Adlerangriff. Mission 25: 13th August (1. Portsmouth 1430)

[Dickie]

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: TB
Pilot Name: Osprey
Date: 13th Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: P for Pip
Serial: V6620

Synopsis
I was furious. Those clots down at Tangmere couldn't hold their own again and had forced my wing to go and bail them out. Teepee was doubly cross because he had arranged a 'test match' as he called it to decide who was the best Hurricane squadron at Kenley. "But what about the test match? Can't No.64 go and not us?" he said whilst stood there in his whites, pads on, bat in hand and a stump tucked under his arm. "Well I'm sorry old bean but orders are orders. I'm furious myself and shall write telegram to ops about it", I lit my pipe full of fresh Old Shag and said "And it's not a bloody test match Flying Officer, it's bloody limited overs cricket. I can't make a century off 20 overs, nor make No.615 follow on". "Yes but it's in principle a test, I haven't got five days spare like we did at Eton". It was a convincing argument but the rules of cricket were solid, limited overs was not a test. "And get out of those bloody whites and get your kite prep'd".

We arrived at Tangmere mid-morning, the aerodrome was stuffed full of Hurricanes and Spitfires. They weren't Tangmere Wing's birds though, they were already out on patrol. It was a hot day and Jerry was at it, the odd Hurricane from their Wing came in to land, some pissing oil or other fluid and sounding rather rough. The chaps were relaxing and banter was flying between No.615 and No.64 about one of the local girls, Mimi, and who hadn't had relations with her. Teepee then took it upon himself to teach the LBW rule to Robo from gold section - it was a lost cause, "Look, if it's leg side you can't be out LBW" he said over and over "Buit vat eef eet heets my leg?" replied Robo in confusion. "Forget it Blue Leader, these foreign chaps don't understand the joys of British games" PO Meaker interjected. Then the bell rang, No.615 were scrambled for a raid coming in, I ordered that No.64 split and send up at least 6 Spitfires with them. Mandrel and the remaining Spitfires waited. About 25 minutes afterwards we also got the call, it was a big one, 60 plus comming in to the Isle of Wight. The wizards at Uxbridge had worked out that Jerry was after Boscombe Down and surrounding airfields, those idiots had it wrong, they weren't even RAF main bases, just like when they kept attacking the Naval field at Eastchurch. Bloody fools. This time we woudl trap them inland, No.615 and A flight No.64 enganged the Hun north of Southampton, the rest of the wing waited over the Solent. Sure enough after the wildfire on the R/T the battered formations started to appear - the dogs dropped bombs on the civilians in Southampton instead! Bastards! "Ju88's, No escort, Tally Ho" I called and we screamed downhil for a head on. I only scratched the tail of my target and then came in for a pass from behind. I fired on one observing many strikes and a small fire started. He rolled left and fell into a vertical dive. I claim this Ju88 as destroyed. "Watch out, 109's!" I called as a staffel of Huns appeared. There was a great fight then I ordered those not engaged to regroup over Newport. "There's more of them at 11 o'clock low" There were 6 in formation this time and we went after them diving in from angels 20. I fired into the starboard engine of the first and damaged the harbinger badly but he gave some back and my armoured windshield bought it. I claim him as damaged. Those boffins at Hawkers had done their homework and the bullets were prevented from doing their dirty work. My Hurricane coped admirably as usual, I patted her in thanks. I lined myself for a second pass and ripped into another of the black crossed rats, this time pulling the ace of spades from the pack. His engines went for a Burton spewing out all of their oil over the Solent, then another Hurricane belted him hard. This one is a shared claim for me, that's a successful day all round. I then latched onto chasing 109's and lined up one of the dogs in my gunsight I pressed my Dunlop firing control but nothing, blast it, I had used all of my ammunition on the bombers "Your lucky day Hermann" I muttered before rolling over into a dive for home - get out fast. I safely put in at Tangmere and got the chiefy to "fit me a new window old boy, I'll be in the Officers mess"

Claims
Destroyed 1 1/2 Ju88
Probable none
Damaged 1 Ju88

Lost
Minor damage to V6620

[Toxic]

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Toxic
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: A for Apple

Synopsis:
Took off from Tangmere in gold flight. Intercepted the bombers east of the isle of wight. Gold flight was the first to make contact. Watched Robo flame a Ju-88s left engine. Overshot my first pass, came around for a second where I shot the Ju-88's right engine, flaming it. Turned around to intercept another 88 PK'd the pilot & set its left engine in flames. Watched both aircraft meet the earth on the isle. With the help of Meaker we cleaned up another Ju-88. Lost contact with the group. Was then bounced by a snapper disabling my ailerons. Descended down over Sandown airport where I made an emergency landing.

