Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Serpico
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "H" for Harry
Nervous and sweating I ran through my startup procedures. This is it, my first combat sortie. As my Hurricane's engine roared to life and I waited for her to warm up I tried to make sense of what seemed like hundreds of radio transmissions, coordinating the take-off of three squadrons of aircraft. I watched in awe as the other squadrons lifted off the runway in front of us, while we waited on the taxi-way. They pulled into tight formations as they shrank into the blue, professional and deadly. I concentrated on controlling my aircraft and getting into position for take-off, my greatest concern being causing a problem for one of my squadmates. While they had offered a jovial welcome there was an obvious and justifiable skepticism as to my skills as a pilot.
We took off without incident and immediately made our way toward the Dungerness point where we were to to rendezvous and escort a flight of bombers over to France to strike the Hun. I had found myself assigned just off the wing of the Wing Co. himself, Osprey, and decided that I would follow him through whatever happened, doing my best to keep his six clear. Just after arriving at our escort altitude of 12,000' we began to hear reports from the 615th that the bombers had jumped the gun and were already over the channel! Osprey directed us to adjust course directly toward the target and open up our throttles. As we went feet wet the bombers came under attack. We made our way across the channel as fast as possible and arrived in time to see that there was a massive fur-ball just off the French coast.
Our first contact were two single engine types that passed above us headed toward England, Osprey directed two of our own to break off and engage them while we turned right to dive into the fray. I followed my lead through several high speed arching passes through the chaos. While I tried to determine friend from foe and maintain a loose formation, Osprey was calling out warnings for those that were receiving special attention from the 109's. The Bombers were no where to be seen. During one of the passes Osprey called out that he was attempting to rid a Hurricane of the Messerschmitt on it's tail and I followed him through the hard left diving turn. From out of the right side of my vision a 109 slid in between Osprey and myself, trying to pull enough lead to fire. I was able to call out and Osprey must have done some kind of evasive maneuver as the 109 leveled it's wing's and began to climb. I had cut the corner on it during the turn and was hot on his tail, a fact he was apparently unaware of. As he pulled up I was able to get a magnificent 3/4 angle shot on him from his high six, so close that he was inside my guns convergence and peppering him solidly across both wing roots. During the burst I kicked in just a bit of left rudder and my right guns raked across the Hun's canopy. The 109 quickly disappeared under my nose and as I continued to pull up it appeared again under my right wing, listing to the right with no apparent control inputs and venting heavily from both wings.
As the blast of elation from my first kill hit me I quickly realized I was making the same mistake that had just cost my prey his life. I quickly checked my six and sure enough during my period of tunnel vision I had picked up a German admirer, who appeared to be dead set on determining if my tail or his prop was made out of sturdier stuff. I quickly inverted and pulled hard, diving for the deck. This seemed to shake the bastard, but in my panic I failed to watch my speed and as I abruptly pulled out of my dive I felt a great weight and blackness set in. When I came to, I was alone.
I proceeded northeast along the French coast towards where I heard my squadmates calling contacts over the radio. As I made my way I started to hear that what was left of the bombers had headed home and that the fighters were doing the same. I saw a single engine a/c crossing from right to left about 1500' above me headed toward England, and assumed that it must be a friendly headed home. I began a left hand chandelle to join it but as I closed I was still unable to determine type as visibility was very poor due to the sun being low in the sky. I slowed my climb somewhat to approach cautiously, so that I could maneuver in case he turned out to be the enemy. When I was about 500 yards away I saw the a/c dip it's left wing and my fears were confirmed by the iron cross on the a/c wing. It pulled into a sharp l/h turn as it disappeared into the sun. I leveled out and fully opened my throttle to gain as much speed as I could for the eventual evasive maneuver. Out of the sun the 109 dropped on to my tail and I pulled a hard l/h break. Out of no where a Spitfire appeared on the tail of the 109 to save me. The 109 broke off and began to try to climb away from the Spit but he kept with him. I was able to cut back to the right and ended up behind both of them. The German was completely evasive at this point and I saw the Spitfire fire several bursts into him as they dived towards the water. I followed them, but was unable to keep up with their high speed dive, and pulled level several times to keep from over speeding my prop. As I was finally arriving on their level the 109 pulled a right turn and the Spit put a solid burst into him. The German was done and the next thing I saw was the two dots of the canopy and pilot falling from the a/c.
At this point I looked down and realized I was running low on petrol, so I dove for the deck and headed for home. Once feet dry I set for max cruise and despite some difficulty locating Kenley while flying into the sun, I made it safely back and landed without event on my reserve tanks.
Claims:
Destroyed:1 (ME-109)
Damaged:0
Probables:0
Status:
Pilot: ok
A/C : ok
Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Moderators: Board of Directors, Administration Staff, Skin Team, Treasurers
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Sabre
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "S" for Sugar
Serial number: P3397
I was looking forward to the 18th July as it was the day of the Inter-Squadron Cup Final up in London and I'd been given permission to attend. Just prior to setting off to support the Red & Whites the Wing CO called in to let us know that there was to be an evening sortie to blood the old huns nose and put an end to all the chit chat about invasions. It was to be another big affair with 64, 615 and 501 escorting bombers into France. All pilots were needed to Cup Final or not we were to report back 1815 latest.
Well the Final promised a lot as the Red & Whites set about a whole bunch of jolly foreigners from one of the Polish Squadrons even managing to get to half time with a 1-0 lead. Alas it was not to last and soon into the second half these Blue & White clad chaps worked some foreign trickery and managed to bend the old casey into weird shapes to take a 2-1 lead. The boys rallied but all in vain and with a couple of minutes left scored a third. A quick check of the watch and it seemed there was just time to find a bar and drown the sorrows. Several beers later the 1815 deadline was starting to look more than a little risky. As I set about hastily trying to get back to Kenley I noticed one of the 64 boys in one of those flash little sports cars, he offered me a lift but said it would have to be in the back. Had I known what it meant I'd never have taken the ride with Nitrous. Long story short we made back to Kenley with only minutes to spare with the CO pacing around muttering about his watch and checking the time. I said his watch must be wrong and we were in plenty of time.
The order soon came to get saddled up in the old girl and I managed to shake off the light head and get through the startup procedures. As the engine roared it had a surprisingly sobering effect and the reality once again set in. No. 501 Squadron were last up and we taxied out onto the runway to see the Brlycreem boys slide out of Kenley. As soon as the last aircraft cleared we were off. Full power, 20 degrees flaps and yet another perfect Squadron take-off. We headed for the rendezvous with the bombers but it was soon apparent that we were late for the party (I didn't think it was a good time to mention the watch to the CO)
We pressed on to Cap Gris Nez where we intercepted german fighters and a large furball ensued. In the fading light (that's my story) I was finding it very difficult to determine friend from foe, the comms were awash with contact calls. After following what turned out to be several friendly aircraft we headed down to Boulogne in search of the bombers. The light fading further the ever fruitless task of finding the elusive Hun continued. Some of the boys managed to engage the odd 109 but no sign of the bombers, all presumed either shot down or on the way back home. The CO called over the radio to regroup over Cap Gris Nez and as I headed back north I noticed a contact co-alt at my seven o'clock. At first I took him to be a friendly looking to form up but a timely check six and it was apparent this was a 109 so I started evasive manoeuvres just as he let loose a burst - thankfully his aim was off and I entered a left hand dive and we managed to lose each other in the as the darkness descended.
