Battle of Britain at RAF Exeter 1940
10 July to 31 July 1940
10 July 1940
The official start to the Battle of Britain in the skies over England saw 213 and 87 Squadrons already in place at RAF Exeter ready to patrol and defend South West England.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
14:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back at 16:30hrs.
15:15 – One Hurricane flew around RAF Exeter landing back at 15:20hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:00 - One aircraft from Green Section investigated an aircraft over RAF Exeter. Landed back at 10:15hrs.
14:55 – Red Section flew to 20 miles South of Portland but returned because of poor weather. Landed at 15:45hrs.
16:53 – Red Section on convoy patrol East of Torquay; Landed back at 18:22hrs.
17:51 – Yellow Section relieved Red Section on Convoy; landed back at 19:30hrs.
18:59 – Red Section on convoy patrol now South of Start Point. Landed back at 20:44hrs.
20:04 – Green Section relieved Red Section. Landed back at 21:38hrs.
21:02 – Blue Section on convoy patrol until landing back at 22:05hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
11 July 1940 - *The first combat action for Exeter Squadrons during the Battle.
Combat report from Squadron Leader J.S. Dewar – B Flight 87 Squadron off Portland
Having disposed of one ME110 I went into a full turn to review progress of battle and remove two other E.A. trying to get on my tail. Saw a bomb exploding by shipping in the harbour and two enemy aircraft diving for ground. One enemy aircraft still pursuing me. The Hurricane turned easily on to his tail – he was vertically banked. He then dived for ground going East – I followed but withheld fire as I was getting short of rounds. E.A. pulled out about 1,000ft and continued in S turns. I gave him a burst from about 100 yds and vapour came out of both engines. I had to slam the throttle back to avoid over shooting. Vapour then ceased to come from engine, and he gathered away again. I was very close and saw no rear gun fire so held my position and took careful non deflection shot using all ammunition. E.A. at once turned inland going very slowly. Seeing me draw away, he turned seawards again. I went to head him off and he, apparently thinking I had more rounds, turned for land again sinking slowly. At about 200ft another Hurricane came up and fired a short burst at him. He immediately turned and landed on Grange Heath (or near). Both crew got out wearing yellow jackets. Army were close by. Number of other Hurricane was UW-F (I think).
Information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 1 by Simon W Parry.
87 Squadron Victory Claims
Just the second day of the official Battle of Britain and 87 Squadron pilots were in the thick of the action near Portland.
S/Ldr J.S. Dewar ME110 destroyed
S/Ldr J.S. Dewar ME110 destroyed
P/O D.T. Jay ME110 destroyed
F/O R.L. Glyde ME110 destroyed
F/O R.L. Glyde ME110 destroyed
Information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 1 by Simon W Parry.
Combat Report F/O R.L. Glyde B Flight 87 Squadron
Between Portland Bill and Lightship east of Portland Bill, near a small boat 12:05hrs.
After my first combat I saw a Hurricane engaging an ME110 at about 6,000ft and I could not see any disengaged enemy Aircraft. I joined in. I fired several deflection bursts without any apparent effect, and saw the other Hurricane attacking in the same manner. The ME110 which was by now at about 3,000ft suddenly tried to escape seawards. Being slightly above him, I was able to catch him by using the boost out-out and got in a burst which produced white vapour from his engines. He dived to sea level, and I fired again from behind and slightly to one side, after which he made a controlled landing not far from a lightship, east of Portland Bill, and near to a smaller boat, which moved towards him . The aircraft sank within 30 secs, I did not see anyone get out of it. The other Hurricane who had apparently finished his ammunition, was still in the vicinity when the enemy aircraft came down and then made off towards the shore. During the fight I was fired at repeatedly by the rear gunner. Most of his bursts were wide, but one bullet made a long hole in the central panel of the hood and struck the armour plating close to my head.
information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 1 by Simon W Parry.
Combat Report P/O D.T. Jay Blue 3, B Flight 87 Squadron
1 mile east of Portland over the bay.
On patrol with my section, the section leader sighted enemy aircraft 5,000ft above in front heading for Portland Bill, there were approximately 15 ME110s escorting bombers and on looking behind I sighted another nine, who had not seen us. We climbed and veered round behind them to 10,000ft, and dived down upon them to attack over Weymouth. One ME110 went straight across the front of me in a steep turn and I fired a burst, the enemy aircraft then went into a dive and I turned to follow on his tail, firing fairly long bursts; the enemy continued his dive and hit the sea at over 300mph.
Information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 1 by Simon W Parry.
12 July 1940
87 Squadron Operational Records for A Flight today
01:15 – Three Hurricanes P2829, P3465, P3420 night patrol Bristol area all returning by 04:45hrs.
05:00 – One Hurricane flown by S/Ldr Gregg patrolled Portland area returning by 06:00hrs.
07:45 – Three Hurricanes patrolled Portland area also including S/Ldr Gregg returning by 08:50hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
04:20 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back at 05:35hrs.
05:20 – Two Hurricanes flew around Exeter landing back at 05:35hrs.
05:50 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back at 07:20hrs.
06:50 – Two Hurricanes flew around Exeter landing back at 07:25hrs.
07:55 – Two Hurricanes flew around Exeter landing back at 08:15hrs.
09:05 – Three Hurricanes flew around Exeter landing back at 09:20hrs.
12:45 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back by 13:25hrs.
14:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back at 15:45hrs.
16:30 – One Hurricane with Sgt Walton flew a patrol. He landed back at Exeter at 17:30hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records
05:43 – B Flight patrolled convoy SW Portland landing back at 07:24hrs.
07:25 – Yellow Section on convoy patrol 15 miles W of Portland landing back at 08:26hrs.
09:55 – Two aircraft of Blue Section and all Green Section on convoy patrol S of Start Point. Green Section landed back at 11:01hrs and Blue landed back at 11:34hrs.
11:14 – Red Section to E of Sidmouth and Lyme Regis landing back at 12:16hrs.
13:10 – Red Section to Weymouth landing back at 15:00hrs.
14:50 – Yellow Section on convoy patrol landing back at 16:35hrs.
15:58 – Green Section relieved Yellow Section on convoy landing back at 17:42hrs.
19:19 – B Flight patrolled Lyme Regis and Portland landing back at 20:20hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
13 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
08:00 – Two Hurricanes flew around RAF Exeter landing back at 08:15hrs.
14:55 – Two Hurricanes flew to Bristol area landing back at 16:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
10:00 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 10:25hrs.
14:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 15:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
07:50 – Yellow Section patrolled Lyme Regis area. The Section Leader returned to base for a forced landing at 08:10hrs. The others landed back at 09:10hrs.
09:30 – Green Section patrolled Lyme Regis area landing back at 09:56hrs.
09:33 – Yellow Section flew to Portland landing back at 11:15hrs.
10:10 – One Blue Section Hurricane flew to Sidmouth. Landed back at 10:46hrs.
12:46 – Blue Section patrolled Exeter. Numbers 1 and 3 landed back at 13:05hrs, number 2 at 13:40hrs.
15:16 – Red and Green Sections patrolled Plymouth area. Red landed back at 16:03hrs, Green at 16:05hrs.
18:37 – Red Section flew to Lyme Regis landing back at 20:02hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
14 July 1940
87 Squadron Operational Records for A Flight today
06:05 – Two Hurricanes departed for convoy patrols returning at 08:05hrs.
09:35 – Three Hurricanes departed for convoy patrols returning by 10:40hrs.
13:05 – Three Hurricanes departed for convoy patrols returning at 14:30hrs.
23:45 – Three Hurricanes departed for night convoy patrols returning at 01:30hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
08:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 09:15hrs.
11:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a convoy patrol landing back at 12:55hrs.
14:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 15:15hrs.
16:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 16:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
04:50 – Two Hurricanes from Yellow Section patrolled convoy SW of Portland. They landed back at 06:29hrs.
08:16 – B Flight patrolled Exeter landing back at 09:05hrs.
? time – Red Section on convoy patrol landed back at 09:20hrs.
08:50 – Yellow Section on convoy patrols landing back at 10:20hrs.
10:15 – Green Section relieved Yellow Section on convoy patrols landing back at 11:55hrs.
10:54 – Red Section patrolled Lyme Regis and Exeter landing back at 11:37hrs.
14:42 – Red Section patrolled Lyme Regis again and then Portland and back to Lyme Regis. Landed back at 15:50hrs.
14:50 – Green Section patrolled Exeter and landed back at 15:18hrs.
16:18 – Yellow Section patrolled Torquay and landed back at 16:52hrs.
17:05 – Red Section patrolled RAF Exeter and landed back at 18:35hrs.
