Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

RAF flight reports for the epic ACG Historical Campaign - "Peace In Our Time" covering the Fall of France and the Battle of Britain. We are recruiting new pilots so you can join this - post in the Reception to request a seat. This forum is publically viewable.

Moderators: Board of Directors, Administration Staff, Skin Team, Treasurers

User avatar
Dickie
Group Captain
Group Captain
ACG Board
contributor
Posts: 13837
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:15 pm
Location: Gloucestershire, England
Contact:

Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Dickie » Sun Jul 06, 2014 9:17 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: TB
Pilot Name: Osprey
Date: 11th August 1940 0800
Time: 0800
Aerodrome: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk.I 100 Octane (Rotol)
Marking: P for Pip

Synopsis
The wing has been rather busy of late and even called into action to save the backsides of Sector 'A' a few days ago. ALthough AVM Park awarded credit to the chaps with a personal visit it hadn't gone down well with the Tangmere boys and as well we knew it. The squadrons weren't bothered a jot though and saw this as a point of pride to line shoot to other groups. It was a healthy rivalry. Baron from 615 had to be given R&R, he had made the error of demanding to see the crash site of a Bf109 he'd bagged down near the south coast. Spud, an American, held him back but he insisted "I'm going to see the bloody German and that's that". Of course it's not how it seems, not so glorious when you see what you've done and it affects the mind. This one had a 'heavy landing' according to the Home Guard, many of them Great War veterans and had seen it before, but Baron was a youngster and wasn't prepared. The German had stayed in his machine and lost an arm and part of his skull in the crash, we don't know if he was still alive when the engine burst into flames but hopefully not. Poor Baron had that etched in his mind and now S/L Hawes would have to deal with it. "We have to release him, he said he can't go on" he demanded to me with both hands on my desk. I leaned back into my chair, removed my pipe and replied "well I can't lose another pilot Hawes old bean, especially a keen eyed one like Baron", "He'll just have to get on with it I'm afriad, there's a war to be won". Hawes knew it, walked over to the window and stared into the blue with his hands on hips. S/L Gromic, whilst lighting his pipe "Give him a bit of time off, send him up to London to get some girls and he'll be right after that". "Ok that's decided then Hawes, that's what you'll do, and hopefully he'll still be keen to get stuck into Goering afterwards". "Grim business eh?" Said Hawes, "Let's go to the mess for a few".

I'd heard that Jerry was up to something from my chat with AVM Park and he was right, it was quiet, too quiet. At first light the wing was sent down to Hawkinge again and we'd barely had any breakfast before we were put on 5 minutes readiness. Just as Bonkin had sat down with his eggs and bacon the bell went "Drat! Those bastard Huns".....and this complaining continued whilst on taxi into position. Off we went, a large plot of 60+ was heading toward Dover, another raid only this time they'd caught Uxbridge by surprise, probably starting low below the chain home operational height. "Dirty buggers, we'll give them a damn thrashing in these extraordinary machines" said Teepee "Shut it Flying Officer, let's keep the R/T clear" I replied. After all, we had to use our equipment properly, clarity could save lives in the combat area. We'd driven up to angels 18 over Deal, Tophat had them higher this time which was strange. We were soon to find out why - it was a trap "The rotters are in 110's sir" exclaimed Meaker. - all fighters made to look like a bomber group. "That won't save them" said Bunny, "Gunsights on chaps, tally-ho" and I ordered the squadron into their backs over Canterbury. At that point I spotted a second group and ordered a split. Teepee led the chaps into the 110's and gave them a seeing to whilst I took the rest into the 109's next to them. over the R/T Gromic reported the Spitfires had been jumped and Hawes also reported action for Panta. It was mayhem from Manston to Dover and I was heavily engaged. I jumped a 109 but only scored light hits for all of this activity. After the main action had calmed I had Mandrel reform south of Dover and patrol, it had gone quiet as quickly as it had occurred and I was soon out of fuel. I was a bit disaapointed that I hadn't bagged a jot today but other chaps had a lot of success so it wasn't all bad. I put in a perfect 3 pointer at Hawkinge and went straight to the mess for a pint of mild, LAC Major was already there, he'd survived his first flight today but was lucky because his tail was full of holes. A big lesson learned!

