 0640 hours, a raid was plotted out of Cherbourg in the direction of Plymouth but our fighters failed to make contact.

At 1110 hours, a raid of three aircraft was plotted from Baie de la Seine to Swanage, where sound plots were recorded overland. Fighters were despatched without effect and the raid eventually faded south in mid-Channel at 1250 hours.

Another raid approached Portland with no results and no interception.

At 1237 hours, three aircraft appeared 15 miles north of Cherbourg and approached Bournemouth. No contact was effected.

Off Dover

At 1204 hours, a large number of aircraft assembled and circled over the Calais-Boulogne district and then set course for Dover. When the enemy aircraft had reached a position half way across the Straits they turned back to the French coast where they gradually dispersed.

At 1335 hours, five raids involving approximately 100 aircraft, crossed the Straits and were engaged by four Squadrons of our fighters off Dover. No 74 Squadron accounted for three Me109s (confirmed) with the loss of two Spitfires. No 41 Squadron shot down two Me109s (confirmed) and No 11 Squadron shot down two He59s (confirmed).

At 1552 hours, one raid was plotted 40 miles south of Dungeness to within 30 miles of Selsey Bill where it turned south-east and faded in the Le Havre area at 1630 hours.

At 1708 hours, two raids involving 9+ aircraft where plotted flying east from the direction of Portland. These raids turned north and approached Swanage, but retired on approach of our fighters. Another raid originated over Portsmouth and faded in Baie de la Seine without interception.

At 1735 hours, a "help" signal was received by a convoy near Milford Haven; fighters were despatched without result.

East and South-East

At 0620 hours, a hostile aircraft approached Cromer but was not intercepted.

At 1424 hours, a possible meteorological flight was plotted sixty miles east of Haisboro flying north-west.

At 1503 hours, another raid was plotted eighteen miles east of Bawdsey and faded over Foreness.

At 1600 hours, a raid of 1+ was plotted fifty miles east of Mablethorpe, turned south and appeared to orbit in an area about fifty miles east of Cromer. A "help" signal was received from the naval unit which this raid had attacked.

At 1853 hours, a hostile reconnaissance of 3+ aircraft started from Dunkirk and flew to within fifteen miles east of Lowestoft where it turned south on the approach of our fighters and faded inland of Gris Nez. The aircraft appeared to return to St Inglevert.

At 1948 hours, seven raids assembled in the Gris Nez area and at one time one of these raids was plotted at not less than 40 aircraft on a ten-mile front at 30,000 feet. Six squadrons were detailed to meet this attack, which, however, did not materialise.

France

The usual patrols were flown over the Calais-Boulogne area.

By night

There was considerable enemy activity in most areas. The main feature of the earlier part was the intense activity of the minelaying type from the Thames Estuary to the Humber, extending later as far north as Aberdeen. Inland raiding over the south and east coasts was very pronounced and nearly all areas of England, Scotland and Wales were involved. By 0130 hours, raids were mostly withdrawing and at 0145 hours the country was clear north and east of a line from Chester to London. By 0245, all inland raids had withdrawn to the coast.

During the night about 150 hostile, or "X" tracks were plotted. Bombs were reported to have been dropped in the following places: - Edinburgh district, Perth, Rochford, Tyne, Thames Estuary, Crewe, Newcastle, Alnwick, Hungerford, Staplehurst, near Long Eaton, Holywell (Flintshire), Sealand, north of Gatwick aerodrome, Edenbridge, west of Beachy Head, north-east of Maldon (Essex), Glenkindie, near Sittingbourne, Seaford, near Neath, Brixham, Shaeftesbury, near Lydd, south of Colchester, Otmore (Vivinity), Lichfield, near Derby, Salford, near Swansea and other locations in South Wales.

At Staplehurst a searchlight post was bombed and put out of action.

Fighters were despatched in some instances but results are not reported.

An enemy aircraft is reported to have crashed at Wooton Hill (4 miles south-west of Newbury) at 0200 hours. Occupants baled out and are still at large.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 28 July 1940

• Blenheim - 66
• Spitfire - 245
• Hurricane - 328
• Defiant - 26
• Total - 665

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 5 confirmed; Bombers - 2 confirmed 1; Floatplanes - 2 confirmed.
• Own: 3 Spitfires 1 Hurricane.

