Unsuccessful attacks on London, Thames Estuary and aircraft factories.
Night: Main target is London, including the City and West End.
Weather: Scattered showers, thundery in the east. Channel fair.
Enemy Action by Day
By 9 September, a perceptible shift in Luftwaffe strategy was underway. Following the heavy daylight raids of 7 and 8 September, Fighter Command prepared for a continuation of the assault on London rather than on airfields. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, radar stations reported little activity. This lull allowed ground crews at previously damaged airfields—such as Biggin Hill, Kenley, and Hornchurch—a brief respite to restore operations. For Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park and Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, it became clear that Luftwaffe attacks on RAF sector stations were being scaled back. The focus had now turned toward industrial and political targets, with London bearing the brunt.
Limited Enemy Activity in the Morning
Scattered reconnaissance raids were plotted over the East Coast and East Anglia during the early hours. Around 06:15 hours, a lone German aircraft attacked a British trawler 25 miles east of Lowestoft. Four additional raids followed over the East Anglian coast, with one extending inland to Bury St Edmunds and two others crossing the Lincolnshire coast. Although RAF fighters were scrambled to intercept, no enemy aircraft were brought down.
A small morning raid reached Clacton, while another formation passed over Beachy Head and turned inland, eventually dispersing over Hastings. These attacks were light and failed to inflict notable damage. The last confirmed enemy presence before the main assault came around midday, when a formation of three aircraft approached the Kent coast. RAF fighters were vectored for interception but failed to make contact.
Formations Assemble Over the Channel
From 16:05 hours, British radar stations at Foreness and Rye detected major activity over Calais and Boulogne. Park’s headquarters at Uxbridge tracked multiple large formations assembling over northern France. By 16:55 hours, some 300 aircraft had begun crossing the Channel between North Foreland and Dover. The raid comprised Heinkel He 111s, Dornier Do 17s, and Junkers Ju 88s, drawn from I./KG 2, II./KG 3, Stab/KG 4, Stab, II. and III./KG 30, and III./KG 53. These bomber formations were covered by Bf 110s of V./LG 1 and III./ZG 76, while a powerful fighter screen of Bf 109s provided close and high escort. The Jagdwaffe commitment was substantial, with formations from III./JG 2, II. and III./JG 3, all three Gruppen of JG 27, I./JG 51, the full strength of JG 53 and JG 54, as well as I./LG 2. Observers reported the presence of six four-engined bombers, likely Fw 200 Condors or captured French aircraft in special roles.
This time, many Bf 109s flew in advance of the bomber stream in an apparent effort to lure RAF squadrons into early engagement. Park instructed his controllers to withhold fighters from attacking the leading 109s, waiting instead to strike the bomber stream itself. As the bombers took a familiar route toward London, Park remarked:
“When will they ever learn… same time, same course, and the same target.”
RAF Response: Full Mobilisation
In total, twenty-four RAF squadrons were scrambled. Spitfires of Nos. 66 and 92 Squadrons were sent to patrol over South London, keeping Biggin Hill and Kenley in view. Hurricanes of Nos. 253 and 605 Squadrons, together with Spitfires of No. 222 Squadron, were tasked with protecting northern Kent, while Hurricanes of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron was vectored to cover the Tonbridge–Folkestone axis. From Tangmere, Hurricanes of No. 607 Squadron moved toward Guildford to provide a defensive screen over Surrey.
Further north, No. 12 Group committed Douglas Bader’s “Big Wing” from Duxford, including Nos. 19 (Spitfires), 242 (Hurricanes), and 310 (Czech, Hurricanes) Squadrons. Though ordered to hold station between Hornchurch and North Weald, Bader instead took the Wing west of London and climbed to 22,000 feet, aiming to intercept with the sun behind them.
The Battle Over Surrey and South London
The first major contact occurred near Guildford, where No. 607 Squadron intercepted He 111s and Do 17s, supported by Bf 109s of JG 3 and JG 26. They were joined by No. 605 Squadron. One Do 17 was confirmed destroyed by No. 607, but the squadron suffered heavy losses—six Hurricanes were shot down in their first day of combat, with three pilots killed.
At 17:50 hours, P/O G. M. Forrester of No. 605 Squadron collided with a He 111H-2 (W.Nr. 2630, A1+ZD) of 3./KG 53 over Alton, Hampshire. The bomber lost a wing and crashed at Chawton, near Alton. Oberlt. K. Meinecke and Fw. O. Broderix baled out and were captured, while Fw. W. Wenninger, Fw. W. Döring, and Fw. E. Wendorff were killed. Forrester was also killed when his Hurricane, L2059, crashed at Southwood Farm near Shalden. His body was identified by an engraved silver cigarette case.
