Convoys and shipping in the Channel attacked
Night: Nil.
Weather: Channel and Straits of Dover cloudy. Coastal and hill fog in western districts spreading east. Rain in most districts.
Main Activity:
At 0815 hours, six Spitfires from No. 54 Squadron were scrambled to intercept a formation of Dornier Do 17 bombers from II/KG 2 targeting a small convoy in the Straits of Dover. The Spitfires successfully disrupted the raid, preventing any bombs from striking the convoy. However, two Spitfires sustained damage from defensive fire, with one forced to make an emergency landing. Remarkably, no ships were lost during the attack.
Later, at approximately 1100 hours, another German raid was detected, this time comprising Do 17 bombers from I/KG 2, escorted by Messerschmitt Bf 109s from III/JG 26 and III/JG 52. The enemy formation was heading toward a convoy in the Thames Estuary. Spitfires from Nos. 54, 65, and 610 Squadrons were scrambled to intercept. In the fierce engagement that followed, RAF fighters shot down six Bf 109s, with another crashing at Marquise during its retreat. The RAF also suffered losses, with two Spitfires failing to return from the battle.
German Losses
Airmen: 23 | Aircraft: 15
British Losses
Airmen: 3 | Aircraft: 5
Spitfire R6812, No. 54 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
F/O J. L. Allen killed. Engine damaged in combat with Bf 109, but losing height crashed near the Old Charles Inn at Cliftonville.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/AllenJL.htm
Hurricane P3316, No. 151 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
P/O J. R. Hamar killed. Aircraft stalled at 500 ft and crashed nose first on aerodrome.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Hamar.htm
Hurricane P2685, No. 46 Squadron. Aircraft destroyed.
P/O A. M. Cooper-Key killed. Aircraft crashed during training exercise due to engine failure.
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Cooper-Key.htm
Photo Descriptions:
- Supermarine Spitfire Mark Is of No. 610 Squadron based at Biggin Hill, flying in ‘vic’ formation, 24 July 1940. © IWM (CH 740)
- The wreckage of a Messerschmitt Bf 109 flown by 21 year old Lt. Josef Schauff from 8./JG 26 which crashed into Byron Avenue, Margate on 24 July 1940. The pilot bailed out moments before, but he died in the grounds of the Royal School for Deaf Children.
- Troops inspect a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6296F) which crash-landed at Northdown in Kent, beside the Margate to Broadstairs railway line, having been shot down by Spitfires on 24 July 1940. It was flown by Oberleutnant Bartels, Technical Officer of Stab. III/JG 26, who was injured in the crash. © IWM (HU 69875)
- An RAF officer inspects a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6296F) which crash-landed at Northdown in Kent, beside the Margate to Broadstairs railway line, having been shot down by Spitfires on 24 July 1940. It was flown by Oberleutnant Bartels, Technical Officer of Stab. III/JG 26, who was injured in the crash. © IWM (HU 69876)
- An RAF officer points to a bullet hole in the cockpit canopy of a Messerschmitt Bf 109E-1 (W.Nr. 6296F) which was shot down by Spitfires on 24 July 1940. It crash-landed at Northdown in Kent, beside the Margate to Broadstairs railway line. It was flown by Oberleutnant Bartels, Technical Officer of Stab. III/JG 26, who was injured in the crash. © IWM (HU 73422)
- The wreckage of Hawker Hurricane Mk. I P2685, which crashed on 24 July 1940 after its engine failed. The pilot, P/O A M Cooper-Key of No. 46 Squadron, was killed. It is believed he tried to land in a park but when he spotted a group of young children playing he changed course and crashed on a railway embankment west of Peartree Station in Normanton near Derby.