Battle of the Atlantic

During the month the British shipping losses are 103 ships of 443,000 tons of which the U-boats sink 352,400 tons.(Allied Ships Lost to U-boats) Convoys are now provided with escorts as far as 19 degrees west (about 300 miles east of Ireland). The Canadian forces provide similar cover in their waters. There are, however, still very few escorts and the cover is not strong. Following a few earlier attempts to coordinate operations by a group of U-boats, the wolf-pack tactics now begin to be widely used. There is little that can be done against these or against the U-boats' favorite technique of attacking on the surface from within the center of a convoy at night. The submarines present only a small, insignificant profile to visual search and radar is not yet advanced enough to conquer this deficiency. The listening devices with which escorts are equipped are not able to discern the difference between the sound of a submarine and the sound of ships of the convoy, and Asdic (Sonar) is only effective against submerged submarines. Even if they are sighted, the U-boats are often able to escape into the darkness because they are faster on the surface than the corvettes which form a large part of the escort forces.

Battle of Britain

The Germans only send in a few raids by bombers in daylight. They do, however, send sweeps by fighters and fighter-bombers at altitudes which make interceptions difficult for the R.A.F. and at which the Me-109 is superior to both the Spitfire and Hurricane. The night attacks of the Blitz continue, with London still bearing the brunt, but Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham are also attacked.

By the end of the month bad weather is beginning to put an end to the day operations, and in fact October 31 is regarded by the British as the end of the Battle of Britain.

Battle of Britain

Day 84

Weather - Generally cloudy over the country but fair.

Combat - At about 1030hrs a raid of Me-110's and Me-109's have been plotted on radar approaching the Dorset coast near Swanage. Hurricanes of No. 238 Squadron, scramble from Middle Wallop and No. 607 Squadron, scrambles from Tangmere, intercepts the raid over Poole with each squadron losing 2 aircraft.

Between 1300hrs and 1430hrs, two small raids of Me-109's sweep across Kent towards the Maidstone and Biggin Hill areas. Spitfires of No. 41, 72, 92 and 603 Squadrons along with Hurricanes of No. 253, 303, 501 and 605 Squadrons are scrambled to meet the raiders with successful interceptions made by Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron, from Hornchurch and Hurricanes of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, from Northolt.

Shortly after 1600hrs another raid of about 70 aircraft cross the Kent coast and makes for the area around Kenley, but turn back before any R.A.F. squadrons can intercept.

The remaining daylight hours sees only occasional reconnaissance raids along the coast and over southern England.

During the night raids are made against London, Bristol, the Midlands, East Anglia, Liverpool, Manchester and Preston areas. Mines are dropped off the east coast and in the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 8 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed or missing and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 16 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-32 attacks the Dutch steamer Haulerwijk (3278t) about 660 miles west of Ireland. About 7 hours after the first attack the U-boat sinks the steamer with gunfire with the loss of 4 crewmen. 27 survivors make it in lifeboats.
• U-38 sinks the British steamer Highland Patriot (14,172t) 500 miles west of Bishop Rock with the loss of 3 of her crew. 136 crew members and 33 passengers are picked up by the British sloop Wellington.
• The Italian submarine Baracca sinks the Greek steamer Aghios Nicolaos (3687t) about 300 miles off Lisbon.

China

Weihaiwei is occupied by the Japanese.

Battle of Britain

Day 85

Weather - Generally fine in all areas with some cloud later in the day.

Combat - Just after 0900hrs and during the following hour, two raids cross over Kent towards the southern areas of London. Ju-88's, Do-17's and Me-109's make up the raids and are intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 17, 253, 501 and 605 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 602 and 603 Squadrons.

At about 1130hrs another raid approaches the Maidstone area and Margate, where bombs are dropped. Due to the high altitude of the bombers, the Fighter Command squadrons scrambled to intercept could not reach the raiders before they have turned back to France.

During the early part of the afternoon several small raids cross over Dungeness but turn away before reaching their targets. Just before 1630hrs another raid of He-111's and Me-109's is plotted over Kent on, scrambled from Hornchurch intercept some of the raiders. Meanwhile, off the Lincolnshire coast at Skegness, He-111's are engaged by the Hurricanes of No. 151 Squadron scrambled from Digby.

Shortly before 1930hrs, a convoy is attacked off Peterhead and the He-115 responsible is intercepted and shot down by Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron.

During the night the regular bombing of London continues with further raids on the areas of Newcastle, the Midlands and Manchester. Mines are dropped in the Humber and Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed, no pilots killed and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 20 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 32 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and no reported wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-32 sinks the British steamer Kayeson (4606t) west of Ireland with the loss of her entire crew of 38.
• The British steamer Latymer (2218t) is sunk by German bombing 4 miles west of Skelligs. The entire crew is rescued.

Atlantic

The ships of Force M which took part in the action against Dakar 23-25 September, 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.

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.

Flight School Bombed

Axis Diplomacy

Hitler and Mussolini meet at Brennero, Brenner Pass. Hitler warns Mussolini against undertaking new campaigns that is not 'of absolute use to the Axis'. Hitler also offers help in Africa, which is refused by Mussolini. Hitler would prefer them to fight to his direct orders rather than detract from his own strategic intentions by their own ineffectual actions.

Hitler and Mussolini at Brenner Pass

Battle of Britain

Day 87

Weather - Poor conditions with mist and rain throughout the day.

Combat - Although weather conditions are poor, the Luftwaffe launches several small raids during the day.

The first is by Ju-88's just after 1000hrs during which one of the raiders is shot down by Hurricanes of No. 257 Squadron off the Suffolk coast.

Another Ju-88 bomber is intercepted, at 1100hrs, by Hurricanes of No. 229 Squadron over the Channel.

Bombs Hit Tilbury Port

At about midday a raid of He-111's is intercepted off the Sussex coast by Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron, scrambled from Kenley and No. 607 Squadron, scrambled from Tangmere. As this raid subsides, more Ju-88's cross the coast near Beachy Head at about 1300hrs and are engaged by Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, scrambled from Croydon.

It is not until about 1700hrs that another raid of Do-17's and Ju-88's cross the Kent coast before turning back as the Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron give chase.

During the night large raids are made on London and a few on the Liverpool and Bristol areas. Mines are dropped off the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts.

R.A.F. Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 20 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 25 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 9 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 88

Weather - Generally bright with occasional showers and light winds.

Combat - Just before 0900hrs, a reconnaissance Ju-88 is attacked by Hurricanes of No. 253 Squadron, off Beachy Head.

At 0930hrs a large raid of Me-109's attack Dover at low level and most have returned before the scrambled Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron from Biggin Hill arrived.

Another raid of Me-109's sweep across Kent at about 1100hrs and is intercepted by Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 72, 92 & 603 Squadrons.

As the fighter sweeps are withdrawing, Me-110's cross over Kent towards Maidstone and are met head-on by the Polish Hurricane Squadron, No. 303, scrambled from Northolt.

Shortly before 1400hrs a large raid of Ju-88's and Me-109's approach the Dorset coast and proceed to attack Southampton. Hurricanes of No. 238 and 607 Squadrons scramble to intercept but make little impact on the bombers due to the Me-109 escorts.

As this raid was in progress, another Me-109 sweep across Kent is made with interceptions made by Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron, scrambled from Hornchurch. By 1600hrs only the occasional reconnaissance raid is plotted.

During the night London is repeatedly bombed with further raids on Liverpool, Leicester, Northampton, the Midlands and East Anglia. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 15 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots killed and 3 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 27 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 29 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 8 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

The Blitz

London is attacked by German bombers damaging the Tower of London.

Sheltering from the Blitz

Battle of Britain

Day 89

Weather - Overcast with rain throughout the day.

