Adlerangriff. Mission 30: 16th August (Tangmere 1300)

[Ninja]

Squadron: No.111
Squadron Code: JU
Pilot Name: Ninja
Date: 30 Aug 1940 12:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane 1a 100 Oct
Marking: N for Nuts

Synopsis:
Take off as Blue 2, Blue 1 Teepee (Leader), Blue 3 Larry from Biggin Hill. Headed south towards the coast then right turn flying parallel to the coast to Selsey before turning south again.
Cruising at angels 18 we sight a flight of JU-87s at about angels 10, Lead orders full throttle and to turn in to attack from there six.
Diving in on a JU-87 fired at target registered hits before becoming target fixated and pulled out of dive to late.
Collided JU-87 tore off my left wing and caught fire tried to bail out but forgot to keybind open canopy so couldn't bailout and crash into the sea where I died on impact.
Fate of the JU-87 unknown but I think Mauf saw the collision and maybe able to confirm its fate.

Claims:

Destroyed: 0
Probable: 1
Damaged: 1

Losses:

Pilot: Killed
Aircraft: Destroyed

[Maltloaf]

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Maltloaf
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: I for Ink
Date: 16 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

Sqn Scrambled (9 a/c) and raced to gain height towards Tangmere. The Hurricanes reported Ju87 in the area of Selsey Bill and we, with a slight height advantage, engaged with the escorts. What followed was a long and deadly melee rising from about angels 10 to 22 with Spits, 109s and the occasional Hurri in a deadly spiral. 64 did its self proud with an impressive tally (TBC) for the damage of two a/c not returning to Kenley but diverting safely elsewhere. In a rare display of luck and panic induced aggression I managed to down 3 109s but with no visual confirmation from anyone else. Disengaged and RTB after some rudder damage and diverted to Redhill when the Merlin started to sound a bit rough.

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 3 x 109s
Damaged: 0

Losses:
AC: Minor damage.
Pilot: Tip Top

[Redeye]

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Redeye
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: P for Romeo
Date: 16 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:
AC: ok
Pilot: ok

[Meaker]

COMBAT REPORT.


SquadronNo................. 615 "County of Surrey" Squadron
Squadron Code............. KW
Date...............................08/16/1940
Time.............................. 1300 hrs.
Base...............................Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane MkI (100Oct)
Marking.........................M for Mike
Serial number................ Z2703

GENERAL REPORT.........P/O ‘’Meaks’’ Meaker

I had been transfered to 615 Squadron by the Wing Commander from 501,things were heating up and he was in his words balancing out the Squadrons,so I was over at Group HQ that morning getting my orders.

On coming out of the large oak doors at Group I bumped into old Corporal Spud,he’d been doing a top job over at 615 ever since Squadron Leader Hawes had gone missing over the Channel some months back.Hello,’old boy’, I said,what,you here to see the old man too then?.......hello,Meaks he replied,yes,I’ve just been informed I’m to take up the role of Squadron Leader over at 615.Well that’s bloody marvellous,I said,and I’ve just been informed by the old man I’m to lead one of your sections,let’s go have a drink and celebrate,the mess is only over there.

After some time spent in the mess over at Group we both made our way back to Kenley,where upon my new skipper introduced me to the fine chaps of 615,many I had flown with before,but now I would be flying with them permanently,they all seemed a grand bunch.P/O Baron was always a good source of merryment and a damn fine pilot too,he had seen some action I can tell you.

It was after meeting my new fellow comrades,that I was shown my new kite parked out on Kenley's hardstanding,she was a real beauty too,she had one of the latest paint jobs on her,the spinner was in Sky and she had a sky tail band too,to say I was very pleased would be an understatement.Her marking was ‘M’ for Mike or Meaker,more appropriately,and I could’nt help thinking the old man had something to do with this,hehe,the old bugger.

My new kite,M for Meaker,and a very happy pilot to boot


We all then got our kit together and walked over to our dispersal hut,the runway at Kenley was a concrete one and a bloody far cry from the ‘old swamp’ I had got used to at Gravesend,this was a real runway,god I felt spoilt,what luxury.
Spud soon informed us of our sections and flights,I was to lead Blue section with P/O Hollywood as my Blue 2 and Tech Kev as my Blue 3,not that I would have to do much leading,these battle hardened guys knew what to do,so I felt gifted with a top bunch of guys too.

