Shipping convoys off Dover attacked.

Night: Widespread minelaying from the Needles, Isle of Wight, to Land’s End; Bristol Channel and eastern coastal waters.

Weather: Occasional thunderstorms. Straits of Dover cloudy clearing to bright intervals.

Enemy Action by Day

Weather across southern Britain and the Channel remained unsettled, with occasional thunderstorms and clearing skies by midday. While not at its peak, Luftwaffe activity showed a marked increase in targeted attacks on Channel convoys, with corresponding RAF responses underscoring the continuation of Germany’s attritional strategy. Hitler, just one day after his so-called “Last Appeal to Reason” speech, gave Göring sweeping command powers, including over night-fighting units and defensive coordination. With that, preparations to gain air superiority over Britain intensified—if not through mass bombing then through relentless probing and attrition.

05:21–09:00 Hours: Reconnaissance and Early Morning Probes

In the early hours of the morning, the Luftwaffe initiated a series of reconnaissance sweeps along the eastern coast and Channel approaches, probing for weaknesses in British convoy defences. At 05:21 hours, radar detected a large formation of approximately forty German aircraft approaching the Thames Estuary. Twelve Hurricanes from No. 54 Squadron were scrambled to intercept, but the alert was based on an inaccurate report of a convoy. The enemy formation—intended to attack shipping—split into smaller groups in search of targets. Although the raiders were tracked by radar, No. 54 Squadron failed to make contact.

Shortly after, at 05:45 hours, Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron were scrambled and successfully intercepted a Junkers Ju 88 reconnaissance aircraft of 4.(F)/122, forcing the bomber down near St Osyth. Despite this success, several tethered light vessels were sunk along the coast—stationary targets vulnerable in the poor visibility of early morning. Air Chief Marshals Keith Park and Trafford Leigh-Mallory, concerned that the Luftwaffe might increasingly target unguarded lightships along the East Coast, ordered dedicated aerial patrols over vulnerable stretches to guard against future attacks.

Elsewhere, a mysterious four-engined Dornier-type aircraft was reported operating near the Isle of Wight. Believed by some to be a rare Fw 200 Condor on either a test flight or photographic reconnaissance mission, its appearance raised concerns about German interest in deeper coastal targets. Around 09:00 hours, four separate Luftwaffe flights—each comprising three or more aircraft—approached the Kent coast in a series of probing manoeuvres. These likely served to test RAF reaction times and divert attention from larger raids to follow. However, confusing radar plots and overlapping tracks hampered Fighter Command’s ability to intercept before the formations turned back across the Channel.

11:00–16:00 Hours: Convoy Raids and Interceptions over the Channel

By midday, the Luftwaffe’s objectives became increasingly clear, centring on renewed pressure against Channel shipping. Around 11:00 hours, two small German formations advanced toward the Swanage area. Shortly after, a Royal Navy vessel reported a bombing attempt nearby, although no significant damage was sustained.

The focal point of the day’s operations was Convoy Bosom, which had sailed from Lyme Bay and was steadily making its way eastward along the Channel. Around 13:00 hours, nine Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers from III./StG 2, escorted by seventeen Bf 109s from I./JG 27, were dispatched to strike the convoy off Swanage. They were intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron. In the engagement that followed, two Bf 109s from 3./JG 27 were shot down. However, the RAF also lost a Hurricane and a Spitfire. Despite the intensity of the attack, no ships were sunk.

As the convoy progressed eastward, it remained under close German observation. At 14:30 hours, Hurricanes from No. 238 Squadron spotted a Heinkel He 59 ambulance aircraft from Seenotflugkommando 4 shadowing the convoy and shot it down, killing all four crew members. A second He 59 from Seenotflugkommando 1 was later engaged by No. 43 Squadron. One Hurricane was shot down in the exchange; the pilot, F/O J.F.J. Haworth, baled out but drowned before rescue. The Heinkel escaped temporarily into cloud cover but was subsequently located and destroyed by aircraft from No. 601 Squadron. The crew baled out too low for their parachutes to open and were killed. By the time Convoy Bosom reached the sectors covered by RAF Kenley and Biggin Hill, the He 59s had likely already reported its position. In response, Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park ordered standing patrols of twenty-four fighters over the convoy, evenly divided between Hurricane and Spitfire squadrons.

