Squadron: No. 111[F] Squadron
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: Sokka
Date: 16th Aug 1940, 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: O for Orange
Serial: S0224
Synopsis:
Red-1 Sabre, Red-2 Ratty, Red-3 Sokka.
As we waited for word to take off and admired overflying Spitfires and the beautiful and sunny weather, an ambulance was driving suspiciously slow from our left hand side. We watched helplessly in horror as the ambulance charged our parked formation causing bad things to happen, but nothing irreversible. Eventually the word came in to start our engines, but mine took a couple of attempts to catch on, ”oh god” - I thought - ”I'm going to be THAT guy...and on my first day!” but eventually the Merlin came to life and we proceeded to line up and take off.
Shortly after takeoff we heard about a large formation of enemy aircraft and other squadrons engaging targets, and soon had a visual on a formation of He-111s co-altitude heading our way. We attacked them from the rear right and many of our shots connected, my burst found an engine and sent the Heinkel towards the ground banking hard to the left, but as we came off to re-attack, 109s joined us and a melee broke out. Good comms saved many of us including yours truly. Ratty and Mauf (i think) connected with 109s ending their war. After a while many of us headed back home ammo and fuel well spent. Me and Ratty remained, with enough of both to share with the LW. Ratty spotted a pair of 111s low and we took turns attacking them until both were downed while keeping an eye out for more 109s. Fortunately we were left alone to do our business.
By that time the rest of our squadron had found their way back home alive one way or another. We too found Biggin Hill right where we left it, the flames from the ambulance-incident marking it clearly for us. I managed to land without embarrassing myself and taxied off the runway well clear of all four wheeled contraptions that were waiting to kill us. Only after shutting the engine I realized how exited I had been, hands shaking from the adrenaline. With all of us in No.111 Squadron alive it was the perfect first combat and I really enjoyed myself! Too bad I had emptied my stocks of alcohol the previous night since there was certainly cause for a sip.
Good show and looking forward to the next one!
Claims:
Destroyed: 1x He-111
Shared: 2x He-111 (w/Ratty)
Losses:
Pilot: OK
A/C: OK
Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Moderators: Board of Directors, Skin Team, Treasurers, Administration Staff
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Spud
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Spud
Date: 08/16/1940
Time: 1700 hrs.
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane
Marking: R
Serial number: N2335
Synopsis:
The afternoon was dwindling away nicely. We were all sitting around the Dispersal hut enjoying the afternoon warmth. Despite the time of year, it is pretty cold up at altitude. And the sweat brought on by the fight can bring on a nasty chill up at Angels 15. So we were taking advantage of both the down time and warm temps while we could.
My mind wandered. I was standing in the River Spey. My 15 ft salmon rod was strung up and my 4 in. Hardy Perfect reel glimmered in the sun. I tied on a size 4 low water style Green Highlander and played out a little line. Once I had enough out, I swung the rod upstream to a stop over my right shoulder. Then I peeled it around to the left forming a beautiful D-loop as I bombed out a perfect 110 ft. double spey cast. The fly hit the water and I threw a quick upstream mend into the line. Just as the fly started its swing I became distracted by a ringing noise. “What the hell???”
It was the phone at dispersal that snapped me from my dream. “Forty plus bandits mid channel from Calais at Angels 9 and a half. They will be here in 19 minutes. 615 Squadron to readiness.“ Off we trotted to our kites. “Looks like the eerks are starting to get it right”, I thought to myself as I saw 615’s aircraft all lined up in a row. Then I heard Hollywood yelling, “Where the hell is my crate”? Sure enough, on the other side of the airfield there was a Hurricane parked in the middle of the 64 Squadron lineup. A bus was going by so Hollywood jumped out onto the road, stopped the bus and hitched a ride around the field. Obviously some of the flight line guys need a remedial lesson in RAF aircraft recognition.
Once I strapped in I got right to business. Rads: open / Trim: set / Fuel: reserve / Throttle, Prop and Mixture: checked and set / Mags on / Gunsight: set / Controls: free / Fuel quantity: checked / Gear and Flap handle: neutral. All I had to do is kick over the starter when the command came. And that didn’t take long to happen……
With the bandits approaching Littlestone at Angels 10, we were given the order to start up. We taxied to the runway and held short as our covering flight from 64 departed. They circled the field as we lined up and roared off to the west. Climbing through 4000 ft, I reported our position to the Wingco. He ordered us to orbit south of Maidstone / north of Littlestone and wait for the bombers to approach. At 13,000 ft over Maidstone, we made a single circle to the left. As we came back to our original heading, we spotted them. 40 plus at our 11 o’clock low and 5 miles. I reported the contact and sent Green flight up as high cover. Red and Blue would go in head first and give them hell.
I ran the props up to 3000 rpm, firewalled the throttle and opened the rads. Coming head on at almost 500 mph closing speed we noticed they were twin-engine and single tail bombers. I closed too fast for a firing solution and flashed quickly through the hun formation which turned out to be He-111’s. I pulled up into an Immelmann and lined up on the left side of the formation. No sooner had I picked my man when I saw one burst into flames. 615 was on their A-game today!! Scratch one for Baron. Tracers flew in every direction as enemy gunners tried to keep 615 off their tails. I lined up a bomber in my sights and squeezed off a long burst. Oil and fuel started venting from the starboard engine as I dove under and turned about to make my second attack. By this time, Meaker called on the RT and said all was clear above so I cleared his flight in to attack the bombers. The Bomber formation was starting to break apart a bit with some damaged 111’s lagging behind the others. I didn’t want to waste ammo on them. They were already as good as dead. I sped past and concentrated on the port side of the main body of bombers. I saw another burning 111 roll over and go in thanks to a hail of deadly fire from Midge. Once again tracers zipped past my canopy as I lined up a 111 in my gunsight. At 200 yards I let loose with a long burst. DeWilde and AP crashed into the starboard engine and across to the inboard portion of the wing as the whole area ignited in flames. The stricken craft banked hard left and spiraled down. A real Burner!! I pulled the throttle back and circled as I watched the bomber go down and smack into the ground in an almost vertical dive. I claim this aircraft as destroyed.