Combat - The Sunday is relatively quiet, as the weather remains poor. A few raids are plotted during the day with several reaching their targets in East Anglia and London.

At 1100hrs Do-17's make small raids into Kent with successful interceptions made by Hurricanes of No. 253 Squadron, scrambled from Kenley.

Shortly after, at about 1230hrs, a raid of Ju-88's attack Northolt as Hurricanes of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron are scrambling. The Hurricanes of No. 229 Squadron manage to get airborne from Northolt and attack the raiders.

Meanwhile, at about 1300hrs, another raid of Do-17's enters East Anglia and are met by Hurricanes of No. 17 and 249 Squadrons.

Refuelling a Hurricane

No more raids appear until night time when bombing resumes on London. Smaller raids are plotted over Birmingham and East Anglia.

R.A.F. Losses: 4 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 23 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 4 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-103 sinks the Norwegian tanker Nina Borthen (6123t) dispersed from Convoy OB-222. The entire crew of 35 is lost.
• U-123 sinks the British steamer Benlawers (5943t), a straggler from Convoy OB-221), northeast of St Johns with the loss of 24 crewmen. 27 survivors are picked up by the British steamers Bengore Head and Forest.

Mediterranean

Accidental Sinking

The Yugoslavian steamer Vido (1919t) sinks on a mine about 15 miles east of Sulina.

Air Operations, Europe

In the heaviest raid on the German capital to date, 30 Wellington and 12 Whitley bombers drop 50 tons of high-explosive bombs on Berlin.

Battle of Britain

Day 90

Weather - Occasional rain with light and broken cloud over most areas.

Combat - Throughout the morning Me-109 sweeps are made across Kent with successful interceptions made by Hurricanes of No. 303 (Polish), 501 and 605 Squadrons. The Spitfires of No. 41 and 66 Squadrons, although scrambled to intercept, are unable to make any decisive attacks and lose aircraft during the combat.

One raid by Do-17's, at about 1100hrs, is intercepted by Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron off the coast at Folkestone before breaking away back across the Channel.

Just after 1600hrs two raids are made against southern England. The first is a large attack against the Westland factory at Yeovil by 25 Ju-88's and over 50 Me-110's. Hurricanes of No. 56, 238, 601 and 607 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 152, 602 and 609 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept the raiders.

As the furious air battles are developing over Dorset and the surrounding areas, a second raid is made over Kent and Sussex by Me-109's with successful interceptions made by the Spitfires of No. 222 and 603 Squadrons along with Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron.

During the night London is bombed continuously with smaller raids on South Wales, the Midlands, Liverpool, East Anglia, Montrose, Sunderland and Newcastle. Mines are dropped in the Bristol Channel, Thames Estuary and Firth of Forth.

R.A.F. Losses: 18 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 7 pilots killed and 6 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 28 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 27 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-59 sinks the Norwegian steamer Touraine (5811t) west of Bloody Foreland with the loss of 1 crewman. 34 survivors are either picked up or make it to shore in lifeboats.

The Blitz

Liverpool is bombed by the Luftwaffe damaging a cinema and a school. London is bombed with a bomb hitting No. 145 Piccadilly, the former home of the Royal Family.

German Raiders

The German armed merchant cruiser Pinguin capture the Norwegian steamer Storstad (8998t) in the Indian Ocean. 30 of her crew are repatriated to Norway. The ship is renamed Passat for use as an auxiliary to Pinguin.

Japan

The Japanese government protests the US embargo on aviation fuel and machine tools and the ban on the exports of iron and steel scraps. Ambassador Kensuke Horinouchi says the actions 'cannot fail to be regarded as directed against Japan, and, as such, to be an unfriendly act.'

Battle of Britain

Day 91

Weather - Cloudy but fair in most areas.

Combat - The first combat of the day sees Blenheims of No. 235 Squadron, scrambled from Manston, intercept and shoot down two He-59's over the Channel during a patrol mission.

Throughout the morning many small raids are made over southern England, mainly by Me-109's and small numbers of He-111's, which penetrate as far as Biggin Hill, Hornchurch and Kenley areas. One such raid is met with force, at about 1030hrs, by the Spitfire squadrons of Biggin Hill (No. 72 and 92 Squadrons) and Hornchurch (No. 41 and 222 Squadrons) along with Spitfires of No. 66 Squadron from Gravesend.

Just after 1100hrs another small raid of Do-17's and Me-109's crosses the Kent coast at Lympne. Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron intercept the raid over Folkstone as the Do-17's turn back to France.

At about 1300hrs, Ju-88's and Me-109's make a raid along the Sussex coast at Hastings, Eastbourne and Bexhill. Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron are scrambled from Tangmere to intercept.

As small reconnaissance and bombing raids continue during the afternoon in the southeast and along the coastline to Dorset, a raid by a Ju-88 on the Merseyside area is intercepted by the Hurricanes of No. 312 (Czech) Squadron, scrambled from Speke, at about 1630hrs.

Sadly on this day Sergeant Josef Frantisek, flying a Hurricane of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, crashes and is killed while on a lone patrol over Surrey. The Czech pilot had successfully shot down 17 Luftwaffe aircraft during September and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his bravery. He remained Fighter Commands highest scoring pilot during the Battle of Britain.

During the night bombing raids continue on London with further raids made on Portsmouth, Southampton, Liverpool, the Midlands and East Anglia. Mines are dropped off the Northeast coast, the Humber and Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 30 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 35 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 5 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-58 badly damages the British steamer Confield (4956t), a straggler from Convoy HX-76, about 90 miles west of Barra Head. 1 crewman is lost, but there are 36 survivors. The British sloop Weston scuttles the ship with gunfire the next morning.
• The British steamer Bellona II (840t) is lost by German bombing 4 miles east of Gourdan, Kincardineshire. 9 are lost from the steamer.

The Blitz

In the bombing of London 300 fires are started. Major fires begin at Chiswick and at Hay's Wharf. St Clement Danes Church is also damaged by bombs.

London Bomb Damage

Underground Shelter

Air Operations, Europe

The dry docks at Wilhelmshaven, housing the Tirpitz, are attacked by the R.A.F..

Battle of Britain

Day 92

Weather - Cloudy and overcast with rain.

Combat - During the morning reconnaissance raids are made by single Ju-88's, one of which is intercepted and shot down by Hurricanes of No. 1 Squadron, scrambled from Wittering, over the Wash just before 1130hrs.

From 1100hrs raids of 20 to 30 aircraft cross the Kent coast at high altitude and reach southern areas of London. These raids are made over southeastern areas throughout the day by bomb carrying Me-109's and prove difficult to intercept by fighter Command. Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron have been scrambled from Biggin Hill to patrol at high altitudes in order to meet such raids and succeed at about 1230hrs when they engage Me-109's of JG51 over Kent.

During early afternoon, at about 1300hrs, Hurricanes of No. 601 Squadron, scrambled from Exeter, intercept a small raid of He-111's near Dartmouth and successfully claim two of the raiders before they could reach a convoy off Lands End.

At 1430hrs a larger raid of over 150 aircraft crosses the Kent coast near Lympne and succeeds in bombing targets in east London. Hurricanes of No. 73, 249, 253, 303 (Polish) and 605 Squadrons along with the Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 72, 74, 92, 222 and 602 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept. Over the following hour fierce dogfights ensue over Kent, the Thames Estuary and Channel areas.

During the night London is heavily bombed along with Manchester, Liverpool and Derby. Mines are dropped off the coast from the Thames Estuary up to Scotland.