19:54 – Green Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing back at 20:32hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
15 July 1940
At 13:20 hrs a 213 Squadron Hurricane was shot down by a DO17. The 213 Squadron pilot came off worst after attacking a Dornier off Dartmouth, Devon. Sub Lt H.G.K. Bramah baled out safely of N2541 after being shot down by return fire from the DO17.
Information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 1 by Simon W Parry.
16 July 1940
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
06:00 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol around Lyme Regis landing back at 07:00hrs.
11:10 – Two Hurricanes flew a base patrol landing back at 12:15hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
17 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
17:45 – Three Hurricanes flew patrols to Portland returning at 19:10hrs.
18:30 – Three Hurricanes flew patrols to Plymouth area returning at 19:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
08:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol to Torquay area landing back at 09:40hrs.
14:25 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol landing back at 16:05hrs.
17:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol to Portland landing back at 18:45hrs.
18:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol to Portland landing back at 19:15hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:58 – Green Section patrolled Torquay returning at 11:59hrs.
14:25 – Red Section patrolled Exeter landing back at 14:38hrs.
14:55 – Yellow Section patrolled Exeter returning back at 16:35hrs.
18:12 – Red Section flew to Torquay returning back at 18:54hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
18 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
08:15 – Three Hurricanes departed for Torquay area landing back at 08:50.
12:15 – Three Hurricanes departed for Torquay area landing back at 13:15.
16:35 - Three Hurricanes departed for Torquay area landing back at 18:05.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
12:03 – Red Section patrolled RAF Exeter and Lyme Regis. Landed back at 12:43hrs.
15:30 – Red Section patrolled convoy and landed back at 16:49hrs.
16:30 – Yellow Section patrolled convoy landing back at 16:50hrs.
17:46 – Red Section departed for Lyme Regis and to convoy SW of Lyme Regis. Landed back at 19:53hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
19 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
16:25 - Three Hurricanes flew to Portland landing back at 17:15hrs.
18:45 – Three Hurricanes flew to Portland landing back at 19:40hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:37 – Yellow Section patrolled RAF Exeter and landed back at 09:26hrs.
14:06 – Yellow Section patrolled RAF Exeter again and landed back at 15:27hrs.
15:26 – Red Section patrolled Lyme Regis, Exmouth and Sidmouth landing back at 16:56hrs.
19:11 – Red Section patrolled Exeter and landed back at 19:30hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
20 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:05 – Three Hurricanes departed for Plymouth landing back at 12:10hrs.
12:25 – Three Hurricanes departed for Plymouth landing back at 13:35hrs.
15:10 – Two Hurricanes departed for Plymouth landing back at 16:10hrs.
16:45 – F/Lt Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed flew around RAF Exeter landing back at 17:05hrs.
19:10 – F/Lt Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed flew around RAF Exeter landing back at 20:10hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:10 – Red Section patrolled Torquay to Bolt Head and Plymouth. They landed back at 11:37hrs.
12:38 – Two Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew to Torquay landing back at 13:14hrs.
13:09 – Red Section patrolled Torquay to Bolt Head and Portsmouth to the Lizard. They landed back at 14:40hrs.
16:15 – A Flight patrolled RAF Exeter and landed back at 17:14hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
21 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
07:55 – Two Hurricanes patrolled convoy returning at 09:15hrs.
09:00 – Three Hurricanes patrolled convoy returning at 10:15hrs.
21:00 – Three Hurricanes patrolled convoy returning at 22:00hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:45 – Yellow Section patrolled Plymouth and landed back at 09:50hrs.
11:45 – Red Section flew to Start Point, Bolt Head and Prawl Point landing back at 13:05hrs.
16:45 – Red Section flew to intercept a JU88 flying E from Plymouth. Didn’t spot anything so landed back at 17:49hrs.
19:14 – Red Section patrolled Lyme Regis and Portland. They landed back at 20:37hrs.
21:06 – Yellow Section patrolled convoy S of Portland landing back at 21:54hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
22 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:10 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 13:10hrs.
13:05 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 14:20hrs.
15:30 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 16:05hrs.
17:40 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 18:10hrs.
18:40 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 19:20hrs.
23:30 – F/Lt Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed on night patrol returning back at 00:30hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
09:26 – Yellow Section patrolled Exeter and landed back at 10:10hrs.
10:40 – Red Section patrolled Plymouth and Exeter landing back at 11:45hrs.
12:18 – A Flight patrolled Exeter and landed back at 12:49hrs.
14:38 – One Hurricane from Yellow Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing back at 15:21hrs.
16:17 – Yellow Section flew to Portland landing back at 17:13hrs.
16:23 – Red Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing back at 17:17hrs.
18:26 – Red Section patrolled Bridport landing back at 19:44hrs.
18:42 – Yellow Section patrolled Exmouth landing back at 19:50hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
23 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
07:30 – Three Hurricanes on patrol landing back at 08:30hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
11:52 – Red Section patrolled Berry Head landing back at 1230hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
24 July 1940
At approximately 07:40hrs three Spitfires from 92 Squadron and two Hurricanes from 87 Squadron intercepted a lone JU88 over North Devon near Lynton. P/O R.P. Beaumont of 87 Squadron did not claim the victory as the 92 Squadron Spitfires opened fire first. The JU88A-1 came down onto Martinhoe Common and was engaged on a mission to bomb ships along the South Wales coast and in the Bristol Channel. Three of the enemy crew were taken as POW and one was killed from baling out too low. P/O R.P. Beaumont was flying Hurricane P3598 LK-L from RAF Exeter.
Information sourced from the Battle of Britain Combat Archive 2 by Simon W Parry.
25 July 1940
Flying Officer Rayner was in one of seven aircraft of ‘A’ Flight 87 Squadron which departed RAF Exeter at approximately 10:26hrs. Just off Portland at roughly 15,000 feet bombs were spotted falling around a ship. Three aircraft began their attack with three remaining at 15,000 feet and Flying Officer Rayner climbed higher to 17,000 feet which was just in cloud base. He then spotted three ME110s from his port side at right angles. He gave a short burst at starboard enemy aircraft at 100yds range with deflection bursts of two seconds. This resulted in Enemy aircraft getting a starboard engine fire, the enemy leader completed a half roll and dived from sight. Enemy number two turned and the rear gunner gave an accurate burst and then dived away. The enemy aircraft were not seen to crash but Flying Officer Rayner saw a large patch of oil on the sea, in the vicinity of the combat zone.
Flying Officer Rayner reported an unconfirmed strike to a ME110 20 miles south-east of Portland.Flight Lieutenant Gleed ‘A’ Flight 87 Squadron reports that during dive bombing attack by ME110s at 11:00hrs on the 25 July 1940 he saw one ME109 escort fighter painted with blue all over.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 2 – Simon W Parry.
26 July 1940
Pilot Officer J Cock ‘B’ Flight 87 Squadron was on patrol in Hurricane P3394 LK-M when he spotted enemy aircraft caught in a searchlight at 8,000 feet proceeding west. He followed the enemy aircraft and climbed for the attack and came within range at 17,000 feet. He fired a short burst before the enemy aircraft at 250 yards gradually closing range to 150 yards and also fired successive bursts. The rear gunner fired several bursts and then stopped with the aircraft going into a steep dive. Pilot Officer J Cock then lost sight of the enemy aircraft. He reported that one person had parachuted out. The under surface of the enemy aircraft was painted greeny blue with black crosses at wing tip extremities. The aircraft was confirmed destroyed and was identified as a Heinkel HE 111H-4. The aircraft crashed over Devon.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 2 – Simon W Parry.
27 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
07:00 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 07:35hrs.
09:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 11:10hrs.
10:10 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 11:10hrs.
12:15 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 13:50hrs.
14:55-15:00 – Four Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 16:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
22:45 – Two Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning at 23:59hrs.
00:10 – Two Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning by 02:15hrs.
00:30 – One Hurricane with P/O Cock flew a night patrol landing back at 02:05hrs. Authors Note: again, log should have been logged for the next day due to timings.
213 Operational Records for today
06:06 – Red Section patrolled Seaton area and returned back at 06:41hrs.
09:51 – Red Section patrolled Bridport and convoy E of Portland returning at 11:14hrs.
09:59 – Blue Section patrolled Seaton and Bridport returning at 11:09hrs.
12:19 – Yellow Section patrolled Seaton and Bolt Tail returning at 13:37hrs.
13:40 – Green Section flew to Bridport returning at 15:05hrs.
16:43 – Red Section on defensive patrol returned at 17:28hrs.
17:40 – Green Section patrolled Bridport returning at 18:08hrs.
20:32 – A Flight flew a convoy patrol returning at 21:45hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
28 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
17:10 – Three Hurricanes departed on a patrol returning at 18:00hrs.