I climbed back up and headed towards the bombers again. Along the way I saw 2 Hurricanes from No. 111 Squadron giving a pair of bombers hell. I witnessed both of them go down. I called out to confirm them on the RT but got no response. I can only hope they got my message.
Knowing my ammo was low I lined up on a low straggler and squeezed the trigger. Unfortunately only 20 or so rounds were left so there was no more noticeable damage done. So I rolled KW-R onto her back and split-s’d for home reporting our squadron’s sitrep to the Wingco along the way.
After a short hop to Kenley, I entered the circuit and landed without incident.
Claims:
Destroyed: 1x He-111
Probable: 1x He-111
Losses:
Pilot: Okay
A/C: Okay
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Spud
Date: 08/16/1940
Time: 1700 hrs.
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane
Marking: R
Serial number: N2335
Synopsis:
The afternoon was dwindling away nicely. We were all sitting around the Dispersal hut enjoying the afternoon warmth. Despite the time of year, it is pretty cold up at altitude. And the sweat brought on by the fight can bring on a nasty chill up at Angels 15. So we were taking advantage of both the down time and warm temps while we could.
My mind wandered. I was standing in the River Spey. My 15 ft salmon rod was strung up and my 4 in. Hardy Perfect reel glimmered in the sun. I tied on a size 4 low water style Green Highlander and played out a little line. Once I had enough out, I swung the rod upstream to a stop over my right shoulder. Then I peeled it around to the left forming a beautiful D-loop as I bombed out a perfect 110 ft. double spey cast. The fly hit the water and I threw a quick upstream mend into the line. Just as the fly started its swing I became distracted by a ringing noise. “What the hell???”
It was the phone at dispersal that snapped me from my dream. “Forty plus bandits mid channel from Calais at Angels 9 and a half. They will be here in 19 minutes. 615 Squadron to readiness.“ Off we trotted to our kites. “Looks like the eerks are starting to get it right”, I thought to myself as I saw 615’s aircraft all lined up in a row. Then I heard Hollywood yelling, “Where the hell is my crate”? Sure enough, on the other side of the airfield there was a Hurricane parked in the middle of the 64 Squadron lineup. A bus was going by so Hollywood jumped out onto the road, stopped the bus and hitched a ride around the field. Obviously some of the flight line guys need a remedial lesson in RAF aircraft recognition.
Once I strapped in I got right to business. Rads: open / Trim: set / Fuel: reserve / Throttle, Prop and Mixture: checked and set / Mags on / Gunsight: set / Controls: free / Fuel quantity: checked / Gear and Flap handle: neutral. All I had to do is kick over the starter when the command came. And that didn’t take long to happen……
With the bandits approaching Littlestone at Angels 10, we were given the order to start up. We taxied to the runway and held short as our covering flight from 64 departed. They circled the field as we lined up and roared off to the west. Climbing through 4000 ft, I reported our position to the Wingco. He ordered us to orbit south of Maidstone / north of Littlestone and wait for the bombers to approach. At 13,000 ft over Maidstone, we made a single circle to the left. As we came back to our original heading, we spotted them. 40 plus at our 11 o’clock low and 5 miles. I reported the contact and sent Green flight up as high cover. Red and Blue would go in head first and give them hell.
I ran the props up to 3000 rpm, firewalled the throttle and opened the rads. Coming head on at almost 500 mph closing speed we noticed they were twin-engine and single tail bombers. I closed too fast for a firing solution and flashed quickly through the hun formation which turned out to be He-111’s. I pulled up into an Immelmann and lined up on the left side of the formation. No sooner had I picked my man when I saw one burst into flames. 615 was on their A-game today!! Scratch one for Baron. Tracers flew in every direction as enemy gunners tried to keep 615 off their tails. I lined up a bomber in my sights and squeezed off a long burst. Oil and fuel started venting from the starboard engine as I dove under and turned about to make my second attack. By this time, Meaker called on the RT and said all was clear above so I cleared his flight in to attack the bombers. The Bomber formation was starting to break apart a bit with some damaged 111’s lagging behind the others. I didn’t want to waste ammo on them. They were already as good as dead. I sped past and concentrated on the port side of the main body of bombers. I saw another burning 111 roll over and go in thanks to a hail of deadly fire from Midge. Once again tracers zipped past my canopy as I lined up a 111 in my gunsight. At 200 yards I let loose with a long burst. DeWilde and AP crashed into the starboard engine and across to the inboard portion of the wing as the whole area ignited in flames. The stricken craft banked hard left and spiraled down. A real Burner!! I pulled the throttle back and circled as I watched the bomber go down and smack into the ground in an almost vertical dive. I claim this aircraft as destroyed.
I climbed back up and headed towards the bombers again. Along the way I saw 2 Hurricanes from No. 111 Squadron giving a pair of bombers hell. I witnessed both of them go down. I called out to confirm them on the RT but got no response. I can only hope they got my message.
Knowing my ammo was low I lined up on a low straggler and squeezed the trigger. Unfortunately only 20 or so rounds were left so there was no more noticeable damage done. So I rolled KW-R onto her back and split-s’d for home reporting our squadron’s sitrep to the Wingco along the way.
After a short hop to Kenley, I entered the circuit and landed without incident.
Claims:
Destroyed: 1x He-111
Probable: 1x He-111
Losses:
Pilot: Okay
A/C: Okay
Yes........ I AM what's wrong with the world today....... Deal with it!!