A quick check of the fuel gauge and it was time to head for home. It had been a long day, the lads had been beaten in the final, the Hun had managed to knock down a number of the bombers and I hadn't even fired a single shot. To cap it all I had to navigate back to Kenley, thankfully the sun was still just dipping in the west which proved a useful guide. I was switched to reserves but as I went feet dry I picked up another one of the lads heading home and we scoured the landscape looking for home. I managed to pick up a bend in the Thames and orientated myself as was soon overhead Kenley. The sun was proving a bit of a bind so I swung the old girl around and started on approach from the south. As I entered finals I heard Meaks call over the radio he was on finals also but from the north. He was lower on fuel so I powered up allowing him to land and swung around and managed to stick her down with a nice three pointer from the North.
As I pulled off the runway I noticed Bonkin's plane parked up. As I shut down the engines and un-strapped myself I noticed one of the new guys - Serpico - drop his plane down nicely onto the runway. It's always nice to see one of the new boys return safely - later in the bar we found him relaying how he'd bagged his first Hun. Lucky blighter I thought. Good to see so many 501 boys safely back home.
Claims:
Destroyed:0
Damaged:0
Probables:0
Status:
Pilot: ok
A/C : ok
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Sabre
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "S" for Sugar
Serial number: P3397
I was looking forward to the 18th July as it was the day of the Inter-Squadron Cup Final up in London and I'd been given permission to attend. Just prior to setting off to support the Red & Whites the Wing CO called in to let us know that there was to be an evening sortie to blood the old huns nose and put an end to all the chit chat about invasions. It was to be another big affair with 64, 615 and 501 escorting bombers into France. All pilots were needed to Cup Final or not we were to report back 1815 latest.
Well the Final promised a lot as the Red & Whites set about a whole bunch of jolly foreigners from one of the Polish Squadrons even managing to get to half time with a 1-0 lead. Alas it was not to last and soon into the second half these Blue & White clad chaps worked some foreign trickery and managed to bend the old casey into weird shapes to take a 2-1 lead. The boys rallied but all in vain and with a couple of minutes left scored a third. A quick check of the watch and it seemed there was just time to find a bar and drown the sorrows. Several beers later the 1815 deadline was starting to look more than a little risky. As I set about hastily trying to get back to Kenley I noticed one of the 64 boys in one of those flash little sports cars, he offered me a lift but said it would have to be in the back. Had I known what it meant I'd never have taken the ride with Nitrous. Long story short we made back to Kenley with only minutes to spare with the CO pacing around muttering about his watch and checking the time. I said his watch must be wrong and we were in plenty of time.
The order soon came to get saddled up in the old girl and I managed to shake off the light head and get through the startup procedures. As the engine roared it had a surprisingly sobering effect and the reality once again set in. No. 501 Squadron were last up and we taxied out onto the runway to see the Brlycreem boys slide out of Kenley. As soon as the last aircraft cleared we were off. Full power, 20 degrees flaps and yet another perfect Squadron take-off. We headed for the rendezvous with the bombers but it was soon apparent that we were late for the party (I didn't think it was a good time to mention the watch to the CO)
We pressed on to Cap Gris Nez where we intercepted german fighters and a large furball ensued. In the fading light (that's my story) I was finding it very difficult to determine friend from foe, the comms were awash with contact calls. After following what turned out to be several friendly aircraft we headed down to Boulogne in search of the bombers. The light fading further the ever fruitless task of finding the elusive Hun continued. Some of the boys managed to engage the odd 109 but no sign of the bombers, all presumed either shot down or on the way back home. The CO called over the radio to regroup over Cap Gris Nez and as I headed back north I noticed a contact co-alt at my seven o'clock. At first I took him to be a friendly looking to form up but a timely check six and it was apparent this was a 109 so I started evasive manoeuvres just as he let loose a burst - thankfully his aim was off and I entered a left hand dive and we managed to lose each other in the as the darkness descended.
A quick check of the fuel gauge and it was time to head for home. It had been a long day, the lads had been beaten in the final, the Hun had managed to knock down a number of the bombers and I hadn't even fired a single shot. To cap it all I had to navigate back to Kenley, thankfully the sun was still just dipping in the west which proved a useful guide. I was switched to reserves but as I went feet dry I picked up another one of the lads heading home and we scoured the landscape looking for home. I managed to pick up a bend in the Thames and orientated myself as was soon overhead Kenley. The sun was proving a bit of a bind so I swung the old girl around and started on approach from the south. As I entered finals I heard Meaks call over the radio he was on finals also but from the north. He was lower on fuel so I powered up allowing him to land and swung around and managed to stick her down with a nice three pointer from the North.
As I pulled off the runway I noticed Bonkin's plane parked up. As I shut down the engines and un-strapped myself I noticed one of the new guys - Serpico - drop his plane down nicely onto the runway. It's always nice to see one of the new boys return safely - later in the bar we found him relaying how he'd bagged his first Hun. Lucky blighter I thought. Good to see so many 501 boys safely back home.
Claims:
Destroyed:0
Damaged:0
Probables:0
Status:
Pilot: ok
A/C : ok
Last edited by Sabre on Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
No.111 (Fighter) Squadron - "Adstantes" - Standing by
"Worry only on the things you can influence and accept there are things beyond your control"
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Redeye
Date: 18 July 19oohrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre mk Ia 100oct
Marking: P
Serial number: k9964
Redeye took off with the rest of 64 on an escort mission to Bolougne, but reported response troubles on the form up. When the call came in the the bombers were way ahead of schedule, 64 pressed on and were attacked by JG26 over Griz Nez at angels 10-15.
After taking numerous casaulties, the remainders of 64 turned for home, but was last heard pursuing a 109 heading east. Radio contact was lost after that.
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0
Losses
Pilot: KIA
A/C: Destroyed
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Redeye
Date: 18 July 19oohrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre mk Ia 100oct
Marking: P
Serial number: k9964
Redeye took off with the rest of 64 on an escort mission to Bolougne, but reported response troubles on the form up. When the call came in the the bombers were way ahead of schedule, 64 pressed on and were attacked by JG26 over Griz Nez at angels 10-15.
After taking numerous casaulties, the remainders of 64 turned for home, but was last heard pursuing a 109 heading east. Radio contact was lost after that.
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0
Losses
Pilot: KIA
A/C: Destroyed
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: ‘Meaks’ Meaker
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: G for George
Serial number: P2793
COMBAT RECORD
Today,the Kenley Wing was going to deal Jerry a bloody nose,we were to escort some eighteen Bristol Blenheim Mk IV’s from Dungeness our rendezvous point,to Boulouge,so that they could deliver their precious cargo right on top of Mr Hitler’s invasion barges moored in the French harbour there.