Claims
1 Bf109 damaged

Aircraft OK

TwoStep
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:15 pm

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by TwoStep » Sun Jul 06, 2014 9:24 pm

After Action Report
Date: 11th of August, 1940

Pilot: L.Acftman Ryan “TwoStep” Reese
Aircraft: No.615 Hurricane KW-Y
Position: Blue 2
Summary:
After a late scramble, we spotted a formation of aircraft passing Deal and looking to head towards Eastchurch, about 5,000 feet above us. We climbed and set an intercept course, then Red and Blue sections fell in on what we found to be 10+ Me.110's.

I caught the left hand most one with a decent burst, that set him leaking, and he broke into me. I performed a lag displacement roll that landed me on his cold side, and I hit his right side hard, and set him a-fire, and watched him keel over and smack into the ground (110 destroyed). I climbed up and saw a 110 drawing a bead on another aircraft (from Red section, I believe), and hit him with a short burst, which made him break into another Hurricane's line of fire- that Hurricane delivered a devastating volley that sent him down (110 destroyed shared).

The 110's were scattered at this point, and some of them fled for home. Off the coast I saw a lone hurricane chasing two 110's in trail low over the water about (2,000 feet below me), I pulled the tit, and tucked in the radiator flap, and dove in ahead of the Hurricane who was either waiting for a closer range (which he wasn't getting), and observed the 1st 110 to be leaking. I fired a burst into his port engine and cockpit area (110 probable shared), and ducked underneath him (he was beginning a turn), going for his buddy who was still hell-bent for France. This one I nailed in the port engine first, then he broke into me, just as I hit my residue 50 round belt. I went over the top, and came in mid-six as he reversed his turn- his gunner opened fire on me as I touched a bit of right rudder and set his right engine on fire, sending him down into the sea, and expiring my amuntion (110 destroyed).

I called Winchester, and returned to base at Hawkinge with no further incident. As I could not tell if I was damaged (I could have been with the amount of tail-gunner fire), I felt it prudent to stay on the ground.

Claims- 2 110's definitely destroyed by my fire, 2 more damaged, both to be killed by other Hurricanes Thaine: <- From what I read in your summary the last two are shared kills or probables?

**Edit** The last two kills were one definite, one damaged. I definitely took down the lead a/c in the chase, after damaging the rear a/c, which broke across my path (and back towards another Hurricane). Upon turning back for shore, I saw the other Hurricane I left behind, but no 110.

claims:
destroyd: 3 x 110, one shared
probable: 1 x 110, shared
damaged: Nil

losses:
aircraft: OK
pilot: OK

If you see the enemy hit the ground and you have a witness, its a "destroyed"; if you see the enemy go down without witness or if you suspect him to be destroyed but didn't see it, it's a "probable". You call it for "damaged" when you think the enemy went home and could land. I'll hope you don't mind me editing around in your report. The clear format with the list makes it easier for me to record everything.
Last edited by TwoStep on Mon Jul 07, 2014 5:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
"Two steps over the line and running"

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

Mission #19

Post by Katt » Sun Jul 06, 2014 9:28 pm

Squadron: No.64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Katt
Date: 11 August 1940
Time: 0800hrs
Base: Hawkinge
Type Spitfire 1A
Marking: L (Lima)'
Serial Number: L1033

Synopsis: Launched with No.64 as a member of White flight and formed up on Flt/Leader Vranac, engaged multiple e/a single engine types without inflicting damage to any of them. Was attacked and easily evaded the enemy machine. Joined my flight leader and patrolled to the French coast, over flew one enemy airfield and RTB without further incident.

Claims:
Destroyed - 0
Probable - 0
Damaged - 0

Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - Undamaged
Image

Mauf
Posts: 1659
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:18 pm

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Mauf » Sun Jul 06, 2014 10:07 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: SD
Pilot name: Mauf
Date: 11th of August, 1940
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane I
Marking: "D for Don"
Serial number: LI898

Synopsis:
Take-off from Hawkinge as Pink2 (I voted for chartreuse but Flick insisted on Pink) with Flick as Pink Leader. Went on as "slightly lighter Red 3" on Ospreys wing as Flick had to RTB after take-off due to a measly weasel that crawled into his radiator and decided to die there, killing his engine.