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.64 Squadron
Squadron code: "SH"
Pilot name: Redeye
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Kenley
Type: Spitfire MkIa 100 octane
Marking:P for Pip
Serial number:K9964
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 2x Bf 109
Attrition has worn down 64 squadron, with only 10 sericable spits scrambling. With these split up into groups, we seriously lacked hitting power. Engaged 20+ Bombers with escort. I spotted contrails coming in on our 2 o'clocks. A knifefight ensued as we fought against the escort made up of Bf 109's and 110's. At least we managed to spread them out and keep them busy and hopefully make life a little easier for the Hurricane boys. Vucac, Vranac and myself corcsrewed around with some 8+ E/A. Good comms saved our hides on many occasions, but the amount of enemy meant that you could only get a target in sight for a second before someone was on you. Fired several short burst on two 109's, observing hits on both, but nothing major. Vranac get shot up bad in the end as he himself was firing on a bandit at low altitude, but managed to land. Shameful that I could not spot his attacker in the dark, I chased his assailant to Dungeness before, I left for home, landing a perfect 3 point in the dark on dry tanks. Well down I get news that Vucac was back OK, with Ty, Luke and Looky right behind me. 64 had lost one pilot but claimed quite a few in return. The War goes on.
AC: OK.
Pilot: OK
Squadron code: "SH"
Pilot name: Redeye
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Kenley
Type: Spitfire MkIa 100 octane
Marking:P for Pip
Serial number:K9964
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 2x Bf 109
Attrition has worn down 64 squadron, with only 10 sericable spits scrambling. With these split up into groups, we seriously lacked hitting power. Engaged 20+ Bombers with escort. I spotted contrails coming in on our 2 o'clocks. A knifefight ensued as we fought against the escort made up of Bf 109's and 110's. At least we managed to spread them out and keep them busy and hopefully make life a little easier for the Hurricane boys. Vucac, Vranac and myself corcsrewed around with some 8+ E/A. Good comms saved our hides on many occasions, but the amount of enemy meant that you could only get a target in sight for a second before someone was on you. Fired several short burst on two 109's, observing hits on both, but nothing major. Vranac get shot up bad in the end as he himself was firing on a bandit at low altitude, but managed to land. Shameful that I could not spot his attacker in the dark, I chased his assailant to Dungeness before, I left for home, landing a perfect 3 point in the dark on dry tanks. Well down I get news that Vucac was back OK, with Ty, Luke and Looky right behind me. 64 had lost one pilot but claimed quite a few in return. The War goes on.
AC: OK.
Pilot: OK
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Dickie
- Group Captain
- Posts: 13852
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- Contact:
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.501 Squadron
Squadron code: "TP"
Pilot name: Osprey
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane MkIa 100 octane
Marking: P for Pip
Serial number: V6620
Synopsis
I had barely got back from HQ when I was told of "a message of utmost importance to the war effort" was left for me by Sqn Ldr Teepee of No.111. I was intrigued though doubtful given that it wasn't in an official envelope nor marked as Top Secret. "Dear Sir, As you may be aware cricket is a gentlemans game..." Oh bloody hell it was about cricket again, "...nations in His Majesty's empire bonding over a wicket and Pimms..." and "....give Germany a cork ball and willow bat and they'll see good reason not to continue." It was poppycock of course. "He's cricket mad I tell you" I said to my adjutant Thaine, wants a inter-wing match between Biggin Hill and Kenley. "Of course we'd thrash the rotters but anyway, can't he see there's a war on?"
I walked out to the peri-track to check on out state of affairs upon hearing that Tangmere had been hammered that morning when I heard a "Honk honk" which made me jump out of my skin. It was Teepee in his Austin 5 with PO Sabre and two waaf's giggling in the back "Tally ho Sir, any trade for today or should I open a bottle of wine?". "Squadron Leader, get your men ready for operations and stop requesting bloody cricket matches", "But Sir...", but I interjected "and that's another thing, the station fire commander was in my office this morning complaining that if you burn any more piano's then the Germans will have no need to bomb us anymore". "Just remembering the fallen Sir that's all".
No.615 and a flight from No.64 got a call at 12.40hrs of a large incoming raid from Littlestone, observers reported He111's with a large escort. No.111 went up next with the second flight from No.64 passing over Biggin. Finally it was us. It sounded like Top Hat knew the form and were going to beast Jerry on his entire flight. Mandrel headed out over North London climbing out of the way "Wonderful City" I said on the R/T, "God help Hitler if he tries to attack her". "Mandrel, engage the enemy to your south at angels ten, they're bearing west to Guildford, intercept on 245 degrees. Good luck", and with that we swung our mighty crates round and headed out to punch Goering right in the eye. Mandrel broke up to attack as the formation was spread out by now, they'd dropped some bombs on the railway station in Guildford. I screamed downhill at one of the bastards and got him in my sights, firing heavily into his starboard engine but I didn't get the results expected and he continued on with some damage. As I passed through the formation I was fired upon and the scoundrels managed a lucky shot into my engine which began to run rough. I was loosing speed and whilst checking my instruments tracer flew past my canopy, I ducked and banked away before sighting a pair of 109's who were in escort. I was lucky that time, I could've bought it. Oil was spewing everywhere and my wonderful machine was shaking but I felt I could bring her into Farnborough aerodrome, but to my horror I saw flames spilling out from the front, the firewall protecting me for the time being. It was time to get out, my Hurricane was a goner so I reported on the R/T "Taken a strike, I'm going over the side south of Guildford", unclipped my R/T cable and oxygen mask, pulled back the canopy, rolled her over and undid my Sutton harness. I hoped for the best that my parachute packer was not a 5th columnist, thankflly not as the strong jerk gripped after I pulled the rip cord. I landed not 100 yards from the fireball which was my Hurricane, just outside of the woodland it crashed into thankfully. A stroke of luck because it meant I wouldn't have to wait long for the services to turn up to me and I could get a lift back to Biggin. I got back at around 10pm and could see immediately that one piano was already ablaze with No.111 sqn drunk as sailors all around it singing.