I and several other members of 501 were occupying our time during the wait for the ‘off’,by having a small kick outside of the mess,well it’s handy if you require immediate refreshment,you see.
During play I’d left Merlin my old mutt in the mess under the supervision of old Stinker Harris Kenley’s 75 year old station adjutant,when suddenly a great big row erupted from within,the bellows of ‘Get that bloody dog out!!’rang out through the mess windows.
I knew that voice only too well,it was the guvnor and I could only but guess that the dog in question was Merlin.Oh shit I thought and came running in rather perplexed to see that my mutt had jumped up on the C/O.I quickly ushered the offending mutt away and crept back to find we were four nil down,blooy hell!
Time soon elapsed,and at 1845 hrs RAF Kenley’s main runway roared to the sound of Rolls Royce Merlin engines screaming down it,destined for France.
We got airborne and with our course set for France we followed the C/O South towards to Dungeness where we would pick up our bombers on route to Boulougne.But there was a big problem,we and 64 Squadron were late and the bombers were well on route to their target.
615 Squadron were in visual contact of our bombers and were informing us that that the bombers were getting a real pounding from enemy fighters over towards Cap Gris Nez.We carried on and very soon we could see in the distance heavy flak coming up from the French coast,now we were minutes away from getting stuck in ourselves.
As were came over Cap Gris Nez we found ourselves embroiled in a right to do with enemy fighters,the blighters seemed to be every where.
The sky was filled with action,the radio transmissions were alive with my comrades personal battles with the hun,and I was hunting down my targets as best I could without being hunted down myself.
One of our newest recruits bagged himself his first kill,I was mightily impressed,well done young Serpico,then the C/O broke the airwaves with a transmission of ‘let’s re-group over Cap Gris Nez guys’.As I circled above,the C/O called out he’d been hit by the terrific flak barrage that was being put up from the German guns below,and that he was going for home.Wolverine our Canadian guest pilot from 401 Squadron was also heading back home after bagging a 109,by now the light was really fading and it was getting more difficult to pick out the hun from our boys.
I always rely on radiator recognition in poor light for my confirmation in picking my targets,get up close and if it’s got two rads then it’s a 109.Soon enough I was chasing a 109 firing on one of our boys,but he was so damn quick,I was struggling to get him in range close enough for me to fire on him.Luckily though as I did fire on him,he broke off his attack from the Hurricane he was firing on,and at this point I was really able to close on him and get some decent shots home.
I carried on chasing him,but we were now right on the deck at maybe only 75 to 100 feet,it was bloody close,one hiccup and I’d become part of the French terrain.I took stock of my situation and realising my fuel was now drastically low,broke off my attack,turned my kite around and headed for home.As I came over the enemy coast,I weaved about the sky looking for 109’s creeping up on my six,I was’nt the only one heading back either,there must have been four or five of us all heading back together.
By now it was really dark,and as we came over the English coast,it was almost impossible to pick out landmarks,I set my course for Kenley and dropped my rpm and boost right down to save the little fuel I had.
Shortly after crossing the coast,I reviewed my fuel situation,which was now critical,so I switched over to ‘Auxillary’tanks,and proceeded to Kenley.In the dim light I could make out I had a contact off to my 4 o’clock,on closer inspection it was another Hurricane running for home.
I made my way along following the Thames,which was parallel with me on my starboard side,I was going to make my landing at Kenley coming in from a North to South approach,as the light from the sun which was going down low,would’ve been blinding on finals.Very soon I was heading over Biggin Hill,not long now I thought,and in the distance there it was RAF Kenley,I could just make out the concrete runway.God knows what my fuel situation was now,but it must critical,I had to get this kite down asap,lining up my approach,I dropped down another 50 feet and now almost glided on a straight trajectory with Kenley’s main runway.Just as I set my kite down on it’s finals,I realised there was another aircraft landing from the opposite end of the runway,it was one of my chums,Corporal Sabre,and we were landing at the same time,but on a collision course!
Just at that moment we both realised the situation and luckily for me Corporal Sabre made a very swift abort from his landing to let me land first,what a true gentleman I thought,good egg!
So sure enough I landed and made my way to the flight debrief,before heading straight to the mess to be met by the smiling faces of my other 501 chums,blimey what a sortie!
I informed Corporal Sabre that i thought he was a damn good egg letting me land before he put down,you’re a gentleman sir,and there’s not many of us left,I chortled humourously.We all agreed that today’s mission in the poor light had been a real test to our navigational knowledge,and that finding our way back to RAF Kenley with low fuel and in the darkness had been the real threat of the mission.
All in all,my flight had’nt yielded much in the way of destroying any enemy aircraft at all,in fact I had only managed to damaged a 109,making a shared kill with P/O Bully,with my share of the kill only accounting for less than a third of it’s destruction,the real destruction of it coming from P/O Bully,well done Bully!...but I had returned home alive,thank God.
Claims:
Destroyed:0
Damaged: 1 x 109 (shared kill with P/O Bully)
Probables:0
Status:
Pilot: ok
A/C : ok
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: ‘Meaks’ Meaker
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: G for George
Serial number: P2793
COMBAT RECORD
Today,the Kenley Wing was going to deal Jerry a bloody nose,we were to escort some eighteen Bristol Blenheim Mk IV’s from Dungeness our rendezvous point,to Boulouge,so that they could deliver their precious cargo right on top of Mr Hitler’s invasion barges moored in the French harbour there.
I and several other members of 501 were occupying our time during the wait for the ‘off’,by having a small kick outside of the mess,well it’s handy if you require immediate refreshment,you see.
During play I’d left Merlin my old mutt in the mess under the supervision of old Stinker Harris Kenley’s 75 year old station adjutant,when suddenly a great big row erupted from within,the bellows of ‘Get that bloody dog out!!’rang out through the mess windows.
I knew that voice only too well,it was the guvnor and I could only but guess that the dog in question was Merlin.Oh shit I thought and came running in rather perplexed to see that my mutt had jumped up on the C/O.I quickly ushered the offending mutt away and crept back to find we were four nil down,blooy hell!
Time soon elapsed,and at 1845 hrs RAF Kenley’s main runway roared to the sound of Rolls Royce Merlin engines screaming down it,destined for France.
We got airborne and with our course set for France we followed the C/O South towards to Dungeness where we would pick up our bombers on route to Boulougne.But there was a big problem,we and 64 Squadron were late and the bombers were well on route to their target.
615 Squadron were in visual contact of our bombers and were informing us that that the bombers were getting a real pounding from enemy fighters over towards Cap Gris Nez.We carried on and very soon we could see in the distance heavy flak coming up from the French coast,now we were minutes away from getting stuck in ourselves.
As were came over Cap Gris Nez we found ourselves embroiled in a right to do with enemy fighters,the blighters seemed to be every where.