Soon the call came through,and after 64 Squadron got airborne,we made our way onto the runway and formed up behind the skipper.Thirty plus bandits were inbound at Angels 10,...without any delay 615 roared from the runway at Kenley and headed slightly South East vectoring 200 degrees and climbed to some Angels 13 before levelling out.
This was it ‘show time’,we flew over Shoreham –By-Sea and went feet wet,very soon one of our chaps spotted the hun invaders,......''STUKAS!....on our 11 o’clock,loads of ‘em!!''

I then heard our skipper report their position and we readied ourselves for battle,after following our prey for an orbit,the skipper led Red and Blue sections into the attack,with Yellow section staying high to fend off the escort.Red section led by the skipper took up an engaging position on the Starboard side of the hun formation,whilst I led Blue section over to the Port side,this way I knew we would’nt get in each over’s way.

Immediately I swarmed in on a happless Stuka,just under his 6 o’clock,got within range,just under 200 yards,and fired off two short bursts,got the main fuel tank and he was sent down in flames,this was soon noted by the skipper.Great I thought,I’d opened my account with 615,I soon sent another to earth blazing as he fell out of the sky.

By this time the 109’s were inbound to deal with us and I was getting a stiff neck from looking behind,when suddenly,I had no control over my kite,my rudder must have been shot off,as I was spiralling out of control.

I tried everything in the book,to gain control,throttled back,stuck in opposite lock on my rudder and brought the stick slightly into a forward position,but it was useless,I was seriously spinning but it was a horizontal spin.After transmitting my predicament to skip and the rest of 615,I unfastened my ‘Sutton’harness,stepped up onto my seat,and jumped clear of Z2703.

As I jumped clear,of my aircraft,I realized why I had entered into a horizontal spin,the back half of my kite had been completely cut off,some other aircraft had chopped me in two.I fell earthwards and at about 2-300 ft pulled opened my rip cord and after the chute had deployed sailed gently into the channel.

I spent bloody hours in the channel,and finally succumbed to sheer exhaustion,the cold,and fell asleep,but it was’nt sleep.

Claims:

Destroyed: 2 Ju-87’s
Probable: 1 Ju87
Damaged: n/a

Losses:

Pilot: KIA by the channel!
Aircraft: Lost

[Robo]

Squadron: No.501 County of Gloucester Squadron RAF
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: F/O Robo. Bailey
Date: 30 Aug 1940 12:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane 1a 100 Oct
Marking: U for Uncle

Synopsis:
Took of as Yellow 1 with Sgt. Fang as Yellow 2, what an excellent wingman to have with me. Climbing with the rest of the group to Angels 17, the RC was leading us in circles for a while, but eventually we found them - a large formation of enemy dive bombers. Escorted by some high snappers, Goering's boys will attempt to attack the Blighty again and again, they will fly home with a blue eye. W/Cdr. Osprey leading the way, he split us into two groups - Red and Yellow to stay high and have a go at the fighters and Blue and Green attacking the Stukas. The plan worked a treat and many Ju-87 were downed. I climbed at full power, followed by Sgt. Fang all the way to Angels 19, we turned towards a high flying e/a and gave a chase. I closed in in a shallow dive right up to 150 yards and fired a 2 second burst. Flames burst from the fuselage and the Me 109 fell of the sky. I claim one 109 destroyed while being covered by Yellow 2. We then tried to turn back towards the Stukas, but were interrupted by several higher flying 109s. I had to take evasive action and as I was about to climb back, I spotted a lone Ju-87 right underneath me - plane was undamaged, bombs still attached, he clearly turned for home when our lads attacked the group. I lined up with his canopy and attacked from 5 o'clock high. My bullets struck home, gunner's gun dangling helplessly, he's clearly bought it, poor sod. The bomber went in almost vertically in area about 6 miles N of IoW. I could not locate any more Stukas, except for heavily damaged ones limping home on the sea level. That will teach them coming over. Nothing will pass the message about the RAF defense better than bombers returning home with plenty of .303 cal holes in them. I claim one Ju-87 destroyed.
After this encounter, I focused on re-joining with Yellow 2 and called a rendezvous point over a lone friendly ship just off the coast. We have indeed re-formed and continued to climb inland. We gave a chase to a lone 109 turning in a wide circle, but he was too fast for us and started to drag us underneath unknown high contacts, so we disengaged inland and carried on climbing. Another bomber formation has been reported en route, we climbed even harder to get to them on time. My plan was to get enough altitude for a well positioned attack and then disengage home. Passing Tangmere, we continued flying South until we got co-alt with the group. I ordered an attack at full power, we had to be careful as there were many snappers about. I counted at least 6 behind the bombers, which turned out to be Ju-88s. I closed in behind the last aircraft on the left, followed by Yellow 2, but I had to break away just as I was getting in range as I was being followed by one of the German Zerstoerers. Turning left, I watched Yellow 2 giving a chase on this 110 rather than on a Ju-88, but that's fair enough. After a short fight, another 109 appeared from the main group and scored a few good hits on Yellow 2. The impact looked horrendous, but luckily, his mighty Hurricane held together. What a wonderful machine! The 109 disengaged as I closed in from the height and I also lost the 110. Yellow 2 reported to be OK, but I asked him to RTB just in case, his plane could snap wing when he least needed it in next combat. Good show, sergeant, Tally ho! I turned back to see if there is any more Hun to deal with, I spotted 3 contacts fairly low and closed in. One of them turned out to be Bonks, playing a bit of hide and seek with a 110. There was a 109 above him to spoil the game, so I carried on full speed. He managed to nibble the Zerstoerer to death and forced it to belly land. He was also hit by that pesky 109 and had to rtb. I managed to get on the six of this e/a and after some maneuvering, I shot it down in flames. I claim another 109 dostroyed. This pilot was very good and threw his plane around rather skillfully, I noticed a brown-red number 11 on the fuselage as I got close enough at one point of the combat. Low on fuel and ammo, I decided to pack it up and headed home. Landed back at Biggin Hill and parked my tired SD-U.