Followed Red leader up towards Manston area at about Angels 12 whereupon we were bounced by 109s. During the ensuing dogfight, I managed to hit two 109s but noticed no serious damage. The whole fight could mainly be described as just being a bit too far away to make a difference. Returned to base after chasing a 109 off towards france.

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 2x109

Losses:
AC: a few more holes, nothing serious
Pilot: Ok

Siddich
Posts: 54
Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:58 pm
Location: Illertissen, Germany

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Siddich » Mon Jul 07, 2014 1:29 am

Squadron: No.615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Siddich
Date: 11th August 1940
Time: 0800
Aerodrome: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk.I 100 Octane (Rotol)
Marking: H for Harry

synopsis:
nothing to special. could not get to the bombers because of their escort.
damaged a bf 110, a bf 109 and shot down one bf 109 together with Johnny.

claims:
1 damaged bf 109
1 damaged bf 110
1/2 shot down bf 109

AC: A few holes in the fuselage
Pilot: sweat soakened, but ok

Spud
Posts: 499
Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2014 6:06 am
Location: The Frozen Tundra Known as....... Wisconsin.

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Spud » Mon Jul 07, 2014 5:28 am

Squadron: No. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Spud
Date: 11 August 1940
Time: 0800 hrs
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Hawker Hurricane
Marking: R
Serial number: N2335

Synopsis: After waiting WAY too long we finally got to scramble from Hawkinge. I was assigned Yellow 2 with Siddich as lead and Wolf as Yellow 3. We were too late, too low and way out of position to do any good. Our element was jumped by 109’s while climbing. I sustained loss of elevator control and had to bail out over Canterbury without ever firing a shot. Worst mission ever.

Claims
Destroyed:
Probable :
Damaged:

Losses
Pilot - Very pissed off
A/C - written off
Yes........ I AM what's wrong with the world today....... Deal with it!!

Binkitone
Posts: 83
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:19 pm
Location: South Gloucestershire, England

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Binkitone » Mon Jul 07, 2014 5:15 pm

Form 540
Mission 19
Squadron 64
Date: 11th August 1940
Time: 0800 hrs
Aerodrome: Hawkinge
Aeroplane: Spitfire 1a (100oct) / SH-W Serial number: K9964

Synopsis:
After I had been waiting endlessly strapped in my Spit, parked on the aerodrome perimeter facing 118 degrees, the order finally came, 'start engines and take-off', RDF reports contacts are only five and half minutes away! What! We should known earlier.
With engines roaring we nosed our aeroplanes into a south west wind, forming up into our allocated flight pattern on the field, Green flight led by Looky were first at full throttle going across the grass, I followed on the far left in Red two. Soon we were all in the air climbing in a hard right turn towards Dover.
A large formation of bombers was now clearly visible over the channel, reported to be at 20k, we continued to climb steeply, crossing our coast still maintaining wide right turn, after reaching 12k, contacts could be seen west of Folkestone.
Most of the squadron was on my right now heading in that direction, then I saw two contacts diving in on their six, 109s, confirmed by the lead aeroplane opening up with tracers as it cut through the formation, instinctively I broke off to my right to a shallow dive checking my six only to find just the blinding sun, 'Hun in the Sun', 'dammit'! Pulled up to climb to gain height while turning right, soon notice a yellow nose following me, I peeled over to find it had gone, then continued to climb, finally reaching 17k, then noticed I had large cannon holes in my right wing, which indicated I had absorb damage, probably to my flaps and guns.
Continued to circle over Dover, gradually dropping down to 10k in search of hostile planes, not feeling to comfortable with my wing damaged.
Then I spotted a contact climbing steeply, suspecting that it was a 109, I followed to close to discover it was a Hurricane, on closer examination, it had it's right tailplane missing! We then both frequently crossed paths for some considerable time. The general consensus over the RT was Jerry has gone back across the channel, the sky over the white cliff of Dover was now clear of enemy planes. RTB, bumpy landing with no flaps at Hawkinge.

