Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

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Katt
Posts: 185
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2013 6:51 pm

Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Katt » Sun May 18, 2014 8:18 pm

Squadron: No. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: WK
Pilot Name: Katt
Date: 28 July 1940
Time: 1330hrs
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane I
Marking: P
Serial: R4194

Synopsis: Squadron take off and intercept from Hawkinge - was attempting to close with enemy aircraft when I was struck in the rear by another squadron aircraft which caused control issues in the tail - was instructed by flight lead to rtb - due to control issues crash landed at base and suffered minor injuries - <---Osprey. You could've just taken another aircraft and gone again. No need to leave for this

Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses
Pilot: Minor Injuries
A/C: Major damage
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Robo
Posts: 3904
Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:57 pm
Location: Slovakia

Re: Mission #15

Post by Robo » Sun May 18, 2014 8:40 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron

Squadron code: "SD"

Pilot name: Robo.

Date: 25th July 1940

Time: 1400hrs
Landed: crashlanded near Hawkinge
Base: Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: U for Uncle
Serial number: R4105

Synopsis:

Flew with the main group to intercept a large raid of enemy bombers. Unfortunately I did not come into any contact with the bombers as i got attacked at high altitude before I could dive in to attack the Heinkels. I stayed up high and outmaneuvered the enemy fighter who then dived away towards France. I turned back behind the formation and attacked another Bf 109 that passed underneath me. I hit the e/a hard from dead astern and watched the pilot bale out. I claim this Bf 109 as destroyed. I then got attacked by another 109, possibly his wingman. After a short series of maneuvers he turned away and extended. I did not follow, instead I attacked a 109 beneath me and also extended inland. After this attack, the e/a got streaming glycol and engine was smoking. I left him over Dover at Angels 15, I claim this e/a as destroyed. I then climbed back to re-join the formation, but staying on my own, I got concerned about all these snappers around, I kept on turning . I engaged one in a fight, but had to dive away this time as I got into a bad position versus two enemies. Unfortunately they did not lose sight of me and one stayed with me on the deck. I tried to evade his attack as much as I could, but overheated my engine eventually with no result. This German pilot was quite good. I got hit in the wing and my only option was to crash land not too far from Hawkinge. I was just hoping he would not strafe me. Fortunately, he was a gentleman, and disengaged.

Pilot - OK
Plane - damaged by a 109, belly landed + structural damage

Claims 2x 109 destroyed

Bully
Posts: 2676
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2012 9:06 pm
Location: Gloucestershire, UK

Re: Mission #15

Post by Bully » Sun May 18, 2014 11:25 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: SD
Pilot name: Bully
Date: 25th July 1940
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: B for Beer
Serial number: L2038

Again the Hurricanes of 501 squadron roared skyward from Hawkinge, intent on dishing out a severe beating to the incoming Luftwaffe raids. The Wing Commander, as we had been informed by F/O Teepee, was absent as he was away giving the evacuees from Dunkirk a moral boosting stage show down in the Big Smoke. Some mumbles were heard in the mess when this was announced as the C/O's past attempt of livening up an evening out had fallen rather flat after he had told the joke about the Archbishop and the bar maid.

The ten 501 Hurricanes had made contact with each over Folkstone, and pointed North to head towards Deal and gain altitude. Numerous contacts were noted along the way, but most of them turned out to be 64 Squadron, bravely flying lower than the Hurricanes. As we passed Manston, Teepee gave the order to swing left and retrace our steps back towards Dover, and to keep a look out for enemy aircraft, now not to far away from our location.

615 squadron under the command of F/O Random kept in constant radio contact with us, and between them and 64 Squadron, had eyes on some hostile aircraft mid channel at around angels 20. 501 swung round to the left, away form Dover, and headed for this position. It was not a massive amount of time before shouts came over the radio that we had contacts to our low 11 o'clock. They were manoeuvring North to South, across our noses, obviously waiting to meet up the bombers.