20:20 – Three Hurricanes departed on a patrol returning at 21:20hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
23:20 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 00:45hrs.
23:45 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 01:15hrs.
00:45 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 01:50hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
06:30 – Blue Section on convoy patrol diverted into St Eval due to fog at Exeter.
07:00 – Yellow Section on convoy patrol diverted to Roborough, Plymouth due to fog at Exeter.
11:17 – Green Section patrolling Bridport and Seaton returned at 12:35hrs.
17:11 – Blue Section to Bridport and Start Point returning at 18:14hrs.
17:40 – Green Section patrolling Start Point and Seaton returning at 18:20hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
29 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
07:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 08:00hrs.
07:25 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 07:50hrs.
16:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 18:00hrs.
18:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol retuning at 19:40hrs.
21:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol around Exeter returning at 21:25hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
23:15 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 00:45hrs.
23:30 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 00:25hrs.
00:20 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 01:40hrs.
00:25 – One Hurricane departed on night patrol returning at 01:50hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
13:55 – Yellow Section patrolled Bolt Trail and returned at 14:38hrs.
18:26 – Red Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing at 19:37hrs.
18:29 – Yellow and Green Sections patrolled RAF Exeter landing at 19:45hrs.
19:59 – Blue Section patrolled Exmouth, Seaton and Bridport returning at 21:32hrs.
21:06 – Red Section on defensive patrol returning at 21:28hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
30 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
06:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 07:55hrs.
15:25 – Flt Lt Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed flew a local flight returning at 15:40hrs.
16:00 – P/O Comely flew a local flight returning at 16:25hrs.
16:55 – F/O Rayner flew a local flight returning at 17:15hrs.
18:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 19:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
22:50 – Two Hurricanes departed on night patrol returning at 00:30hrs.
00:05 – Two Hurricanes departed on night patrol returning at 01:30, 01:40hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
06:10 – Blue Section patrolled Berry Head and returned at 07:31hrs.
11:45 – Red and Blue Sections patrolled Start Point returning at 12:46hrs.
17:00 – Red and Green Sections patrolled Exeter and Bridport. Green Section landed at 17:50hrs and Red Section landed at 18:22hrs.
17:11 – Blue Section patrolled Bolt Tail and returned at 17:55hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
31 July 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
08:30 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 08:50hrs
17:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 18:35hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
08:25 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 19:35hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
11:21 – Yellow Section patrolled Exmouth and Seaton returning at 12:10hrs.
12:31 – One Hurricane from Red Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing at 12:50hrs.
14:31 – Blue Section patrolled RAF Exeter landing at 15:10hrs.
17:58 – B Flight patrolled Seaton returning at 18:50hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
Battle of Britain - Exeter (Gallery One)
All images are credited to the original copyright owners.
Battle of Britain at RAF Exeter 1940
1 August to 31 August 1940
1 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
06:40 - Three Hurricanes went on a patrol returning back at 07:25hrs.
11:50 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning back at 13:20hrs.
13:00 – Flying Officer Ward went on a local flight in Hurricane 2829 and returned at 13:15hrs.
19:25 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning at 20:50hrs.
20:40 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning at 21:30hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
04:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 06:30hrs.
10:45 – F/O Strickland flew a local flight returning back at 11:00hrs.
15:25 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 16:45hrs.
18:25 – Six Hurricanes flew a sector recco’ mission landing back at 19:20hrs.
19:00 – Sgt Bushell flew to Babdown Farm landing at 19:45hrs.
19:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 20:30hrs.
20:10 – Sgt Bushell returned back from Babdown Farm landing at 19:45hrs.
21:10 – F/Lt Sing flew an aircraft test landing back at 21:55hrs.
21:35 – Three Hurricanes flew aircraft tests landing back at 22:30hrs.
21:40 – P/O Buchin flew a local flight returning at 22:10hrs.
23:00 – Four Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning back at 00:50hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
2 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
06:25 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning back at 07:55hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:00 - Three Hurricanes went on patrol returning back at 13:10hrs.
13:30 – Three Hurricanes went on patrol returning back at 14:20hrs.
19:20 – 19:55 – Three Hurricanes went on convoy patrol returning at 21:00hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
06:35 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 07:35hrs.
13:10 – F/Lt Sing flew an engine test flight returning back at 13:25hrs.
14:55 – Three Hurricanes carried out an R/T test returning at 15:05-16:00hrs.
15:10 – Three Hurricanes were sent to investigate an aircraft NW of RAF Exeter returning at 15:40hrs.
16:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 19:45hrs.
21:15 – S/Lt Moss flew a sector recco’ returning back at 22:20hrs.
22:30 - Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning back at 00:15hrs.
22:30 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 00:10hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
3 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:25 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning back at 12:25hrs.
13:30 – Three Hurricanes went on a shipping patrol returning back at 14:45hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
06:50 – P/O Mitchell and P/O Jay went on patrol returning back at 07:50hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
00:20 – Sgt Norris, Red Section flew a patrol landing back at 01:40hrs.
01:05 – Two Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning back at 02:00hrs.
04:50 – Two Hurricanes flew a convoy patrol returning back at 06:00hrs.
07:45 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 08:25hrs.
14:25 – Three Hurricanes patrolled RAF Exeter below cloud returning back at 14:50hrs.
14:40 – F/O Strickland flew to Hullavington landing at 14:50hrs. He returned to base at 16:10hrs.
16:55 – Three Hurricanes patrolled RAF Exeter below cloud returning at 17:10hrs.
20:35 – Two Hurricanes investigated unidentified aircraft (these were called 'X' Raids) returning at 20:55hrs.
21:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning at 22:45hrs.
22:20 – P/O Buchin investigated an X raid returning at 23:05hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
4 August 1940
213 Operational Records for today
11:00 – F/O Strickland and S/Lt Moss flew to Hullavington arriving at 11:10hrs.
17:25 – P/O Buchin and P/O Philippart contactor test landing at 18:05hrs.
17:25 – Three Hurricanes Red Section on patrol returning at 18:15hrs.
17:30 – F/O Strickland on contactor unit test landing at 17:50hrs.
18:40 – Three Hurricanes investigated X Raid landing back at 19:15hrs.
20:55 – Three Hurricanes Night Flying test landing back at 21:05.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
5 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
17:55 - Three Hurricanes went on patrol returning back at 19:20hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
12:15 – P/O Philippart flew to Staverton landing at 12:30hrs.
12:55 – P/O Philippart flew to Advanced Landing Ground (A.L.G.) landing at 13:10hrs.
14:15 – P/O Osmand to A.L.G. landing at 15:00hrs.
15:35 – F/O Strickland flew to Hullavington landing at 15:45hrs.
16:30 – F/O Strickland to A.L.G. landing at 16:40hrs.
18:00 – P/O Osmand to A.L.G. landing at 18:40hrs.
18:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 19:55hrs.
19:00 – P/O Buchin contactor unit test returning at 19:35hrs.
19:20 – P/O Philippart contactor unit test returning at 19:50hrs.
23:30 – Three Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning back at 01:20hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
6 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:35 – Three Hurricanes went on patrol returning back at 13:35
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
05:45 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning back at 06:25hrs.
11:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 12:25hrs.
13:30 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 14:15hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
213 Operational Records for today
00:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning back at 02:10hrs.
00:45 – Sgt Croskell flew a night patrol returning back at 05:30hrs.
06:35 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 07:25hrs.
06:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 07:25hrs.
07:50 – F/Sgt Grayson flew an air test returning back at 08:00hrs.
10:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a convoy patrol 10 miles off Dartmouth returning at 12:25hrs.
11:00 – F/O Strickland flew to Hullavington landing at 11:10 which seems incredibly quick!
12:00 – F/O Strickland flew back to RAF Exeter returning at 12:10!
16:20 – F/Lt Wight flew to Plymouth Roborough arriving at 16:35hrs.
18:35 – F/Lt Wight flew from Roborough back to RAF Exeter arriving back at 18:50hrs.
18:00 – Three Hurricanes patrolled base landing back at 18:30hrs.
20:00 – Four Hurricanes flew a contactor unit test returning at 20:25hrs.
22:20 – Two Hurricanes on night flying patrol returning back at 23:20hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
7 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
07:25 – Three Hurricanes went on a patrol returning back at 08:05-08:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
17:50 P/O Cock flew a base patrol returning at 18:35hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
06:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 07:30hrs.
06:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol below cloud returning at 07:15hrs.
09:35 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 10:55hrs.
16:20 – Six Hurricanes returned to RAF Exeter arriving at 16:55hrs.