Claims:

Destroyed: 2x Bf 109, 1x Ju-87
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:

Pilot: OK
Aircraft: OK

[Donkey]

quadron: No. 615 Squadron
Squadron Code: KW
Pilot Name: Donkey
Date: 30 Aug 1940 12:00
Base: RAF Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: P for Pip

Synopsis:
Took off as Yellow 3 with Azref as Yellow 1 and Shark as Yellow 2. Climbed to 15000 feet and crossed the coast at Shorham. Yellow 1 called out 109s, and as he did my Hurricane took a hammering. Didn't see the bastard that got me, didn't even fire my guns. Dropped 10000 feet heading back to Blighty before the engine finally died, leaving me with no choice but to eject as I wasn't going to make it home. I honestly thought my 'chute wouldn't open, but it did, probably no more than 1000 feet above the sea. Drifted gently down to a lucky rescue from ASR.



Claims: none

Losses: Ok
Aircraft: Sunk
Pilot: Injured

[Fang]

Squadron: No.501 County of Gloucester Squadron RAF
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Sgt. Fang
Date: 30 Aug 1940 12:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane 1a 100 Oct
Marking: F for Freddie

Synopsis:
With the new squadrons and pilots organised I flew Yellow 2 with Robo as my flight lead, after learning alot last time out I was eager to get more practice at the Hun. Keeping tight to yellow leader we were on our way to an intercept course. With a large bomber formation low to us and with Red flight diving in we waited and gained some height it was then Yellow leader dropped nicely on the tail of a 109 and with a short burst the 109 burst into flames. We then gained height as the sky filled with Hun fighters, soon after a 109 tried to bounce yellow leader but to no avail, now closing on another formation of bombers I made a error in judgement and chased a 110 although striking good hits my joy soon became short lived with a 109 on my tail and Yellow leader calling Break Break Break. I had managed to shake the Hun off but sustanined slight damage, I checked back in with Yellow leader and then made for home. When we got back to a safer area I contiuned to RTB and Yellow leader went back to continue the fight. Spotting the safety of our base I completed a circuit of the field followed by a clean landing, shutting down SD-F I waited at the mess for Robo to return and debrief a busy flight.

Claims:

Destroyed: 1x Bf 110 shared with Dave
Damaged: 0
Probable:0
Losses:

Pilot: OK
Aircraft: OK

[Fenris]

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Fenris
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: F
Date: 16 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

Flamed one 109 and scratched the paint on another. Had to land at a forward airbase with a leaky radiator, don't know if i was hit or if i just pushed the plane to hard.

Claims:
Destroyed: 1
Damaged: 1

Losses:
AC: Damaged
Pilot: ok

[Teepee]

Squadron: No.111 (Fighter) Squadron
Squadron code: "JU"
Pilot name: Sqn Ldr Teepee
Date: 16th August 1940
Time: 1300 hrs.
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Trusty Hawker Hurricane Mk 1A
Marking: "M for Marvel"
Serial number: N2617

Synopsis:

Today was the start of a new era. The fledgling unit that was to become No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron had been formed at Biggin Hill and the Boss had agreed, under pressure from the Brass, to transfer me to Biggin and become the new Squadron Commander. I recognised some of the old sweats almost immediately PO Sabre along with Sgts Mauf and ‘Quiet’ Larry were also from the fighting 501 Sqn and I was lucky the Boss had let them transfer too. There were two new pilots Sgt Ninja and Sgt Ratty who had joined us from the OTU. LAC Schmuck was due to be posted in once his parent 615 Sqn had signed his release documents. Our Squadron Call sign was ‘Wagon’ and this was certainly going to be a ‘three piano celebration’ when the missions for today had finished and the Mess bar was open.