It was all quiet for a while, nobody had engaged or identified an enemy, so we carried on watching the group of aircraft, now off to our 2 o'clock, and waited. That enemy group was flying as two groups of three, and was presumed, by flying of the nature, to be hostile. All of a sudden the silence was ended by a shout from Tech Mauf that he had eyes on the bombers. Soon they homed into view, lower than us at 2 o'clock. By now 64 had engaged the group of fighters that we initially tracking, somewhere between angles 18 and 20. As the bombers drew closer, we could see that they had close fighter escort. Damn Goering changing his tactics! However this did not deter the brave boys of 501, and one by one we turned our machines starboard and started to attack.

It now that the adrenalin kicks in, but everybody sounded calm as they called which side bomber group they were attacking. F/O Teepee, F/O Bunny and P/O Meaker all called out they had got some hits on their first passes. The next to call out was Mauf, who sounded out his target, only to followed a few seconds later by the shout of 'I got one on fire'. These were to be his last words however, as I saw bullets for the nearest Heinkel smash in to his cockpit. They have all been on the target ranges theses Luftwaffe pilots.

I was now in guns range, and closed in on the far right three aircraft. The first HE-111 came into my sights, and when he filled them I opened up. I got hits into his port wing and he started to leak fuel. He kept flying straight though. The second target soon appeared and again I got good hits into the wings, causing leaks. But like his friend before him, it had no effect on his flying. Now passing under the lead bomber I broke to the left and kept my speed up to make sure I got away form the 109s close behind the formation.

Climbing up to the left of the formation, I could see bombers falling everywhere. Most of the 501 boys getting hits. Including P/O Meaker who set one on fire. I can confirm that and I saw the bomber on a collision cause for earth. The raid had suffered heavy loses, but by now the accuracy of the German gunners was taking its toll on our Hurricanes. F/O Teepee & F/O Bunny had reported damage and that they were heading home. I had not heard from P/O Meaker for a while and could not raise him on the radio. Lets hope it was just the radio that had died.

I lost a lot of ground on the HE-111s trying to climb back up towards them. Every time I got some near the right altitude, 109s would appear so I had to stay low to avoid being spotted. While flying along I caught a glimpse of a 109 dropping down, presumably involved in the fight with 64 at higher altitude. He was headed for France, but I didn't want to let him have an easy ride home so closed in a let him have a few bullets. As I pulled away I could see he was venting, so left him to it.

Flying back towards the bomber group there were plenty of 109s in the area around Dover, but despite their presence, I managed to stay relatively clear of further enemy contact. The only incident of note was after the bombers had laid waste to Dover harbour and town and they had turned to head home. I was slightly below them, and a 109 dived from behind the formation and closed in on my six for a shot. Breaking hard right I avoided his bullets, and he climbed back up.

The ranks of 501 were now serious depleted. The only pilots till in the operational area were P/O Robo and F/S Sabre. Teepee & Bunny had managed to get their kites down, but everyone else was quiet. Robo was fighting two 109s but had the situation under control. Staying around Deal, I spotted a dogfight co-alt with me just out from the coast. I changed course and headed for the fight. 5 aircraft in a line were pursuing each other back to France. I had altitude and by the way the first plane was flying he was a 109. I could not Identify the rest of the aircraft, but some of them must be Spitfires.

The 109 kept climbing and diving and managed to evade most of the Spitfire bullets. The manoeuvring however meant that I could catch up and soon was close enough to start thinking about attacking him. I waited until I thought he was about to pull up, then pressed home the height advantage that I had. At the top of the 109s climb while he had no speed, I opened up. He started vent form his wing and radiator, and his port wing caught fire. Now in trouble he turned for France but was losing altitude and speed all the time. The last I saw of him he was at sea level but I did not see him go in. I hope one the Spitfire lads did.

Myself and two spitfires were now mid channel. I had eyes on a third contact heading my way from France slightly higher than me. Having just switched to auxiliary tank I did not want to hang around this far out. I turned for home.

