Atlantic

The ships of Force M which took part in the action against Dakar September 23-25, leave Freetown, where they had taken refuge, and escort the Free French forces to Douala in the French Cameroons. Barham and Resolution did not accompany this force since they had already left for the Mediterranean. Resolution, which was damaged off Dakar, puts into Gibraltar for repairs.

Battle of Britain

Day 86

Weather - Overcast with rain and poor visibility.

Combat - Due to the poor weather the Luftwaffe makes very few raids during the day.

de Havilland’s at the Number One Elementary Flying Training School at Hatfield airfield was bombed on October 3, 1940. Twenty one people were killed and 70 injured.

Flight School Bombed

However, small attacks are carried by low flying Ju-88's on designated targets with several of the raiders falling to anti-aircraft batteries or crashing in bad weather.

The only casualty for Fighter Command was a Blenheim of No: 600 Squadron, from Hornchurch, which crashes after a patrol sortie.

During the night the size of raids is reduced due to the continuing poor weather. London is again bombed and a small raid is made on Northolt.

R.A.F. Losses: 1 aircraft (Blenheim) destroyed and all 3 crew killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 13 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 20 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Britain, Politics

Neville Chamberlain resigns his position in the War Cabinet. His offices are taken up by Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the Council, and Sir John Anderson, Home Secretary. John Reith is appointed Minister of Works. Kingsley Wood and Ernest Bevin are brought into the War Cabinet.

Vichy France

The Vichy government bans Jews from serving in the army or working in public employment.