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 6 pilots & aircrew (Blenheim) killed or missing and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 25 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 21 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 5 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-103 attacks ships in Convoy SC-6 and sinks the Greek steamers Zannes Gounaris (4407t) and Delphin (3816t) and badly damages the British steamer Graigwen (3697t) 37 miles north-northwest of Rockall. 1 crewman is lost from the Zannes Gounaris and the entire crew of the Delphin is rescued. The British steamer is sunk on the 10th by U-123 with the loss of 7 of her crew.
• The British steamer Alderney Queen (663t) is sunk by German bombing off Grassholm Island, North Wales. The entire crew is rescued.

The Blitz

In the attack on London a bomb penetrates the roof of St Paul's Cathedral making a 25 x 12 foot hole and destroying the High Altar.

St. Paul's Cathedral Bombed

Dome of St. Paul's Cathedral Pierced by Bomb

Atlantic

The battleship Revenge bombards the docks at Cherbourg during the night.

Battle of Britain

Day 93

Weather - Generally showery with occasional bright intervals.

Combat - Reconnaissance raids are being plotted as early as 0600hrs and by 0700hrs a small group of He-111's attack and bomb Dover before returning to France without being intercepted. Within the hour a larger raid of Do-17's and Me-109's are approaching the Sussex coastline and are met by the Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron, scrambled from Biggin Hill to patrol the area, near Brighton. Three Spitfires are lost during the engagement.

At 1000hrs two raids of about 30 Me-109's cross over Kent, of which one is intercepted by Spitfires of No. 603 Squadron scrambled from Hornchurch.

Just after 1200hrs a raid is plotted approaching the Dorset coast. Hurricanes of No. 52, 56, 145, 213, 238 and 607 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 152 and 609 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept. During the battles Hurricanes of No. 56 and 238 Squadrons suffer losses to the Me-109's over Wareham and Corfe areas.

The last main attack of the day crosses the Kent coast just after 1500hrs and heads for London. Hurricanes of No. 73, 229, 249, 253, 257, 303 and 615 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 72, 92 and 602 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept the raid.

During the night the bombing continues on London with further raids on Liverpool, South Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, Gloucester area and to the airfields of Debden and Duxford. Mines are dropped in the Bristol Channel, Thames Estuary, off Harwich and the Northeast coast.

R.A.F. Losses: 8 aircraft damage or destroyed, 6 pilots killed and 1 wounded.

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

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Atlantic

During the night German torpedo boats sink 2 Free French anti-submarine vessels off the Isle of Wight.

Battle of Britain

Day 94

Weather - Early morning misty and foggy with occasional showers and bright intervals.

Combat - Many of the raids made on this Friday consist of bomb carrying Me-109's, which sees the first combat of the day involving Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron, scrambled from Biggin Hill to protect a convoy, at about 0800hrs off Deal.

Over the next few hours many reconnaissance raids are made over southern England until about 1030hrs when four separate waves of Me-109 bombers and fighters cross the Kent coast for nearly 1 hour and make for targets around Kent and London. Bombs are dropped on Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Folkestone, Whitstable and the Thames Estuary areas. Many Fighter Command squadrons are scrambled to intercept, but only the Spitfires of No. 66 and 72 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 73 and 253 Squadrons manage to engage the raiders.

The pattern continues into the afternoon from 1400hrs as waves of Me-109's cross the coast at Hastings and Dungeness where they split for targets near Portland, London and Hornchurch. Another raid crosses the Essex coast and makes for North Weald and then Biggin Hill areas. The dogfights involving Hurricanes of No. 73, 249 and 253 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron last until nearly 1700hrs.

The Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron from Hornchurch and No. 66 Squadron from Gravesend have suffered during the combat with Me-109s, each losing three aircraft.

As the evening arrives a raid by Do-17's is made on targets in the Midlands and Merseyside between 1800hrs and 1930hrs. The Hurricanes of No. 312 (Czech) Squadron are scrambled from Speke to intercept, as do the Spitfires of No. 611 Squadron, from Ternhill. Three of the Do-17's are successfully shot down with the loss of one aircraft to each squadron.

During the night London is bombed again along with targets at Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol. Mines are dropped off the east coast of Scotland and the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 13 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots killed and 5 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 17 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 18 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 1 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-48 attacks Convoy HX-77 and sinks the Norwegian steamer Brandanger (4624t) and the British steamer Port Gisborne (10,144t) about 110 miles west-southwest of Rockall. 6 are lost from the Brandanger and 26 from Port Gisborne. Survivors are picked up by the British tug Salvonia.

The Blitz

Liverpool is heavily attacked in the continuing German bombing campaign. Four ships in the port are sunk and other damage is inflicted.

Finland

The demilitarization of the Aland Islands is agreed in a Finnish-Soviet convention.

Battle of Britain

Day 95

Weather - Fog and mist in most areas, clearing later.

Combat - As with previous days the majority of the raids are carried out by high altitude, bomb carrying, Me-109's and waves of these start crossing the coast from 0900hrs. One of these raids manages to reach and bomb London during the morning while others reach the areas of Biggin Hill and Hornchurch.

At about 1000hrs a large raid is intercepted over north Kent by Hurricanes of No. 249 and 257 Squadrons, both scrambled from North Weald. The Biggin Hill Spitfires of No. 72 and 92 Squadrons are also in action over Kent with the Me-109's of LG2.

While aerial battles are being fought over Kent and London, Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron, scrambled from Tangmere, engage more Me-109's of LG2 over Hastings and southern areas of Kent and Sussex.

Successive raids continue into the afternoon and reach areas of Hertfordshire, Surrey, Essex, Kent, and Sussex. One raid of Me-109's is met by Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, scrambled from Croydon, at about 1300hrs over Maidstone.

Slightly later at about 1530hrs and for nearly 1 hour raids of Ju-88's and Me-109's approach the Kent and Sussex coastline. Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron, from Westhampnett, engage the bombers off the coast near Beachy Head while the Me-109's are intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 257 and 615 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41 and 92 Squadrons.

By 1700hrs the raids have subsided and only reconnaissance aircraft are being detected by radar. One such aircraft, an Arado Ar-196, is intercepted and shot down over the Channel by Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron.

During the night heavy bombing continues on London and the Midlands with other raids reported over East Anglia and the Northeast.

R.A.F. Losses: 16 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed and 3 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 6 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-48 sinks the Norwegian steamer Davanger (7102t) from Convoy HX-77 about 300 miles west of Broadhaven, Ireland with the loss of 17 crewmen. 12 survivors make it to Ireland in a lifeboat.
• U-59 sinks the British steamer Pacific Ranger (6895t) from Convoy HX-77 about 130 miles northwest of Bloody Foreland. The entire crew of 55 is rescued.
• U-101 sinks the Canadian steamer Saint Malo (5779t), a straggler from Convoy HX-77, northwest of Ireland with the loss of 28 of her crew. 16 crewmen are rescued.

The Blitz

Children During the Blitz

Atlantic

During the night there is action off southern Norway between British destroyers and a German flotilla. 2 of the German ships are sunk.

Axis Diplomacy

Ribbentrop writes to Stalin inviting the Soviets to join Germany, Italy and Japan in a mutual division of the world. Stalin replies that he is in favor of such an arrangement and will send Molotov to Berlin to begin negotiations.

Japan invites the US and others to join the Tripartite alliance. Foreign Minister Matsuoka says, 'The new world order envisaged by the three powers is one in which economic barriers will be broken down and the natural geographic divisions of the earth established in complementary fashion which will make for the prosperity of all peoples. . . . We three nations, Japan, Germany, and Italy, will be very glad to welcome other powers into our alliance, whether it be the United States or any other nation, should they desire to join in the spirit of the new order.'

Battle of Britain

Day 96

Weather - Starting foggy in most areas and clearing later.