The far single contact was now joined by a second, and they were closing fast. I was not sure if they were the two friendly spitfires or 109s, So went full throttle to made land. The two contacts behind me did not give up however, and with my cockpit open I could hear the grunt of the 109 engines closing in on me. By now I was by myself. Robo had Sabre had landed and I was the last one from 501 up. I had to try and fight these two or they would have me.

What ensued was a dogfight with my against two 109s. We were on the deck about 5 miles from Dover, but the 109s kept climbing and diving. Each time I would break at the last minute and avoid their fire. This carried on for about 5 or 10 minutes, each time breaking just before they got in gun range. I hoped that one would make a mistake and start a turning fight and I could get a shot off but they didn't. However all this turning meant I was not getting any closer to home. It was then that disaster struck. My radiator failed and started to leak. Why had this happened? The 109s were far away and had not hit me. AH SHIT! I had left he boost cut out on while trying to run away and my engine had over heated. I was now stuck. I decided to try and make dry land so levelled out and pointed my mighty Hurricane at Dover, now clearly visible with the clouds of black smoke. If the 109s had wanted to they could have come and finished me off, but hey had turned for home and were disappearing into the distance.

Flying on borrowed time, I crawled back to Dover and made land fall. At low altitude I could see the mess the Luftwaffe had caused around Dover Harbour and he surrounding areas. Lets hope nothing there were not to many casualties. My mighty merlin was now dying and I looked around the for the nearest flat area to land in. Off the my port side was the golf course. I knew this was a perfect landing area. As I had ditched there a few mission ago. I tuned and dropped my undercarriage before the engine died completely. I touched down but must of hit a bunker as my undercarriage gave way breaking my Hurricane into pieces. I came to a rest and took stock of what had just happened.

It was nice and peaceful after the intense fight. The silence as soon broken when out of the corner of my eye I saw a very cross man marching towards me shouting something. I jumped down out of what was left of my plane expect him to ask me to the club house for a drink. Instead he pulled his pipe from his mouth and started poking me with it. He was down here on holiday from Yorkshire to play golf and I had wrecked his round by destroying the 16th green. I was not going to stand there and listen to him rant at he so headed for the nearest phone to call for a car from Hawkinge. He would not it rest and followed me all the way. I was only saved by a nice young grounds lady who asked me if I would give her a hand trimming the rough and filling some holes around the course. I could not refuse such an offer.


Claims
Destroyed: N/A
Probable : 1 x 109
Damaged: 1 x ME-109 & 2 X He-111

Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C – Annoying Norman from Yorkshire parked on the 16th green
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Thaine
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Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:09 pm
Location: Tromsø, Norway

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Thaine » Mon May 19, 2014 11:59 am

Squadron: No.64 Squadron
Squadron code: SH
Pilot name: Thaine
Date: 25th July 1940
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Supermarine Spitfire Ia
Marking: J for Johnnie
Serial number: L1068

Sgt. Thaine took off from Hawkinge as blue flight leader with SAC Dange and was later joined by CO Gromic. Sqn 64 was patroling the airspace over Dover and engaged a flight of bf 109, which were escorting a group of 110's. In the ongiong fight blue flight was moving mid channel and close to the french coast. Upon trying to rejoin the fight close to Dover, Sgt Thaine called in that he was followed by two or more 109's at angels 17. Shortly after he transmitted his last status, saying that he's engaged with the messerschmidts. He did not return to english ground and is assumed shot down over the channel.

Claims
Destroyed: N/A
Probable : N/A
Damaged: N/A

Losses
Pilot - KIA (Instant kill, sounded like a canon round next to my head.)
A/C – Lost
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Redeye
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Location: Haugesund, Norway

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Redeye » Mon May 19, 2014 2:31 pm

Squadron: No.64 Squadron
Squadron code: SH
Pilot name: Redeye
Date: 25th July 1940
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Supermarine Spitfire Ia
Marking: P for Pip
Serial number: K9964

Engaged enemy raid mid-channel at angels 18. First wave were some 20+ He 111 with a close escort of a squadron of bf 109's. 64 broke right into the the attack, while White flight led by Vranac broke around left and dived down on an unsuspecting flight of 4 bf 109's who had not seen us. I saw White 1 damage one the rightmost of these aircraft.

