Raids on convoys in Channel and Straits of Dover.
Night: Targets chiefly at Merseyside.
Weather: Fine and fair early, clouding over during the morning. Fair in the evening.
Main Activity:
At 1005 hours, a section of Hurricanes from No. 238 Squadron intercepted and shot down a reconnaissance Messerschmitt Bf 110 from 4.(F)/14 that had ventured inland over the south coast. Before being downed, the German aircraft shot down a Fairey Battle trainer near Stockbridge and a Hawker Hart biplane from 1 FTS, based at Old Sarum Aerodrome.
Later, at 1458 hours, Dornier Do 17 bombers from KG 3, escorted by Bf 109s from JG 27 and Bf 110 fighter-bombers from V/LG 1, approached the convoy codenamed PEEWIT south of the Needles. Hurricanes from No. 43 Squadron were scrambled to intercept the raid. During the ensuing combat, a Bf 109 and a Hurricane collided, resulting in the destruction of both aircraft. The Do 17s dropped their bombs without hitting any targets and began their return to France. At this point, Hurricanes from No. 238 Squadron arrived and engaged the Bf 110s as they dive-bombed the convoy. One Bf 110 was severely damaged and forced to crash-land at Theville.
German Losses
Airmen: 19 | Aircraft: 12
British Losses
Airmen: 2 | Aircraft: 2
Hurricane P3973, No. 43 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
P/O R.A. DeMancha. Certified as missing. Collided with Bf 109 and crashed into Channel.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/DeMancha.htm
Photo Descriptions:
- A Dornier Do 17Z bomber of Kampfgeschwader 3, 1940. Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-343-0679-06A / Gentsch / CC-BY-SA 3.0.
- Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-5 (W.Nr. 2177) of the reconnaissance unit 4.(F)/14 (5F+CM). This aircraft was shot down by Red Section of No. 238 Squadron on 21 July 1940 at Goodwood. The pilot, Oblt. Friedrich Karl Runde managed to put it down in relatively good condition. It was repaired at Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough with parts from Me 110 2N+EP of 9./ZG76 (Oblt. Gerhard Kadow) that was shot down near Wareham on 11 July 1940. It was flown for the first time again on 15 February 1941. Later it was tested at RAE Duxford, painted in RAF colours (RAF serial AX772). It was assigned to No. 1426 Squadron after the end of the trials. Stored in November 1945, it was scrapped in November 1947.
- P/O John S Wigglesworth of No. 238 Squadron RAF perks up in Hurricane Mk I VK-I at RAF Middle Wallop. The 19-year-old pilot shared in the destruction of a Do 17 and a Bf 110 on 21 July 1940.