17:40 – S/Lt Moss flew to RAF Exeter arriving at 18:15hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
8 August 1940
Green Section B Flight, 87 Squadron, took off from RAF Exeter at 16:30hrs and were 80 miles south of Portland at 17:15hrs. Three Hurricanes of Green Section 87 Squadron were on patrol at 25,000 feet over Portland when they sighted one ME110 which immediately turned south. Green Section gave chase and pursued enemy aircraft far out to sea but could not catch enemy aircraft. When approaching the French coast Green Leader Pilot Officer Jay fired all his rounds at enemy aircraft from a range of 600 yards without any results seen. There was no return fire or damage to Green Section. The Hurricanes returned to RAF Exeter at 18:00hrs.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 2 – Simon W Parry.
9 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
16:50 – Flying Officer Ward went on a local patrol returning back at 17:20hrs.
02:00 – F/Lt Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed went on a local night flight returning back at 02:15hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
13:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 15:10hrs.
16:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol of Portland Bill returning at 17:40hrs.
16:30 – F/O David and F/Lt Jeff joined the above patrol returning at 17:40hrs.
213 Operational Records for today
05:40 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 07:10hrs.
06:40 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 07:25hrs.
08:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a base patrol below cloud returning at 08:30hrs.
10:00 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 10:30hrs.
11:00 - P/O Cottam flew an air test returning at 11:30hrs.
19:05 – P/O Atkinson flew a patrol returning at 19:50hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
10 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
14:10 – Three Hurricanes went on a patrol returning back at 15:15hrs.
22:40 – F/O Rayner carried out a night patrol returning back at 00:35hrs.
23:55 – Sgt Cowling carried out a local flight returning back at 00:15hrs.
00:15 – Sgt Howell carried out a night patrol returning back at 01:55hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
19:05 – Three Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning at 19:30hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:24 – Three Hurricanes of Green Section flew a base patrol below cloud returning at 08:34hrs.
13:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 13:50hrs.
18:10 – P/O Philippart flew an air test returning at 18:40hrs.
18:55 – P/O Philippart flew an air test returning at 19:10hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
11 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:05 – F/O Ward carried out a patrol returning back at 12:50hrs.
21:50 – F/O Ward carried out a patrol returning back at 22:55hrs.
22:20 – F/O Watson carried out a night patrol returning back at 23:45hrs.
22:55 – P/O Comely carried out a night patrol returning back at 00:35hrs.
23:15 – F/O Rayner carried out a night patrol returning back at 00:45hrs.
23:55 – Sgt Howell carried out a night patrol returning back at 01:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
10:10 – P/O Mc Clure flew an interception in Hurricane 3598 and had to carry out a forced landing following enemy action landing at 11:00hrs.
10:10 – P/O Cock flew an interception and crashed in Hurricane 7233. The Hurricane was written off due to enemy action.
10:10 – Five more Hurricanes in the above enemy interception resulting in F/Lt Jeff not returning and reported as missing. All others landed back at 11:15hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
05:35 – Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 05:55hrs.
09:30 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol to Portland returning at 09:55hrs.
10:10 – Four Hurricanes flew a patrol to Portland returning at 10:50hrs.
10:15 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning at 11:00hrs.
10:30 – Sgt Dunscombe flew a patrol to Portland returning at 11:20hrs.
11:35 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 12:00hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
12 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
16:15 – F/Lt Ian Gleed and P/O Comely carried out a patrol returning at 16:40hrs.
16:50 – F/O Tait and F/O Watson carried out a patrol returning at 18:30hrs.
22:15 – F/Lt Ian Gleed and F/O Tait carried out a night patrol returning at 23:40hrs.
22:50 – Sgt Cowley carried out a night patrol returning at 00:25hrs.
23:55 – F/O Ward carried out a night patrol returning at 00:10hrs.
23:45 – P/O Comely carried out a night patrol returning at 01:40hrs.
00:05 – F/O Watson carried out a night patrol returning at 01:40hrs.
00:55 – F/Lt Ian Gleed carried out a night patrol returning at 02:25hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
07:25 – Three Hurricanes flew a Plymouth patrol returning at 08:50hrs.
12:10 – Six Hurricanes flew a Falmouth patrol returning at 13:00-13:25hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:35 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 09:20hrs.
08:40 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 09:15hrs.
12:00 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 13:30hrs. Sergeant G. D. Bushell returned to RAF Exeter with a damaged port elevator and starboard fuel tank. This was following a combat with a Bf 110 off the Isle of Wight at 12:30. The pilot was unhurt but aircraft AK-D was damaged but repairable.
12:00 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol. Only four Hurricanes returned to RAF Exeter with Sgt G. N. Wilkes and Sgt S. G. Stuckey reported as missing off Bognor at 12:44 following combat. Hurricane P2854 (AK-M) failed to return with Sergeant Wilkes and Hurricane P2802 (AK-R) failed to return with Sergeant Stuckey.
12:00 - Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 13:25hrs.
12:10 - S/Lt McGregor flew a patrol returning at 13:20hrs.
13:45 - F/O Strickland flew a patrol returning at 14:15hrs.
15:20 – Sgt Bushell flew a patrol returning at 15:50hrs.
17:25 – Three Hurricanes flew an escort of Flying Boat into Falmouth returning at 18:55hrs.
20:30 – Four Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 20:55hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
13 August 1940
Between approximately 06:40 and 07:00hrs Hurricanes from 213 Squadron with a flight of 87 Squadron took off from RAF Exeter and headed towards Portland. They were joining 43 Squadron from Tangmere along with 238 Squadron. A large swarm of enemy bombers and escorts was heading across the Channel towards the Isle of Wight and Southampton. 257 Squadron from Canterbury were diverted to Tangmere to join the fray. Success came to 87 Squadron with S/L J.S. Dewar claiming a JU88 destroyed South of Bangor and P/O D.T Jay along with F/O R.L. Glyde claiming shared. 601 Squadron also joined the action with a number of enemy aircraft destroyed. Following this combat and returning to RAF Exeter, F/O R. L. Glyde was seen returning home with white vapour coming from his Hurricane P3387. This was reported as return fire from a Ju 88 South of Selsey Bill. The next time S/Ldr Dewar looked around F/O Glyde had disappeared and a search for him found nothing.
Richard Lindsay Glyde DFC aged 24 Born Perth, Australia Learned to fly with the RAAF in 1935 Joined the RAF in 1937
Joined 87 Squadron in October 1938. Combat Claims 8 with 4 being in the Battle of France
At 11:54 hours, 213 Squadron received orders to patrol Portland. Only one of ‘A’ Flight saw enemy aircraft, but Blue section of ‘B’ Flight sighted Me 110s and Me 109s and Junkers 88.
Blue section Leader Flying Officer Strickland attacked an Me 110 with one short burst of 10 rounds per gun but lost it in the clouds.
Red 3 of ‘A’ Flight Sgt Llewellyn, twice attacked a Junkers 88 with two separate bursts at 300 yards, and followed it down and claims a category 3, as he saw white patch in the sea and motorboats hurrying to the spot.
Blue 2 Pilot Officer Laricheliere followed his leader down and firstly attacked a Junkers 88 with short 2 and 4 second bursts from 100 to 300 yards, He saw the enemy aircraft dive into the sea, and whilst watching, was himself attacked by an Me 109. He climbed into the clouds and then, turning back, gave the enemy aircraft a burst of 3 seconds and watched it dive into the sea about 500 yards from where the Junkers 88 had struck the water.
The squadron returned to RAF Exeter and landed at intervals from 13:10 to 13:25.
Combat Report – P/O J E P Laricheliere – Blue 2, B Flight, 213 Squadron
3 ME11Os, 1 ME109, 1 JU88 over Portland,
I was patrolling Portland when I saw the Section Leader dive towards an ME110. I followed and saw through an opening in the clouds a JU88. I immediately stalled turned and got on his tail giving him short bursts in the starboard engine which began to emit black smoke. I followed him and played hide and seek in the cloud for 15 minutes, he was always heading to South East of Portland. Eventually I caught him up in a clear patch and put his port engine on fire and he dived straight into the sea. I could see a small motorboat rushing towards the wreck. While I was looking at the wreck, I was surprised to see an ME109. I immediately did steep climbing turns to reach the clouds, which I did, and headed south for a few minutes thinking that I would not be followed there. Then I came back again through the clouds to find the ME109 inspecting the wreck. I gave him a burst of about 3 seconds and saw him give a sudden upward jerk, stall, and dive into the sea in flames approximately 500 yds from the JU88.