Patrols:

• Day: 220 patrols despatched involving 840 aircraft.
• Night: 35 sorties.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1437 Casualties - 28.

Aerodromes:

• Sherburn is unserviceable.

Organisation:

• No changes.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

• Addendum - information which arrived too late for yesterday's report.
  • One Ju88 landed intact north of Bexhill at 0520 hours owing to a shortage of petrol. The crew are unwounded and are prisoners. All instruments are intact. The aircraft carried five guns - one in the nose and four free.
  • Another Ju88 was shot down east of Plymouth at about 0520 hours by Spitfires of No 234 Squadron.

Home Security Reports

• 27th/28th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • During the early morning of July 28th, raids were reported over south-west England and Wales but did practically no damage.
    • There were no enemy raids reported during the hours of daylight but Kent and Sussex were bombed late at night on July 28th.
    • Further raids took place early in the morning of July 29th over Cornwall, Essex, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Kent, South Wales and various scattered positions. Little damage was done anywhere and few casualties caused.

  • Detailed Summary
    • It is now reported that Dover Harbour was raided twice on July 27th. At 1435 hours, one bomb was dropped in Camber and one in the Harbour without effect. Between 1755 hours and 1847 hours, a further attack was made when a naval vessel was severely damaged and a store ship holed. Some bombs fell near the Marine Railway Station and the Survey Dock without doing damage.
    • Early in the morning of July 28th, bombs were dropped in Cornwall, in the neighbourhood of Truro and Penzance, but did no appreciable damage.
    • During the same period, bombs were also dropped near Cardiff and Newport (Monmouthshire) but did no damage.
    • Late in the evening of July 28th, numerous small villages in the Weald of Kent were bombed but no damage has been reported. Near Edenbridge, houses and gas and water mains were slightly damaged.
    • During the early morning of July 29th, bombs were dropped at Glenkindie (Aberdeenshire), and in Essex without causing damage.
    • Newcastle-on-Tyne was bombed at 0030 hours on July 29th and some damage is reported to houses and gas and water mains, but few casualties.
    • Bombs were also dropped at Newcastle-under-Lyme, near Brixham and Shaftbury without causing any damage.
    • South Wales was also bombed on July 29th and the railway track near Neath was damaged, and a road blocked at Pontaliw near Swansea.
    • It is also reported that Sealand Aerodrome was bombed at 0230 hours on July 29th. No report of damage has been received.

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Images

Date: 29 July 1940

• Weather: Fair all over Britain. Thames Estuary and Dover hazy.
• Day: Convoy off Dover raided.
• Night: Activity on a reduced scale over land.

Enemy action by day

The main activity was as follows:

• a. At 0730 hours, Dover Harbour was heavily attacked.
• b. In the afternoon, a hostile reconnaissance aircraft was shot down off Portsmouth.
• c. Of two enemy aircraft making a shipping reconnaissance east of Southwold, one was shot down and a second is possibly a casualty.
• d. A raid which was attacking a convoy off Harwich was intercepted and driven off.

Region

South and West

At 0906 hours, a raid was plotted a few miles west of Varne Light Vessel. The number of aircraft varied from 20+ to 2+ but no attack materialised.

Several enemy reconnaissances were plotted in the Channel, and of these, one Ju88 was shot down off Portsmouth by No. 145 Squadron.

At about 1815 hours, some 30-40 aircraft flew from Cherbourg towards Lyme Bay but turned away when 20 miles out. Part of this raid turned north-west again to within ten miles of Portland where it is reported to have bombed a naval unit. Fighters were despatched but did not intercept.

East and South-East

At 0718 hours, preceded by one sortie over Dover at 24,000 feet, four raids assembled in the Calais-Boulogne-St Omer area and at 0734 hours were consolidated as one raid of 80+ aircraft which flew from just east of Cap Gris Nez to attack Dover. Reports received indicate that the damage was comparatively light with few casualties. One merchant vessel (already damaged) and one small yacht were sunk and one naval unit was damaged. The actual number of bomber aircraft engaged in the attack is estimated at 40 Ju87s, and these approached in two waves of 20 aircraft each, covered by approximately the same number of Me109s. Four fighter squadrons were sent up and shot down eight Ju87s (confirmed) and seven Me109s (confirmed) and five Ju87s (unconfirmed) and two Me109s (unconfirmed). AA accounted for two Ju87s. Our losses were two Spitfires and one Hurricane.