Another Hurricane was hit by crossfire, but the pilot baled out safely.
Ten minutes later, Sergeant P. A. Burnell-Phillips of No. 607 Squadron and Pilot Officer S. Zimprich of No. 310 Squadron shot down a He 111H-3 (W.Nr. 5713, V4+BL) of 3./KG 1. The aircraft crashed at Sundridge, near Sevenoaks; Oberlt. E. Kiunka, Uffz. A. Stumbaum, Uffz. E. Marck, Gefr. H. Reinecke, and Oberfw. A. Heidrich were all captured.
No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, led by Flight Lieutenant John “Johnny” Kent, scrambled twelve Hurricanes and engaged Bf 109s near Tonbridge. Sgt. Frantisek and Zumbach both claimed victories, while F/Lt Kent downed a Bf 110. Frantisek also claimed a He 111, though it was awarded only as a probable; the bomber limped home with casualties aboard. Sgt. Wünsche was shot down and baled out safely; Frantisek crash-landed unhurt, but his Hurricane was written off.
The Duxford Wing Intervenes
One German formation of around thirty-five aircraft, comprising Do 17 bombers escorted by Bf 110s and Bf 109s from JG 27, JG 53, and JG 54, reached central London from the east and was intercepted by Spitfires of No. 222 Squadron. Pilot Officer Tim Vigors shot down a Bf 109 in flames, but was then shot down himself and made a crash-landing on allotments near Dartford in Spitfire X4059, with his left aileron and tailplane shot away and the glycol tank punctured.
Soon after, Bader’s Big Wing arrived over Kent and Surrey. Spitfires of No. 19 Squadron and Hurricanes of Nos. 242 and 310 Squadrons attacked Do 17s and Bf 110s, claiming 21 enemy aircraft destroyed. While the Wing had disobeyed orders, no formal complaint was filed, given their success.
Among the German aircraft destroyed was a Bf 110C-4 (W.Nr. 3298, L1+DL) of 15./LG 1, shot down over London by Pilot Officer H. N. Tamblyn of No. 242 Squadron, together with Flying Officer S. Fejfar and Pilot Officer V. Bergman of No. 310 Squadron. The aircraft crashed at the Maori Sports Club, Old Malden Lane, Worcester Park; Uffz. A. Pfaffelhuber and Uffz. O. Kramp were both killed.
Another Bf 110C (W.Nr. 3207) of 9./ZG 76, was destroyed over Croydon when Flying Officer J. E. Boulton of No. 310 Squadron collided with Hurricane R4084, flown by Flight Lieutenant G. L. Sinclair. Boulton lost control of his aircraft and struck the Bf 110 amidships, sending it crashing into Woodcote Park Avenue, Woodmansterne. Lt. E. Ostermüncher and Gefr. W. Zimmermann were both killed.
Sinclair succeeded in baling out and landed safely near Caterham, but Boulton did not escape. His Hurricane crashed and burst into flames in Woodmansterne Lane, Woodmansterne. Initially buried as an unknown airman at Bandon Hill Cemetery, Beddington, his identity was later confirmed when his identity discs were recovered from the crash site. He was posthumously awarded the Czech Military Cross, gazetted on 10 January 1941.
Widespread Engagements and Damage
Fighting now spread across the Estuary and into South London. Nearly 300 German aircraft clashed with RAF fighters, including Hurricanes of Nos. 1, 242, 253, 303, 310, 605, and 607 Squadrons, and Spitfires of Nos. 19, 41, 66, 72, 92, 222, 602, and 611 Squadrons. No. 92 Squadron lost three Spitfires during fighting near Biggin Hill, with the victories credited to Oblt. Gerhard Schöpfel of 9./JG 26. Few bombers reached their assigned targets. Many jettisoned their loads over fields in Kent, including near Canterbury. South London suburbs saw scattered damage and minor casualties.
Amid fierce combat, Ju 88s of KG 30 suffered heavy losses. At 17:40 hours, a Ju 88A-2 (W.Nr. 5074, 4D+KK) of 2./KG 30 was shot down during its mission to bomb London’s docks by Squadron Leader R. H. A. Leigh, Pilot Officers H. R. Allen and I. J. A. Cruickshanks of No. 66 Squadron, and Pilot Officer R. Deacon-Elliott of No. 72 Squadron. The aircraft force-landed at Bannisters Farm, Toulver Lane, Barcombe, near Lewes; Oberlt. H.-G. Gollnisch, Uffz. W. Rolf, and Uffz. W. Hamerla were captured, while Uffz. E. Deibler was killed.