Note: Had it not been for someone jamming the R/T by leaving transmitter on the enemy casualties would have been much higher. It took me at least five to ten minutes before my warning of enemy presence at that height was conveyed to the rest of the Squadron.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 3 – Simon W Parry
12 aircraft of 213 Squadron took off from RAF Exeter at 15:21 hours to patrol Portland. Leader of Red section ‘A’ Flight, Flight Lieutenant Sing saw about 30 Me 110s and 20 Me 109s 15 miles south west of Portland Bill below him and attacked. He himself attacked an Me 110 but was in turn attacked by an Me 109 so turned on to the latter and after two bursts of 4 seconds each watched it crash into the sea.
Meanwhile his Yellow 1 Pilot Officer Osmand had shot down an Me 109 and Red 3 Sergeant Bushell had put a long burst into an Me 109 and saw a piece fall from the port wing.
‘B’ Flight had seen and climbed to enemy aircraft above cloud at 10,000 feet where leader of Green Section Pilot Officer Atkinson shot down a straggling Me 109 and expended the rest of his ammunition on another while Blue 2 Pilot Officer Larichelier put in one burst of 1 second into an Me 110 and blew it to pieces. This was the first time the squadron had been using De Wilde ammunition.
Hurricane P3348 (AK-B) failed to return from action over Portland at 16:50. Sergeant P. P. Norris was killed and the aircraft destroyed.
RAF Victory Claims: 16:00 – 16:30hrs. Combat E. Portland
213 Squadron - P/O J E P Laricheliere - ME110 destroyed – Portland
213 Squadron - P/O H D Atkinson - ME110 destroyed - 8 miles south of Portland
213 Squadron - P/O A G Osmond - ME109 destroyed - Portland
213 Squadron - F/Lt E J Sing - ME109 destroyed - South of Portland Bill
213 Squadron - Sgt G D Bushell - ME109 probably destroyed - south of Portland Bill.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 3 – Simon W Parry and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
14 August 1940
Green section of 213 Squadron on patrol at 16,000 feet above Seaton just above rough cloud sighted three He.111s. Green 2 Pilot Officer H. D. Atkinson attacked one from astern and fired one burst bringing its undercarriage down. After another burst the engine stopped and It caught fire. The crew of 4 bailed out. In the meantime, Blue 1 Pilot Officer Sizer had attacked another He.111 and saw smoke coming out of it before he lost it in the clouds. All four of our aircraft returned safely to RAF Exeter at 20:50 hours. Pilot Officer Atkinson who was in Hurricane R4099 had sustained damage to his aircraft from return fire from a He. 111 over Lyme Bay. He managed to land but was injured with small pieces of Bakelite in his left forearm. Although the Hurricane was damaged it was repairable.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 4 – Simon W Parry and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
15 August 1940
At 17:15 hours 13 aircraft of 213 Squadron took off from RAF Exeter to intercept raiders at Portland. At 17:25 hours a terrific number of enemy aircraft were encountered and the largest dogfight in which the squadron has yet taken part developed. Each of our pilots selected his own particular enemy aircraft and having shot it down turned onto another. All of our aircraft returned safely to RAF Exeter with the exception of one, Pilot Officer M. S. H. C. Buchin, who was reported missing in Hurricane V7227 (AK-C).
Hurricane W6669 (AK-Q) was damaged after being hit in the wing during combat with Bf 110s off Portland at 17:45. The aircraft returned to RAF Exeter where the aircraft was repaired. The pilot Sergeant R. D. Dunscombe was unhurt.
87 Squadron, 11 aircraft took off from Exeter at 17:30 hours for Portland. On arriving at Portland each flight seems to have encountered a separate circle of enemy aircraft going, round and round. What has been described as the fiercest fight yet took place, it was a lightning dog-fight which can hardly be described on paper, apart from pilots say they fired short bursts at other enemy aircraft but could not stop to see the results. Included in enemy aircraft casualties is one ME 110 destroyed by Pilot Officer Comely, who was himself shot down in the combat.
Squadron Leader T. G. Lovell-Gregg in Hurricane P3215 crashed at Abbotsbury, Dorset. The Hurricane caught fire and the pilot was killed in an endeavour to force land. The aircraft it would appear, had stalled, and crashed through trees surrounding the field and caught fire and was totally destroyed. The instrument panel from this aircraft was recovered and is now in Peter Foote’s collection.
Hurricane P3465 force-landed at Symondsbury near Bridport following combat over Portland at 18:00. Sergeant J. Cowley was slightly injured in the incident and admitted to Bridport hospital. The aircraft was a write-off.
Hurricane P2872 was shot down by a Bf 110 and crashed into the sea off Portland at 18:05. Pilot Officer P. W. Comeley was reported as missing. The aircraft was lost.
Hurricane R2687 was damaged by a Bf 109 in combat over Portland at 18:10. The pilot force-landed on a field at Barn Farm, Radipole. Pilot Officer D. T. Jay was uninjured. The aircraft was damaged but repaired later.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 4 – Simon W Parry and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
16 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:00 – Three Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning back at 12:10hrs.
12:50 – Three Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning back at 14:15hrs.
16:50 – Four Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning back at 18:20hrs.
17:15 – F/O Rayner departed for the above patrol returning back at 18:45hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:55 – Four Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning back at 14:30hrs.
16:45 – Four Hurricanes carried out a patrol with three returning back at 17:15 and on e returning back at 18:20hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:30 – S/Lt Jeram flew an air test returning at 09:50hrs.
11:05 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 12:25hrs.
12:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 14:15hrs.
12:45 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol but only two returned at 14:00hrs. P/O J. E. P. Laricheliere was reported as missing in Hurricane AK-R.
12:45 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 14:25hrs.
16:45 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 18:25hrs.
17:15 – Three Hurricanes of Blue Section patrolled Swanage returning at 18:49hrs.
18:25 – Sgt Llewellyn flew an air test returning at 18:30hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
17 August 1940
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
13:45 – Three Hurricanes went on a patrol returning back at 14:40hrs.
15:40 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning back at 16:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
12:30 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 13:20hrs.
15:45 – P/O Philippart flew an air test returning at 16:00hrs.
14:35 – S/Lt Jeram flew from Henlow back to RAF Exeter returning at 15:25hrs.
16:40 – F/Sgt Grayson flew an air test returning back at 17:10hrs.
17:25 – Five Hurricanes flew a patrol to Portland at 16,000 ft returning at 18:55hrs.
17:45 – P/O Sizer flew an air test returning at 17:55hrs.
18:30 – P/O Sizer flew an air test returning at 18:45hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
18 August 1940
Large scale attacks by the Luftwaffe took place today. At 14:07 hours 213 Squadron took off from RAF Exeter with 12 Hurricanes to patrol St Catherine’s Point. Pilot Officer H D Atkinson destroyed an Me 109 five miles south of Ventor. Many other squadrons were involved in the fray including 601, 152, 43, 602 and 234 squadrons. The combat took place mainly over West Sussex between 14:00 – 15:30 hours. German losses were heavy.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 5 – Simon W Parry.
19 August 1940
Whilst Red Section of 213 Squadron were patrolling base an enemy aircraft was intercepted. Sgt Llewellyn was sent by his leader to investigate and saw a Ju88 proceeding south-east. When he was 800 feet astern of it, it fired a cannon at him, and Llewelyn replied with a short burst. Enemy aircraft then flew into cloud but when it emerged at the top Llewelyn carried out a beam attack. He opened fire at 250 yards closing to 150 with a burst of 2-3 seconds. The enemy aircraft emitted a considerable amount of smoke and then there was a glow of fire. No one was seen to bale out. Llewelyn returned to RAF Exeter at 13:50 hours.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry.
20 August 1940
At 18:19 hours two aircraft of Red Section, 213 Squadron took off to patrol Seaton. Three Ju88s were encountered and chased over Exeter and back to Newton Abbot where the flight closed with them just after they had dropped bombs on the railway station. Red Leader attacked one and saw his bullets rake the enemy aircraft from stem to stern. He then chased another out to sea and silenced the rear gunner. In the meantime, Red 2 had attacked another and saw a large piece of the enemy aircraft fall off. Enquiries were made at the time to confirm rumours that at least one enemy aircraft was seen to crash into the sea.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry.
21 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:25 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 13:00hrs.
16:05 – F/O Rayner flew a local patrol returning back at 16:30hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
05:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 06:15hrs.
09:45 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 10:50hrs.
15:40 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 16:30hrs.
16:10 – Four Hurricanes flew an interception returning back at 16:25hrs.
18:50 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 19:20hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:00 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 10:10hrs.
09:45 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 10:45hrs.
13:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 15:05hrs.
16:05 – RAF Exeter was attacked with the airfield being bombed. Seven Hurricanes scrambled into the air to carry out interception and local patrol returning back at 16:30hrs.
16:15 – Panic take off of Seven Hurricanes with airfield being under attack returning back at 16:25hrs.