Combat - With fog covering most of the country and Channel areas throughout the morning air activity is restricted to occasional reconnaissance raids.

As conditions improve by early afternoon, the Luftwaffe launches the now familiar pattern of high altitude raids over Kent and London. The first is plotted after 1300hrs and interceptions are made by Spitfires of No. 46, 66 and 92 Squadrons.

Just after 1400hrs a large wave of raids, mainly Me-109's with Ju-88's, is crossing the Kent coast and heading for London. Hurricanes of No. 73, 229, 249, 253, 257, 303 (Polish), 605 and 615 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 41, 46, 66, 72, 92 and 602 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

As the main battles over Kent are dying off, another raid of Me-109's crosses over Dover at about 1530hrs and is met by the Spitfires of No. 66 Squadron, still weary from the last engagements.

One of the tragedies of aerial warfare is realized, at 1800hrs, by two Blenheim crews of No. 29 Squadron, from Ternhill. While on patrol over the Irish Sea off Liverpool, they are mistaken for Luftwaffe bombers by Hurricanes of No. 312 (Czech) Squadron and shot down. One of the crews is killed.

During the night London is bombed along with Liverpool, the Midlands and East Anglia. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary, the Humber, the Irish Sea, off Harwich and Flamburgh Head.

R.A.F. Losses: 7 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots & aircrew (Blenheim) killed and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 12 aircraft damaged or destroyed, no reported killed or missing and 3 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-37 sinks the British steamer Stangrant (5804t) from Convoy HX-77 northeast of Rockall with the loss of 8 crewmen. 30 survivors are rescued by a Sunderland flying boat.
• U-103 sinks the Estonian steamer Nora (1186t) northwest of Ireland. 19 survivors are picked up by the British sloop Leith.

Battle of Britain

Day 97

Weather - Overcast over most of the country with rain and drizzle in the south.

Combat - In comparison to the past week, the scale of raids on this Monday is limited due to poor weather conditions.

During the morning small raids of Me-109's continue bombing targets from high altitude, out of the reach of Fighter Command, with scattered raids made by He-111's and Ju-88's on targets in the southeast including the airfield at North Weald. During one of these raids the He-111's find themselves being attacked by patrolling Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, scrambled from Croydon.

Several raids are made during the afternoon by Do-17's and Me-109's on Portsmouth, London and areas of East Anglia. Hurricanes of No. 17 Squadron, scrambled from Debden, intercept one of the Do-17's over Suffolk.

Although many Fighter Command squadrons are scrambled throughout the day, very few engagements are encountered and accidents or Anti-aircraft guns cause most of the Luftwaffe casualties.

During the night the scale of bombing is reduced with the main targets being London, Birmingham and Coventry with smaller raids on East Anglia, Liverpool and Preston.

R.A.F. Losses: 3 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 1 pilot killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 10 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 1 pilot killed and 4 pilots and aircrew wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British collier Glynwen (1076t) is lost to an enemy attack.
• The German steamer Euler (1879t) sinks on a mine near St Nazaire.

The Blitz

London is bombed with 200 people killed and about 2,000 injured. Among the damaged areas are St James Church in Piccadilly and the Treasury Building.

Balham Tube Station, 8pm, 14 October 1940

Battle of Britain

Day 98

Weather - Conditions generally fair over most of the country. Cloudy spells over the Channel.

Combat - Shortly after 0800hrs the first of two waves of bomb-carrying Me-109's sweep across Kent towards the Biggin Hill, Kenley and south London areas. As this raid is turning back the second crosses over the coast at Dungeness and makes for east London. Several Fighter Command squadrons are scrambled to intercept with successful engagements involving the Spitfires of No. 41 and 92 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 229, 253, 302 (Polish), 501 and 605 Squadrons.

At 1130hrs another wave of raids crosses the Kent coast and heads for the areas of Hornchurch, Gravesend and the Thames Estuary. The Me-109's are met by Hurricanes of No. 46, 253, 257 and 501 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 66 and 92 Squadrons.

While battles raged over Kent, a raid is made by He-111's, Me-110's and Me109's attack the area of Southampton and the Isle of Wight. Hurricanes of No. 145 and 213 Squadrons, both scrambled from Tangmere, intercept the raiders over Christchurch and Swanage areas.

Further down the coast off Falmouth, Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron, scrambled from St. Eval and Hurricanes of No. 601 Squadron from Exeter, intercept a small raid of Ju-88's as they approach.

Just before 1600hrs, two raids of He-111's and Me-109's cross over Kent and make for areas of east London. Bombs are also dropped, by this raid, on the main rail lines in Ashford. Spitfires of No. 92 and 222 Squadrons manage to intercept some of the raiders before they turn back for home.

The night raids start early, at about 1830hrs, with bombs dropping on London, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary, the Bristol Channel and off East Anglia.

R.A.F. Losses: 25 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 6 pilots killed and 5 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 27 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 13 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 8 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-93 sinks the British steamer Hurunui (9331t) from Convoy OB-227 120 miles west of Butt of Lewis with the loss of 2 crewmen. 73 survivors are picked up by the British steamer St Margaret.
• U-103 sinks the British steamer Thistlegarth (4747t) from Convoy OB-227 45 miles west-northwest of Rockall with the loss of 30 of her crew. 9 survivors are picked up by the by the British corvette Heartsease.
• U-138 sinks the British steamer Bonheur (5327t) from Convoy OB-228 38 miles nortwest of Butt of Lewis. The entire crew of 39 are rescued by the British anti-submarine trawler Sphene.
• The Italian submarine Cappellini sinks the Belgian steamer Kabalo (5186t) from Convoy OB-223 west of Morocco with the loss of 1 crewman. Survivors are picked up by the American steamer Pan American.

Italy, Planning

A meeting is called by Mussolini at the Palazzo Venezia to discuss plans to invade Greece. The first plan is of a two-week campaign to begin on 26 October, which will later be pushed back 2 days. The job of finding a casus belli is given to Foreign Minister Ciano. He says that it should not be a problem since he can rely on the support of several Greek personalities who will be easy to corrupt. The Italians are expecting a short, sharp battle and believe it may repair their reputation in German eyes.

Mediterranean

• The British submarine Triad and the Italian submarine Enrico Toti, unable to submerge due to previous damage, fight a gun battle off Calabria. The Triad is sunk with all hands.
• The Italians submarine Foca is lost in a mine-laying operation off Haifa, Palestine.

Air Operations, Europe

The R.A.F. bombs targets in Germany including the Kiel naval base.

Battle of Britain

Day 99

Weather - Misty and rain throughout most of the day and foggy over the channel.

Combat - Air activity on this Wednesday is greatly reduced due to poor weather conditions.

There are a few small reconnaissance and nuisance raids made by Ju-88's and Me-109's during the day with one of these being intercepted by the Hurricanes of No. 302 (Polish) Squadron, scrambled from Northholt.

As the weather closes in during late afternoon, the night-time raids start early at about 1900hrs with Do-17's and He-111's crossing the coasts of southern England for their targets.

The Defiants of No. 164 and 264 Squadrons and Anti-aircraft guns claim more aircraft during the night than the fighters during daylight hours.

During the night, heavy raids are made on London, South Wales, the Midlands and Liverpool. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary, off Harwich, the Wash and the Humber.

R.A.F. Losses: 8 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 1 pilot killed and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses:22 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 33 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 10 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• 4 U-boats operating off the north Channel sink 4 merchant ships and damage 3 others including the armed merchant cruiser Cheshire (10,552 t).
• U-124 sinks the Canadian steamer Trevisa (1813t), a straggler from Convoy SC-7, 218 miles west of Rockall with the loss of 7 crewmen. 14 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Bluebell.

The Blitz

During a period when there were not many defensive successes, 5 bombers are brought down on this night.