Kills: 2 x Ju-88
Shared: 1 x Ju-88 (w/ Meaker)
------
Pilot: Okay
Aircraft: Damaged, but repairable.

[Von Archie]

Squadron: No. 615
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Archie
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: K
Serial: R4192

Took off as Blue 2, got bounced by a 109 when about to engage bombers, and lost rudder control.
Fluffed an emergency landing and ended up as a crater in a field.

Kills: 0
Pilot: KIA
Aircraft: Lost

[Siddich]

Squadron: No. 615
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Siddich
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: H
Serial: L2025

Took of as Red 1, damaged two Ju88s, got shot at by an unseen 109, engine damaged, landed at Worthydown.

claims: 2x Ju 88s damaged
pilot: ok
aircraft: damaged engine

[Mauf]

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Mauf
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: D for Don
Serial: LI898


Synopsis:

Take off from Tangmere as Blue 3 with Teepee as Blue leader and Meaker as Blue 2. Transit to target area east of the isle of wight making contact with enemy Ju-88 bomber formation. Missed headon attack opportunity but managed to flame two bombers on the return pass.
Regroup with Squadron leader over the isle of wight and transit north towards second group of bombers. Engaged said bombers from the 6°clock, severely damaging two bombers, one oil streaming engine for each. Turned around for a third run to finish off said bombers but
got bounced by a 109 that perforated my right wing. The damaged wing almost made it impossible to turn and hampered my planes ability to climb. I radio'd in my situation, disengaged and returned to Tangmere.


Claims:

Destroyed: 2xJu-88
Probable: 2xJu-88
Damaged: none

Losses:
Pilot: Ok
A/C: Right wing now a fully functional cheesegrater

[Luke]

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Luke
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: R for Romeo
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere


Claims:
Confirmed: 2 xBF109's
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1xBF109

Losses:
AC: OK
Pilot: OK

[Redeye]

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Redeye
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: P for Pip
Date: 13 Aug 1940 1430, Portsmouth
Base: Tangmere

Engaged straggling bombers of Isle of Wight with Hurricanes attacking in large numbers. Proceeded to engage several small groups of enemy A/C, covering Vranacs tail. I confirm that Vranac damaged at least 2 x 109's who proceeded to smoke glycol after taking hits. Me and Vranac both jumped a 109 that was already streaming glycol heading south. Vranac came in first and produced minor hits and I managed to line up a good shot that set it on fire, flames and black smoke streaming as is spiraled towards the seafloor. I claim this 109 as 1/2 a kill. We then proceeded to chase small numbers of fighters heading towards Cherbourg alone or in pairs. I failed to produce any more hits. Landed in formation at Tangmere.


Claims:
Confirmed: 1/2 109.
Probable: 0
Damaged:

Losses:
AC: OK
Pilot: OK

[Kev]

Squadron: No.615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Kev
Call sign: Red 2
Date: 13th August 1940
Time: 14.30
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hurricane I Rotol
Marking: L - London
Serial Number: V6618

Synopsis:

Panta Sqn had been moved to cover the Tangmere sector and along with 501 Sqn and number 64 Sqn were based at the sector airfield. We were at five minutes notice on peri track when we received the order to scramble. Panta was ordered to scramble first and we took off in good order and formed after a couple of circuits of the airfield. We were ordered to patrol the Andover area at angels 20. Red leader sighted 2x formations of Ju88’s crossing the coast the Bournemouth / Lyminton area.

Tally ho! Was called and Panta Sqn tore into the En formation from the left flank. It some became apparent that the raid was escorted with several Bf109’s sighted above the bombers.

I had the advantage of height and closed with the right hand group of the bomber formation and selected the outermost En bomber. At a range of 200 yards I fired 2x 3- second bursts and registered good strikes across his starboard wing and immediately the engine emitted filthy black oil.

I climbed rapidly over the formation and made a second pass selecting a second aircraft from this section. Again I fired 2x 3-second bursts and noted good hits across the rear and wings of the En A/C. white vapour was seen to be coming out of the left and right engines.