At 1300 hours, trawlers were bombed off Dungeness and No 610 Squadron probably accounted for one Do215.

Several enemy reconnaissances were plotted off the East Coast and one of these, one He111 which was reconnoitring a convoy off Harwich, was shot down by No 17 Squadron and one Do17 is a probable casualty by No 85 Squadron.

At about 1720 hours, 32+ aircraft were plotted as approaching a convoy off North Foreland. Seven squadrons were despatched to intercept this raid, but only one (No 151) made contact and this squadron accounted for two Me110s (confirmed) and another probable. One Hurricane crashed on landing. The convoy suffered no casualties through air action.

North and North-East

Two raids approached the Aberdeen area during the morning. One of these was intercepted and fighters engaged two Heinkels which, however, evaded them in clouds.

France

The usual patrols were flown in the Calais-Boulogne-Gris Nez areas and several reconnaissance flights took place in the Channel. No interceptions were effected.

By night

Enemy activity appeared to be on a reduced scale inland, but there was considerable minelaying activity on the Dover, Thames Estuary and Harwich areas. Observer Corps posts report that seaplanes were operating.

Later, nine raids of small numbers approached the East Coast between Scarborough and St Abb's Head. Some of these raids crossed the coast. Minelaying operations are reported along the coastline from Hartlepool-Newcastle-Firth of Forth.

Bombs are reported to have been dropped at Brigg, Gilestone (about a mile south of St Athan), near Leys, east of Highbridge and at Acklington.

At 0010 hours, one Ju88 crashed just north of Bury St Edmunds. This aircraft was plotted in over Bristol as an unidentified raid but later it was stated to be friendly and Bedford ceased plotting. 16 bombs are reported dropped near Norwich.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 29 July 1940

• Blenheim - 66
• Spitfire - 241
• Hurricane - 328
• Defiant - 20
• Total - 639

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 7 confirmed, 2 unconfirmed; Bombers - 15 confirmed, 8 unconfirmed.
• Own: 2 Spitfires (Nos. 41 and 64 Squadrons; 1 pilot), 2 Hurricanes (Nos. 56 and 151 Squadrons).

• AA at Dover claims 2 confirmed bombers in above totals. Also includes the Ju88 crash near Bury St Edmunds.

Patrols:

• 205 patrols involving 798 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying - 1445 Casualties - 35.

Aerodromes:

• All serviceable.

Organisation:

• No changes.

Air Intelligence Reports

• A Do18 with a moveable cannon in forward position has been encountered.

Home Security Reports

• 28th / 29th July 1940
  • General Summary
    • Further raids have been reported during the early hours of July 29th, which did little damage.
    • Except for a big raid on Dover, there was no enemy activity on July 29th during the hours of daylight. Few fresh raids have been reported during the morning of July 30th.

  • Detailed Summary
    • With reference to the report of 28th July, it is now reported that 25 HE bombs were dropped at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and six houses were destroyed, and a school and other houses damaged. There were few casualties.
    • Referring to the same report, it is now reported that 115 incendiary bombs fell in Newcastle-under-Lyme with a radius of 1/4 mile. Nineteen houses were set on fire but the damage caused was slight and there were no casualties.
    • During the early morning of July 29th, bombs were dropped at Altcar (Lancashire), near Crewe, in Essex, Gloucestershire, Cheshire, Midlothian and Berwickshire, causing little or no damage.
    • Bombs were also dropped near the aerodromes at Yatesbury and Hawarden.
    • The only raid reported during daylight on 29th July was at Dover, where a naval auxiliary was sunk, and the oil pipeline broken. Buildings were damaged by splinters and blast.
    • There was only slight enemy activity during the night of 29th/30th July and no damage has been reported.
    • It is reported that Acklington aerodrome was bombed at 0235 hours on 30th July.

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Images

Date: 30 July 1940

• Weather: Unsettled, with drizzle and low cloud.
• Day: Raids on convoys off Orfordness, Clacton and Harwich.
• Night: South Wales and midlands.

Enemy action by day

Activity in general was on a restricted scale, owing to weather conditions. Our fighters made two successful interceptions, shooting down a He111 off Montrose and a Me110 off Southwold.