16:45 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a local patrol returning back at 17:05hrs.
18:20 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a local patrol returning back at 19:00hrs.
18:30 – S/Lt McGregor returned to RAF Exeter landing at 19:20hrs.
22 August 1940
Pilot Officer J. A. L. Phillipart of 213 Squadron, R.A.F. Exeter, was patrolling Exmouth at 30,000 feet as Yellow Leader (section of 2 planes). He spotted an unidentified aircraft coming from the south. He approached the enemy aircraft and recognised it as Ju88. Followed by Yellow 2 he went into a beam attack, the effect of which was the enemy aircraft released its bombs into the sea. Pilot Officer Phillipart then made a vertical diving attack followed by an astern attack. The enemy aircraft caught fire between the starboard engine and the fuselage. The enemy aircraft then dived into the sea in a large gliding turn. Four members of the crew baled out but only one parachute opened correctly.
P.O. Phillipart noted that the black crosses on the fuselage were inside a circle from certain distance.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry.
23 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
09:55 – F/Lt Ian Gleed and F/O Watson flew a patrol returning back at 11:05hrs.
10:30 – Sgt Howell flew joined the above patrol also returning back at 11:10hrs.
18:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 19:10-19:25hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
11:10 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 12:20hrs.
15:15 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 15:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today.
18:30 – Four Hurricanes flew a patrol to Bristol returning back at 19:40hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
24 August 1940:
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today.
05:15 – F/Lt Ian Gleed and F/O Watson carried out a patrol returning back at 05:50hrs.
10:00 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning back at 10:55hrs.
17:40 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 19:05hrs.
19:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 20:15hrs.
17:10 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 18:10. Sgt Wakeling was unfortunately shot down during this patrol.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
16:15 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol to Swanage area returning back at 17:40hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:45 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 10:00hrs.
14:50 – Two Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning back at 16:10hrs.
15:20 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 15:40hrs.
16:35 – Panic take off of Six Hurricanes to intercept an attack returning back at 17:00hrs.
17:10 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 17:25hrs.
18:40 – Sgt Croskell flew an engine test flight returning back at 13:20hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
25 August 1940
Fifteen Hurricanes of 213 Squadron departed from RAF Exeter at 16:59 hours to intercept enemy raiders at Portland. The enemy were intercepted at 17:23 hours and a general dogfight ensued. Several pilots remarked about the improved armament on the ME109s.
Thirteen Hurricanes of 87 Squadron also intercepted a large raid about 5 miles west of Portland. The raid consisted of Ju88s escorted by Me110s and Me109s. B Flight went for the Ju88s and the Me110 went for B Flight. A Flight then attacked the Me110s. Some of the Me110s were seen to fire red Verey lights, apparently as a signal to the Me109s to come down, which they did. A general dogfight ensued.
Combat Report – W/Cdr J. S. Dewar - B Flight, 87 Squadron
Led Squadron to patrol Warmwell at 10,000 ft as ordered. Sighted AA bursts over Portland but no aircraft. Then sighted large enemy force coming westwards along coast. Selected the Squadron of JU88s least escorted and led in on a quarter attack. Fired about 800 rounds. As I pulled away, I saw aircraft smoking. F/Sgt Badger who was following saw it burst into flames. It must have fallen near Lulworth. Later it was confirmed by Observer Corps that one fell there. I continued my turn on pulling away and went for about four 110s head-on, taking a fleeting burst at one. By the time I had turned round again I could see no aircraft. Every now and then one dropped out smoking. The bombers seemed to be making out to sea. Very high over Portland way a white Verey light was fired. I flew climbing towards the west, turning now and again to sweep the sky above. During one of these turns I almost collided with an ME109 turning in the opposite direction. I started to pursue as he went past me and saw that he was the leader of 4. They did not seem to have seen me, so I joined them in the rear. Unfortunately, their initial speed did not allow me to get nearer than about 600 yds and although I had 9+ on the boost I could not catch up. As they turned, however, I slowly gained. When about 300 yds away I opened fire on the rearmost in short bursts. He immediately turned more steeply than the rest and increased speed, but not before vapour came pouring from him. His manoeuvre carried him to the front of the others, and I had to break off action with him. Last seen he was diving at about 45o slightly banked and may have come down near Lulworth also on the land or in the sea. Fumes were pouring from him. I suspect he carried armour as I fired at least 800 rounds with almost dead astern shots. The others quickly climbed out of reach. I was greatly handicapped by lack of speed. Seeing no further activity and being short of ammunition I returned to base without seeing any of my Squadron since the first encounter. I consider that greater effect would be got from our attacks and less losses suffered if we patrolled in larger numbers, if possible two Squadrons going together. Twin-engined bombers can take terrific punishment from the rear and their own shooting was greatly improved. I consider it a mistake to attack from the rear if any other method is possible. With fighter escorts only fleeting attacks can be made making it difficult to obtain conclusive results.
Combat Report - S/Ldr I R Gleed - A Flight, 87 Squadron
I led attack with Flight covering rear of ‘B’ Flight. Attacked 10 ME110s who were diving out of the sun on ‘B’ Flight. Shot one down and saw it splash in sea with 4 others, were attacked by about 20 ME110s, shot at one which rolled on back, got good shot whilst it was on back, had to break off owing to E/A getting on my tail. Sgt Howell saw the E/A I shot at still upside down. Later was attacked from above by two 109s, one of which overshot me and got a good burst up its tail. The other was near my tail so I aileron turned down and left them. The E/A then sheared off to sea.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry
Combat Report – F/O K W Tait - A Flight, 87 Squadron
Contacted E/A at 18,000 approx. 30 ME110s. Saw leader of 110s fire two red Verey lights evidently calling for 109s to come down. They did. Attacked one 110 trying to enter circle. After three bursts he dived away with one engine stopped and crashed into sea. Attacked a 109 from directly above – full deflection – Spitfires also attacked it from beam and 109 crashed on land behind Chesil Bank.
109 painted light blue with broad red band round fuselage. Editor’s Note. This red band around the nose cowling was applied to JG53 Aircraft
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry.
Combat Report – P/O R P Beamont - B Flight, 87 Squadron
We attacked the main bomber formation from 1,000 feet above and out of the sun. I fired a long burst from the beam at a Do17, closing to fifty yards and the E/A turned on its back with smoke pouring out and dived towards the sea. At 4,000 feet I engaged an ME109 and after some minutes forced it down into a field between Abbotsbury and Weymouth and about 1 mile inland. The pilot appeared unhurt and set fire to his machine.
RAF Losses
87 Sqn Hurricane V7250 Sergeant S. R. E. Wakeling – killed, shot down over Portland and fell at New Barn Dorchester at 18:05. The aircraft was also lost.
213 Sqn Hurricane N2646 Sgt E. G. Snowden – safe. Badly damaged by ME109s and forced landing at Burton Bradstock, Dorset, at 17:45.
213 Sqn Hurricane P3200 Pilot Officer H. D. Atkinson was shot down over Warmwell and the aircraft crashed into the sea. The pilot was killed.
213 Sqn Hurricane V7226 (AK-I), Pilot Officer J. A. L. Philippart was killed after being shot down by Hptmn. Mayer of 1/JG53 in combat off Portland. The pilot baled out over the sea, but drowned, his body was washed ashore on the 28 August. First buried in the Higher Cemetery, Exeter, Jacques Philippart now lies in Brussels.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
26 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:00 – Five Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 10:15hrs.
10:45 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 11:15hrs.
15:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 16:20hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
18:00 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning back at 18:45hrs.
20:15 – Four Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 20:30hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:00 – Two Hurricanes from Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 10:20hrs.
09:20 – Three Hurricanes from Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 10:15hrs.
09:55 – Five Hurricanes scrambled to intercept an airfield attack returning back at 10:10hrs.
12:55 – P/O Sizer took off to investigate a smoke cloud returning back at 13:05hrs.
16:20 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol to Warmwell returning back at 17:40hrs.
16:25 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol to Warmwell returning back at 17:45hrs.
19:20 – Sgt Dunscombe flew an air test returning at 19:35 hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
27 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:25 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 13:25hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
06:15 – F/Sgt Badger flew a local patrol returning back at 06:35hrs.
10:30 – Two Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 10:50hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:20 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 08:25hrs.
09:30 – Sgt Dunscombe flew an air test returning back at 09:45hrs.
12:15 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 13:30hrs.
12:45 – Two Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol but only one returned at 13:10hrs. S/Lt Moss was reported as missing.
14:00 – F/Lt Sing and Sgt Llewellyn fly a search flight for S/Lt Moss who failed to return to base. F/Lt Sing landed back at 14:30 and Sgt Llewellyn landed back at 15:40hrs.
