Shipping attacked off Norfolk coast and the Channel. Yeovil bombed.
Night: Minelaying.
Weather: Low cloud.
Main Activity:
At 1130 hours, two Spitfires from No. 603 Squadron successfully intercepted and shot down a Heinkel He 111 from 2./KG 26. The bomber, dispatched from Norway to target an airfield north of the Firth of Forth, was brought down into the sea approximately 50 miles offshore.
By 1330 hours, Hurricanes from No. 213 Squadron intercepted a reconnaissance Dornier Do 17 north of Portland. Although the Do 17 sustained damage, it managed to down one of the Hurricanes.
At 1350 hours, a small formation of Junkers Ju 88 bombers from LG 1 launched a raid on the Westland Aircraft Works at Yeovil, causing damage to hangars and runways. A Spitfire from No. 92 Squadron, based at Pembrey, intercepted the attackers and successfully shot down one of the bombers.
Shortly after, at 1413 hours, fifteen Dornier Do 17 bombers from KG 2 attacked the convoy codenamed PILOT in the English Channel. Hurricanes from Nos. 56 and 151 Squadrons, scrambled from North Weald, intercepted and drove off the enemy formation. Despite their efforts, the convoy suffered losses, with the 2,855-ton SS Heworth and the Polish cargo vessel Zbaraz being sunk during the assault.
German Losses
Airmen: 6 | Aircraft: 5
British Losses
Airmen: 0 | Aircraft: 1
Photo Descriptions:
- A flight of Hawker Hurricane Mark Is of No. 151 Squadron RAF take off from North Weald, Essex, while beneath them, Hurricanes of 56 Squadron RAF taxy to the northern end of the main runway. Behind them can be seen the wireless masts of the GPO radio station at Weald Gullet. © IWM (CH 162)
- Line-up of Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron, presented by the East India Fund, 15 July 1940. © IWM (CH 594)