Heavy attack on Portland, feints by fighter formations over Dover. Convoy attacks in Thames Estuary and off East Anglia.

Night: Harassing attacks on Merseyside. Minelaying.

Weather: Fair in morning, cloudy for most of the day.

Although 11 August was not the official beginning of Adlerangriff (Eagle Attack)—which would commence two days later—it marked a dramatic intensification of Luftwaffe operations. The day saw more than 600 enemy sorties launched against coastal targets, shipping convoys, and fighter defences. The Luftwaffe aimed to stretch Fighter Command’s resources and continue probing for weaknesses along the south coast, with major strikes on Portland, feints over Dover, and significant convoy assaults in the Thames Estuary and off East Anglia.

Fighter Command scrambled sixteen squadrons throughout the day, with some flying up to four sorties. Despite considerable losses—28 RAF aircraft destroyed and 25 pilots killed or missing—British fighters claimed 32 confirmed and 46 unconfirmed German aircraft shot down. Anti-aircraft fire accounted for an additional five enemy aircraft.

Enemy Action by Day

At first light on 11 August, formations of Bf 109s and Bf 110s from Epr.Gr. 210 and III./ZG 26 advanced toward Dover in groups numbering fifteen aircraft or more. Between 07:30 and 12:10 hours, these fighters carried out four determined attacks on the Dover Balloon Barrage. Seven barrage balloons were brought down, igniting fires in the harbour area. One gas holder was reportedly punctured by shrapnel, and damage was sustained to nearby residential buildings.

These attacks were not part of a major offensive but rather deliberate feints intended to provoke a defensive response from Fighter Command and divert attention away from the Luftwaffe’s main strike developing further west against Portland and Weymouth.

In response, Spitfires of Nos. 64 and 74 Squadrons from Manston were scrambled to intercept. Brief but sharp engagements took place over the Channel and in view of the Dover coastline. Losses on both sides were light, but the ruse was effective: RAF fighter resources were diverted to the east, thereby weakening the aerial defences protecting the southern approaches to Portland at a critical moment.

10:30 Hours: Main Strike on Portland and Weymouth

At approximately 10:30 hours, five separate Luftwaffe raids converged on a 20-mile front between Portland and Weymouth Bay. The main assault involved around 200 aircraft, of which 150 crossed the coast. At the head of the attacking formation were fifty-four Ju 88s from I. and III./KG 54 and twenty He 111s of KG 27, escorted by sixty-one Bf 110s from I. and II./ZG 2 and about thirty Bf 109s from III./JG 2. The raid targeted the Royal Navy dockyard at Portland, the adjacent Weymouth gasworks, the railway lines, and oil storage facilities.

The RAF’s response was swift and aggressive. Hurricanes from Nos. 1, 87, 145, 213, and 238 Squadrons, along with Spitfires from Nos. 152 and 609 Squadrons, were scrambled to intercept. Fierce aerial engagements erupted over the Channel and coastline, with Hurricanes and Spitfires engaging German aircraft at multiple altitudes.

The attack inflicted severe damage on vital infrastructure. Fires broke out at the gasworks and oil storage tanks, while the railway station’s signal box and several sections of track were destroyed, forcing a suspension of rail services into Weymouth. Seventeen homes were completely demolished, and more than 150 others were damaged. One civilian was killed and twenty-two injured. At Portland Harbour, the Admiralty Floating Dock AFD19—then housing the anti-submarine trawler HMS Hertfordshire—was holed by bomb splinters, and the vessel sustained minor damage.

The Luftwaffe lost at least 21 aircraft during the assault, including five Ju 88s, eight Bf 110s, and eight Bf 109s. Losses to JG 2 were particularly severe, with the deaths of Oblt. Adolf Steidle (III./JG 2 adjutant), Oblt. Edgar Rempel (6./JG 2 Staffelkapitän), and Oblt. Heinz-Ewart Fricke (9./JG 2). Hptm. Hans-Peter Kulbel, acting Gruppenkommandeur of I./ZG 2, was also killed in action. Among the victors, Oblt. Helmut Wick (3./JG 2) claimed three kills and narrowly escaped death himself during an intense dogfight with Spitfires, as recounted in his dramatic post-sortie report.

RAF losses were also heavy. F/Lt R. Voase-Jeff of No. 87 Squadron was killed near Portland Bill. Fellow No. 87 Squadron pilot, P/O John Reynolds Cock, became the first Australian to shoot down a German aircraft in the war before bailing out over the Channel and swimming to shore. Polish pilot F/O A. Ostowicz of No. 145 Squadron was killed off Swanage. F/Lt Roland Derek G. Wight of No. 213 Squadron was shot down and killed during a bold interception against overwhelming odds, having previously scored 10½ confirmed kills.