South and West

Attacks were reported on convoys off Orfordness, Clacton and Harwich. No. 85 Squadron shot down one Me110, 10 miles east of Southwold at 1532 hours.

North

Five raids were plotted during the course of the day between Flamborough Head and the Orkneys, one of which was reported to be a meteorological flight. Another of these raids was identified as a He111 and was shot down by No. 603 Squadron off Montrose at 1212 hours.

France

The usual Calais-Boulogne-Cherbourg enemy patrols were maintained and there were several hostile flights in the direction of the Varne Light Vessel. There were no interceptions.

By night

Enemy activity was on a much reduced scale, no doubt owing to the weather.

In the early part of the evening, a raid was plotted over Surrey. A balloon barrage was attacked and bombs were dropped at Esher, Chessington, Woldingham, Tolworth and Merstham.

Later, raids originating in the Baie de la Seine, and Cherbourg were plotted in the Plymouth area making for Devon and Dorset coasts and thence inland to South Wales and the Midlands. One or two isolated plots travelled as far north as Colwyn Bay.

Bombs were dropped at Heysham (five miles south of Lancaster) from a raid plotted as coming in from the west. Other reports of bombs were received from Barry Docks and near Cwm Bargoed, where a railway track was damaged.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 30 July 1940

• Blenheim - 74
• Spitfire - 232
• Hurricane - 333
• Defiant - 23
• Gladiator - 8 (1 Flight only)
• Total - 662

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - nil; Bombers - 2 confirmed.
• Own: Nil.

Patrols:

• 185 patrols despatched involving 724 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1443. Casualties 44.

Aerodromes:

• Abbotsinch, Sherburn, Hartlepool and Exeter are unserviceable during the hours of darkness.

Organisation:

• No changes.

Air Intelligence Reports

• None.

Home Security Reports

• 30th/31st July 1940.
  • General Summary
    • During the early hours of 30th July, bombs were dropped in South Wales, South-Western England, Hull and Norwich, and during the night of 30th/31st July bombs were again dropped in South Wales and in Surrey.

  • Detailed Summary
    • At 0010 hours on 30th July, bombs were dropped on Hull causing some damage to shops.
    • St Athan aerodrome was bombed early in the morning of 30th July, the married men's quarters demolished and other buildings damaged. No casualties have been reported.
    • Twelve HE bombs were dropped on Norwich at 0600 hours on 30th July. A bus station was hit and buses destroyed and damaged. Houses and a water main were also damaged and some casualties were caused.
    • After the Norwich raid, no bombs were reported all the day of 30th July until 2212 hours, when bombs were dropped at Esher and Farleigh in Surrey, but no damage has been reported.
    • During the night of 30th/31st July, Barry Docks were bombed, no damage has been reported; bombs were also reported to have been dropped at Cwm Bargoed (Glamorgan) where damage was done to the railway track.

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Images

Date: 31 July 1940

• Weather: Fair all over the country with temperatures slightly above average. Channel and Straits hazy.
• Day: Widespread attacks on shipping in south, south-east and south-west coastal waters. Dover balloon barrage.
• Night: South Wales and Thames raided.

 

Enemy action by day

Enemy activity was on a reduced scale; this may have been partly due to the lack of cloud cover when operations were attempted on the South Coast, but it was also noteworthy that enemy aircraft not infrequently turned away as soon as our fighters were sent to intercept. Successful interceptions, however, were made, resulting in one Ju88 and one Do215 being regarded as probable casualties off Dungeness and the Isle of Wight respectively, and one Me109 being shot down near Dover.

South and South West

Reconnaissances of shipping took place off the Cornish coast eastwards to the Straits. A "special" convoy was particularly investigated, and, as an addition to the escort, two extra sections were detailed to reinforce, resulting in the Do215 being shot down (unconfirmed) by No 1 Squadron (Hurricanes). Later, a raid of fifteen aircraft approached Dover and in the subsequent combat No 74 Squadron shot down one Me109, but we lost two Spitfires. No 64 Squadron, also detailed to intercept, did not make contact.

South East

At 0635 hours a raid appeared off Berck and made for Dungeness, it was intercepted by No 111 Squadron (Hurricanes). At 1700 hours the Dover Balloon Barrage was attacked. Various other raids originating in the Calais-Gris Nez areas approached, but as in previous days, turned away on seeing our fighters. At no time did these aircraft come nearer than 5 to 10 miles off the English coast.