At this moment someone shouted out a warning that three fights were diving in from the rear. I took evasive action but could not see the En Fighters. Having reacquired the En bomber formation I pulled the tit to gain 12lb full boost and closed with the rear right hand side of the En formation. It was at this moment I sighted a Hurricane following me on the rear starboard quarter. I asked for identification and found it to be JT Biggles. By now we were in effective range of the Huns, however I chose to get in a bit closer before opening fire. Once again I saw good hits on the En A/C’s starboard wing and the engine poured out oil although the A/C didn’t catch fire it was very doubtful if he would make it back to France with the level of damage inflicted.

JT Biggles called he was being attacked by a Bf109. I sighted the En Machine to his rear and gave chase. The 109 when into a dive and I decided to pursue as I felt there was a good chance of getting some hits. His wingman was perusing me however and the first indication I got was a couple of tracers flying by. I immediately snap rolled and turned away successfully loosing the 109.

I could still see the remnants of the En bomber formation still heading in land so I turned to gain height and make another attack. I looked over my shoulder and sighted 2x distant single engine aircraft but could not identify them until the leader opened fire. I was hit with a single small calibre round in the port wing and due to the long range managed to turn rather smartly and dive away.

Having very little ammunition left and a damaged aircraft I informed red leader I was returning to base and landed without further incident.

A very good effort from 615 today. The Ju88’s took a good pasting from us and hopefully we caused the escort fighters to use up precious fuel and ammunition before the other squadrons arrived.

Tea and biscuits all around for today’s show. The intelligence officer should be happy with this one!


End report


Claims:

Destroyed: Nil
Probable: 2x Ju88’s
Damaged: 1x Ju88
Losses: Nil: Small calibre hole to repair in the wing: Note to ground crew; Boost used for 2 minutes will require logging against the engine.
Pilot: A1

End Report

JT Kev 615 Sqn

[Katt]

Squadron: No. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Katt
Date: 13 Aug 1940
Time: 1430hrs
Base: Tangmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane 1a 100 Oct
Marking: A
Serial Number P2581

Synopsis

Launched with 615 Squadron as number three in Red Section with Siddich as flight leader - good form up with clear instructions from Red One - intercepted multiple enemy bomber formations and attacked the right hand formation as directed - damaged one Ju88 whose port engine was streaming heavily when I was struck by fire from an enemy fighter - I was wounded and the aircraft damaged sufficiently that departure by parachute was required.

Claims
Destroyed: 0
Probable: 1
Damaged: 0

Losses
Pilot: Wounded
A/C: Lost

[Spud]

Squadron: No. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code: WK
Pilot Name: Spud
Date: 08/13/1940
Time: 1400 hrs.
Base: Tengmere
Type: Hawker Hurricane
Marking: R
Serial number: N2335

Synopsis:

Who would think that someone would be bored enough to come back from leave a day early so they could get back to fighting a war? But that's exactly what I did. The fishing was great but it was time to come back and I arrived just in time to hear that we were off to Tengmere. Uggg..... Tengmere. And those useless bastards in the Fat Cat Squadron. Once again they can't hold their weight so its up to the Kenley Wing to come down and pick up the slack.

As I arrived at Tengmere and taxied to my parking spot, I could see Nigsy was finishing up a fine job of marking territory on a line of Fat Cat crates parked to my right. "Good Dog", I said to myself as I shut my kite down. I must have made quite an impression with the Fat Catters the last time I was here because they left me alone this time around. And I was okay with that. I was in no mood for their antics.

After the rest of 615 came in and shut down, the pilots all got together for flight assignments. I was assigned to Green Section (no. 3) with Donkey, Biggles and Johnny as lead. We would be the high cover flight. Red and Blue sections would go after the bombers.

With the Hurries all refueled, armed and ready to go, I went out for a quick preflight and a smoke break. My trusty KW-R was in fine shape and I quickly donned my kit and settled into my office to strap in. The smell of sweat, cigarette smoke, oil, cordite and aircraft dope was very familiar and comforting. Instinctively, I started setting the kite up for the fight. Rads open. Trim set, Fuel cock set to reserve for startup, Boost c/o in. Gyro set. Gun site checked. Gear and flap handles neutralized. And a couple pumps on the aux hydro system for good measure. All I had to do was wait for the order to start up.

The wait wasn't long. Jerry was sending an armada across the channel and we had to stop them. KW-R spun over, caught quickly and I warmed her up at a fast tick over as Red and Blue sections took to the runway. We took up the rear. Take off was uneventful. I stuck to Johnny's left wing as we circled to the left, descended to treetop level and blew past 64 and 501 squadron as they assembled on the runway. We then climbed out and set off for the bombers.

