Shipping attacked off Norfolk coast and the Channel. Yeovil bombed.

Night: Minelaying.

Weather: Low cloud.

Enemy Action by Day

Low cloud and worsening weather conditions over the Channel and southern England severely restricted air operations throughout 15 July 1940. Visibility was poor for much of the day, limiting the possibility of large-scale offensive action by either side. As a result, Luftwaffe activity was confined primarily to reconnaissance flights, small-scale bombing raids, and attacks on coastal shipping. Despite these limitations, several significant incidents occurred across southern England, South Wales, the Thames Estuary, and the east coast. Fighter Command interceptions were generally effective in limiting damage, though losses were sustained on both sides.

Early Morning Operations: South Coast and East Anglia

During the early morning hours, enemy aircraft crossed the coast near Shoreham and carried out the first Luftwaffe bombing raid on Brighton of the war. Bombs fell in the Kemp Town area, causing considerable damage to properties in Brighton and Hove. This marked the beginning of a pattern of attacks on the town later in July, with subsequent raids concentrating primarily on Whitehawk and Kemp Town.

Between 06:00 and 08:00 hours, a single enemy raid was plotted off the Norfolk coast. Fighters were dispatched to intercept, but no contact was reported. At the same time, enemy reconnaissance aircraft were active over coastal waters, observing shipping movements along the east coast.

06:00–11:30 Hours: Morning Reconnaissance and Convoy Observation

As the morning progressed, reconnaissance activity increased along the south and east coasts. A Dornier reconnaissance aircraft observed convoy movements in the Thames Estuary and identified Convoy Pilot, reporting its position and course to German headquarters. Persistent low cloud initially prevented an immediate bomber response, though preparations were made for an attack once conditions improved.

11:30–13:30 Hours: West Country and South Wales Attacks

At approximately 11:30 hours, aircraft operating under Luftflotte 3 struck targets in western England and South Wales. Heinkel He 111 bombers attacked the Westland Aircraft Works and the runway at Yeovil, cratered the runway at RAF Station St Athan, and damaged railway lines near Avonmouth. Four unexploded bombs were dropped on St Athan airfield.

Hurricanes of No. 603 Squadron intercepted the raiders and succeeded in limiting the extent of damage. During the engagement, a Heinkel He 111 of 2./Kampfgeschwader 26 was shot down at 12:12 hours and crashed into the sea.

13:30–14:00 Hours: Early Afternoon Bombing Incidents

At 13:41 hours, bombs were dropped at Mount Batten, Plymouth. No serious damage was reported.

At 13:55 hours, a further raid targeted the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton near Ilchester. Bombs caused slight damage to one runway, a hangar, and one aircraft, forming multiple craters across the airfield. Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron intercepted the attackers, during which one Hurricane was shot down; the pilot successfully baled out.

Additional interception was carried out by Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron, resulting in the destruction of one Junkers Ju 88 of II./Lehrgeschwader 1 and damage to another aircraft from the same unit.

14:00–16:00 Hours: Convoy Pilot Engagement in the Thames Estuary

By early afternoon, weather conditions had improved sufficiently to permit a bomber operation against Convoy Pilot. At 14:13 hours, fifteen Dornier Do 17 bombers of Kampfgeschwader 2 arrived over the Thames Estuary through broken cloud and rain squalls.

Fighter Command, having detected the approach in advance, scrambled Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron and No. 151 Squadron. Although some German bombers attempted to press home an attack, the formation was disrupted and forced to abandon the operation without inflicting damage on the convoy. During the engagement, one Dornier bomber was shot down. No RAF losses were reported in this action.

Elsewhere off the east coast, shipping continued to be attacked. The steamer SS Heworth (2,855 tons), bound from London to Sunderland, was sunk by German aircraft near the Aldeburgh Lightvessel.

16:00–21:00 Hours: Late Afternoon and Evening Raids

Between 16:00 and 18:00 hours, a raid crossed the Cornish coast. Two aircraft were dispatched to intercept, but no confirmed contact was reported.

During the same period, a raid originating near Liverpool crossed Wales and Gloucestershire and dropped four unexploded bombs on St Athan.

Between 18:00 and 21:00 hours, two Dornier aircraft carried out a raid over Portsmouth and Southampton. One of these aircraft was probably destroyed following an interception by Blue Section of No. 145 Squadron. Later in the evening, a single raider dropped bombs harmlessly into the sea off the coast of Southend.

16:00 Hours–Late Evening: Scottish Activity

Enemy activity over Scotland was limited. Between 16:00 and 18:00 hours, one raid was reported over Drem. Later in the evening, another raid crossed the coast flying east just north of Aberdeen, though no further information was received regarding its objective or outcome.

Enemy Action by Night

Night activity on 15 July remained very slight, as poor weather continued across much of the country. Despite these conditions, the Luftwaffe conducted several small-scale raids and minelaying operations.

One enemy aircraft, believed to be a Dornier, was reported off Kinnaird’s Head. At approximately 23:00 hours, between six and eight raids crossed the coast between Newcastle and Flamborough Head and proceeded toward Liverpool Bay. These aircraft were assessed to be engaged primarily in minelaying operations. One bomb was dropped near Berwick without reported damage.

Later, approximately twelve enemy aircraft appeared between the Norfolk coast and the River Tyne. About half of these crossed the coastline, while the remainder cruised offshore in a manner consistent with minelaying. These aircraft subsequently returned eastward toward Borkum.

Further night attacks were reported in the Avonmouth area, including three separate incidents spanning the night of 14/15 July. High-explosive and incendiary bombs fell on open ground near the National Smelting Works without causing damage or casualties. Additional bombing occurred near Carew Cheriton Aerodrome, St Athan Aerodrome, and RAF Station Llandow, where underground internal cables were damaged.

Losses and Strategic Context

By the end of the day, the RAF had lost four fighter aircraft from all causes, including combat and operational incidents, with pilots successfully baling out where recorded. The Luftwaffe lost five aircraft confirmed destroyed.

In Germany, preparations for sustained air operations against England continued. The Stab and I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 26 began moving from Germany to France, while II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 2 also prepared to contribute to forthcoming operations.

German Losses:
Airmen: 6 | Aircraft: 5

British Losses:
Airmen: 0 | Aircraft: 1

Photo Descriptions

1. 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)
2. Line-up of Spitfires of No. 65 Squadron, presented by the East India Fund, 15 July 1940. © IWM (CH 594)
3. Hawker Hurricane Mk. I (P3482) of No. 17 Squadron crash-landed near Elsenham in Essex during a routine patrol on 15 July 1940. The pilot, P/O P. L. Dawburn, survived.
4. The recovery team prepares to remove P/O Dawburn’s Hurricane from dense trees.