Shipping attacked off Dover and south coast ports.
Night: Minelaying from Thames Estuary to Humber. Scattered raiders over England and Wales.
Weather: Fine early. Fair for the rest of the day, clouding over in the evening.
Main Activity:
At 1335 hours, a significant enemy raid was detected crossing the Dover Straits. Twenty-four Spitfires from Nos. 74 and 41 Squadrons, supported by Hurricanes from Nos. 257 and 111 Squadrons, were scrambled to intercept. The formation included bombers escorted by Bf 109s from III/JG 26 and JG 51. However, the bombers diverted southeast without engaging any targets, leaving the Bf 109 escorts to confront the RAF fighters.
In the ensuing battle, one Bf 109 was shot down, and two others were heavily damaged, force-landing upon their return to base. The RAF paid a steep price for their efforts, losing three Spitfires and one Hurricane in the engagement.
Following the combat, Hurricanes from No. 111 Squadron identified and destroyed two He 59 air-sea rescue aircraft operating in the area, marking a resolute end to the encounter.
German Losses
Airmen: 14 | Aircraft: 11
British Losses
Airmen: 1 | Aircraft: 6
Spitfire P9547, No. 74 Squadron. Aircraft lost.
P/O J.H.R.Young. Killed. Shot down by Bf 109 near Goodwin Sands.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/YoungJHR.htm
Photo Descriptions:
- Acting F/L Adolph G “Sailor” Malan of No. 74 Squadron RAF poses besides Spitfire Mk I ZP-A at RAF Hornchurch. On 28 July 1940, Malan found himself in combat with Major Werner Mölders of JG 51 over Dover. Mölders was wounded and crash-landed in France.
- Bristol Blenheim Mk IVs of No. 40 Squadron at Wyton, July 1940.