Convoy raids off North Foreland and Dover.
Night: The east coast, home counties and western Scotland attacked.
Weather: Showery in south-east England and Channel. Continuous rain elsewhere.
Main Activity:
At approximately 1100 hours, the convoy with the codename BREAD rounded the North Foreland while traveling westward. It was detected by a Do 17 reconnaissance aircraft from 4.(F)/121, which was accompanied by Bf 109s from I/JG 51. In response to this sighting, six Spitfires belonging to No. 74 Squadron, based at Hornchurch, were promptly scrambled and engaged the enemy aircraft. They managed to inflict damage on the Do 17. However, two of the Spitfires suffered damage from the Messerschmitt escort and had to make forced landings.
Shortly thereafter, Spitfires from No. 610 Squadron, stationed at Biggin Hill, encountered a Staffel of Bf 109s over Dover. During the ensuing conflict, one Spitfire sustained damage and ultimately crash-landed at Hawkinge.
At 1325 hours, a significant formation was detected heading towards the BREAD convoy. This incoming raid consisted of twenty-six Do 17 bombers from I/KG 2, escorted by Bf 110s from I/ZG 26. Top cover was provided by Bf 109s from I/JG 3 and III/JG 51. Hurricanes from Nos. 32, 56, and 111 Squadrons, along with Spitfires from No. 74 Squadron, were scrambled and engaged the enemy formation over the convoy. Additionally, six Spitfires from No. 64 Squadron were directed to the scene.
In the resulting action, six German aircraft were successfully shot down, and several others sustained damage. Tragically, one British Hurricane was lost when it collided with a Do 17 during a head-on attack. Furthermore, four RAF fighters were damaged in the process. Remarkably, despite the intensity of the battle, only one small ship, the 466-ton Dutch steamer Bill S, was sunk.
German Losses
Airmen: 29 | Aircraft: 14
British Losses
Airmen: 2 | Aircraft: 2
Hurricane P3359, No. 253 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
Sgt I.C.C. Clenshaw killed. Lost control in bad visibility.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Clenshaw.htm
Hurricane P3671, No. 111 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
F/O T.P.K. Higgs killed. Collided with Do 17 off coast near Folkestone.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Higgs.htm
Photo Descriptions:
- Do 17Z-2s over France, Summer 1940. Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-341-0456-04 / Folkerts / CC-BY-SA 3.0
- Supermarine Spitfire Mk Is of No. 610 Squadron on patrol during the Battle of Britain.
- Concertina wire defences along the sea front at Sandgate, near Folkestone in Kent, 10 July 1940. © IWM (H 2187)