Bomb Damage

Diplomatic Relations

Beginning today and continuing until 19 October discussions are held between the Japanese and the authorities in the Dutch East Indies concerning the supply of oil. It is agreed to supply the Japanese with 40 percent of the production for the next six months. There are British attempts to block this agreement.

Atlantic

German destroyers and torpedo boats carry out an offensive sweep towards Land's End, but retire when they become engaged by a British cruiser and several destroyers

Battle of Britain

Day 100

Weather - Cloudy and rain with occasional bright intervals.

Combat - Bomb-carrying Me-109's make renewed raids on London and targets in the southeast. The first crosses the coast at about 0830hrs and is followed by a larger raid just after 0900hrs, which also includes Do-17's crossing over East Anglia. Many squadrons are scrambled to intercept these raids but poor visibility makes this task difficult. Hurricanes of No. 46, 242 and 302 (Polish) Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 266 Squadron succeed in finding and engaging the enemy.

Just after 1300hrs another raid is plotted approaching Gravesend with a second wave of four raids just before 1500hrs. Over the next two to three hours' dogfights rage high over Kent and southeast England involving Hurricanes of No. 46, 229, 242, 249, 253, 302 (Polish), 303 (Polish), 501 and 605 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 72, 92, 222 and 603 Squadrons. Bombs are dropped on central London and the airfield at Kenley.

At 1700hrs a raid of Me-109's sweep across Kent and Sussex. Interceptions are made by the Tangmere Hurricanes of No. 213 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 603 and 609 Squadrons.

During the night raids are made on London, Liverpool, Birmingham, the Midlands and East Anglia. Mines are dropped off the Suffolk coast and the Thames Estuary.

Air Raid Damage at Camden

R.A.F. Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 6 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 25 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 14 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 5 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Air Operations, East Africa

R.A.F. and the South African Air Force raid targets in Italian East Africa.

Axis Diplomacy

Demands upon Greece are issued by Germany and Italy. Among the demands are the transfer of land to Italy and Bulgaria, use of air bases by the Axis, and a new sympathetic government in Athens.

Battle of Britain

Day 101

Weather - Mainly foggy over the country and Channel.

Combat - Although no large scale attacks were made by the Luftwaffe on this day, single aircraft raids and reconnaissance continued across the counties of southern England.

One successful interception for Fighter Command was by the Hurricanes of No. 229 Squadron, scrambled from Northolt, who intercepted some Ju-88's over Kent as they approached London.

The poor weather conditions created many accidents for both sides as pilots & crews became disorientated in the fog. One tragic incident involved the Polish pilots of No. 302 Squadron. while on patrol they became lost over Surrey and ran out of fuel forcing emergency landings, subsequently losing four Hurricanes and pilots.

During the night raids were made on London, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Southampton and East Anglia. Mine laying was carried out around the Thames Estuary areas.

R.A.F. Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 24 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 18 pilots & aircrew killed or missing and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British submarine H-49 is sunk by German auxiliary submarine chasers UJ-116 and UJ-118 off Terschelling with the loss of 26 of her crew.
• U-48 sinks the British steamer Sandsend (3612t) from Convoy OB-229 254 miles west-northwest of Rockall with the loss of 5 of her crew. 34 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Hibiscus.
• U-123 damages the British steamer Shekatika (5458t) ahead of Convoy SC-7. U-100 damages the British steamer with another torpedo an hour later. U-123 finally sinks her early the next morning. The entire 36-man crew is rescued by the British sloop Fowey.
• In attacks Convoy SC-7 U-46 sinks the British steamer Beatus (4885t) and the Swedish steamer Convallaria (1996t) 100 miles southwest of Barra Head. The entire crew of the Beatus is picked up by the Dutch steamer Boekolo and that of the Convallaria by the British sloop Fowey. U-101 sinks the British steamer Creekirk (3971t) east-northeast of Rockall with the loss of her entire crew of 36. U-99 sinks the British steamer Empire Miniver (6055t) about 100 miles southwest of Barra Head with the loss of 3 crewmen. 35 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Bluebell. U-46 also sinks the Swedish steamer Gunborg (1672t) 150 miles west of the Hebrides. Her 23 survivors are picked up by the Bluebell. U-99 also sinks the Greek steamer Niritos (3854t) with the loss of 1 of her crew. 27 survivors are picked up by the Bluebell. U-99 sinks the British steamer Fiscus (4815t) east of Rockall with the loss of 38 crewmen. The lone survivor is picked up by the British corvette Clematis.

China

The Burma Road is reopened to the passage of militaery supplies to Chiang Kai-shek's forces. The trucks return with tungsten, oil, wood and tin for export to the US.

Mediterranean

• The British destroyers Firedrake, Wrestler and Vidette sink the Italian submarine Durbo off Alboran Island. 48 survivors are picked up by the British ships and taken to Gibraltar.
• The Italian steamer Cuma (6463t) sinks on a mine off Gela/Licata, Sicily.

Atlantic

The destroyer Venetia hits a mine and sinks in the Thames Estuary.

Battle of Britain

Day 102

Weather - Generally cloudy and overcast in most areas.

Combat - The morning is relatively quiet with scattered reconnaissance raids being plotted over the Channel and coastal areas.

Only one main raid materializes during the day, just after 1500hrs, by Ju-88's, Do-17's and Me-109's cros the Kent coast at Dungeness and make for London. Spitfires of No. 66, 92 and 222 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 253 and 605 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

During the night heavy raids are made on London, Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry, Birmingham, Bristol and South Wales.

R.A.F. Losses: 3 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 9 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots & aircrew killed and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• Convoy HX-79 of 49 ships loses 12 between 19-20 October. The total convoy losses during these few days are 31 ships totalling 152,000 tons. Following the convoy losses of the past few days, the British decide to increase their convoy escorts and this can only be done by dismantling some of the anti-invasion measures.
• In attacks on Convoy SC-7 U-101 sinks the British steamer Assyrian (2962t) and the Dutch steamer Soesterberg (1904t) about 100 miles northwest of Barra Head, Outer Hebrides. 17 crewmen are lost from the Assyrian and 6 from the Soesterberg. 34 survivors from the British ship and 19 from the Dutch one are picked up by the British sloop Leith.
• U-123 sinks the Dutch steamer Boekelo (2188t) which was in the process of rescuing survivors from the Beatus. The entire crew of 25 is rescued by the British sloop Fowey.
• In attacks on Convoy SC-7 U-99 sinks the British steamer Empire Brigade (5154t), the Greek steamer Thalia (5875t) and the Norwegian steamer Snefjeld (1643t) about 100 miles east-southeast of Rockall. 6 crewmen are lost from the Empire Brigade; 35 survivors are picked up by the British sloop Leith. 22 are lost from the Greek ship with 4 crewmen surviving. All 21 of the crew of the Snefjeld are eventually picked up by the British corvette Clematis.
• U-123 sinks the British steamer Sedgepool (5556t) from Convoy SC-7 about 80 miles south west of St Kilda with the loss of 3 of her crew. 36 survivors are picked up by the British rescue tug Salvonia.
• U-99 damages the British steamer Clintonia from Convoy SC-7 about 200 miles west of St Kilda. She is sunk a short time later by gunfire from U-123. 1 crewman is lost in the action. 35 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Bluebell.
• U-38 sinks the British steamers Matheran (7653t) and Uganda (4966t) 250 miles west of Skerryvore Light House. Both ships are from Convoy HX-79. 9 crewmen are lost from the Matheran. 72 survivors are picked up by the British steamer Loch Lomond. All 40 of the crew of the Uganda are picked up by the British minesweeper Jason.

Air Operations, Europe

During the night the R.A.F. raids Berlin, Milan and Turin.