We six arranged ourselves into two Sections. I was to lead Blue with Sgt Ninja (Blue 2) and Sgt ‘Quiet’ Larry (Blue 3). Sgt Mauf was given the lead of Red Section with PO Sabre and Sgt Ratty as his wingmen. The Ops Wizards had briefed us to expect fresh air raids in the afternoon so we strapped into our amazing machines just before mid-day in eager anticipation of what was to come. At around 12:10 the Boss gave the go ahead to start engines and the airfield was deafened by the sound of mighty Merlins beating into life. We taxied our incredible 111 (Fighter) Sqn Hurricanes into position behind 501 Sqn and waited for the off. ‘Lets go’ the Boss shouted and 501 Sqn leapt into the air. After a pause I said ‘Wagons Roll’ and we sped down the runway at an incredible pace. Unfortunately Sgt ‘Quiet’ Larry hit some recently deposited Spittie debris on the runway and was forced to abort his run. He could catch us up as there was no time to lose. The enemy were en-route and we were going to meet them.

We climbed steadily as we headed for the South coast. At 15,000ft we crossed the coast just to the East of Shoreham. ‘Quiet’ Larry was slowly catching up with us as we headed West towards Selsey Bill. We heard reports over the radio as 615 Sqn was giving the Dark Side a deadly DeWilde welcome and increased our speed in pursuit of the prey. Passing Selsey Bill, at 18,000ft, we then headed South into the Channel to investigate reports of a large enemy formation heading toward Blighty. We soon spotted them. A large formation of Ju87s was at 15,000ft and I steered 111 (F) Sqn to enable an attack on the black crossed crates from their rear left quarter. ‘Tally Ho’ I cried and sped up my awesome machine to maximum power as I attacked along with the rest of my colleagues.

I positioned my unbelievable machine behind and below a Ju87 and let the Hun have it. Almost immediately smoke belched from the airframe as it dipped down in the inevitable spiral of doom towards the waters below us. I pulled up and commenced my second attack similar to my first. Again the target was sprayed with my deadly lead and again the hapless Hun dropped out of the sky. I never saw the two aircraft hit the sea but I was called up by a passing Naval vessel which confirmed my kills. I claim 2 x Ju87 destroyed. I heard the excited calls of my fellow pilots as they too despatched the Hun in true British style. Mauf was wiping the vermin from the skies and Sabre, Ratty and Ninja were equally magnificent. Unfortunately just as ‘Quiet’ Larry appeared he was bounced by some pesky 109s and was forced to retire safe but thoroughly dejected at having lost his chance to eradicate the verminous Hun.

I had just positioned myself behind another loser when I felt my airframe shudder. It was another pesky 109 trying to bring down the marvel machine. Luckily the Boffins at Hawkers had designed the sturdy beast to take punishment of this sort and I broke off my attack and made a heading for the coast and a friendly airfield. But the dastardly Hun was having nothing of the sort. He attacked me again and this time he dealt a mortal blow to my miracle machine. I jumped to safety. I saw the waiting ship beneath me and luckily they sent a small cutter to rescue me and take me back to port.

I called Biggin and they sent a crew bus down to collect me. On reaching base I briefed the Sqn Adj on my kills and he was astonished at our successes. Collectively the six of us from No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron had managed to destroy 8 Ju87s. Sadly we also lost two fine pilots. I made my way to the Mess with the intention of briefing the Boss on how we had fared on our first mission. I celebrated with the Chaps and we managed to burn four pianos in between the rounds of Badgers. Some resourceful chap managed to find a harp in the Music Room so we burned that as well. After all it isn’t every day that we get to fly in a new Squadron. However the Boss flatly refused to let us burn the Hammond organ from the local church on pain of being court martialled, so we returned to the Badgers instead to drown our sorrows.

It was while I was at the Bar that I met a nice young filly who turned out to be the daughter of the Mayor of Westerham, from just down the road. She said that her father had an ornate piece of jewellery that he wore on ceremonial duties and did I want to see it. I agreed, naturally, and said that I had an ornate ring that she could look at and then she could show me hers. I suggested we stop by the Station Library to open the bottles of wine. I don’t remember anything alse after that.