15:20 – Three Hurricanes patrolled RAF Exeter returning at 16:00hrs.
16:00 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a base patrol returning at 16:16hrs.
16:50 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol to Honiton returning back at 17:10hrs.
17:00 – Two Hurricanes flew to Portland on patrol returning back at 17:25hrs.
20:25 – F/Sgt Grayson flew an air test returning back at 20:40hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
28 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 12:30hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:50 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 11:40hrs.
14:10 – Sgt Wojcicki carried out RT practice returning at 15:00hrs.
14:25 – Two Hurricanes from Red Section flew a patrol landing back at 14:45hrs.
20:00 – Six Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 20:30hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
29 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
F/Lt Ian Gleed flew a patrol returning back at 20:45hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
15:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 17:10hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:55 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 10:25hrs.
10:50 – S/L MacDonald flew a Sector Recco’ returning back at 11:50hrs.
13:15 – P/O Sizer flew an air test returning back at 13:30hrs.
15:30 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 16:25hrs.
16:20 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning back at 17:35hrs.
17:20 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 18:00hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
30 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
09:00 – F/O Tait flew a patrol returning back at 11:10hrs.
15:25 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 16:00hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:20 – P/O McClure flew a local patrol returning at 12:45hrs.
12:40 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 13:50hrs.
15:35 – Six Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning back at 15:50 – 16:00hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:05 – P/O Sizer flew an air test returning back at 10:15hrs.
10:10 – Sgt Llewellyn flew an engine test flight returning back at 10:25hrs.
13:30 – Two Hurricane flew a base patrol returning at 14:55hrs.
14:25 – Two Hurricanes from Yellow Section flew a patrol returning back at 15:25hrs.
19:10 – S/L MacDonald flew a Sector Recco’ returning back at 19:40hrs.
20:05 – Six Hurricanes flew a formation practice flight returning at 20:30hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
31 August 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
19:45 – F/O Tait and Sgt Howell flew a local patrol returning back at 20:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
18:50 – F/Lt Ward and P/O Beamont patrolled base returning at 19:30hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:50 – P/O Sizer flew an air test flight which must have landed elsewhere but is not logged on the records. The landing time back at Exeter however is 16:05hrs.
12:00 – Two Hurricanes flew a patrol returning back at 13:15hrs.
17:20 – P/O Sizer flew a further air test flight landing back at 17:45hrs.
S/Lt Jeram flew an air test flight returning back at 19:40hrs.
Information sourced from the National Archives Operational Records.
Battle of Britain - Exeter (Gallery Two)
All images are credited to the original copyright owners.
Battle of Britain at RAF Exeter 1940
1 September to 30 September 1940
1 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
08:55 – F/O Watson and P/O Malengreau went on a patrol. Watson returned at 09:30hrs and Malengreau returned at 09:55hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
09:45 – P/O Jay went on patrol returning at 10:15hrs.
19:55 – P/O McLure and F/Sgt Badger went on Dusk Patrol. McLure returned at 20:10hrs and Badger returned at 21:00hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:30 – P/O Sizer and Sgt Grayson flew their Hurricanes on a quick Patrol over Taunton returning at 08:40hrs.
09:05 – Two Hurricanes flew a local patrol returning at 09:15hrs.
10:50 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning at 11:45hrs.
20:00 – Three Hurricanes carried out formation practice returning at 20:20hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
2 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight had no flying activity today
87 Squadron B Flight had no flying activity today
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
11:30 – Sgt Llewellyn carried out local flying returning at 12:00hrs.
20:10 – Seven Hurricanes carried out formation practice returning at 20:30hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
3 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:20 – F/O Tait and F/O Watson flew a patrol returning at 12:45hrs.
15:05 – F/O Rayner and Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 16:35hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
14:05 – F/Lt Ward and F/Sgt Badger went on patrol returning at 14:55hrs.
19:55 – Sgt Walton went on Dusk Patrol returning at 21:00hrs.
20:15 – P/O McLure went on Dusk Patrol returning at 20:35hrs.
21:10 – F/Lt Ward and P/O Beamont went on a night Interception returning at 22:50hrs.
22:25 – F/Sgt Badger went on night patrol returning at 22:45hrs.
22:25 – P/O Jay went on night patrol returning at 23:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
11:00 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
13:15 – Two Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 14:50hrs.
13:55 – Sgt Grove flew a Sector Recco returning at 14:30hrs.
18:00 – S/L MacDonald flew a Quarter Attack returning at 18:45hrs.
18:00 – Five Hurricanes flew a practice formation flight returning at 18:45hrs.
18:00 – Sgt Wojcicki flew an air test returning at 18:30hrs.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
4 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
13:00 – F/O Tait and P/O Despirlet flew a patrol both returning at 14:00hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
00:10 – F/Lt Ward flew a night patrol returning at 00:30hrs.
17:55 – Sgt Watson and P/O McLure flew a patrol returning at 19:25hrs.
19:20 – F/Lt Ward flew a patrol returning at 19:35hrs.
21:30 – P/O McLure and Sgt Watson flew a night patrol returning at 22:50hrs.
21:45 – F/Sgt Badger flew a night patrol returning at 22:55hrs.
22:20 – F/Lt Ward and P/O McLure flew a night patrol returning at 23:55hrs.
23:25 – P/O Beamont and P/O Jay flew a night patrol both returning at 00:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:30 – Two Hurricanes on patrol point 2 returning at 11:40hrs.
15:15 – Three Hurricanes on patrol returning at 15:45hrs.
17:15 – Two Hurricanes of Red Section carried out a local patrol returning at 17:35hrs.
19:30 – Six Hurricanes completed a Flight Formation returning at 19:55hrs.
A relatively quiet day for the airfield today although ground crews would always be busy ensuring the Hurricanes were flight ready.
Information sourced from the Nation Archives Operational Records for 87 and 213 Squadrons RAF Exeter.
5 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
14:20 – Sgt Thorogood and P/O Despirlet flew a patrol both returning at 15:30hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
00:35 – F/Sgt Badger and Sgt Watson flew a night patrol returning at 01:30hrs.
14:30 – P/O McLure and F/Lt Ward flew a patrol returning at 15:15hrs.
21:30 – P/O McLure, Sgt Watson and F/Sgt Badger flew a night patrol returning at 22:55hrs.
22:20 – F/Lt Ward and P/O McLure flew a night patrol returning at 23:35hrs.
23:25 – P/O Beamont and P/O Jay flew a night patrol returning at 00:45hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:45 – Yellow Patrol with Two Hurricanes departed returning at 10:20hrs.
10:45 – Six Hurricanes carried out aerial combat returning at 11:25hrs.
12:10 – Two Hurricanes carried out a base patrol returning at 13:25hrs.
14:20 – Sgt Grove carried out practice flying returning at 15:40hrs.
Information sourced from the Nation Archives Operational Records for 87 and 213 Squadrons RAF Exeter.
6 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:10 – F/O Rayner, Sgt Howell and F/O Malengreau flew a patrol returning at 10:25hrs.
12:00 – Six Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 13:45hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
00:35 – F/Sgt Badger and Sgt Watson flew a night patrol returning at 01:30hrs.
14:30 – P/O McLure and F/Lt Ward flew a patrol returning at 15:15hrs.
20:55 – F/Lt Ward flew a night patrol returning at 22:25hrs.
21:30 – P/O McLure flew a night patrol returning at 22:40hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
07:45 – Two Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning at 08:15hrs.
09:25 – Flying Officer Sing and Sgt Grove carried out formation practice and dog fighting sortie returning at 09:55hrs.
10:50 – Pilot Officer Cottan carried out a patrol at Start Point returning at 11:45hrs.
11:20 – Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section carried out a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
11:25 – F/L Sing local flight only returning at 11:55hrs.
11:50 – P/O Sizer and Sgt Wojcicki carried out a patrol returning at 13:35hrs.
12:00 – Five Hurricanes carried out a patrol returning at 13:15hrs.
13:15 – Four Hurricanes flew an X Raid patrol returning at 13:55hrs.
14:35 – Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 15:25hrs.
16:30 – F/L Sing flew an X Raid returning at 16:40hrs.
18:15 – Three Hurricanes of Red Section flew a patrol returning at 18:35hrs.
18:15 – Three Hurricanes of Yellow Section flew a patrol returning at 18:40hrs.
20:20 – Sgt Snowden carried out a dusk landing sortie returning at 20:50hrs.
Information sourced from the Nation Archives Operational Records for 87 and 213 Squadrons RAF Exeter.
7 September 1940
No. 601 (County of London) Squadron transferred to RAF Exeter from RAF Tangmere. The Squadron was nicknamed the ‘millionaires club’ as most of its officers were chosen from the White Ensign Club in London. The Squadron was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and would replace 213 Squadron who departed for RAF Tangmere.