The sky was filled with action,the radio transmissions were alive with my comrades personal battles with the hun,and I was hunting down my targets as best I could without being hunted down myself.
One of our newest recruits bagged himself his first kill,I was mightily impressed,well done young Serpico,then the C/O broke the airwaves with a transmission of ‘let’s re-group over Cap Gris Nez guys’.As I circled above,the C/O called out he’d been hit by the terrific flak barrage that was being put up from the German guns below,and that he was going for home.Wolverine our Canadian guest pilot from 401 Squadron was also heading back home after bagging a 109,by now the light was really fading and it was getting more difficult to pick out the hun from our boys.
I always rely on radiator recognition in poor light for my confirmation in picking my targets,get up close and if it’s got two rads then it’s a 109.Soon enough I was chasing a 109 firing on one of our boys,but he was so damn quick,I was struggling to get him in range close enough for me to fire on him.Luckily though as I did fire on him,he broke off his attack from the Hurricane he was firing on,and at this point I was really able to close on him and get some decent shots home.
I carried on chasing him,but we were now right on the deck at maybe only 75 to 100 feet,it was bloody close,one hiccup and I’d become part of the French terrain.I took stock of my situation and realising my fuel was now drastically low,broke off my attack,turned my kite around and headed for home.As I came over the enemy coast,I weaved about the sky looking for 109’s creeping up on my six,I was’nt the only one heading back either,there must have been four or five of us all heading back together.
By now it was really dark,and as we came over the English coast,it was almost impossible to pick out landmarks,I set my course for Kenley and dropped my rpm and boost right down to save the little fuel I had.
Shortly after crossing the coast,I reviewed my fuel situation,which was now critical,so I switched over to ‘Auxillary’tanks,and proceeded to Kenley.In the dim light I could make out I had a contact off to my 4 o’clock,on closer inspection it was another Hurricane running for home.
I made my way along following the Thames,which was parallel with me on my starboard side,I was going to make my landing at Kenley coming in from a North to South approach,as the light from the sun which was going down low,would’ve been blinding on finals.Very soon I was heading over Biggin Hill,not long now I thought,and in the distance there it was RAF Kenley,I could just make out the concrete runway.God knows what my fuel situation was now,but it must critical,I had to get this kite down asap,lining up my approach,I dropped down another 50 feet and now almost glided on a straight trajectory with Kenley’s main runway.Just as I set my kite down on it’s finals,I realised there was another aircraft landing from the opposite end of the runway,it was one of my chums,Corporal Sabre,and we were landing at the same time,but on a collision course!
Just at that moment we both realised the situation and luckily for me Corporal Sabre made a very swift abort from his landing to let me land first,what a true gentleman I thought,good egg!
So sure enough I landed and made my way to the flight debrief,before heading straight to the mess to be met by the smiling faces of my other 501 chums,blimey what a sortie!
I informed Corporal Sabre that i thought he was a damn good egg letting me land before he put down,you’re a gentleman sir,and there’s not many of us left,I chortled humourously.We all agreed that today’s mission in the poor light had been a real test to our navigational knowledge,and that finding our way back to RAF Kenley with low fuel and in the darkness had been the real threat of the mission.
All in all,my flight had’nt yielded much in the way of destroying any enemy aircraft at all,in fact I had only managed to damaged a 109,making a shared kill with P/O Bully,with my share of the kill only accounting for less than a third of it’s destruction,the real destruction of it coming from P/O Bully,well done Bully!...but I had returned home alive,thank God.
Claims:
Destroyed:0
Damaged: 1 x 109 (shared kill with P/O Bully)
Probables:0
Status:
Pilot: ok
A/C : ok
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 7: 10th July 1940
Squadron: No.615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Random
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1900hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: N
Serial number:
Bit of an eventful one this. Tried some new tactics! After seeing how effective the germans are fighting in pairs, Squadron Leader Hawes decided we should abandon the Vic and immitate a Saussage Squadron. I was paired with archie and once airbourne the whole squadron headed off to Dungeness at about 12500 feet. Long before reachign them I realise we are late, or the bombers are early. Just off the coast I see them heading straight for france. I reccomend the rest of the squadron clean their damned windscreens as for a long while I was the only one able to see them. I took the decision to head straight for them with Archie. The rest of the squadron headed on a direct heading to Bordeaux hoping to meet the bombers over the target area I guess.
Roughly mid channel I spotted the enemy. Diving in on our bombers. Archie and myself were the only aircraft near enough to even attempt to help. I honestly cant remember much other than the fear. Knowing of the 10 or so aircraft in the viscinity, only one wasn't trying to kill me!
Suddenly I was alone again. And disoriented, after a few minutes gently climbing towards the coast I realise its the wrong coast! Promptly turn 180 and head back to france. I can see the fight but cant see the bombers and re-engage with the enemy over Cap Gris Nez. 2 BF109s above me.
I radio for assistance and the Squadron Leader reports hes nearby. After a bit of wheeling around I again lose sight of the enemy before Hawes yells at me to break. A 109 at managed to get within about 50 yards, I have no idea where he came from or why he didnt fire! The fight continues, hawes diving on and both myself and Hawes getting hits into the EA while miraculously recieving none in return.
On the deck scissoring with one Hawes reports seeing a 109 crash landing. The 109 I'm with manages to break away briefly, but then re appears crossing my nose, less than 100 feet off the ground. A wing drops and I see a 109 performing a cartwheel before bursing into flames.
10 seconds later oil spatters over my windscreen. The time limit for boost cutout is there for a reason after all! I manage to nurse it up to 3000 feet before the engine dies and Im deadstick. Manage to ditch safely mid channel.
Claims
Destroyed: 1 BF109 shared with Hawes (Confirmed wreckage I was orbiting)
Probable: 1 BF109 again shared with Hawes (He saw it crash land on an airfield, I couldn't confirm)
Damaged:
Losses
Pilot: OK
A/C: Lost
Squadron: No.615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Random
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1900hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: N
Serial number:
Bit of an eventful one this. Tried some new tactics! After seeing how effective the germans are fighting in pairs, Squadron Leader Hawes decided we should abandon the Vic and immitate a Saussage Squadron. I was paired with archie and once airbourne the whole squadron headed off to Dungeness at about 12500 feet. Long before reachign them I realise we are late, or the bombers are early. Just off the coast I see them heading straight for france. I reccomend the rest of the squadron clean their damned windscreens as for a long while I was the only one able to see them. I took the decision to head straight for them with Archie. The rest of the squadron headed on a direct heading to Bordeaux hoping to meet the bombers over the target area I guess.
Roughly mid channel I spotted the enemy. Diving in on our bombers. Archie and myself were the only aircraft near enough to even attempt to help. I honestly cant remember much other than the fear. Knowing of the 10 or so aircraft in the viscinity, only one wasn't trying to kill me!
Suddenly I was alone again. And disoriented, after a few minutes gently climbing towards the coast I realise its the wrong coast! Promptly turn 180 and head back to france. I can see the fight but cant see the bombers and re-engage with the enemy over Cap Gris Nez. 2 BF109s above me.