Damaged
1x He111
Lost
1x Hurricane
Squadron code: "TP"
Pilot name: Osprey
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane MkIa 100 octane
Marking: P for Pip
Serial number: V6620
Synopsis
I had barely got back from HQ when I was told of "a message of utmost importance to the war effort" was left for me by Sqn Ldr Teepee of No.111. I was intrigued though doubtful given that it wasn't in an official envelope nor marked as Top Secret. "Dear Sir, As you may be aware cricket is a gentlemans game..." Oh bloody hell it was about cricket again, "...nations in His Majesty's empire bonding over a wicket and Pimms..." and "....give Germany a cork ball and willow bat and they'll see good reason not to continue." It was poppycock of course. "He's cricket mad I tell you" I said to my adjutant Thaine, wants a inter-wing match between Biggin Hill and Kenley. "Of course we'd thrash the rotters but anyway, can't he see there's a war on?"
I walked out to the peri-track to check on out state of affairs upon hearing that Tangmere had been hammered that morning when I heard a "Honk honk" which made me jump out of my skin. It was Teepee in his Austin 5 with PO Sabre and two waaf's giggling in the back "Tally ho Sir, any trade for today or should I open a bottle of wine?". "Squadron Leader, get your men ready for operations and stop requesting bloody cricket matches", "But Sir...", but I interjected "and that's another thing, the station fire commander was in my office this morning complaining that if you burn any more piano's then the Germans will have no need to bomb us anymore". "Just remembering the fallen Sir that's all".
No.615 and a flight from No.64 got a call at 12.40hrs of a large incoming raid from Littlestone, observers reported He111's with a large escort. No.111 went up next with the second flight from No.64 passing over Biggin. Finally it was us. It sounded like Top Hat knew the form and were going to beast Jerry on his entire flight. Mandrel headed out over North London climbing out of the way "Wonderful City" I said on the R/T, "God help Hitler if he tries to attack her". "Mandrel, engage the enemy to your south at angels ten, they're bearing west to Guildford, intercept on 245 degrees. Good luck", and with that we swung our mighty crates round and headed out to punch Goering right in the eye. Mandrel broke up to attack as the formation was spread out by now, they'd dropped some bombs on the railway station in Guildford. I screamed downhill at one of the bastards and got him in my sights, firing heavily into his starboard engine but I didn't get the results expected and he continued on with some damage. As I passed through the formation I was fired upon and the scoundrels managed a lucky shot into my engine which began to run rough. I was loosing speed and whilst checking my instruments tracer flew past my canopy, I ducked and banked away before sighting a pair of 109's who were in escort. I was lucky that time, I could've bought it. Oil was spewing everywhere and my wonderful machine was shaking but I felt I could bring her into Farnborough aerodrome, but to my horror I saw flames spilling out from the front, the firewall protecting me for the time being. It was time to get out, my Hurricane was a goner so I reported on the R/T "Taken a strike, I'm going over the side south of Guildford", unclipped my R/T cable and oxygen mask, pulled back the canopy, rolled her over and undid my Sutton harness. I hoped for the best that my parachute packer was not a 5th columnist, thankflly not as the strong jerk gripped after I pulled the rip cord. I landed not 100 yards from the fireball which was my Hurricane, just outside of the woodland it crashed into thankfully. A stroke of luck because it meant I wouldn't have to wait long for the services to turn up to me and I could get a lift back to Biggin. I got back at around 10pm and could see immediately that one piano was already ablaze with No.111 sqn drunk as sailors all around it singing.
Damaged
1x He111
Lost
1x Hurricane
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Date: Aug. 15, 1940
Time:17:00 hrs.
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Dange
Base: Kenley
Type: Spitfire Ia (100)
Marking: M for Mother
Serial number: N 3122
Flight Report :
Lifted off from Kenley with Gold Flt. ( Ty #1\Fen #3 ) of B section. Circled over Kenley as we waited on 615 Climbed to 10K heading west. Got separated from flight as they went into a diving starboard turn, but stayed high watching for 109 escorts. Acquired visual with flight of 110's that were lagging the main bomber stream S\E of London. On first pass I started the port engine smoking badly, second pass on same bomber scored more hits and he started sliding to port out of the formation. Third pass on another scoring hits. Now 'winchester' and on reserve I swung N and proceeded to land at Croydon and proceeded to fuel up SH-M and continued to Kenley and the debriefing room.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 1 x 110
Damaged:1 x 110
Losses:
A/C: ok
Pilot: ok
Time:17:00 hrs.
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Dange
Base: Kenley
Type: Spitfire Ia (100)
Marking: M for Mother
Serial number: N 3122
Flight Report :
Lifted off from Kenley with Gold Flt. ( Ty #1\Fen #3 ) of B section. Circled over Kenley as we waited on 615 Climbed to 10K heading west. Got separated from flight as they went into a diving starboard turn, but stayed high watching for 109 escorts. Acquired visual with flight of 110's that were lagging the main bomber stream S\E of London. On first pass I started the port engine smoking badly, second pass on same bomber scored more hits and he started sliding to port out of the formation. Third pass on another scoring hits. Now 'winchester' and on reserve I swung N and proceeded to land at Croydon and proceeded to fuel up SH-M and continued to Kenley and the debriefing room.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 1 x 110
Damaged:1 x 110
Losses:
A/C: ok
Pilot: ok
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No. 111[F] Squadron
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: LARRY
Date: 16th Aug 1940, 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: H for Harry
Serial: P3548
"Treble One" Sqn sat in their Hurricanes and waited to scramble. I was in Blue Section (Blue 3) with Sqn Ldr Teepee and Mauf as Blue 2. "One plane missed a Wingtip!" wondered Sqn Ldr Teepee. I watched mine and so I have to jump in another Hurricane(respawn). As i was in the new plane, i saw mine was a little bit forward, only a few feets, and I looked left and noticed the Ambulance-car starded his engine and drove directly in my direction.
