Fighter-bomber attacks on London and Kent.

Night: Raids on London, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Weather: Bright intervals with some showers.

Enemy Action by Day

Thursday, 17 October 1940, brought intermittent clear spells across much of southern England, punctuated by occasional showers. This brief improvement in weather enabled the Luftwaffe to resume fighter-bomber operations over London and the Home Counties. Although no large-scale bombing raids were launched during the day, four sizeable sweeps—comprising more than 300 German aircraft—crossed into southeastern England, including Bf 109s carrying light bomb loads.

RAF Fighter Command responded with considerable force, scrambling nearly two dozen squadrons throughout the day. However, results were mixed: interceptions were frequently hampered by poor visibility and broken cloud cover, and several German formations penetrated to central London. Nevertheless, British fighters inflicted steady attrition on the attackers. Four German aircraft were confirmed destroyed, with another ten claimed as probable or damaged. Fighter Command lost three aircraft and three pilots in the day’s operations.

Morning Fighter-Bomber Sweeps and Initial Engagements

At 08:20 hours, approximately fifteen Bf 109s crossed the coast over Dover and followed a course through the Thames Estuary toward Hornchurch. The formation turned southeast and began withdrawing but was intercepted by RAF fighters before causing any damage.

A second, larger wave followed at 09:00 hours, comprising around sixty aircraft. One group turned north and exited eastward without making landfall, while another penetrated to central London before dispersing. Six RAF squadrons were scrambled to intercept, but none successfully engaged the enemy due to heavy cloud cover and inadequate tracking.

These early incursions marked the renewed use of Bf 109s in the fighter-bomber role by Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) and Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51). Despite being tracked by radar and observed by the Observer Corps, their high-speed profiles and unpredictable flight paths made interception difficult.

Midday Clashes Over Kent and the Estuary

At approximately 13:05 hours, two separate formations totaling fifty aircraft crossed the coast near Lympne. As they moved toward Gravesend, the force split: some aircraft turned back toward the Channel, while others reached as far north as Hornchurch before withdrawing.

Hurricanes from Nos. 46, 242, and 302 (Polish) Squadrons, along with Spitfires from No. 266 Squadron, were scrambled to intercept the incoming formations. Of the seven squadrons vectored to intercept, only one made contact and claimed a probable kill on a Messerschmitt Bf 109.

German pressure over Kent’s airspace continued throughout the day. The Luftwaffe’s increasing use of Bf 109s in the fighter-bomber role—though limiting their endurance in air combat—allowed for swift, disruptive attacks on RAF infrastructure.

Afternoon Assault on London and the Southern Sector

Just before 15:10 hours, radar detected four distinct formations approaching southeastern England. In total, around eighty aircraft advanced toward East London, Biggin Hill, and Kenley in the day’s largest coordinated raid.

RAF Fighter Command scrambled fourteen squadrons to respond. Hurricanes from Nos. 46, 229, 242, 249, 253, 302 (Polish), 303 (Polish), 501, and 605 Squadrons joined Spitfires from Nos. 41, 66, 72, 92, 222, and 603 Squadrons in a prolonged high-altitude engagement over Kent and the London outskirts. Four Bf 109s were confirmed destroyed, with four more listed as probable and three damaged. RAF losses amounted to three aircraft and three pilots.

Bombs were dropped on central London during the engagement. At RAF Kenley, seven high-explosive bombs struck the squadron dispersal area at 19:42 hours, damaging five aircraft. Fortunately, the runway remained operational, and no significant infrastructure damage was reported.

Final Sweep and Targeted Strikes on RAF Airfields

At approximately 16:30 hours, a fourth wave of around sixty aircraft approached the Kenley and Biggin Hill sectors in three separate formations. These attacks were more concentrated, targeting key RAF installations. Of the five squadrons scrambled in response, only one made contact, claiming a probable kill on a Bf 109 and damaging two others.

By 17:00 hours, a final raid swept across Kent and Sussex. The aircraft, believed to have originated from Luftwaffe bases near Calais, were intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron and Spitfires of Nos. 603 and 609 Squadrons. Combat took place over the Weald and the Sussex Downs, though the outcome remains inconclusive.

Reconnaissance activity was also reported throughout the day. Several Bf 110s conducted photographic and visual reconnaissance over the Thames Estuary, the Channel, and the approaches to Falmouth. Enemy aircraft were sighted over Land’s End, likely scouting shipping movements in the harbour.

Enemy Action by Night

As darkness fell, enemy aircraft began departing from bases in Holland and northern France by 18:25 hours. London remained the primary target, although raids were also reported over Birmingham, Liverpool, and parts of the East Midlands.

Between 19:00 and 21:00 hours, a steady stream of bombers from the Dutch coast and the Somme region crossed the Thames Estuary and advanced toward the capital. Others from Cherbourg used the Channel as a route into the Bristol Channel, then turned inland toward Birmingham.

At Shoreham and Beachy Head, additional formations crossed from France, targeting central London. Further raids from Dieppe moved inland to strike both the capital and northern cities. The Liverpool area experienced intense activity between 21:00 and 23:00 hours. Some aircraft were believed to have laid mines off the Suffolk coast and in the Thames Estuary.

After midnight, the frequency of incursions decreased. From 23:00 to 01:00 hours, only a few fresh raids were plotted, mostly from Dieppe and the Dutch coast. Between 01:00 and 03:00 hours, isolated bombers continued to approach London, but by dawn most operations had ceased.

Many bombs dropped overnight included parachute land mines and small high-penetration explosives, causing substantial damage.