I radio for assistance and the Squadron Leader reports hes nearby. After a bit of wheeling around I again lose sight of the enemy before Hawes yells at me to break. A 109 at managed to get within about 50 yards, I have no idea where he came from or why he didnt fire! The fight continues, hawes diving on and both myself and Hawes getting hits into the EA while miraculously recieving none in return.
On the deck scissoring with one Hawes reports seeing a 109 crash landing. The 109 I'm with manages to break away briefly, but then re appears crossing my nose, less than 100 feet off the ground. A wing drops and I see a 109 performing a cartwheel before bursing into flames.
10 seconds later oil spatters over my windscreen. The time limit for boost cutout is there for a reason after all! I manage to nurse it up to 3000 feet before the engine dies and Im deadstick. Manage to ditch safely mid channel.
Claims
Destroyed: 1 BF109 shared with Hawes (Confirmed wreckage I was orbiting)
Probable: 1 BF109 again shared with Hawes (He saw it crash land on an airfield, I couldn't confirm)
Damaged:
Losses
Pilot: OK
A/C: Lost
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.501 County of Gloucester Squadron
Squadron code: SD
Pilot name: Bully
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 18:45
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: B for Beer
Serial number: L2038
Order had come in from HQ that we were to escort a group of brave bombers chaps who were off to give Hitler and his friends a bloody nose. The Luftwaffe would not be expecting this!
Sat on the airfield at Kenley, it was a fine sight to see 615 and 64 squadrons get airborne and head for the rally point.
501 got airborne and followed suit, keeping an eye out the the bombers. As 501 hit the coast, we got reports form 615 that they had made visual contact with the Blenheims, but they were already across the channel, and way ahead of us. It was clear they were going to be an inviting target for Jerry (if he had spotted them).
This, we soon discovered, was the case. 615 called out bandits attacking the bombers and that they were inflicting damage to them. We were still to far away to help, so the poor sods in the bombers were left to their fate.
The 8 strong force of 501 now had the coast of France in view. The mission had now turned into a fighter sweep. The C/O called out two contacts at 12 o'clock. We were at angles 11 somewhere in the region of Cap Gris Nez. The two contacts ahead of us split up, and the had climbed above us. The chief wanted someone to check them out, so I followed Wolverine and climbed up the get co alt with the highest of the 109. I saw Wolverine get close the the enemy, but lost sight of him in the sun. I was now alone.
After getting my bearings back after being blinded by the light, I noticed group of 4 aircraft heading towards the fight from mid channel. Flying over the top of them, I was still unsure of the origin of the aircraft, again the sun was causing problems identifying them. As I drew closer, it was clear they were 109's. Lining up on the rear of the group, I open fire, but missed. Flying through the enemy planes, I climbed up. There were now other friends around to engage them.
There were contacts everywhere, and I managed to find myself on the tail of an enemy plane. I closed the range and gave him a squirt. He started to vent and he dived away. With all the other contacts buzzing around, it was not long before I found myself on the tail of another 109. This time, after constantly watching my back, I got closer. There were to be no mistakes this time. When he filled my gunsight, I opened up. Getting good hits in the wings and radiator, he hit the deck. Surely not to return to the fight. I did not want to lose my altitude, so didn't chase him down. It later turned out that W/O Meaker had attacked him as as he was descended, and he had seen him go in.
The contacts had started to thin out, but my squad mates were still calling out contacts anywhere between Boulogne and Cap Gris Nez.
Heading back towards the trouble, I noticed a plane heading straight for me. Again, making it sure it was a enemy was difficult, but the decision was soon taken out of my hands The bullets from the 109 headed for me, but luckily they missed. Now closing towards each other at a rapid pace, a head on crash was a real risk. As we got closer, we both tried to manoeuvre to get a shot on the other, and we collided.
My plane was now spinning out of control, and as I looked out of the starboard side, I saw half my wing had gone. This was it, the end, but somehow the mighty Hurricane pulled out it the dive. Even more remarkably, she was still in a state to fly. Now it was time to try and make friendly water, bail, and get picked up by air sea rescue. However as England drew closer, I still had control of my machine. “I can make Hawkinge” I thought. But again, as I hit Hawkinge, I felt I would have to try and avoid the shame of the bus back to Kenley. Time to switch over to auxiliary tank!
Flying was a nightmare, and unable to fly in a straight line made navigation almost impossible. Cpl. Sabre, P/O Bonkin & W/O Meaker were also on the radio trying to get home. They were all trying to locate Kenley in the diminishing light. (LAC Mauf was also on route, but he was aiding some boys form 64)
I thought I was lost and was going have to put down in a field, land marks this far inland are difficult to find at the best of times, but the darkness was setting in. Then from out of the blue, I saw an airfield! I knew the airfields around here were pretty close, but which one had I found? Finding my map, I worked out from the positions of the town in relation to the airfield where I was. It was not Kenley, but I now had a reference point!
Setting a new course, the welcoming sight of home base soon came into view. Now this was the bit I had feared. What would happen when I put the gear down? Would the aircraft just spin? Would the gear come down at all? I decided that the best thing to do was to come in carrying plenty of speed and put my gear down as late as I dared. This was it. Approaching the runway at 150 mph, and at 50ft, I pushed the leaver to lower my gear, closely followed by my flaps. As I got lower, I still had no lights on the instrument panel to indicate my gear was down. I didn't want to pull up, so carried on heading for touchdown.
I hit the ground, expecting the props to get bent and bits of my plane to fly everywhere. This to my surprise, didn't happen. I was so shocked at the successful landing, that I had not noticed to incoming blast pen. Pulling up at the last second, the blast pen took off my undercarriage. I nosed down, and this time the engine ground to a halt as it smashed into the ground. I was however alive thanks to the mighty Hurricane. It however was not, and bits of it were spread all over the place. But I had got me home.
As I climbed out of the crashed plane, I saw three or four aircraft circle over head and start to land. Time to hit the bar!
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable : 1 x 109
Damaged: 1 x 109
Losses
Pilot - Survived
A/C – A write off
I did mange a snap with my brownie of my Hurricane's missing wing while somewhere over England. Will add it to report later.
Squadron code: SD
Pilot name: Bully
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 18:45
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: B for Beer
Serial number: L2038
Order had come in from HQ that we were to escort a group of brave bombers chaps who were off to give Hitler and his friends a bloody nose. The Luftwaffe would not be expecting this!
Sat on the airfield at Kenley, it was a fine sight to see 615 and 64 squadrons get airborne and head for the rally point.
501 got airborne and followed suit, keeping an eye out the the bombers. As 501 hit the coast, we got reports form 615 that they had made visual contact with the Blenheims, but they were already across the channel, and way ahead of us. It was clear they were going to be an inviting target for Jerry (if he had spotted them).