As I pulled up after the dive I saw one 109 burning with thick black smoke. I did not see or hear who inflicted the damage.

I regrouped and started trailing the bomber flight. At his point the fight had broken out into many smaller engagements. I climbed in on an unsuspecting 109 trailing the bombers just feet wet of Dover harbour. I put some rounds into him at 300 yards and he pulled up before starting a series of vertical tricks. The E/A did not have enough energy and I gained on him. He popped his own engine and a thin white line of glycol leaked after these hard moves. He then initiated a controlled spiral towards the seafloor. I made a series of slashing attacks and observed several hits producing more smore. The pilot finally bailed out mid-channel at approx angels 2. I circled the chute a couple of times and waved to the kraut before heading back inland. I claim this E/A destroyed.

Regrouped over Deal while following the seconds wave of bombers. Ignored the bombers and engaged a 109 who made numerous vertical attacks against lone RAF aircraft helping themselves with the bombers over Deal airspace. I followed the E/A in a series of turn that led to a high speed dive heading east just feet wet of Deal. I gave full boost and was gaining on the E/A when he suddenly climbed and I heard a loud bang and observed two aircraft attacking be. The engine started coughing badly and as I turned my A/C around preparing for the worst, Looky came in guns blazing against my attackers. In the nick of time. I rememberd Looky saying on take-off "We're the cavalry!" I'll say.

I was not in a state to continue the fight and nursed my crate back to Hawkinge.

Upon preparing for final approach, my landing gear would not extend. I proceeded with the emergency release system which worked beautifully. The gears came down and locked and I landed shortly after.

After touching down I observed two 109's engaging a lone Hurricane at some 3-5 angels over the airfield whilst taking heavy flak. I reported this to the pilots who were still airborne and got out. I grabbed my chute and went over to dispersal. There'd be no flying my crate back to Kenley tonight. I needed alternative transport.

Claims
Destroyed: 1 x bf 109 E.
Probable : N/A
Damaged: N/A

Losses
Pilot -ok
A/C – Damaged engine and pneumatics.
Last edited by Redeye on Mon May 19, 2014 11:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Deeside
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 3:15 pm
Location: Aberdeenshire, UK

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Deeside » Mon May 19, 2014 3:43 pm

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Deeside
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: K
Date: 28th July 1940

Took off from Hawkinge with rest of squadron and patrolled the area around Dover and Deal. Spotted the first wave of bombers mid-channel with fighter cover at Angels 18. Plenty of action but didn't manage to engage. I noticed the second wave of bombers approaching from France and dived towards them. Just managed to line up with a 111 when suddenly .... 'NVIDIA driver fault' and had to reboot!

Claims:

Destroyed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:

Pilot: OK
Aircraft: Last time I saw it, it was OK.

Wiggs
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:48 am
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Wiggs » Mon May 19, 2014 10:25 pm

Squadron: No. 64
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Wiggs
Date: 28 July 1940
Time: 1330hrs
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Spitfire Mk IIa
Marking: U
Serial: L1040

There was no form-up but with surprising grace everyone in the 4 Flights managed to get airborne by spawning at different times in various areas of Hawkinge field. The Hurricane pilots were forced to duck as No. 64 took off but showed their usual good humour and patience, probably thinking up a few sharp jokes at our expense as usual but staying off the radio sets. I formed-up in the air with Green Flight; Looky, Tyrone and Deeside. On a primary heading North, we gained altitude over Manston and then headed at 170 deg. across the Channel expecting He-111 bomber formations at Angels 14-16 with 109's flying escort above. 1/2 way across the Channel at Angels 17 we encountered e/a as anticipated, with at least 2 formations of enemy bombers below us and 109's coming down from slightly above. I went after the 109's with my flight but soon found that I had turned and lost altitude so that the bombers were readily available. I dropped through the bombers and split them up a bit by putting a few bullets in a few of them as I cut through their formation.
Twice again I came around from altitude and sped through them, leaving a few bits of e/a to fall to earth and stirring them up.
Suddenly there was a total lack of rudder and not much elevator; I was the victim of the deadly "tail shot!"
I looked around and saw our welcoming Cliffs far below; it only remained to throttle back and to get the feel of steering with aileron and controlling pitch with the engine. Luckily the elevator still responded to trim (what a tough bird) and so I found myself crabbing into Hawkinge to bleed off speed and then did about 4 boomsa-daisies across the field, violently reducing my propellor to only one blade and so having to cut the engine before it jumped off the firewall. I had done some damage to the enemy and brought (most of) my aircraft home so that was OK. I don't drink much tea but there must be scotch and some rocks around here somewhere.