Air Operations, Middle East

From East African bases, Italian aircraft attack oil fields in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Air Operations, North Africa

Italian aircraft drop bombs near Cairo.

Battle of Britain

Day 103

Weather - Cloudy and overcast over most of the country.

Combat - During the morning bomb-carrying Me-109's make persistent attacks on targets in the southeast and on London. Between 0930hrs and 1130hrs Hurricanes of No. 249, 253, 302 (Polish) and 605 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 74 and 92 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept these raids.

Just after 1300hrs another raid of about 50 aircraft is plotted over Dover and heading for targets in London, Hornchurch and Thames areas. R.A.F. fighters are scrambled to intercept the raiders with successful engagements made by Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 74 and 603 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron.

At about 1430hrs Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron, scrambled from Biggin Hill, intercept another raid of Me-109's over Maidstone.

The remainder of the afternoon sees small raids being made over Kent without little incident.

During the night the main raids are on London and Birmingham with further bombs dropped in the Midlands, East Anglia, Derby and Manchester. Mines are dropped around much of the southern, eastern and northern coastlines.

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots & aircrew (Blenheim) killed or missing and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 22 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 12 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 4 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• In attacks on Convoy HX-79 U-100 sinks the British tankers Caprella (8230t) and Sitala (6218t) about 150 miles southwest of Rockall. 1 crewman is lost from each ship. 52 from the Caprella and 43 from the Sitala are picked up by the British anti-submarine trawlers Lady Elsa and Angle.
• U-47 sinks the British steamer La Estancia (5185t) from Convoy HX-79 with the loss of 1 crewman. 26 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Coreopsis and 7 more by the British steamer Induna. A little later U-47 sinks the British steamer Whitford Point (5026t) with the loss of 37 of her crew. 3 survivors are picked up by the British trawler Sturdee.
• In attacks on Convoy OB-229 U-124 sinks the Norwegian steamer Cubano (5810t) southwest of Iceland with the loss of 2 crewmen. 29 survivors are picked up by the Canadian destroyer Saguenay. The U-boat next sinks the British steamer Sulaco (5389t) about 360 miles west of Rockall. 65 of her 66 crew are lost. The lone survivor is picked by the Saguenay.
• U-46 sinks the Swedish tanker Janus (9965t) straggling behind Convoy HX-79 with the loss of 4 crewmen. 33 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Hibiscus.
• U-100 sinks the British steamer Loch Lomond (5452t), which has been acting as a rescue ship behind Convoy HX-79, southwest of Rockall with the loss of 1 of her crew. 111 survivors are picked up by the British minesweeper Jason.

Battle of Britain

Day 104

Weather - Cloudy and foggy with occasional rain.

Combat - Due to poor weather this Monday is quiet of combat apart from a few interceptions of reconnaissance and small bombing raids.

A small raid makes it to Liverpool during the morning along with several on London, Northampton, Cambridge and Duxford areas.

Just after 1300hrs Hurricanes of No. 253 Squadron, scrambled from Kenley, meet a raid of Ju-88's and Do-17's over Kent.

London Blitz, 21 October 1940

Later in the afternoon, Spitfires of No. 609 Squadron, scrambled from Warmwell, intercept and shoot down a Ju-88 over Dorset.

During the night large raids appear over London, Liverpool and the Midlands with further raids on Sheffield, South Wales and Lancashire. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary and off Swansea.

R.A.F. Losses: 3 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 14 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British minesweeping trawler Waveflower (550t) sinks on a mine off Aldeburgh with the loss of 15 of her crew. 7 of her crew are rescued by the British minesweeping trawler Thomas Leeds.
• The British steamer Kerry Head (825t) is sunk by German bombing a half mile southwest of East Oaze Light Vessel.

Air Operations, East Africa

The South Africa Air Force attacks Birikau, Italian East Africa for the fifth time.

Axis Diplomacy

Hitler meets with Laval in Montoire in occupied France to discuss France's future in the new order of Europe.

Battle of Britain

Day 105

Weather - Widespread fog over southern England and Channel with rain over the country later.

Combat - Throughout the morning very little air activity is reported due to poor weather conditions.

Holland House Library

As the fog clears during the early part of the afternoon a raid of about 30 Me-109's crosses the Kent coast at 1400hrs and is intercepted by Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron, scrambled from Biggin Hill and Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, scrambled from Croydon.

Shortly after this raid three smaller raids approach North Foreland and Hornchurch areas at about 1530hrs, one of which is met by Hurricanes of No. 249 Squadron, scrambled from North Weald.

At 1600hrs reports are received of several raids of Ju-88's and Me-109's approaching different areas of the Kent coast. Hurricanes of No. 46, 257, 501 and 605 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 66, 74, 92 and 222 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

During the night the bombing raids are reduced in scale on London, Liverpool, the Midlands, Bristol and South Wales.

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots killed and 1 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 18 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 25 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Axis Diplomacy

Hitler meets General Franco at Hendaye in southern France. Hitler tries to persuade Franco to join the war and offers as bait the allocation of Gibraltar and territory in North Africa. Franco is uncertain about how to proceed and successfully muddles the issue, leaving Hitler no better informed as to what is Spanish policy but without causing offense.

Hitler and Franco

Baltic Sea

The German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer under the command of Kapitän zur See Theodor Krancke sails from Gotenhafen for the Atlantic.

Battle of Britain

Day 106

Weather - Conditions over the country poor with low cloud and rain.

Combat - No large raids are made on this Wednesday with only reconnaissance and occasional Me-109 sweeps crossing the coast throughout the day.

Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron, scrambled from Tangmere during the afternoon, intercept one raid of Me-109's over Sussex and lose two Hurricanes during the combat.

During the night the bombing of London continues with other raids dropping mines off the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coasts.

Bombing Victim Rescued

Air Operations, Europe

In night raids the R.A.F. hits Berlin and Hamburg. These are the first raids to inflict significant civilian casualties.

Axis Diplomacy

Hitler meets with Pétain and discusses Franco-German relations. German attitudes and actions will improve in direct relationship to the degree of French collaboration.

Hitler and Pétain

Battle of Britain

Day 107

Weather - Generally overcast and cloudy over the country with mist in the Channel.

Combat - Luftwaffe activity is again reduced to mostly reconnaissance raids over East Anglia and southern England.

Just after 1200hrs a Dornier Do-215 is intercepted and shot down over St. Neots by Hurricanes of No. 1 and 17 Squadrons.

At 1430hrs Hurricanes of No. 229 Squadron, scrambled from Northolt, intercept a small raid of Do-17's over Middlesex.

Also during the afternoon a reconnaissance aircraft is plotted near Weston-Super-Mare and Taunton. Tragically, two Hurricanes of No. 87 Squadron, scrambled from Exeter to intercept, collide in cloud and 1 pilot was killed. The raider escapes.

During the night the main targets are London and Birmingham with further raids on Liverpool. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary, off the Essex coast and along the coastline between the Wash and the Firth-of-Forth.

Preparing to Bomb Berlin

R.A.F. Losses: 6 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 2 pilots killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 16 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 22 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Belgium, Politics

An exile government is established in London. Its leading members include Camille Gutt, Hubert Pierlot and Paul-Henri Spaak.

R.A.F. Bomb Armorer

Battle of Britain

Day 108

Weather - Dry and overcast in most areas.

Combat - Just after 0900hrs several waves of Me-109 raids, mainly from JG26 and JG51, cross the Kent and Sussex coasts and head for targets around southern London, Kenley and Biggin Hill. Of the several Fighter Command squadrons scrambled to intercept, heavy engagements are made by the Spitfires of No. 41 and 66 Squadrons.