The next major engagement unfolded shortly after 15:00 hours, when a formation of approximately forty Ju 87 dive-bombers, escorted by Bf 109s, was detected approaching Dover Harbour. Three RAF squadrons, including No. 32 Squadron flying Hurricanes, were quickly scrambled. The interception took place at low altitude—between 2,000 and 3,000 feet—where a running fight developed over the Channel. RAF pilots, flying Hurricanes not yet equipped with Rotol constant-speed propellers, were forced to push their engines to maximum boost, reportedly reaching speeds over 300 mph in pursuit. One Ju 87—described by pilots as painted in pale and dark blue with silver trim and misidentified as a ‘Jaguar-ME’—was claimed destroyed.

At 16:00 hours, twelve Hurricanes from No. 501 Squadron were scrambled to the same area and engaged Bf 109s from 1./JG 27 over the Channel near Dover. In the ensuing combat, Flight Sergeant James “Ginger” Lacey—already gaining a reputation for his skill and determination—shot down a Bf 109 believed to have been flown by Hauptmann Helmut Riegel, Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 27 and designer of the Gruppe’s emblem. His death marked a significant loss for JG 27. Major Eduard Neumann was later appointed as his successor. No. 501 Squadron also suffered a loss in the engagement when Pilot Officer E.J.H. Sylvester was killed after his Hurricane (P3082) was shot down by Lt. Zirkenbach.

17:40–18:30 Hours: Afternoon Attack on Convoy Bosom

Later in the day, at approximately 17:40 hours, the Luftwaffe launched a more coordinated and powerful assault against Convoy Bosom as it steamed off the Dover coast. Around fifty Ju 87 Stuka dive-bombers of II./StG 1, supported by Bf 110s from 2./Erprobungsgruppe 210 and Bf 109s from I. and II./JG 51 and I./JG 27, took part in the raid. British radar detected the incoming force in time to mount a strong response. Hurricanes from Nos. 32 and 615 Squadrons, with Spitfire cover provided by Nos. 65 and 610 Squadrons, climbed to intercept. No. 605 Squadron was also active in the sector. The RAF attack was well-timed, with fighters diving from altitude and catching portions of the enemy formation by surprise.

In the initial clashes, RAF pilots claimed several victories. Spitfires from No. 615 Squadron were credited with three Bf 109s destroyed. No. 32 Squadron and No. 65 Squadron each downed additional Bf 109s from I. and II./JG 51. Two Ju 87s were confirmed shot down and at least four more were badly damaged, two of which later crash-landed in France. One of the downed Stukas was flown by Leutnant Roden, who was killed along with his rear gunner. A Do 17 reconnaissance aircraft operating in support of the attack was also brought down near the convoy.

The Bf 110s from Erprobungsgruppe 210 reportedly stayed out of the main engagement, avoiding heavy losses due to the strength and positioning of RAF fighters. Nonetheless, a protracted 30-minute dogfight developed between the Bf 109 escort and the defending Hurricanes and Spitfires.

No. 32 Squadron suffered the loss of one Hurricane during the air battle. Sub-Lieutenant (FAA) G.G.R. Bulmer, a Royal Navy officer attached to the RAF, was shot down over the Channel by Oblt. Josef Priller of 6./JG 51. Although he baled out, he drowned before rescue. His Hurricane (N2670) is believed to have crashed near Lydden. Squadron Leader J. Worrall was attacked by Oberfw. Illner of II./JG 51 and force-landed near Hawkinge; his Hurricane (N2532) burned out. Sergeant W.B. Higgins sustained minor wounds after claiming a probable Bf 110. A Spitfire from No. 610 Squadron was shot down by Oberfeldwebel Schmid of JG 51 and crashed near Wootton; the pilot, P/O G. Keighley, baled out slightly wounded.