This, we soon discovered, was the case. 615 called out bandits attacking the bombers and that they were inflicting damage to them. We were still to far away to help, so the poor sods in the bombers were left to their fate.
The 8 strong force of 501 now had the coast of France in view. The mission had now turned into a fighter sweep. The C/O called out two contacts at 12 o'clock. We were at angles 11 somewhere in the region of Cap Gris Nez. The two contacts ahead of us split up, and the had climbed above us. The chief wanted someone to check them out, so I followed Wolverine and climbed up the get co alt with the highest of the 109. I saw Wolverine get close the the enemy, but lost sight of him in the sun. I was now alone.
After getting my bearings back after being blinded by the light, I noticed group of 4 aircraft heading towards the fight from mid channel. Flying over the top of them, I was still unsure of the origin of the aircraft, again the sun was causing problems identifying them. As I drew closer, it was clear they were 109's. Lining up on the rear of the group, I open fire, but missed. Flying through the enemy planes, I climbed up. There were now other friends around to engage them.
There were contacts everywhere, and I managed to find myself on the tail of an enemy plane. I closed the range and gave him a squirt. He started to vent and he dived away. With all the other contacts buzzing around, it was not long before I found myself on the tail of another 109. This time, after constantly watching my back, I got closer. There were to be no mistakes this time. When he filled my gunsight, I opened up. Getting good hits in the wings and radiator, he hit the deck. Surely not to return to the fight. I did not want to lose my altitude, so didn't chase him down. It later turned out that W/O Meaker had attacked him as as he was descended, and he had seen him go in.
The contacts had started to thin out, but my squad mates were still calling out contacts anywhere between Boulogne and Cap Gris Nez.
Heading back towards the trouble, I noticed a plane heading straight for me. Again, making it sure it was a enemy was difficult, but the decision was soon taken out of my hands The bullets from the 109 headed for me, but luckily they missed. Now closing towards each other at a rapid pace, a head on crash was a real risk. As we got closer, we both tried to manoeuvre to get a shot on the other, and we collided.
My plane was now spinning out of control, and as I looked out of the starboard side, I saw half my wing had gone. This was it, the end, but somehow the mighty Hurricane pulled out it the dive. Even more remarkably, she was still in a state to fly. Now it was time to try and make friendly water, bail, and get picked up by air sea rescue. However as England drew closer, I still had control of my machine. “I can make Hawkinge” I thought. But again, as I hit Hawkinge, I felt I would have to try and avoid the shame of the bus back to Kenley. Time to switch over to auxiliary tank!
Flying was a nightmare, and unable to fly in a straight line made navigation almost impossible. Cpl. Sabre, P/O Bonkin & W/O Meaker were also on the radio trying to get home. They were all trying to locate Kenley in the diminishing light. (LAC Mauf was also on route, but he was aiding some boys form 64)
I thought I was lost and was going have to put down in a field, land marks this far inland are difficult to find at the best of times, but the darkness was setting in. Then from out of the blue, I saw an airfield! I knew the airfields around here were pretty close, but which one had I found? Finding my map, I worked out from the positions of the town in relation to the airfield where I was. It was not Kenley, but I now had a reference point!
Setting a new course, the welcoming sight of home base soon came into view. Now this was the bit I had feared. What would happen when I put the gear down? Would the aircraft just spin? Would the gear come down at all? I decided that the best thing to do was to come in carrying plenty of speed and put my gear down as late as I dared. This was it. Approaching the runway at 150 mph, and at 50ft, I pushed the leaver to lower my gear, closely followed by my flaps. As I got lower, I still had no lights on the instrument panel to indicate my gear was down. I didn't want to pull up, so carried on heading for touchdown.
I hit the ground, expecting the props to get bent and bits of my plane to fly everywhere. This to my surprise, didn't happen. I was so shocked at the successful landing, that I had not noticed to incoming blast pen. Pulling up at the last second, the blast pen took off my undercarriage. I nosed down, and this time the engine ground to a halt as it smashed into the ground. I was however alive thanks to the mighty Hurricane. It however was not, and bits of it were spread all over the place. But I had got me home.
As I climbed out of the crashed plane, I saw three or four aircraft circle over head and start to land. Time to hit the bar!
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable : 1 x 109
Damaged: 1 x 109
Losses
Pilot - Survived
A/C – A write off
I did mange a snap with my brownie of my Hurricane's missing wing while somewhere over England. Will add it to report later.
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Looky
Date: 18 July 19oohrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre mk Ia 100oct
Marking: "A for Apple"
Serial number: N3032
Synopsis:
We scrambled from kenley and proceeded direct to Dungeness.
On arrival no sight of the bombers we were to escort.
Coms lit up bombers mid chanell on way to target.
64 headed direct to bologne but by the time we got there the hun had decimated the blenheims.
On reaching french coast 109s were spotted and we engaged.
In the first few minutes i managed to set 2 109s on fire and watched them go down in flames.
Over the next 20 minutes i managed to nail 3 more 109s bad ,bursting their rads.
We suffered heavy losses ourselves and regrouped and headed back to kenley.
Claims
Destroyed: 2 confirmed
Probable : 2
Damaged: 1
Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - OK
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Looky
Date: 18 July 19oohrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre mk Ia 100oct
Marking: "A for Apple"
Serial number: N3032
Synopsis:
We scrambled from kenley and proceeded direct to Dungeness.
On arrival no sight of the bombers we were to escort.
Coms lit up bombers mid chanell on way to target.
64 headed direct to bologne but by the time we got there the hun had decimated the blenheims.
On reaching french coast 109s were spotted and we engaged.
In the first few minutes i managed to set 2 109s on fire and watched them go down in flames.
Over the next 20 minutes i managed to nail 3 more 109s bad ,bursting their rads.
We suffered heavy losses ourselves and regrouped and headed back to kenley.
Claims
Destroyed: 2 confirmed
Probable : 2
Damaged: 1
Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - OK
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Bonkin
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Landed: 1940hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "Z for Zebra"
Serial number: P3803
Synopsis
Wing mission to protect Blenheim bombers on a raid to Boulogne 1/8 Cloud Cover, Visibilty poor due light. Did not see our bombers but ended up in a furball with Bf109's. Got involved in a turning fight low level and recovered back to Kenley on reserve fuel but with radio failure.
Engine Start 1829
Brakes Off 1834
Brakes On 1941
Engine Shutdown 1943
Full Report
Had quite a relaxed day today which was a welcome break from all the action we've been having. Some of the boys were having a kick about outside the mess - but I'd been having a snooze inside and was woken up by Nigsy tearing about the place with PO Meaker's hound "Merlin". They'd obviously been having a great time and had been doing that dominance thing of trying to mount each other - so that fellow No.64 fellow Nitrous was saying what it was anyway.