Ten minutes later, a Ju 88A (W.Nr. 333, 4D+AD) of 3./KG 30 was shot down by Squadron Leader A. V. R. Johnstone, Pilot Officer A. Lyall, and Flying Officer P. C. Webb of No. 602 Squadron. The aircraft crashed into the sea off Pagham; Major J. Hackbarth and Oberfw. H. Manger were captured, while Uffz. W. Sawallisch and Gefr. F. Petermann were killed.
At 18:00 hours, another Ju 88A-1 (W.Nr. 274, 4D+AA) of KG 30 was shot down by No. 66 Squadron and force-landed at Church Field, Newells Farm, Nuthurst, near Horsham. Oberlt. R. Heim, Fw. A. Fuhs, Uffz. J. Beck, and Uffz. W. Baustian were all captured.
Several German fighters were lost during the withdrawal. At 17:35 hours, a Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6316, “6+|”) of 7./JG 3 was shot down during combat and force-landed at Cooper’s Field, Flimwell, near Hawkhurst. Uffz. M. Massmann was captured. Ten minutes later, another fighter, a Bf 109E-4 (W.Nr. 1394, “<+”) of 1./JG 27, force-landed at Knowle Farm, Mayfield, after being damaged in combat. Its pilot, Oblt. Günther Bode, Adjutant of Stab I./JG 27, was captured.
At 17:50 hours, a Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 3488, “13+-”) of 5./JG 27 was brought down during combat over London and force-landed at Charity Farm, Cootham, near Storrington. Oblt. Erwin Daig, Staffelkapitän of 5./JG 27, was taken prisoner. Five minutes later, Squadron Leader E. A. McNab of No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron shot down a Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6138) of 4./JG 3, which crashed into the sea off Newhaven; Fw. A.-W. Müller was captured after baling out.
The losses continued into the evening. At 18:00 hours, Sergeant J. František of No. 303 Squadron shot down a Bf 109E-4 (W.Nr. 1617) of 7./JG 27, which crashed at Romans Gate Cottage, Rudgwick; Uffz. K. Born was killed. At around the same time, a Bf 109E-4 (W.Nr. 1508, “5+”) of 1./JG 53 was destroyed during combat over London and crashed at Cherry Tree Farm, near the Old Jail Inn on Jail Lane, Biggin Hill; Fw. H. Honisch baled out and was captured.
Losses among the Bf 110 formations also began to mount. One Bf 110C-4 (W.Nr. 2137, 2N+FM) of 7./ZG 76 was brought down by anti-aircraft fire over London and crashed at Munns Gore, Borden, near Sittingbourne; Uffz. G. Bierling and Uffz. F. Kuerella both baled out too low and were killed. Another Bf 110C (W.Nr. 3108, 2N+EP) of 9./ZG 76, was shot down by RAF fighters during combat over London and crashed into the sea off Newhaven; Fw. H. Koops was captured, while Uffz. C. Weiher’s body was later recovered off Galloways, Lydd, on 20 October 1940.
At 18:15 hours, Pilot Officer H. L. Whitbread of No. 222 Squadron brought down a Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6280, “7+-”) of 6./JG 27 during combat over London. The aircraft crashed at Mounts Farm, Benenden; Uffz. G. Rauwolf baled out and was captured. Another aircraft, a Bf 109E (W.Nr. 6139) of 8./JG 53, was also shot down during the fighting and crashed at Sundown Farm, Ditcham, killing Gefr. P. Becker.
Notable Luftwaffe Claims
Despite the RAF’s tactical victory, Luftwaffe pilots also submitted numerous claims. Major Werner Mölders (Stab./JG 51) scored his 35th victory over a Spitfire. His brother, Oblt. Viktor Mölders (2./JG 51), claimed his eighth. Double victories were credited to Lt. Eberhard Bock (3./JG 3), Oblt. Erich Woitke (6./JG 3), Oblt. Jakob Stoll (9./JG 53), Lt. Hans Götz (1./JG 54), and Oblt. Hermann-Friedrich Joppien (1./JG 51). Additional claims were submitted by Hptm. Günther Lützow, Oblt. Hans-Ekkehard Bob, and others.