We leveled off just below contrail height and soon we could see the bombers to our low 3 o'clock. As Red and Blue sections set up for their attack, Johnny caught sight of something on our 6 o'clock and called for the break. Johnny broke left and I broke to the right into him to cover each other's tails. After that, I lost track of the flight. Damn. Alone in the battle area is not a good place to be. So I went to full power and 3000 rpm and prepared for war. I headed for the bombers but kept my altitude. At first, it looked like the coast was clear and the bombers were unescorted. But as the first fighters started to engage the Ju-88's they started calling out snappers. I looked closer and sure enough, there they were. I saw a flight of 3 Bf-109's and latched onto them, giving chase. I was gaining on them verrrrrrrry sloooooooooowly as they circled to the right and climbed. As the circle continued, I noticed more and more 109's joining the group. I was in the middle of their rally point. And I was just far enough away that they were mistaking me for one of them. I checked left, right and behind. Sure enough. I was now flying in loose formation with a Staffel!!!! Time to get out of this potential shit show. I rolled right and got out of there pronto! Unfortunately, my break caught their attention. But it also caught them off guard. I figured I was dead meat so I might as well keep the enemy Staffel occupied and buy some time for my mates flaming the bombers below. KW-R flew like she was on rails as I jinked and weaved. Nobody was able to line me up for a shot, but I knew my time would eventually run out as the odds appeared to be about 7 to 1 in their favor. As I pulled into a steep right turn, I heard a heavy thud shake my airframe as a 109 flashed past my 6. I continued my roll to the right and was going to perform a spilt-s. But when I pulled the stick back, the houses didn't get big. "Hmmmmm. My elevators are shot. This could get interesting". I thought to myself. I rolled wings level And she started to climb steeply. I rolled the trim to counteract. No dice. We looped over at about angels 21. Coming over the top I noticed the 109's decided to leave me alone. Hopefully I bought some time for the guys to take on the bombers. As my airspeed increased in my dive, I rolled out from my inverted position. The crate started to climb again. I thought about popping the canopy and leaving her behind but changed my mind. I still had plenty of altitude so I decided to try and do my best with what I had. By alternately rolling 90 degrees of bank left and right, I was able to use rudder to control my pitch axis. I couldn't hold a heading for shit, but I was able to fly. Good enough for me.

Passing over Winchester at Angels 15 (okay.. more like weaving like a retarded albatross on crack..), I could see Southampton off my nose. I knew if I followed the river, I should come up on the airfield. So I chopped the power and started my acrobatic nightmare of a descent rolling left and right while kicking opposite rudder to keep things in check. As I descended, through Angels 8 I noticed flack in my close vicinity. Sure enough, there was an 88 headed south. I knew it would be an act of timing and luck, but If I could just get that 88 in my sights, I might just be able to put a squirt or 2 into it. As luck would have it, the 88 swung through my gunsite just long enough for me to gut a quick burst in. I saw some DW spark across her wings but that was pretty much it as she stayed on course. I was in no condition to give chase and with the Southampton runway in sight I set up for landing. I dropped the gear and this immediately stopped KW-R's tendency to climb. Half flaps brought the nose down into a shallow decent, but I was unable to adjust the angle with the application of power. I brought the flaps up to 20 and this brought everything under control. My approach speed was a bit fast at 130 mph, but for the first time I actually thought I would be able to pull this off. I crossed the fence at 120, pulled up the flaps and applied power. This brought the nose up a bit and the mains touched the runway with a bit of a bounce. I chopped the throttle and settled in. Even though it didn't work, I had the stick pulled into my gut as my crate finished her landing. Force of habit, I guess.

As I pulled up to the ramp some ground crew came running up. "Are you wounded"? One man asked. "No. I'm Fine". I replied. "Top off the tanks and throw some more ammo in her. And if you get a chance, check my stick. I think it's broken". I said.

"What's wrong with it"? the ground crewman asked. "Well, when I pull it back, houses don't get small. And when I push it forward, they don't get big. Rather odd. Oh. And where is the nearest pub? I'm a bit parched"? The ground crewman just gave me a puzzled look as he pointed over his shoulder towards a group of buildings way off in the distance. "Ah. Good show. Within walking distance I see. I'll be back in a couple of hours". And with that I lit up a smoke and headed off to the pub; still happy that I ended my leave a day early.

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1 (barely.... but I'll take what I can get)

Losses:
Pilot: A...O...K!!
A/C: Need to fix that thingee in the back so my stick works again.