"On No, Shit!" I heard a lot about the bad habits of the vehicles drivers at the airfield. And then it happened what I expected. "Bang!" They drove in my Hurricane!
I jumped in a new one(respawn) While we taxing to the runway Mauf said "be careful, at the runway on lefthand side, there will be another Ambulance-car!" "on left side? That is my line as Blue 3! Noo.., not again! What the Hell they doing there!? Did they have patatoes on their eyes???" Trottle 100% and a prayer. "come on, Baby take off!" then we were up in the air.
"puh, good luck." We climbed at 9000 feet and Sqn Ldr Teepee led us to the enemy. Mauf (I think) spotted the formation at first. "12 o`clock low!" "Wagon Sqn, Tally Ho!"
WE got the order to attack the last section on the right side. I gave a 3 sec burst to a Heinkel, then I got hit.
The Hurricane wasn`t badly damaged but I got wounded on Head and Shoulder. Blood ran in my eyes. I couldn`t see anything. Sqn Ldr Teepee said that I have to fly to a near airfield, but I tried to get Biggin Hill. My radio did not work anymore. I could hear my Sqn.-chaps but they couln`t hear me. At Biggin Hill I flow 2-3 circles over the airfield. Mauf shouted "Hey there is Larry! he still alife!" I finaly crashlanded on the airfield with the plane upside-down. The only thing I noticed was, an Ambulance-car came and two (patatoes) -men took me out of the wrackage! what a Ironie!
Claims:
destroyed: 0
damaged: 0
A/C: damaged
Pilot: wounded
Sgt Larry
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: LARRY
Date: 16th Aug 1940, 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: H for Harry
Serial: P3548
"Treble One" Sqn sat in their Hurricanes and waited to scramble. I was in Blue Section (Blue 3) with Sqn Ldr Teepee and Mauf as Blue 2. "One plane missed a Wingtip!" wondered Sqn Ldr Teepee. I watched mine and so I have to jump in another Hurricane(respawn). As i was in the new plane, i saw mine was a little bit forward, only a few feets, and I looked left and noticed the Ambulance-car starded his engine and drove directly in my direction.
"On No, Shit!" I heard a lot about the bad habits of the vehicles drivers at the airfield. And then it happened what I expected. "Bang!" They drove in my Hurricane!
I jumped in a new one(respawn) While we taxing to the runway Mauf said "be careful, at the runway on lefthand side, there will be another Ambulance-car!" "on left side? That is my line as Blue 3! Noo.., not again! What the Hell they doing there!? Did they have patatoes on their eyes???" Trottle 100% and a prayer. "come on, Baby take off!" then we were up in the air.
"puh, good luck." We climbed at 9000 feet and Sqn Ldr Teepee led us to the enemy. Mauf (I think) spotted the formation at first. "12 o`clock low!" "Wagon Sqn, Tally Ho!"
WE got the order to attack the last section on the right side. I gave a 3 sec burst to a Heinkel, then I got hit.
The Hurricane wasn`t badly damaged but I got wounded on Head and Shoulder. Blood ran in my eyes. I couldn`t see anything. Sqn Ldr Teepee said that I have to fly to a near airfield, but I tried to get Biggin Hill. My radio did not work anymore. I could hear my Sqn.-chaps but they couln`t hear me. At Biggin Hill I flow 2-3 circles over the airfield. Mauf shouted "Hey there is Larry! he still alife!" I finaly crashlanded on the airfield with the plane upside-down. The only thing I noticed was, an Ambulance-car came and two (patatoes) -men took me out of the wrackage! what a Ironie!
Claims:
destroyed: 0
damaged: 0
A/C: damaged
Pilot: wounded
Sgt Larry
"We were the last bastion of defence.
After us, there was nothing."
Fighter Pilot Ken Wilkinson No 19 Sqn. Summer 1940.
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.501 Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Dave
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk Ia
Marking: W for William
Serial number: P3141
Synopsis:
It was early evening by the time we were called out again on the 16th. I'd learned by now that the hun was not in the habit of giving up for the day so long as he had some daylight left to fly in, so I was busy grabbing a cup of coffee at the NAAFI canteen - after all, pilots occasionally need fuel as well as their planes!
"Hello, air force," came the usual greeting from Ted Bloom, one of the base ack-ack gunners.
"Hello, army." I replied, in between sips. "Mmmm. Good stuff, this."
"Jerry'd probably kill you for a mug of that. Poor Germans won't be getting a lick of it, blockaded in on the continent like they are. Once they've run out of all the stuff they've pinched from the french, anyway." I couldn't help but smile. For all intents and purposes, Britain was under siege, and yet the stubborn english still insisted that it was the other way around.
"What does the Bosche drink with his breakfast then?" I mused.
"Beer, I expect. Barbarians." The sergeant snorted. "Anyway what are you doing here gobbing with me? Don't you have fighter pilot things to do?"
I nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes. I actually work for a living, you see." He was about to retort, but was denied the chance since at that moment the bell started ringing. Another squadron scramble then. I dashed to my Hurricane, nearly getting run over by a rogue ambulance in the process. Sadly, I didn't get a look at the driver before he was gone in a cloud of dust.
I took off as Blue Three alongside Bunny and Bully, and we began gaining angels as fast as possible. It was just Mandrel squadron today - no big-wing action. In fact by the sounds of it Wagon was already down and refuelling by the time we began engaging the bombers. It was a single formation of Heinkels, with no escorts in sight that I was aware of. They scattered like birds at our approach, and Blue section began attacking the right-hand group in disciplined form, attacking one-by-one, keeping an eye on each others' sixes. I made a pass at two Heinkels, with light damage resulting on each of them. They began dropping like flies very quickly, and before long we were all converging on the final bomber, fleeing away to the east. I closed in and opened fire bang-on convergence, hitting the starboard wing tanks and causing the bomber to burst into flames. I claim this aircraft as destroyed, confirmed by Thaine.