Claims
Destroyed:0
Probable: 0
Damaged:0

Lost
Pilot status: OK
A/C : Damage Right Wing (should keep the airframe fitters busy).
Image

Major
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2014 1:29 am
Location: Cambridgeshire, England

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Major » Mon Jul 07, 2014 5:18 pm

Squadron: No.501 Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Major
Date: 11 August 1940
Time: 0800hrs
Base: Hawkinge
Type Hawker Hurricane Mk.I 100 Octane (Rotol)
Marking: T for Toc
Serial Number: P3208

Synopsis: 10 minutes after take off I received a small burst from a 109 resulting in a minor leak, after that at about 20-30 Minutes later my radiator burst followed by the engine cutting out. As a result I had to ditch in a field just out side of Dover which tore off my left wing and shredded the prop.

Claims:None
Destroyed - 0
Probable - 0
Damaged - 0

Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - Written off

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

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Dange » Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:33 pm

Date: Aug. 11, 1940
Time: 0800 hrs.
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Dange
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Spitfire Ia (100)
Marking: M for Mother
Serial number: N 3122

Sitting and waiting.... couldn't even get out of the cockpit for a piss........

EA 5 minutes out...... rushing to get into the air . Seems like the normal routine these days.

Lifted off (GOLD flight ) with Tyrone as lead , self as No.2 and Fenris No. 3 . We were the tail end charlies.

Climbed to around 10 K and followed lead on a diving attack on a 109 , but when he broke off I lost vis. on the AE. Climbed for altitude and saw a 109 at my altitude heading for France . Gave up chase as I approached the French coast and reversed course. Got a warning from Looky , checked my 6 and observed 2 109's on my tail . Going completely defensive I now was racing for home , but they had E on me and I took some hits. More bobbing and weaving but couldn't avoid the next pass they made and took more bad damage. Got some round off as one of them passed in front of me but due to the oil on my wind screen didn't observe any hits.
Diving now for the deck ....engine barely running ..... EA broke off ........ to low to jump so I had to ditch...... out of the cockpit and under water , I did a reverse hammerhead and surfaced with my raft. The water is pretty chilly I thought.... wouldn't want to be here in the winter.
Watched some of the boys returning home and waited............an hour or so later I spied the rescue launch and it pulled along side me and pulled me out.

Another lesson learned ............" don't pursue past mid channel "

I'm going to catch shit again it seems from the 'boss' and my lead ( Tyrone )


Claims: None
Destroyed - 0
Probable - 0
Damaged - 0

Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - Written off
Image

Redeye
Posts: 1487
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2013 2:50 pm
Location: Haugesund, Norway

Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 19: 11th August 1940 - 0800

Post by Redeye » Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:49 pm

Date: Aug. 11, 1940
Time: 0800 hrs.
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Redeye
Base: Hawkinge
Type: Spitfire Ia (100)
Marking: P for Pip
Serial number: K9964

General report:
64 took of together with 501 and 615 to intecept numerous high contacts approaching Dover. We were late up, and as we
approached Dover we could see enemy bombers at angels 20k, 10,000 ft above us.

We spiral climbed but were bounced by a pack of 109's just fet-wet of Folkestone angels 13. I am unsure of the initial numbers, but the ensuing dogfigt suggest some 10-15 enemy fighters in smaller groups.

The fight broke up into a number of smaller engagements. I latched on to a few fighters, but they were either shot down by friendlies or dived to safety over the Channel. The few rounds I let off were wild misses.

Took a few stray hits from a 109, but no serious damage.

Ended the sortie in a lenghty cat and mouse game mid channel with Tyrone, Looky and Luke.

Had the wits to quit in time and returned to Hawkinge, where I found my landing gear jammed. I engaged the carbondioxide and landed safely.

Claims: None
Destroyed - 0
Probable - 0
Damaged - 0

Losses
Pilot - OK
A/C - Hydraulics damage

Locked