At 1200hrs more raids cross over Kent towards Maidstone, Biggin Hill and Hornchurch areas. Hurricanes of No. 249, 257, 302 (Polish) and 310 (Czech) Squadrons are directed to the area along with Spitfires of No. 19, 222 and 603 Squadrons.

A third main wave of Me-109 raids approach Dungeness just after 1300hrs and interceptions are made by Spitfires of No. 92 and 222 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 46 Squadron over Kent.

During these aerial conflicts over Kent, Spitfires of No. 72 Squadron intercept and shoot down a patrolling Me-110 off the Great Yarmouth coast.

Shortly after 1500hrs another large wave of sweeping raids crosses the Kent coast and splits into formations heading for London, Kenley and areas of Sussex. Several R.A.F. squadrons are scrambled to intercept but only the Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron, from Kenley, succeeded in engaging the Me-109's. The Hurricanes suffer heavily at the hands of JG51 and subsequently lose 4 aircraft and 1 pilot.

While No. 501 Squadron is experiencing heavy combat over Kent, a patrolling Hurricane of No. 79 Squadron, scrambled from Pembrey, is thought to have been shot down by a reconnaissance aircraft plotted in the area.

The Italian expeditionary air corps (Corpo Aereo Italiano) sees action for the first time. 16 Fiat bombers are sent from Belgian bases to attack Harwich. The damage is minimal while 3 of the bombers are lost.

During the night raids are made on London, the Midlands, South Wales, Liverpool and the airfields of Wittering and Middle Wallop. Mines are dropped off Aberdeen, Liverpool, East Anglia and the northeast coastline.

R.A.F. Losses: 17 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 6 pilots killed or missing and 3 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 38 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 37 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of Britain

Day 109

Weather - Cloudy over most areas with scattered showers.

Combat - The day starts with occasional reconnaissance raids over most of southern England and East Anglia. By 1030hrs a small sweeping raid by Me-109's of JG53 is met with force by the Biggin Hill Spitfires of No. 92 Squadron.

During this period, Spitfires of No. 234 Squadron, scrambled from St. Eval, intercept a Ju-88 off Cornwall and lose one of their aircraft before the raider is shot down.

At 1100hrs a large raid is plotted by radar leaving the Boulogne area and crossing the Channel. Patrolling Hurricanes of No. 229 Squadron, scrambled from Northolt, are vectored to intercept the raid over the Channel and suffer the loss of 2 aircraft during a dogfight with Me-109's.

Between 1200hrs and 1300hrs several squadrons are scrambled to intercept Me-109 raids over Sussex and Kent. The ensuing engagements involve Hurricanes of No. 302 (Polish) and 605 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 602 Squadron.

Throughout late afternoon from 1600hrs until dusk, small raids cross inland with very few interceptions made. Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, from Croydon and Spitfires of No. 222 Squadron, from Hornchurch, are both involved in combat with Me-109's over Kent.

As the night raids were underway, No. 151 Squadron, based at Digby, loses 2 (night fighter) Hurricanes as they scrambled to intercept bombers at about 2000hrs. Both pilots are killed.

During the night London is again bombed along with Liverpool, Manchester, the Midlands and Bristol. Mines are dropped along the east of England from the Thames Estuary up to the Firth-of-Forth.

R.A.F. Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed or missing and no reported wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 23 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 21 pilots and; aircrew killed or missing and 6 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The 42,000-ton liner Empress of Britain is damaged by a Focke-Wulf FW-200 Condor bomb attack off the coast of Ireland 70 miles northwest of Donegal Bay. The British destroyers Echo and Burza take off 570 survivors. She is taken in tow by the Burza and U-boats are sent in pursuit. The liner is sunk 2 days later on the 28th by U-32 with the loss of 25 crewmen and 20 passengers.

Sinking of the Empress of Britain

Air Operations, Europe

The R.A.F. successfully bombs the Skoda arms plant at Pilsen, Czechoslovakia among other targets in a massive night raid.

Axis Diplomacy

At 2100 hours the Italians tell the Germans of their decision to invade Greece.

Battle of Britain

Day 110

Weather - Cloudy and overcast for most of the day throughout the country.

Combat - The Luftwaffe renews its persistent raids of bomb-carrying Me-109's on London and selects targets in the southeast throughout the day.

Just after 0730hrs and for nearly two hours wave after wave of Me-109 raids sweep across Kent heading for Biggin Hill, Kenley and London. Hurricanes of No. 46, 249, 253, 257, 501, 605 and 615 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 66, 74, 92, 222, 602 and 603 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept the raiders. Only the Spitfires of No. 66 and 74 Squadrons and Hurricanes of No. 605 Squadron, from Croydon, manage to engage the Me-109's of JG53 and JG54.

At 1130hrs, another series of raids starts crossing the east coast of Kent heading for Dartford and the docklands of London and although sighted by R.A.F. fighters, the raiders are too high to intercept. By 1230hrs the second wave of Me-109's crosses the Kent and Sussex coasts. Interceptions are made by Hurricanes of No. 145 Squadron, scrambled from Tangmere, near Hastings and by Hurricanes of No. 501 Squadron, scrambled from Kenley, over Kent.

Shortly before 1330hrs more Me-109's cross the coast at Dungeness and are engaged by Spitfires of No. 603 Squadron, scrambled from Hornchurch, over the Maidstone area. During this dogfight No. 603 Squadron loses 3 Spitfires and 2 pilots.

At 1630hrs two large raids are approaching their respective targets with formations of Ju-88, He-111 and Do-17 bombers with Me-109 fighter escorts. The first raid crosses North Foreland and over the Thames Estuary into East Anglia whereby the airfields at Martlesham Heath and Coltishall along with the docks in Harwich are attacked. Hurricanes of No. 17, 242, 249, 257 and 310(Czech) Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 19 Squadron, from Duxford, are scrambled to intercept the raid.

The second raid of Ju-88's and Me-109's is made against the Southampton and Portsmouth areas. Hurricanes of No. 56, 145, 213, 238 and 607 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 152, 602 and 609 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

Battle of Britain

Day 111

Weather - The day starting foggy and misty with clear spells later in the morning and early afternoon.

Combat - Reconnaissance raids are the main source of Luftwaffe activity during the morning with bombs dropping on a convoy near Dover and on the outskirts of the airfield at Hawkinge.

The first main attack of the day materializes at 1300hrs when about 30 Me-109's swept over Dungeness and into Kent. The formation splits up and eventually turns back before British fighters can intercept. This is followed by a similar raid at about 1430hrs, where Hurricanes of No. 257 Squadron, scrambled from North Weald, intercept Me-109's of JG27 near Gravesend.

By 1600hrs several raids of nearly 50 aircraft each are plotted over the Channel. The first heads for the Isle of Wight and at 1630hrs Portsmouth is attacked before Hurricanes of No. 145 and 213 Squadrons, both from Tangmere, can intercept. One of the Do-17's is eventually attacked as it heads back toward France.

Meanwhile, the other raids, of mainly Me-109's, cross the coast at Dover, Dungeness and Beachy Head and make for the Kenley and Biggin Hill areas. Hurricanes of No. 229, 249, 253, 257, 501 and 605 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 74, 92 and 603 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept. For once the Me-109's of JG 51 and JG 53 suffer losses without inflicting any on Fighter Command.

During the night the number of raids over England is reduced. The main targets are London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester with small raids on Reading, Coventry, Sunderland, East Anglia and the airfields at Biggin Hill, Digby, Linton-on-Ouse, Driffield, Binbrook, and Massingham.

R.A.F. Losses: 1 aircraft damaged with no casualties.