It was all a bit embarassing really. Merlin is a big Irish Wolfhound so was getting the better of Nigsy. He'd just about pinned him down and was spending a fair amount of time licking at Nigsy's undercarriage and rear end. Nigsy didn't seem to mind though. I reckon it could be his anal glands playing up again. Anyway, the humour of it was silenced when the boss walked in and Merlin then launched himself at him and then started licking the CO's face all over. None of us knew quite where to look so we all averted our gaze to the floor. An Irish fellow from No.64 broke our stunned silence with a cheeky greeting but clearly the CO wasn't too pleased and bellowed at us to get the dog out. We noticed that afterwards he got himself a whiskey from the bar to take away the taste.
Later on we were given the briefing to protect our brave bomber boys on a daring raid to destroy some Hun invasion barges at Boulogne. I gave Nigsy a pat on the head and told him I'd be back for supper. Shortly afterwards the whole wing was taxing out and roaring into the sky above Kenley. A magnificant sight and sound indeed.
For some reason we were late taking off and getting to the rendezvous point. This meant we had to take a direct line over to the Cap. Quite clearly from the radio calls we had missed the bombers and they were being hit hard by Hun fighters.
I was number 3 position to the Boss when we wheeled around to launch into the attack but the light was failing and I instantly (and ashamedly) lost him in the first turn. After that I spent time trying to regroup but it became increasingly hard to spot friend from foe. It wasn't long before I found myself diving after a wounded Bf109 and I followed it in twists and turns all the way down to the deck. Incredibly the Boche fighter just pulled away from me on the flat - so I reverted to a tactic of circling and staying as low as possible to pick up the buggers as silhouettes against the orange sky.
I had some joy with this approach and managed to join with a Spitfire in putting a few rounds into one of the rotters machines.
Fuel state dictated I needed to return home and as soon as I could and I evaded the French countryside at low level over the water to the West. The light and fuel were fading fast and it became a real test of navigation skills to find recognisable landmarks once back over Blighty. I was talking to PO Bully, PO Meaker, Sgt Sabre and SAC Mauf regarding the best route back when suddenly the R/T failed - however we all managed to get back safely and celebrated in the mess that we didn't require a trip on the bus of shame back to base.
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1x Bf109
Losses
Pilot: All tickety-boo.
A/C: A few small holes and a replacement radio needed.
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Bonkin
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Landed: 1940hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "Z for Zebra"
Serial number: P3803
Synopsis
Wing mission to protect Blenheim bombers on a raid to Boulogne 1/8 Cloud Cover, Visibilty poor due light. Did not see our bombers but ended up in a furball with Bf109's. Got involved in a turning fight low level and recovered back to Kenley on reserve fuel but with radio failure.
Engine Start 1829
Brakes Off 1834
Brakes On 1941
Engine Shutdown 1943
Full Report
Had quite a relaxed day today which was a welcome break from all the action we've been having. Some of the boys were having a kick about outside the mess - but I'd been having a snooze inside and was woken up by Nigsy tearing about the place with PO Meaker's hound "Merlin". They'd obviously been having a great time and had been doing that dominance thing of trying to mount each other - so that fellow No.64 fellow Nitrous was saying what it was anyway.
It was all a bit embarassing really. Merlin is a big Irish Wolfhound so was getting the better of Nigsy. He'd just about pinned him down and was spending a fair amount of time licking at Nigsy's undercarriage and rear end. Nigsy didn't seem to mind though. I reckon it could be his anal glands playing up again. Anyway, the humour of it was silenced when the boss walked in and Merlin then launched himself at him and then started licking the CO's face all over. None of us knew quite where to look so we all averted our gaze to the floor. An Irish fellow from No.64 broke our stunned silence with a cheeky greeting but clearly the CO wasn't too pleased and bellowed at us to get the dog out. We noticed that afterwards he got himself a whiskey from the bar to take away the taste.
Later on we were given the briefing to protect our brave bomber boys on a daring raid to destroy some Hun invasion barges at Boulogne. I gave Nigsy a pat on the head and told him I'd be back for supper. Shortly afterwards the whole wing was taxing out and roaring into the sky above Kenley. A magnificant sight and sound indeed.
For some reason we were late taking off and getting to the rendezvous point. This meant we had to take a direct line over to the Cap. Quite clearly from the radio calls we had missed the bombers and they were being hit hard by Hun fighters.
I was number 3 position to the Boss when we wheeled around to launch into the attack but the light was failing and I instantly (and ashamedly) lost him in the first turn. After that I spent time trying to regroup but it became increasingly hard to spot friend from foe. It wasn't long before I found myself diving after a wounded Bf109 and I followed it in twists and turns all the way down to the deck. Incredibly the Boche fighter just pulled away from me on the flat - so I reverted to a tactic of circling and staying as low as possible to pick up the buggers as silhouettes against the orange sky.
I had some joy with this approach and managed to join with a Spitfire in putting a few rounds into one of the rotters machines.
Fuel state dictated I needed to return home and as soon as I could and I evaded the French countryside at low level over the water to the West. The light and fuel were fading fast and it became a real test of navigation skills to find recognisable landmarks once back over Blighty. I was talking to PO Bully, PO Meaker, Sgt Sabre and SAC Mauf regarding the best route back when suddenly the R/T failed - however we all managed to get back safely and celebrated in the mess that we didn't require a trip on the bus of shame back to base.
Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1x Bf109
Losses
Pilot: All tickety-boo.
A/C: A few small holes and a replacement radio needed.
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.615 Squadron
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Hollywood
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Landed: 1940hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "F for Freddy"
'A flying crow always catches something' - old Dutch saying
The sun was already setting when we took off. We headed towards France to intercept our Bomber group that was on a mission to bomb Boulogne. Unfortunately the Luftwaffe had arrived early and were already attacking the formation. We split up in 2 groups with Random and me attacking the 109's as fast as we could, while the rest of 615 flew towards the target area to have a better position.
I targeted one of them and I knew I had to be fast because I had already been spotted. He was too far away but I thought: 'Never fired is always missed', so I gave him a short burst of my phosphor anyway. I broke hard left and kept looking over my shoulder to see in how much danger I was in. There were 3 of them behind me, but 2 of them had Spitfire wings and were shooting at the 3rd. No.64 had arrived at the same time as we and I felt that I might have a chance to get out of there alive.
I had lost some altitude by now and I decided to get it back before doing any more fighting. I climbed a couple of thousand feet and I thought: 'Life is like a nose, you have to get out of it whats in there' So I turned back towards the French coast while it was getting darker. A big furball was happening there with half of the planes still higher than me. The ones below were difficult to see, unless they were streaming. I wanted to dive down first and ask questions later, but an indignant voice inside my head told me: "I am crazy Henkie not!', it would be suicide.
The fight with the Luftwaffe was now already 5 - 10 minutes old, it was getting darker still and I hadn't done much yet. I had to do someting otherwise I would be fishing behind the net! Then I saw 2 planes isolated from the fight below me, 1 appeared to be leaking fuel and the other was on its tail. One of them had to be the enemy so I went in. I was gathering speed rapidly but the angle wasn't good. Still I continued the dive because you know what they say: "Better skewed in than straight beside it" The plane I was diving on was getting yellow-ish at the front, and that is the German way of saying: 'Shoot me!'