11:48 Hours: Convoys Attacked in Thames Estuary and off Harwich

At 11:48 hours, Bf 110 fighter-bombers from Erpr.Gr. 210 and Do 17s from 9./KG 2, escorted by Bf 110s of ZG 26, attacked the convoy codenamed “Booty” off Harwich, hitting two freighters. Hurricanes of Nos. 17 and 85 Squadrons, together with Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron, intercepted the raid, shooting down four German aircraft and damaging several others. Three British fighters were lost and another damaged.

As the enemy aircraft withdrew, another raid comprising Do 17s from II. and III./KG 2 and Ju 87s from II./StG 1 and IV./LG 1, escorted by Bf 109s of JG 26, attacked a convoy in the Thames Estuary, damaging several ships. Hurricanes of No. 111 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron were scrambled to intercept. Two Ju 87s—one from IV./LG 1 and the other from II./StG 1—together with a Bf 109 were destroyed, but the victory came at a heavy price: No. 111 Squadron lost four Hurricanes, with all four pilots were killed.

Later that afternoon, radar again signalled a build-up of enemy aircraft over the Thames Estuary, suggesting preparations for a second raid against a London-bound convoy. However, worsening weather conditions forced the Germans to abandon the attack, even as Nos. 54, 74, and 111 Squadrons stood ready to respond.

Other Activity

At 14:55 hours, a small enemy formation of six aircraft was tracked southeast of Clacton but withdrew before interception. At 17:05 hours, a raid was plotted off the coast between Cromer and Lowestoft, and multiple single aircraft shadowed convoys off Norfolk and Suffolk, but did not attack.

At 19:15 hours, a Ju 88 reached Church Fenton in Yorkshire and was engaged and destroyed near Whitby, crashing along the shore.

RAF Counter-Operations

To maintain pressure, Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron escorted Blenheims of No. 604 Squadron on a daylight mission over Calais. Bf 109s of JG 51 intercepted the formation, shooting down two Spitfires—one claimed by Uffz. Alfred Rauch (his first victory)—while a Blenheim was destroyed by Hptm. Ernst Wiggers of 2./JG 51. Another sortie by Blenheims of No. 604 Squadron, escorted by Spitfires of No. 152 Squadron, targeted He 59 floatplanes off the French coast. This was also intercepted.

Home Front Impact

Home Security reports noted severe damage in Weymouth and Portland. A total of 70 bombs were dropped in the area, 21 of which failed to explode. Railway lines were demolished, a signal box destroyed, oil tanks set ablaze, and seventeen homes demolished. Elsewhere, Swansea suffered a direct hit on an Anderson shelter, killing five. Casualties across Britain from the day’s attacks included at least 17 killed and over 30 injured.

Enemy Action by Night

Luftwaffe night activity intensified in preparation for the coming assault phase. From 20:15 hours, He 111s of III./KG 55 and II./KG 27 launched from Villacoublay and other bases to strike at Bristol, Avonmouth, Filton, and the Liverpool docks. A Heinkel crashed in Dorset returning from the Filton raid.

Numerous raids crossed the coast at Portland, Southwold, Deal, and the Isle of Wight, and penetrated as far inland as Gloucester, Market Harborough, and Liverpool itself. Bombs fell on Dinas Powis, Saltburn, Bovey Tracey, and the Heaton district of Newcastle. Several mines were laid between Flamborough Head and the Farne Islands. In one successful interception, a Hurricane from No. 10 Group shot down a He 111 over Bristol, the group’s first night victory, aided by a Bristol searchlight battery.

Summary

11 August 1940 demonstrated the Luftwaffe’s evolving tactics and determination to break RAF resistance ahead of the full-scale assault that would begin on 13 August. For the British defenders, the day exacted a heavy toll but also offered a clear sign of their resilience. The aerial war was entering its most dangerous phase, and both sides knew the outcome would be decided not by a single day, but by many hard-fought days ahead.

German Losses:
Airmen: 48 | Aircraft: 38

British Losses:
Airmen: 25 | Aircraft: 28

Hurricane P2951, No. 145 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
F/O G.R. Branch. Missing in action. Believed shot down by Bf 109s off coast.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Branch.htm

Hurricane V7294, No. 145 Squadron. Aircraft crashed on Isle of Wight.
F/O A. Ostowicz killed. Shot down by Bf 109s off Swanage coast. Not seen to bale out.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Ostowicz.htm

Hurricane P2978, No. 238 Squadron. Aircraft lost at sea.
Sgt G. Gledhill killed. Shot down over Channel during combat with unknown enemy aircraft.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Gledhill.htm

Hurricane V7231, No. 87 Squadron Exeter. Crashed into sea.
F/L R.V. Jeff. Missing in action. Last seen in combat over Channel, failed to return to base.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Jeff.htm