Following this engagement, we regrouped and headed eastwards, directed to another bomber formation. Unfortunately this one had escorts. They came at us right out of the sun, which was on our backs, nobbling Bunny in their initial pass. Luckily he was able to bale out. The wingco called out over the R/T with typical english understatement that "three 109s had taken a liking" to him, and shortly afterwards had to bale too with engine damage. I spotted a single lone 109 diving on one of our hurricanes a few thousand feet below me, and called out a warning over the radio to no avail. I retained my altitude, waiting for the sod to climb back up again. He did so, and I powered up to meet him. The dastardly hun had gravity on his side however, and began climbing away from me. I fired a few long range shots just to let him know exactly what I thought of his cowardly behaviour and sure enough upon seeing my tracers whizz past him, he went into an abrupt nose-dive and disengaged. Good enough. At least he wouldn't be bothering anyone else for a while. I began catching up to the bombers again, which by this point were in a truly sorry state. Only a handful remained, breaking off into gaggles trying to limp home. I spied another messerschmidt zoom-climbing to the top of the formation, and I announced that I was going to go after him while he was still slow. I screamed down onto his six, and he pulled sharply up. With my excess speed I was unable to match the maneuver, instead Yo-yo-ing around the outside of his turn. I pulled the aircraft around and gave him a good squirt with the .303s noting multiple impacts on his fuselage. Much like his earlier counterpart, he nose-dived away. I was not discouraged, however. Jerry is nothing if not predictable - sure enough a few moments later he came zooming right back up again after realizing I was no longer on his tail. I got him in my sights again and fired a high deflection shot. I did not see the bullets impact, but I certainly heard them. The hun flyer rolled over and headed for the deck. I once again retained my altitude, but this time noticed a friendly spitfire a couple of thousand feet below me lying in wait for the bosche bastard. I left him to it - I might not be able to pursue, but the Spitty could. I lost track of them shortly afterwards but I have a feeling jerry was about to get thoroughly brylcreamed for his insolence.
With this little engagement over, I met up with Yellow section led by Robo, who rather arrived in style, zooming into view below me and summarily chasing off a lone 109 attempting to six me. Between us we still had enough ammo and fuel to pursue the remaining stragglers. We engaged two Heinkels, heavily damaging them, and a single 109 who like his friends before him was in the air with us for approximately six seconds before promptly diving towards France at 400mph. Low on fuel, but high on the day's victories, we landed at Littlestone around sunset with about three gallons of petrol to spare.
Claims: Four Heinkel 111s damaged, One Heinkel destroyed, One Me 109 damaged.
Pilot: OK
A/C: OK
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Dave
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk Ia
Marking: W for William
Serial number: P3141
Synopsis:
It was early evening by the time we were called out again on the 16th. I'd learned by now that the hun was not in the habit of giving up for the day so long as he had some daylight left to fly in, so I was busy grabbing a cup of coffee at the NAAFI canteen - after all, pilots occasionally need fuel as well as their planes!
"Hello, air force," came the usual greeting from Ted Bloom, one of the base ack-ack gunners.
"Hello, army." I replied, in between sips. "Mmmm. Good stuff, this."
"Jerry'd probably kill you for a mug of that. Poor Germans won't be getting a lick of it, blockaded in on the continent like they are. Once they've run out of all the stuff they've pinched from the french, anyway." I couldn't help but smile. For all intents and purposes, Britain was under siege, and yet the stubborn english still insisted that it was the other way around.
"What does the Bosche drink with his breakfast then?" I mused.
"Beer, I expect. Barbarians." The sergeant snorted. "Anyway what are you doing here gobbing with me? Don't you have fighter pilot things to do?"
I nodded. "As a matter of fact, yes. I actually work for a living, you see." He was about to retort, but was denied the chance since at that moment the bell started ringing. Another squadron scramble then. I dashed to my Hurricane, nearly getting run over by a rogue ambulance in the process. Sadly, I didn't get a look at the driver before he was gone in a cloud of dust.
I took off as Blue Three alongside Bunny and Bully, and we began gaining angels as fast as possible. It was just Mandrel squadron today - no big-wing action. In fact by the sounds of it Wagon was already down and refuelling by the time we began engaging the bombers. It was a single formation of Heinkels, with no escorts in sight that I was aware of. They scattered like birds at our approach, and Blue section began attacking the right-hand group in disciplined form, attacking one-by-one, keeping an eye on each others' sixes. I made a pass at two Heinkels, with light damage resulting on each of them. They began dropping like flies very quickly, and before long we were all converging on the final bomber, fleeing away to the east. I closed in and opened fire bang-on convergence, hitting the starboard wing tanks and causing the bomber to burst into flames. I claim this aircraft as destroyed, confirmed by Thaine.
Following this engagement, we regrouped and headed eastwards, directed to another bomber formation. Unfortunately this one had escorts. They came at us right out of the sun, which was on our backs, nobbling Bunny in their initial pass. Luckily he was able to bale out. The wingco called out over the R/T with typical english understatement that "three 109s had taken a liking" to him, and shortly afterwards had to bale too with engine damage. I spotted a single lone 109 diving on one of our hurricanes a few thousand feet below me, and called out a warning over the radio to no avail. I retained my altitude, waiting for the sod to climb back up again. He did so, and I powered up to meet him. The dastardly hun had gravity on his side however, and began climbing away from me. I fired a few long range shots just to let him know exactly what I thought of his cowardly behaviour and sure enough upon seeing my tracers whizz past him, he went into an abrupt nose-dive and disengaged. Good enough. At least he wouldn't be bothering anyone else for a while. I began catching up to the bombers again, which by this point were in a truly sorry state. Only a handful remained, breaking off into gaggles trying to limp home. I spied another messerschmidt zoom-climbing to the top of the formation, and I announced that I was going to go after him while he was still slow. I screamed down onto his six, and he pulled sharply up. With my excess speed I was unable to match the maneuver, instead Yo-yo-ing around the outside of his turn. I pulled the aircraft around and gave him a good squirt with the .303s noting multiple impacts on his fuselage. Much like his earlier counterpart, he nose-dived away. I was not discouraged, however. Jerry is nothing if not predictable - sure enough a few moments later he came zooming right back up again after realizing I was no longer on his tail. I got him in my sights again and fired a high deflection shot. I did not see the bullets impact, but I certainly heard them. The hun flyer rolled over and headed for the deck. I once again retained my altitude, but this time noticed a friendly spitfire a couple of thousand feet below me lying in wait for the bosche bastard. I left him to it - I might not be able to pursue, but the Spitty could. I lost track of them shortly afterwards but I have a feeling jerry was about to get thoroughly brylcreamed for his insolence.