Strategic Assessment
German Gruppe Headquarters issued a clear directive: “Break off task if fighter opposition is too strong.” Many formations did just that, with dozens of bombers abandoning their missions and jettisoning bombs over open country. Fighter Command losses totalled 17 aircraft, while the Luftwaffe lost 30 confirmed aircraft in the day’s engagements.
Enemy Action by Night
Beginning at 20:00 hours, Luftflotte 3 launched heavy bombing raids from Cherbourg and the Somme. The first wave crossed between Dungeness and the Isle of Wight, concentrating on the London area. Four or five separate streams of bombers maintained continuous pressure through the night. Fires raged across the City, particularly near St Paul’s Cathedral, Ludgate Hill, the Barbican, Cheapside, Cannon Street, Bow, and Southwark. Buildings near the Bank of England and Mansion House were badly damaged.
A women’s hospital was hit, causing multiple casualties. In the East End, homes and temporary shelters were destroyed. Railway lines were blocked at Broad Street and St Pancras. Fulham Power Station was set ablaze. Severe flooding struck Stoke Newington. Delayed-action bombs disrupted Battersea’s rail lines, and unexploded ordnance was found in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
The Luftwaffe also struck industrial targets: the Lindley Aircraft Company and Metal Box factory at Southgate were hit, disrupting government contracts. Desoutter’s and Osram’s works reported gas pressure failures due to bomb damage.
Outside London, bombs fell in Richmond, Barnes, Purley, Kingston, Surbiton, and Wandsworth. Fulham and Chelsea suffered scattered damage. Elsewhere, raids reached Liverpool, Derby, Birmingham, and Nottingham. I./KG 27 attacked Liverpool from Tours, damaging a blast furnace at the Lancashire Steel Corporation.
From 02:30 hours, fresh bomber streams arrived via the Dutch islands and the Thames Estuary, returning via Dungeness. The last aircraft cleared the London area shortly after 04:30, and by 04:55 hours the country was quiet.
Infrastructure Damage Across the Capital
Across the capital, vital infrastructure sustained widespread damage. The Nine Elms Goods Yard and the Thames Embankment were severely hit, while a school in Stepney, repurposed as a shelter, collapsed. Fires broke out at both Madame Tussaud’s and the Natural History Museum, threatening cultural landmarks. The toll on morale was profound, yet Londoners once again took to shelters with remarkable resilience, as emergency services operated under extraordinary and unrelenting pressure.
German Losses:
Airmen: 38 | Aircraft: 30
British Losses:
Airmen: 6 | Aircraft: 17
Hurricane P2728, No. 607 Squadron
P/O G.J. Drake killed. Engaged combat with enemy aircraft and shot down over Mayfield.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/as-drakegj.htm
Hurricane L2059, No. 605 Squadron
P/O G.M. Forrester killed. Caught in enemy crossfire and collided with He 111 losing part of wing.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Forrester.htm
Hurricane P3574, No. 607 Squadron
P/O S.B. Parnall killed. Shot down during combat with Do 17s and Bf 109s. Crashed at Cranbrook.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/ParnallSB.htm
Hurricane P3888, No. 310 Squadron
F/O J.E. Boulton killed. Collided with Hurricane of No. 310 Sqn during attack on enemy aircraft.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Boulton.htm
Hurricane P3117, No. 607 Squadron
P/O J.D. Lenahan killed. Shot down by Bf 109 during attack on Do 17. Crashed at Cranbrook.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Lenahan.htm
Hurricane P3087, No. 242 Squadron
P/O K.M. Sclanders killed. Shot down in combat with Do 17s and Bf 110s. Crashed at Caterham Surrey.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Sclanders.htm
Photo Descriptions
- Messerschmitt Bf 109E3 (W.Nr. 972 “Yellow 9”) of 9./JG 54 in France, 9 September 1940.
- The wreckage of Junkers Ju 88A-1 (W.Nr. 0274, 4D+AA) of Stab/KG 30, shot down on 9 September 1940 at Newells Farm, Nuthurst, West Sussex, where it had been substantially ‘got at’ by souvenir hunters when this photograph was taken.
- A bus is left leaning against the side of a building in Harrington Square, near Regents Park after a German bombing raid on London in the first days of the Blitz, 9 September 1940.
- Firemen spray water on damaged buildings, near London Bridge, in the City of London on 9 September 1940.
- Blenheim Mark IV, R3612 BL-V, of No. 40 Squadron RAF based at Wyton, Huntingdonshire, in flight. R3612 previously served with the Photographic Development Unit. It was lost with its entire crew on 8/9 September 1940 during a night raid on invasion barges at Ostend. © IWM (CH 787)