Hurricane R4097, No. 238 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
F/L S.C. Walch. Missing in action. Shot down in combat over Channel two miles E of Weymouth
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Walch.htm

Hurricane P3885, No. 601 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O J.L. Smithers killed. Shot down by unknown enemy aircraft. Buried at St Marie Le Havre, France.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Smithers.htm

Hurricane P3819, No. 238 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
F/O M.L. Steborowski killed. Shot down by unknown enemy aircraft over Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Steborowski.htm

Hurricane P3222, No. 238 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O F.N. Cawse killed. Shot down in combat by Bf 109 off coast.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Cawse.htm

Hurricane R4092, No. 601 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
F/O R.S. Demetriadi killed. Shot down by enemy aircraft over Channel. Buried at Cayeuz ser Mer, France.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Demetriadi.htm

Hurricane P3783, No. 601 Squadron. Failed to return to base.
F/O J. Gillan. Missing in action. Believed shot down over Channel during combat.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Gillan.htm

Hurricane L2057, No. 601 Squadron. Failed to return to base.
P/O W.G. Dickie. Missing in action. Last seen in combat over the Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Dickie.htm

Spitfire R6614, No. 152 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O J.S.B. Jones killed. Shot down by Bf 109 in mid Channel. Buried at Le Havre France.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/JonesJSB.htm

Hurricane P2650, No. 213 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
F/L R.D.G. Wight killed. Shot down in combat with enemy aircraft. Believed buried at Cayeux sur Mer.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Wight.htm

Hurricane P3789, No. 213 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
Sgt S.I. Butterfield killed. Shot down by unknown enemy aircraft over Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Butterfield.htm

Hurricane P3172, No. 1 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
P/O J.A.J. Davey killed. Hit by gunfire after combat with Bf 110. Attempted forced landing, aircraft burnt out.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/DaveyJAJ.htm

Spitfire R6630, No. 610 Squadron. Failed to return to base.
Sgt W.J. Neville. Missing in action. Shot down while on patrol over French coast.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Neville.htm

Spitfire R6918, No. 610 Squadron. Failed to return to base.
F/Sgt J.H. Tanner killed. Shot down off French coast. Buried at Calais, France.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Tanner.htm

Hurricane P3760, No. 17 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O K. Manger. Missing in action. Crashed in sea after combat with Bf 110 off Suffolk coast.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Manger.htm

Spitfire R6962, No. 74 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O D.N.E. Smith killed. Crashed into sea 30 miles off Harwich after combat with Bf 110.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/SmithDNE.htm

Spitfire R6757, No. 74 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O D.G. Cobden killed. Engaged combat with Bf 110 off Harwich, believed shot down.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Cobden.htm

Hurricane N2667, No. 56 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
Sgt R.D. Baker killed. Mistakenly shot down by unknown Spitfire while on convoy patrol.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/BakerRD.htm

Hurricane P3105, No. 111 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O J.H.H. Copeman killed. Shot down in combat with enemy aircraft over Thames Estuary.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Copeman.htm

Hurricane P3942, No. 111 Squadron. Presumed crashed into sea.
Sgt R.B. Sim. Missing in action. Failed to return after combat with Bf 109 escorts.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Sim.htm

Hurricane P3922, No. 111 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O J.W. McKenzie. Missing in action. Shot down by Bf 109 over Thames Estuary.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/McKenzieJW.htm

Hurricane P3595, No. 111 Squadron. Crashed into sea.
P/O R.R. Wilson. Missing in action. Last seen attacking Bf 109 escorts over Thames Estuary.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/WilsonRR.htm

Photo Descriptions

1. Messerschmitt Bf 110C-6 (2N+ SH) of 1./ErprGr 210. During 1940, Erprobungsgruppe 210 was the only Bf 110 unit to operate the C-6, the version that carried a 30mm MG 101 Kanone in place of the standard 2x20mm weapons.
2. Oberleutnant Theodor Rossiwall of Zerstörergeschwader 26 at the cockpit of his Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighter, Western France, Summer 1940. Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-341-0496-33 / Folkerts / CC-BY-SA 3.0.
3. Messerschmitt Bf 110C (A2+AL) of 6./ZG 2 over the south coast of Britain, 1940.
4. Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I P9322 (PR-L) of No. 609 Squadron, flown by Pilot Officer David Crook. On 11 August 1940, Crook shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110.
5. Soldiers guarding a crash-landed Junkers Ju 88A-1 of Stab II/KG 54 at Portland Head in Dorset, shot down by a No. 213 Squadron Hurricane over Portland Harbour, 11 August 1940. The censor has obscured the background. © IWM (HU 104714)