With this little engagement over, I met up with Yellow section led by Robo, who rather arrived in style, zooming into view below me and summarily chasing off a lone 109 attempting to six me. Between us we still had enough ammo and fuel to pursue the remaining stragglers. We engaged two Heinkels, heavily damaging them, and a single 109 who like his friends before him was in the air with us for approximately six seconds before promptly diving towards France at 400mph. Low on fuel, but high on the day's victories, we landed at Littlestone around sunset with about three gallons of petrol to spare.
Claims: Four Heinkel 111s damaged, One Heinkel destroyed, One Me 109 damaged.
Pilot: OK
A/C: OK
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.615 "County of Surrey" Squadron.
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Donkey
Date: 16th August 1940.
Time: 17.00hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 100oct.Rotol.
Marking: P for Pip.
Took off as Red 3, but despite setting my controls for maximum speed could not keep up and drifted further and further back from the squadron.
Just as the squadron began to disappear I heard that they had found a swarm of 111s and were engaging. This gave me the time I needed to catch up and I hit the bombers about 30 seconds after red leader.
Did three passes, got solid hits on three separate 111s, each time on the right hand engine. Took no hits myself, despite the sniper gunners - so quite lucky all in all. Peeled off and headed home after the third pass as I was out of ammo. Landed safely.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 3
Losses
Pilot: Ok
A/C: Ok
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Donkey
Date: 16th August 1940.
Time: 17.00hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 100oct.Rotol.
Marking: P for Pip.
Took off as Red 3, but despite setting my controls for maximum speed could not keep up and drifted further and further back from the squadron.
Just as the squadron began to disappear I heard that they had found a swarm of 111s and were engaging. This gave me the time I needed to catch up and I hit the bombers about 30 seconds after red leader.
Did three passes, got solid hits on three separate 111s, each time on the right hand engine. Took no hits myself, despite the sniper gunners - so quite lucky all in all. Peeled off and headed home after the third pass as I was out of ammo. Landed safely.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 3
Losses
Pilot: Ok
A/C: Ok
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.111 (Fighter) Squadron
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: Sabre
Date: 16th Aug 1940, 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: S for Sugar
Serial: P3875
Took off from Biggin Hill as Red Leader with Ratty as Red 2 and Sokka as Red 3. We soon made contact with a large formation of Heinkels and followed Blue section in to attack from their rear. I made hits on one He 111 and peeled away right from the formation. Lost sight of Red 2 and 3 so made a second pass getting hits on a second He 111, unfortunately as I peeled away a rear gunner hit my radiator.
I quickly disengaged and dived away but in short while my engine gave out. I picked out an area to land the old girl and put her down but hit a little hard and collapsed the starboard undercarriage.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 2
Losses:
Pilot: Ok
A/C: Radiator and undercarriage damage
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: Sabre
Date: 16th Aug 1940, 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: S for Sugar
Serial: P3875
Took off from Biggin Hill as Red Leader with Ratty as Red 2 and Sokka as Red 3. We soon made contact with a large formation of Heinkels and followed Blue section in to attack from their rear. I made hits on one He 111 and peeled away right from the formation. Lost sight of Red 2 and 3 so made a second pass getting hits on a second He 111, unfortunately as I peeled away a rear gunner hit my radiator.
I quickly disengaged and dived away but in short while my engine gave out. I picked out an area to land the old girl and put her down but hit a little hard and collapsed the starboard undercarriage.
Claims:
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 2
Losses:
Pilot: Ok
A/C: Radiator and undercarriage damage
No.111 (Fighter) Squadron - "Adstantes" - Standing by
"Worry only on the things you can influence and accept there are things beyond your control"
Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 31: 16th August (1700 Guildford)
Squadron: No.501 Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Robo. Bailey
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk Ia
Marking: U for Uncle
Serial number: N3822
Synopsis:
Later in the afternoon, we got to scramble again. Jerry was up to something, although it was clearly way after tea time. I lead the Yellow flight again, this time with W/O Thaine and LA Broadsword as Yellow 2 and Yellow 3 respectively. We climbed to combat altitude right over London, listening to the R/T eagerly, as the Wagon squadron biting hard into the enemy bomber formation. Jolly good show, chaps. Pants down, gloves on.
W/O Thaine was having severe issues with his engine and had to rtb, taking off right away in a spare Hurricane. What a chap! We carried on as a pair on the port side of Mandril formation and soon, we made a contact with the rest of the He-111 formation - already scattered all over Surrey. Full power, Yellow 3, trying to get into good position and attack from the sun. As we climbed up, we were attacked by a pair of higher 109s having the same idea of flanking the enemy from the north and hit hard anything that doesn't spot them. Fortunately, we were able to evade their attack as I spotted them early enough, and we even gave a chase in a hard climb. I was slowly catching up with the pair and observed them being on the verge of the stall in a hard spiral climb with wingtip vortexes, cutting the turn, pulling the tit, I was hoping for a good zoom climb inside of their turn, with a chance of hitting the wingman. Before I could get any closer, another lone 109 came to assist them and we had no choice but to disengage. We regained height behind the group of bombers, now heading back towards the coast. They were surprisingly fast and it took as a while to catch up with them. We've heard the rest of the Mandril being engaged, with some success, but some pilots were reporting bailing out. We could not wait to get there as soon as possible to help them out. And to get some Jerry, obviously. So far, we have had little luck getting into good positions. W/O Thaine engaged same group and we managed to locate him in the big scrap, but he was damaged, leaking fuel or glycol, so I ordered him to rtb. He did his Hurricane job already - engaged bombers over the Blighty and sent them home with some extra ventilation holes.