East

At about 0615 hours a raid approached a convoy off Harwich without attacking it but bombs are reported to have been dropped near four ships off Lowestoft and near a naval unit in Yarmouth Roads. Three sections despatched at various times failed to make contact.

North and North-East

Activity in this area was confined to three meteorological flights off the North Scottish coast.

France

Numerous tracks were plotted off Cherbourg, Calais and Boulogne, but only a small proportion ventured far from the French Coast.

By night

Enemy activity has been on a heavy scale and raids occurred in most parts of the country south and east of a line Liverpool to Newcastle.

Minelaying appeared to be the object from Berwick to the Thames Estuary and about fifty aircraft appear to have been involved. Very few raids appeared to cross inland in these areas. One enemy aircraft is reported shot down into the sea at about 0015 hours by No 29 Squadron (Blenheims), between North Coates and Spurn Head.

Many raids proceeded from the Channel Islands and Cherbourg, crossing the coast and proceeding north and west to the South Wales area. Bombs are reported at Monk Nash, south-east of Swansea. An unplotted raid appeared from the west over Milford Haven.

A procession of raids, which appeared to emanate from Le Havre area, crossed the coast between Beachy Head and Shoreham, and proceeded to the Thames area. There are reports of bombing at north-east of Hornchurch near Shoeburyness, Southminster, near Southend, near Brentwood, Rochester, Croydon, Rochford, near Gravesend, near Ipswich, near Wattisham and near Martlesham.

One hostile raid first appeared south of Liverpool as a sound plot and passed south via Bristol Channel over the coast in the Portland area. Another hostile raid was first plotted flying west of Liverpool Bay. Only a few plots were obtained of this raid.

Addendum

It has since been reported by Headquarters Balloon Command that one aircraft attacked with machine-gun fire, balloons in south-east London between 2200 and 2212 hours on 30 July, 1940. Balloons were flying at operational height in 10/10th clod. One balloon was brought down by enemy action. No personnel casualties reported.

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Statistics

Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 31 July 1940

• Blenheim - 63
• Spitfire - 239
• Hurricane - 348
• Defiant - 25
• Total - 675

Casualties:

• Enemy: Fighters - 1 confirmed; Bombers - 2 unconfirmed.
• Own: 2 Spitfires (both 74 Squadron)

Patrols:

• 130 patrols despatched involving 416 aircraft.

Balloons:

• Flying 1480. Casualties 54.

Aerodromes:

• Abbotsinch, Catterick, Sherburn, Hartlepool and Exeter all unserviceable by night.

Organisation:

• No 650 Squadron (Hurricanes) now operational at Drem by day only.
• No 73 Squadron (Hurricanes) operational by day only.
• No 607 Squadron (Hurricanes) operational by day only.

Air Intelligence Reports

• It is reported by a believed reliable source that raids have been causing serious damage to stocks of petrol, liquid fuel and mineral oils, and the General Staff are concerned as to whether the existing stocks would be sufficient for an invasion of the United Kingdom should it prove to be a lengthy operation. The General Staff admitted that the damage done at Hamburg has been serious.
• It is reported that as a result of overwork, poor food and inadequate air raid protection for any but Party officials, workers in the Cologne district are so discouraged and exasperated with the [Nazi] regime that if we hold out till October anything might happen

Home Security Reports

• 30th/31st July 1940
  • General Summary
    • At about midnight on the 30th July and during the early hours of 31st July enemy aircraft were active over South-West England and South Wales, then proceeding as far north as Lancashire via Hereford where there was particular activity.
    • During the day of 31st July there were no reports of bombs being dropped but activity recommenced about midnight when enemy aircraft visited South-West England, South Wales and the Thames Estuary.

  • Detailed Summary
    • With reference to the bombing of Barry Docks on the night of 30th/31st July reported in yesterday's summary, it has since been reported that a further four HE bombs were dropped at various points on the docks, derailing three wagons, two of which were completely wrecked. Windows were shattered at the Naval Control, Great Western Railway offices and some neighbouring shops.
    • It is now reported that four HE bombs were dropped in the Hinchley Wood and Thames Ditton area during the bombing at Esher referred to yesterday, and these bombs damaged three motor cars, a warden's post and injured one person.

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Images