Claims:
Destroyed: 2 x Ju87
Probable: None
Damaged: 1 x Ju87

Losses:
Pilot: OK
A/C: A figment of the imagination.

Tea, Cakes and Medals due for starting on a high.

[Dave]

Squadron: No.501 County of Gloucester Squadron RAF
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: LAC Dave
Date: 30 Aug 1940 12:00
Base: Biggin Hill
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia
Marking: W for William

Synopsis:
By the time I was discharged from hospital after my crash-landing at Eastchurch, the ranks at good old 501 were a bit thin. AVM Park had ordered a reshuffle to bring neighbouring squadrons up to strength, and so it seemed we'd lost a lot of good pilots to transfers. In fact 501 itself was now moved to lead Biggin Hill Wing. For what that was worth anyway - the shake-up had caused a bit of chaos which didn't seemed to have been solved by the time the call to scramble came. In the event I was actually made a section leader, flying as Blue One with Broadsword on my wing. With only the two of us it's a bit of a stretch to call it a section frankly, but nevertheless it was an odd experience to lead ANYTHING. I'd gotten used to close-formation flying up at the front in red section, and suddenly I was flying tail-end charlie, keeping a lookout for bandits rather than concentrating on maintaining formation. Must admit though - it was a very welcome change of pace, just a shame my lack of experience really showed once we got into combat.

We got off without much of a hitch - blue two had a bit of a sticky undercarriage lever it seemed but we were underway in no time - even managed to give the Spitty toffs at 64 a low pass on our way out! We began climbing out towards Bognor Regis to intercept a couple of incoming waves of enemy bombers headed for the Tangmere-Ford area. We found the first wave in no time, Stukas. Red and Yellow sections broke off to deal with the escorts since our Spitfires were nowhere in sight, so Green and Blue attacked the dive-bombers. Green section took the right-hand vic, and I took the left, scoring some good but seemingly ineffective hits on the right-hand rear Stuka. I looped up and came back around twice more after this, scoring hits on that same Stuka and the leader, both were venting glycol and fuel heavily. I claim these two as damaged.

By this point the escorts had caught up to us so I broke off right and high, searching around for threats. Thankfully 64 had finally arrived and were, to their credit, beating the snot out of Herr Goering's finest. I managed to get a couple of 109s in my sights on two occasions but each time their speed allowed them to escape me before I was in effective firing range. In one case I witnessed a Spitfire zoom right past me and riddle the hun in question with a deadly burst of lead. The 109 immediately nose-dived for the deck and the Spitfire wisely broke off, content to let the bastard run away, tail between his legs.

By now Blue Two had called winchester and was headed home for a speedy re-arm and re-fuel, so I was alone, but managed to find the second wave of bombers, Ju-88s. It took some time to catch up and the fighter escort was so thick that I never even got a chance to make a pass on them. I seemed to have gotten myself in a furball against multiple 109s and 110s alongside Robo and Fang. They had more energy than me, however so I spent most of my time making use of my trusty Hurricane's superior maneuverability against continuous diving attacks by 109s. Eventually I managed to latch onto a pair of Me110s, the second of which seemed a bit confused since he actually began shooting at his wingman at one point. He began diving, and I didn't waste any time. I didn't have long before he was out of firing range. I let fly a couple of lengthy bursts, and observed impacts along both his wings. One of his engines began streaming coolant, but I had to break off before I could do any more damage as yet another 109 made a pass at me. I deftly evaded, and re-located the 110. He was very low now - can't have been more than a few thousand feet. I made a pass at him and saw that both his engines had died. The gunner fired a few panicky bursts in my direction, but I wasn't interested in shooting a lame duck. I circled overhead, keeping an eye on him and he eventually crashed at the outskirts of Slindon. Judging by our observations on the A/C's markings it seems Fang and I both share credit for this kill.

After this, the fight seemed to have broken up, with the remaining huns heading back to France. I headed back for Biggin, meeting up with Broadsword in time for us both to land safe and sound in damn fine form if I do say so myself! Hard to live up to Teepee and co. of Blue section fame, but with a bit of work we'll be giving out just as good a thrashing in no time.

Claims: Two Stukas damaged, one Me 110 destroyed (shared with Fang).

Pilot: Feeling rather pleased with himself
Aircraft: A few holes in the canvas, but otherwise spotless.

Blue section home again.jpg