After a while, we caught up with the remainder of the bomber formation and assisted LAC Dave with some 109. He was also in the rear of the enemy, what a superb pilot he proved to be. He nibbled one snapper before we came in and then made another run home. We tried to engage 109 he was chasing, but the enemy pilot spotted us and disengaged in a dive. We formed up together and did some damaged to the stragglers, for that was all there was left for us after the scrap with the enemy. Many of the bombers were already clearly damaged, so we tried to pick some in good shape to make them look clearly damaged, too. In a textbook attack, we engaged a lone He-111 and shot it down. We left it with both engines streaming oil and fuel leaking from both wing tanks. We did not witness impact so I claim it as probably destroyed, .33 each with LAC Broadsword and LAC Dave.
I then engaged another 109 feet wet off Hastings, but before I got to range, he dove all the way down to the deck. I fired a short burst as he rolled over, but did not observe any visible hits. No joy today. With Yellow 3 rtbing, we engaged another He-111 about 15 off the coast and made one pass each. Bomber definitely didn't make it home as it was losing altitude rapidly, we turned back before it made contact with water, therefore I claim a He-111 probably destroyed, 0.5 each with LAC Dave.
After this last engagement, we landed at Littlestone with last drops of fuel in our tanks. I parked next to LAC Dave's SD-W, 'William the Conqueror'. Conqueror indeed, he will need to paint some more swastikas on his plane. Very good show.
Claims:
1x He-111 probably destroyed (shared with Dave and Broadsword)
1x He-111 probably destroyed (shared with Dave)
(note, Dave claims these as damaged, record as you find fit, we certainly hit them hard)
Pilot: OK
A/C: OK
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Robo. Bailey
Date: 16th Aug 1940,
Time: 17:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk Ia
Marking: U for Uncle
Serial number: N3822
Synopsis:
Later in the afternoon, we got to scramble again. Jerry was up to something, although it was clearly way after tea time. I lead the Yellow flight again, this time with W/O Thaine and LA Broadsword as Yellow 2 and Yellow 3 respectively. We climbed to combat altitude right over London, listening to the R/T eagerly, as the Wagon squadron biting hard into the enemy bomber formation. Jolly good show, chaps. Pants down, gloves on.
W/O Thaine was having severe issues with his engine and had to rtb, taking off right away in a spare Hurricane. What a chap! We carried on as a pair on the port side of Mandril formation and soon, we made a contact with the rest of the He-111 formation - already scattered all over Surrey. Full power, Yellow 3, trying to get into good position and attack from the sun. As we climbed up, we were attacked by a pair of higher 109s having the same idea of flanking the enemy from the north and hit hard anything that doesn't spot them. Fortunately, we were able to evade their attack as I spotted them early enough, and we even gave a chase in a hard climb. I was slowly catching up with the pair and observed them being on the verge of the stall in a hard spiral climb with wingtip vortexes, cutting the turn, pulling the tit, I was hoping for a good zoom climb inside of their turn, with a chance of hitting the wingman. Before I could get any closer, another lone 109 came to assist them and we had no choice but to disengage. We regained height behind the group of bombers, now heading back towards the coast. They were surprisingly fast and it took as a while to catch up with them. We've heard the rest of the Mandril being engaged, with some success, but some pilots were reporting bailing out. We could not wait to get there as soon as possible to help them out. And to get some Jerry, obviously. So far, we have had little luck getting into good positions. W/O Thaine engaged same group and we managed to locate him in the big scrap, but he was damaged, leaking fuel or glycol, so I ordered him to rtb. He did his Hurricane job already - engaged bombers over the Blighty and sent them home with some extra ventilation holes.
After a while, we caught up with the remainder of the bomber formation and assisted LAC Dave with some 109. He was also in the rear of the enemy, what a superb pilot he proved to be. He nibbled one snapper before we came in and then made another run home. We tried to engage 109 he was chasing, but the enemy pilot spotted us and disengaged in a dive. We formed up together and did some damaged to the stragglers, for that was all there was left for us after the scrap with the enemy. Many of the bombers were already clearly damaged, so we tried to pick some in good shape to make them look clearly damaged, too. In a textbook attack, we engaged a lone He-111 and shot it down. We left it with both engines streaming oil and fuel leaking from both wing tanks. We did not witness impact so I claim it as probably destroyed, .33 each with LAC Broadsword and LAC Dave.
I then engaged another 109 feet wet off Hastings, but before I got to range, he dove all the way down to the deck. I fired a short burst as he rolled over, but did not observe any visible hits. No joy today. With Yellow 3 rtbing, we engaged another He-111 about 15 off the coast and made one pass each. Bomber definitely didn't make it home as it was losing altitude rapidly, we turned back before it made contact with water, therefore I claim a He-111 probably destroyed, 0.5 each with LAC Dave.
After this last engagement, we landed at Littlestone with last drops of fuel in our tanks. I parked next to LAC Dave's SD-W, 'William the Conqueror'. Conqueror indeed, he will need to paint some more swastikas on his plane. Very good show.
Claims:
1x He-111 probably destroyed (shared with Dave and Broadsword)
1x He-111 probably destroyed (shared with Dave)
(note, Dave claims these as damaged, record as you find fit, we certainly hit them hard)
Pilot: OK
A/C: OK