Luftwaffe Losses: 21 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 18 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 9 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-32 finds the liner Empress of Britain and completes the job began two days previous and sinks the damaged ship. 49 lives are lost. She is the largest liner to be sunk during the war.
• The British steamer Sheaf Field (2719t) sinks on a mine 2 miles southwest of Sunk Light Vessel. There are 26 survivors from the steamer.
• The Greek steamers Belgion (2844t) and Leontios Teryazos are seized by German forces at Bordeaux.

France, Politics

De Gaulle formally proclaims the Free French government, with powers of the state to reside in himself and a council of defense.

Greece and Albania

An Italian ultimatum is presented to the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas during the night. Metaxas accepts it for what it is, a declaration of war. The Greeks are given three hours to reply. With the King's agreement, Metaxas refuses the ultimatum and declares that the Greeks will resist the invasion with all the forces at their command. At dawn, before the ultimatum expires, the Italians begin to cross the border into Greece. Patras is bombed. Britain promises to help.

Greeks Get Ready

General Sebastiano Visconti-Prasca leads eight of the 10 Italian divisions of the 9th and 11th Armies in Albania in the advance. They attack along three lines with the main effort being in the center from the Dhrina and Vijose valleys. Gen Alexander Papagos, the Greek Commander-in-Chief, has not deployed his main forces close to the border to avoid giving any provocation to the Italians. He too hopes to use eight divisions with the possibility of reinforcements being brought from the troops watching the Bulgarian border.

Besides the mountainous terrain and lack of maps for the commanders, the greatest obstacle to the Italians for the first two or three days is the very bad weather which grounds their air support. Thousands will die because of the cold. The Italians have chosen a very unwise time of the year for their attack.

Battle of Britain

Day 112

Weather - Low cloud and haze throughout most areas. Overcast in the Channel.

Combat - The Tuesday is to be a testing day for Fighter Command with an increase in daylight raids on southern England.

From 0800hrs reconnaissance raids are made at regular intervals until just after 1030hrs when radar detects a formation of Me-109's crossing the Channel toward the Kent coast at Deal. While the Spitfires of No. 66, 74 and 92 Squadrons are occupied with the raiders, a small section of bomb-carrying Me-109's break away and successfully bomb targets in central London.

Just after midday the Hurricanes of No. 1 Squadron are scrambled from Wittering to intercept a small raid of Do-17's.

At about 1300hrs, a large raid of over 100 Me-109's crosses the Kent coast in several waves and heads for the areas of Biggin Hill, Hornchurch, Maidstone, west and central London. Hurricanes of No. 249, 253, 501 and 615 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 66, 74, 92, 222 and 602 Squadrons have already been scrambled to intercept. The Me-109's of JG 51 get caught and suffer heavy losses to the Spitfires, especially those of No. 602 Squadron from Westhampnett.

As the dogfights over Kent and Sussex are subsiding another raid of Ju-88's and Me-109's is plotted approaching Portsmouth at 1430hrs. Hurricanes of No. 145 and 213 Squadrons both scrambled from Tangmere and are joined by the Spitfires of No. 609 Squadron from Warmwell.

Late afternoon is to witness several successful attacks by fighter-bomber Me-109's on airfields across East Anglia, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. The first materializes at 1645hrs when North Weald is bombed during the scramble of both Hurricane Squadrons, No. 249 and 257. Over the next hour targets are attacked at Wattisham, Honington, Leeming, Newmarket, West Raynham and Linton-on-Ouse. Involved in engagements with the raiders are the Hurricanes of No. 1, 17, 46, 219, 249, 253, 257, 302 (Polish), 310 (Czech) and 501 Squadrons along with Spitfires of No. 19, 41 and 222 Squadrons.

During the night the main targets are London, Birmingham and Coventry with scattered raids made on Liverpool, Oxford and Reading areas. Mines are dropped in the Thames Estuary and off Hartlepool.

R.A.F. Losses: 18 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 5 pilots killed and 3 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 31 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 34 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 3 wounded.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British sludge vessel G. W. Humphreys (1500t) sinks on a mine southeast of Oaze Buoy.

Britain, Home Front

Gen Paul Legentilhomme joins Gen de Gaulle in London.

Battle of Britain

Day 113

Weather - Cloudy and overcast with persistent rain.

Combat - In comparison to the past few days, enemy activity is reduced to reconnaissance and two main raids.

The first raid appears on radar at about 1130hrs when several waves of Ju-88's and Me-109's cross the Channel towards the Kent coastline. For nearly two hours dogfights rage in the skies over Kent and Sussex involving Hurricanes of No. 17, 32, 249 and 253 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 66 and 222 Squadrons. Some of the Ju-88's penetrate into East Anglia and are intercepted by Hurricanes of No. 1 Squadron, scrambled from Wittering.

At 1530hrs the second main raid of Me-109's crosses the coast near Dover and makes for the areas of Maidstone and East London. Hurricanes of No. 17, 249, 253, 501 and 615 Squadrons and Spitfires of No. 41, 66, 92, 222 and 602 Squadrons are scrambled to intercept.

During the night a major attack is mounted on London and the surrounding counties with smaller raids on the Midlands, Nottingham, Sheffield and the airfields of Duxford and Debden. Mines are dropped off Harwich and the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 11 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots killed and 2 wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 17 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 3 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 2 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Damage at World Post Times

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-32 is sunk while attacking a convoy by the British destroyers Harvester and Highlander with the loss of 9 crewmen. 33 of her crew are picked up by the 2 destroyers.

  U-32

  Class	Type VII
  CO	Oberleutnant zur See Hans Jenisch
  Location	Atlantic, NW of Ireland
  Cause	Depth Charge
  Casualties	9
  Survivors	33

Battle of Britain

Day 114

Weather - Overcast and rain throughout the country and the Channel.

Combat - At the time, Thursday 31 October 1940 is not known as the 'official' end to the Battle of Britain, especially by the pilots still fighting, but ironically it proves to be one of the quietest days in four months.

Throughout the day from 0730hrs until dusk, reconnaissance and scattered bombing raids are made over East Anglia, Kent, Sussex, South Wales, Hampshire and Lancashire. Bombs are dropped on the airfields of Bassingbourn, Martlesham and Poling with further targets in the Monmouth and Newport areas also being attacked.

Although several Fighter Command squadrons are scrambled to intercept or patrol during the day, there is no direct combat between the Luftwaffe and the R.A.F. The losses on both sides are due to accidents.

During the night London and the Midlands are the targets with mines dropping off Spurn Head and the Thames Estuary.

R.A.F. Losses: 2 aircraft damaged or destroyed with 2 aircrew of Beaufighter (No. 219 Squadron) killed.

Luftwaffe Losses: 4 aircraft damaged or destroyed with no reported casualties.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-124 sinks the British steamer Rutland (1437t), a straggler from Convoy HX-82, 100 miles northwest of Rockall with the loss of her entire crew of 29.
• The British steamer Hillfern (1535t) is lost to an unknown external explosion 35 miles north-northwest of Buchanness with the loss of 8 crewmen.

The Blitz

The casualties for October: 6334 civilians killed and 8698 seriously injured.

Britain, Home Front

Civilian casualties in October include 6,334 killed and 8,698 injured. 643 of those killed are children under 16.

German Raiders

The German auxiliary cruiser Widder arrives in Brest after a cruise in American waters.

Greek-Albanian Front

The Italian supreme command announces: 'Our units continue to advance into Epirus and have reached the river Kalamas at several points. Unfavorable weather conditions and action by the retreating enemy are not slowing down the movements of our troops.' The truth of the matter is that the Italian offensive, carried out without conviction and without advantage of surprise, under a leadership uncertain and divided by personal rivalries, is already becoming exhausted. Adverse conditions at sea make it necessary to give up a projected landing at Corfu.