And so I did, a full 2 seconds of pressing the button with most of the bullets hitting the plane in the middle and tail. Before I passed over it I could already tell this was a good shot because he was on fire and I could actually hear the pilot screaming. Luckily it was pretty dark because this mayhem was something that the daylight couldn't bear. I looked at the other plane which turned out to be a Spitfire which seemed to be ok and ready to continue fighting after we did a quick formation salute.
I was getting low on ammo, but they say the last pieces of lead are always the heaviest, and I returned to the fight. This was going to be a good report already and I might make it even better! I heard on the radio that 109's were spotted at the Cap and to me that was like placing the pussy with the milk. I went down there but it seemed to be all over when I arrived, damn!
Still with the kill in my pocket I returned home feeling good.
destroyed: 1x 109
aircraft ok
pilot ok
Squadron code: "KW"
Pilot name: Hollywood
Date: 18th July 1940
Time: 1845hrs
Landed: 1940hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: "F for Freddy"
'A flying crow always catches something' - old Dutch saying
The sun was already setting when we took off. We headed towards France to intercept our Bomber group that was on a mission to bomb Boulogne. Unfortunately the Luftwaffe had arrived early and were already attacking the formation. We split up in 2 groups with Random and me attacking the 109's as fast as we could, while the rest of 615 flew towards the target area to have a better position.
I targeted one of them and I knew I had to be fast because I had already been spotted. He was too far away but I thought: 'Never fired is always missed', so I gave him a short burst of my phosphor anyway. I broke hard left and kept looking over my shoulder to see in how much danger I was in. There were 3 of them behind me, but 2 of them had Spitfire wings and were shooting at the 3rd. No.64 had arrived at the same time as we and I felt that I might have a chance to get out of there alive.
I had lost some altitude by now and I decided to get it back before doing any more fighting. I climbed a couple of thousand feet and I thought: 'Life is like a nose, you have to get out of it whats in there' So I turned back towards the French coast while it was getting darker. A big furball was happening there with half of the planes still higher than me. The ones below were difficult to see, unless they were streaming. I wanted to dive down first and ask questions later, but an indignant voice inside my head told me: "I am crazy Henkie not!', it would be suicide.
The fight with the Luftwaffe was now already 5 - 10 minutes old, it was getting darker still and I hadn't done much yet. I had to do someting otherwise I would be fishing behind the net! Then I saw 2 planes isolated from the fight below me, 1 appeared to be leaking fuel and the other was on its tail. One of them had to be the enemy so I went in. I was gathering speed rapidly but the angle wasn't good. Still I continued the dive because you know what they say: "Better skewed in than straight beside it" The plane I was diving on was getting yellow-ish at the front, and that is the German way of saying: 'Shoot me!'
And so I did, a full 2 seconds of pressing the button with most of the bullets hitting the plane in the middle and tail. Before I passed over it I could already tell this was a good shot because he was on fire and I could actually hear the pilot screaming. Luckily it was pretty dark because this mayhem was something that the daylight couldn't bear. I looked at the other plane which turned out to be a Spitfire which seemed to be ok and ready to continue fighting after we did a quick formation salute.
I was getting low on ammo, but they say the last pieces of lead are always the heaviest, and I returned to the fight. This was going to be a good report already and I might make it even better! I heard on the radio that 109's were spotted at the Cap and to me that was like placing the pussy with the milk. I went down there but it seemed to be all over when I arrived, damn!
Still with the kill in my pocket I returned home feeling good.
destroyed: 1x 109
aircraft ok
pilot ok
Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 9: 18th July 1940
Squadron: No.64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Vranac
Date: 18 July 1900 hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre Ia
Marking: V
Serial number: N3231
Takeoff from Kenley to cover our bombers that were going to bomb Boulogne. We were late at the meeting point so we rushed to catch them.
Close to Cap Gris Nez we saw them attacked by 109s. We were in slight dive but I spotted one 109 steeply climbing on our 2 o'clock.
I decided to pick him up because he will surely dive on some of our guys. With a last drop of energy with my nose already wobbling
I gave him 1 sec burst and saw glycol leaking from his radiators.
109 dived down but I didn't follow, he was out.
There were two big furballs one over Cap Gris Nez and other South closer to Boulogne so I went there searching for the enemy.
Few passed me chased by our brave pilots and after minute or two I picked one 109. I managed to hit him but he started to maneuver
to avoid my shots. He dived down ad i followed giving him few more hits. I left him there because I was dangerously low over the enemy territory on some 4000-5000 ft. I started climbing North constantly looking back and above me. Suddenly I noticed that my temps went
high and something is wrong with cooling. I decided to climb as long as I can so I could glide back home if necessary.
Unfortunately I spotted 109 on my my far six catching up with me so I didn't have a choice than to go into the fight.
I out turned him and got on his six but as I reported my position and altitude on the radio Looky was already diving on poor Hun.
He burned him with one burst, what sight that was.
I continued to climb toward the channel praying that my engine will hold out but soon it started to rumble.
I glided form 11000 ft toward Britain but slowly loosing the altitude I ditched Into the water somewhere in the mid channel.
Water was quite refreshing after the exhausting battle.
Claims
Destroyed: None
Probable : None
Damaged: 2 x Me-109
Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - with fishes
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Vranac
Date: 18 July 1900 hrs
Base: Kenley
Type: Sptifre Ia
Marking: V
Serial number: N3231
Takeoff from Kenley to cover our bombers that were going to bomb Boulogne. We were late at the meeting point so we rushed to catch them.
Close to Cap Gris Nez we saw them attacked by 109s. We were in slight dive but I spotted one 109 steeply climbing on our 2 o'clock.
I decided to pick him up because he will surely dive on some of our guys. With a last drop of energy with my nose already wobbling
I gave him 1 sec burst and saw glycol leaking from his radiators.
109 dived down but I didn't follow, he was out.
There were two big furballs one over Cap Gris Nez and other South closer to Boulogne so I went there searching for the enemy.
Few passed me chased by our brave pilots and after minute or two I picked one 109. I managed to hit him but he started to maneuver
to avoid my shots. He dived down ad i followed giving him few more hits. I left him there because I was dangerously low over the enemy territory on some 4000-5000 ft. I started climbing North constantly looking back and above me. Suddenly I noticed that my temps went
high and something is wrong with cooling. I decided to climb as long as I can so I could glide back home if necessary.
Unfortunately I spotted 109 on my my far six catching up with me so I didn't have a choice than to go into the fight.
I out turned him and got on his six but as I reported my position and altitude on the radio Looky was already diving on poor Hun.
He burned him with one burst, what sight that was.
I continued to climb toward the channel praying that my engine will hold out but soon it started to rumble.
I glided form 11000 ft toward Britain but slowly loosing the altitude I ditched Into the water somewhere in the mid channel.
Water was quite refreshing after the exhausting battle.
Claims
Destroyed: None
Probable : None
Damaged: 2 x Me-109
Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - with fishes