Damage Assessments and Civilian Impact

Bombing during the night of 17/18 October caused scattered damage in London and several other cities.

In the capital, the courtyard of the National Gallery was struck, and bombs fell near the Colonial Office and Home Office. The Treasury sustained significant structural damage, with several people reportedly trapped beneath collapsed masonry. A suspected parachute mine was identified in the Thames between County Hall and India Wharf.

In St Pancras, five high-explosive bombs fell on Wilkins Street at 15:25 hours, killing three civilians and injuring ten. As many as one hundred people were believed to be trapped under debris. In Stepney, a direct hit destroyed the engine room of Regent’s Canal Lock. In Battersea, an unexploded bomb landed on the foreshore just 30 feet from Battersea Bridge, forcing its closure.

Damage to railway infrastructure was widespread. A signal box and platform were destroyed in Southwark, and additional incidents were reported in Wandsworth, Woolwich, Poplar, Wimbledon, Abbey Wood, and Lambeth. At Waterloo Station, automatic signalling equipment was destroyed, and trains were operated manually using flag signals.

In Birmingham, bombing between 20:05 and 22:56 hours struck residential districts. Industrial sites including BSA, Metropolitan Cammell, and Bakelite escaped with minimal damage. However, a railway engine and bridge were struck, blocking the line between Leicester, Birmingham, and Derby.

In Liverpool, widespread disruption was reported, though specific damage assessments were still pending.

At Rochester, a 21:42 hours attack damaged part of the Fort Bridgewood Wireless Station. Bombs also fell near Fort Borstal and the nearby airfield. In Crayford, significant damage at the Vickers Armstrong works was expected to impact production in several departments.

Casualties and Honours

Casualties for the week ending 17 October totalled 1,567, many resulting from the Luftwaffe’s increased use of aerial mines.

Among the period’s many acts of heroism were those of Sub-Lieutenant Jack Maynard Cholmondeley Easton and Able Seaman Bennett Southwall of the Royal Navy. While attempting to defuse a mine suspended six inches above the floor in a civilian home, the device exploded—killing Southwall and severely injuring Easton. Both men were awarded the George Cross.

2nd Lieutenant Alexander Fraser Campbell of the 9 Bomb Disposal Company, Royal Engineers, was posthumously awarded the George Cross after defusing one bomb at a factory site. He and six comrades were killed the following day when a second unexploded bomb detonated during its removal.

RAF Stations and Military Installations

RAF Kenley sustained further damage when seven high-explosive bombs hit the dispersal point. Five aircraft were disabled, though the runway remained operational.

At RAF North Weald, a second attack at 17:30 hours saw bombs fall just beyond the airfield perimeter. Another strike occurred at 22:30 hours, narrowly missing the main landing ground.

Heston Aerodrome was hit at 20:45 hours on the previous evening, with its photographic section destroyed and equipment stores severely damaged by fire.

At West Drayton, the No. 1 Signal Depot was hit at 20:40 hours. A concrete shelter, several roofs, and windows sustained damage.

At Hendon, an anti-aircraft shell accidentally struck the Titanine Dope Stores. Although volatile chemicals leaked onto the road and pavement, no fire ensued.

The Changing of the Guard at Fighter Command

As the air war intensified, internal political manoeuvring at the Air Ministry reached its climax.

On 17 October, a conference was convened under the pretext of improving tactical coordination between No. 11 and No. 12 Groups. In reality, it served as an inquiry into Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding’s leadership.

The meeting was orchestrated by senior officers and Churchill’s cabinet, with Air Vice-Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory and Squadron Leader Douglas Bader—champions of the “Big Wing” tactic—called to criticise Dowding’s doctrine. Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park, commander of No. 11 Group, defended his methods but received little support.

Though conducted with formal civility, the intent was clear: Dowding was to be replaced. Park too was removed from his post shortly after.

Air Marshal Sholto Douglas was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command, with Leigh-Mallory replacing Park at No. 11 Group. Bader was promoted to Wing Commander and given operational responsibility at RAF Tangmere.

Winston Churchill later noted that the Air Ministry’s official history of the Battle of Britain omitted mention of both Dowding and Park. As he dryly observed, it was:

“like an account of Trafalgar without any mention of Nelson.”

German Losses:
Airmen: 11 | Aircraft: 16

British Losses:
Airmen: 5 | Aircraft: 5

Spitfire R6800, No. 66 Squadron
P/O H.W. Reilley killed. Shot down by Major Molders of JG 51 in combat over Westerham.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Reilley.htm

Spitfire P7360, No. 74 Squadron
F/O A.L. Ricalton killed. Shot down in combat with Bf 109s over Maidstone.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Ricalton.htm

Hurricane P3174, No. 213 Squadron
P/O R. Atkinson killed. Shot down in combat with Bf 109s.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/AtkinsonR.htm

Hurricane V6575, No. 242 Squadron
P/O N.N. Campbell killed. Presumed damaged by return fire from Do 17 engaged off Yarmouth.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/CampbellNN.htm

Hurricane V7414, No. 302 Squadron
Sgt. J.S. Zaluski killed. Overturned attempting forced-landing at Colliers End.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Zaluski.htm

Photo Description

1. Groundcrew refuelling a Messerschmitt Bf 110 “Zerstörer” of ZG 26 “Horst Wessel” in France, October 1940. Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-404-0521-19A / Koster / CC-BY-SA
2. A Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7/B of Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52), featuring the unit’s Winged Sword emblem, being armed with a 250 kg SC250 bomb at a Luftwaffe airfield in France, October 1940. The aircraft is equipped with 60-round MG FF 20 mm wing cannons for fighter-bomber operations.