Kills: 0
Damaged: 2-3 bombers
A/C: damaged tailfeathers and propellor
Pilot: damaged ego
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Mauf
Posts: 1659
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:18 pm

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Mauf » Tue May 20, 2014 1:18 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: SD
Pilot name: Mauf
Date: 28th July 1940
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane I
Marking: "D for Don"
Serial number: LI898

Synopsis:

Takeoff from Hawkinge and travel towards intercept area for German bomber formation over the british coast in the Dover/Deal area. Engagement of bomber formation of HE-111 at altitude of 18,000 from altitude advantage of 20,000. Set ablaze a HE-111 on first pass, got killed by sneaky german sniper hitching a ride on one of the adjacent HE-111.

To better visualize the situation, the following graphical representation was included:
Image

Claims:
Destroyed: 1x He-111

Losses:
Pilot: Dead
AC: Destroyed

Dange
Posts: 525
Joined: Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:32 pm
Location: Penetang. Ontario Canada

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Dange » Wed May 21, 2014 12:21 am

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Dange
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Spitfire Ia (100)
Marking:M
Serial number: N 3122

Lifted off from Hawkinge as number two Blue flight ( Thaine as lead ) . Gromic formed up with us as he was out of reach of his flight. Climbed to 12k and proceeded to mid channel and made contact with several 109's. had a few shots at several but didn't observe any strikes. Saw two flghts of enemy bombers but as I was closing on them a 109 bounced me and damaged my aileron. Had to ditch.

Claims:
Destroyed:
Damaged:
Probable

Losses:
Pilot:ok
AC: Destroyed
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Midge
Posts: 421
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2014 9:25 pm
Location: Leeds- West Yorkshire-Great Britain

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 15: 28th July 1940

Post by Midge » Wed May 21, 2014 7:11 pm

Squadon: No.615 squadron
squadron code: WK
Pilot name: Midge
Base: Hawkinge
Date: 28th July 1940
Time: 1330hrs
Type: Hurricane 1
Marking: C
Serial no: 2564

The boss was off on a jolley in town today lucky bugger--Anyway we are based at hawkinge,bloody maggoty looking place right on the coast,so quick take offs are the order of the day.Wish i was back at Kenley as i've just aquired a dog,a flea bitten Heinz 57 type-----named Mungo.

No.615 were scrambled around 1330hrs,incoming bombers with a large fighter escort.I plonked myself starboard of Panta leader as we strove to gain altitude.A single contact was spotted in the general direction of Manston,but this took us away from the incoming bombers so we made a turn to port and continued to climb[me struggling as usual],to my 10/11'oclock there was a large explosion some sort of collision and Katt had to RTB damaged. The bombers were spotted and panta leader told us to engage them while he intercepted a Me109.The bombers were He111's,i attacked from the rear and got good hits on the bomber [black smoke] on the far right of the right element,i then pulled up and rolled to port to attack the left element and attacked from behind,suddenly everything went pinkish to deep red to black,i assume it was a"Hunny Oakley" rear gunner that was the undoing of me!

Please could you bury me in the Railway Inn Marsden under the drip trays,nice beer---nicer barmaids!

Claims:

Destroyed:0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1--He111

Losses:

Pilot: KIA
Aircraft: Drowned
Image

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