While RAF fighters engaged the escorts, the Ju 87s pressed home their attack on the convoy. The 860-ton coaster SS Pulborough was struck and sunk. The destroyer HMS Brazen was also hit several times, suffering severe damage before breaking in two and later sinking. Anti-aircraft gunners aboard Brazen claimed three German aircraft during the attack. In the same series of actions, the destroyer HMS Acheron sustained damage from near misses approximately ten miles south of the Isle of Wight. The Norwegian merchant vessels Kollskegg and Nina Borthen were also damaged.

13:15–18:00 Hours: Eastern and Northern Engagements

At 13:15 hours, a small Luftwaffe formation attacked a coastal convoy off Norfolk. Fighter Command responded swiftly, and one Dornier Do 17 was engaged and claimed as probable. In a separate encounter over Kinnaird’s Head, RAF fighters successfully intercepted and confirmed the destruction of another Do 17.

Throughout the afternoon, several enemy aircraft carried out probing missions along the east coast. Most withdrew upon the appearance of RAF fighters, indicating a more cautious approach by the Luftwaffe in the face of increasing resistance.

Enemy Activity by Night

Luftwaffe night operations expanded significantly, with a heavy focus on minelaying. Between 22:00 and 02:30 hours, over fifty sorties were conducted over coastal areas from the Needles and Land’s End to the Humber and Firth of Clyde. Areas of concentration included Harwich, the Thames Estuary, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Bristol Channel.

Bombs were dropped on several inland towns and airfields. Silloth, Hartlepool, Eastchurch, Swansea, Rochford, Chatham, and Stirling all reported limited bombing. At Stirling, damage was done to sheds and vehicles at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Forthside, at approximately 02:20 hours. However, no severe casualties were reported.

At 01:07 hours, RAF Blenheims patrolling off Harwich intercepted and shot down a Heinkel He 59 seaplane—one of the few confirmed night kills. Elsewhere, anti-aircraft fire brought down a Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor of 1./KG 40 between Hartlepool and Sunderland during a minelaying sortie.

German Losses:
Airmen: 18 | Aircraft: 12

British Losses:
Airmen: 7 | Aircraft: 9

Hurricane P3766, No. 238 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
Sgt C. Parkinson. Died of injuries the next day. Baled out after being shot down by Bf 109. Rescued by ship.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Parkinson.htm

Hurricane P3082, No. 501 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
P/O E.J.H. Sylvester. Certified as missing. Damaged by Bf 109 off Cherbourg, crashed approaching coast.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Sylvester.htm

Spitfire K9880, No. 152 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
P/O N.H. Posener. Certified as missing. Crashed into Channel after being hit by gunfire from Bf 109.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Posener.htm

Hurricane N2670, No. 32 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
Sub/Lt G.G.R. Bulmer. Certified as missing. Hit by gunfire from Bf 109 and crashed into Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Bulmer.htm

Hurricane P3964, No. 43 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
F/O J.F.J. Haworth. Certified as missing. Shot down while investigating E/A, baled out over Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Haworth.htm

Blenheim L1300, No. 236 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
Sgt E.E. Lockton and Sgt H. Corcoran. Certified as missing. Shot down by Bf 109 during escort mission. Crashed into Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Lockton.htm
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Corcoran.htm

Hurricane P2917, No. 263 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
P/O A.R. Downer. Died of injuries the next day. Crashed while making a forced landing at base.

Photo Descriptions

1. A Junkers Ju 87 B-2 Stuka lucky to make it back to France lies in soft sand, 1940.
2. The destroyer HMS Brazen sinking in the English Channel after being severely damaged by German dive-bombers during the Luftwaffe attack on 20 July 1940. Struck off Dover while escorting a convoy, she later foundered while under tow.
3. RAF personnel inspecting the burnt-out wreckage of a Junkers Ju 88 reconnaissance aircraft of 4.(F)/122 on Cockett Wick Farm, St Osyth near Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. The aircraft was shot down on 20 July 1940 by No. 56 Squadron Hurricanes. © IWM (HU 89068)
4. Flying from RAF Tangmere, Hurricane P3784 FT-U force-landed at Amberley in Sussex, when Sgt Herbert JL “Jim” Hallowes of No. 43 Squadron experienced engine problems during an early morning patrol on 20 July 1940.