The Squadron flew 13 hours 10 minutes in total which included the transit from RAF Tangmere to RAF Exeter. Some 32 airmen and ground crews were involved in the transfer to RAF Exeter by Bombay aircraft. On arrival at RAF Exeter several pilots carried out dog-fight practice.
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:20 – F/O Rayner and P/O Malengreau flew a patrol returning at 11:40hrs.
10:55 – P/O Despirlet and Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 11:50hrs.
12:00 – Sgt Howell and P/O Malengreau flew a patrol returning at 13:30hrs.
13:00 – Sgt Thorogood and P/O Despirlet flew a patrol returning at 14:05hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
17:23 – P/O Jay flew a patrol returning at 17:40hrs.
19:40 – S/Ldr Mills flew a patrol returning at 20:10hrs.
21:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning at 22:50hrs.
21:50 – F/Lt Ward joined the above night patrol returning at 22:50hrs.
22:15 – Three Hurricanes flew a night patrol returning at 00:05hrs.
213 Squadron Operational Records for today
12:20 – F/Lt Strickland flew an air test returning at 12:40hrs.
13:15 – Seven Hurricanes departed RAF Exeter relocating to RAF Tangmere.
13:25 – Seven Hurricanes departed RAF Exeter relocating to RAF Tangmere.
This now meant that 87 Squadron and 601 Squadron units were based at RAF Exeter and these two Squadrons would see out the rest of the Battle of Britain. S/L MacDonald remained at RAF Exeter until he departed for RAF Tangmere on the 9 Sept 1940.
8 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:00 – Three Hurricanes on intercept patrol returning at 13:35hrs.
NOTE: 87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records were recorded from this day on but not dated. The daily logs capture the usual patrols and night patrols and are unlined between each day. The only other known official accurate recording of a date is the 15 September. None of the separate forms are dated at the top other than they occasionally are marked September.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
During the day the Squadron made two operational patrols, and also one sector reconnaissance. 10 hours 35 minutes flying by day, which also included cross country flights and sea firing.
9 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
17:55 – Five Hurricanes flew an interception patrol Yeovil but found nothing. They returned at 18:40hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today:
Night flying patrols mainly for search light cooperation but exact hours flown unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
18 hours day flying which included sector reconnaissance, sea firing, formation practice and other flying training.
Information sourced from a copy of Operational Records – National Archives UK.
10 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
13:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 15:10hrs. nothing seen.
16:30 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 16:40hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
Night flying patrols mainly for search light cooperation but exact hours flown unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
6 hours 25 minutes flying – cross country flights and formation practice.
Information sourced from the Nation Archives Operational Records for 87 and 601 Squadrons RAF Exeter.
11 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
Although not shown on the actual operational records, it is known that Acting Wing Commander John Scatliff-Dewar, DFC,DSO, C/O of 87 Squadron and soon to be RAF Exeter's first Station Commander when promoted to the permanent rank of Wing Commander, took off on a unofficial flight from RAF Exeter. He was heading for RAF Tangmere in a Hurricane to visit his wife, but sadly he failed to arrive.
It has been speculated that he may have observed enemy aircraft and decided to join the combat on his own but was shot down into the Channel. His body was washed ashore many days later, with evidence to suggest that he may have been killed during his parachute descent. He was not reported missing until the following day and some records show his date of death as the 12 September rather than the 11 September. He was 33 years old. John Dewar was the highest-ranking airman to have been killed during the Battle of Britain on this day.
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
13:55 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 15:10hrs. Nothing seen.
16;30 – Three Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 16:40hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
The usual patrols including night flying sorties occurred today, but the actual flying hours cannot be confirmed.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The days flying of 13 hours 45 minutes included one patrol, one interception flight and local flying training. One patrol of 2 hours 15 minutes was carried out in black-out conditions.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
12 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records had nothing recorded for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Dual flying in Mentor aircraft, formation practice and other forms of flying training made up a total of 10 hours 55 minutes flying.
The Miles Mentor aircraft was introduced into the RAF in 1938 as a trainer and communications mount. The first prototype (Serial L4392) first flew on 5 January 1938. An order for 45 aircraft was received and they were all delivered to the Royal Air Force between April 1938 and February 1939. They were mainly used by No. 24 Squadron and by RAF station flights.
Remarkably only one aircraft managed to survive the Second World War. It was Serial number L4420 which was sold for civilian use in May 1946 and civilian registered G-AHKM. Sadly It crashed on 1 April 1950 at Clayhidon, in Devon and was destroyed. This makes another piece of remarkable history related to the RAF Exeter area.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and Wikipedia.
13 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
15:35 – F/Lt Gleed and Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 15:55hrs. Nothing seen.
16:15 – F/Lt Gleed flew a patrol returning at 16:50hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
10 hours 55 minutes flying was made up of all forms of flying training, including cloud flying, formations etc. There was also one operational flight by two aircraft.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
14 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
15:35 – F/Lt Gleed and P/O Malengreau flew a patrol returning at 16:30hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
28 hours 35 minutes flying by day and also 2 hours 10 minutes night flying. One operational take-off and all forms of flying training mostly formation.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
15 September 1940 - Battle of Britain Day
On Sunday, 15 September 1940, the Luftwaffe launched an ‘all out’ large scale attack to try and destroy the RAF. The largest and most concentrated attacks were also against London in the hope of drawing out the RAF into a battle of annihilation. Around 1,500 aircraft took part in the air battles which lasted until dusk. This action was the really the climax of the Battle of Britain. This is now why we now know this to be Battle of Britain Day.
It is recorded in history that off the Devon coast a lone reconnaissance aircraft was detected and a flight from 87 Squadron Exeter (Hurricanes) was "Scrambled". It turned out to be a He111 on weather reconnaissance and was shot down by P/O D.T. Jay. Strangely I cannot find an Operational Record of this fact, this makes me unsure and question why it was not recorded?
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
16:30 – F/O Tait and P/O Spirlet flew a patrol returning at 16:50hrs. Nothing seen.
22:20 – F/Lt Gleed flew a night patrol returning at 23:59hrs. Nothing seen.
23:05 – F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 00:40hrs. Nothing seen
23:55 – F/O Watson flew a night patrol returning at 01:25hrs. Nothing seen.
00:15 – F/O Rayner flew a night patrol returning at 00:40hrs. Nothing seen.
01:00 – F/O Rayner flew a night patrol returning at 01:55hrs. Nothing seen.
01:05 – F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 01:50hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Several cross-country flights, aerobatics, and one sector recon’ made up a total of 37 hours 40 minutes flying by day and 4 hours 40 minutes night flying.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
16 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No recorded activity for A Flight.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Three operational flights included several operational patrols with interception flights.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
17 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No recorded activity for A Flight.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
23 Hours 10 minutes included operational patrols and interception flights.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
18 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight had no activity today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Formation flying practice was the main feature of this days 27 hours 55 minutes day flying and 3 hours 45 minutes night flying practice.
A relatively uneventful day for RAF Exeter Squadrons today.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
19 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:20 – F/O Rayner and Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 11:45 and 12:20hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Pilot Officer A. W. J. Cornwell reported to the unit at RAF Tangmere today to assume duties as Squadron Adjutant. Vice Flying Officer T. G. Waterlow was posted to Headquarters Fighter Command.
At RAF Exeter the Squadron carried out 13 Hours 15 minutes day flying and 5 hours 20 minutes night flying practice.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
20 September 1940
87 Squadron Operational Records for today
11:20 – Sgt Thorogood went on a Recco patrol and returned at 12:05hrs. Nothing seen.
14:15 – F/Lt Gleed and Sgt Thorogood went on a patrol returning at 15:00hrs. Nothing seen.
14:50 – F/O Rayner and F/o Watson went on a patrol returning at 15:10hrs. Nothing seen.
15:25 – F/O Tait and P/O Malengreau went on a patrol returning at 16:30hrs. Nothing seen.
18:10 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Tait flew a patrol returning at 18;20hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Flying Records for today
33 hours day flying included formation and two operational flights and 11 hours and 45 minutes night flying practice.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
21 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:25 – F/O Watson and F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 12:05. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Formation practice, cross country flying, and two patrols made up the days total of 23 hours 15 minutes. Also 2 hours 50 minutes night flying practice. Whilst taking off from RAF Exeter on a practice flight F/O J Topolnicki, a Polish pilot crashed his aircraft and it burst into flames. The pilot was sadly killed. He was the first Polish pilot to be killed during the Battle of Britain, one of 143 in total by the end of the campaign. His final resting place is at the Higher Cemetery, Exeter.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
22 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight had no Operational activity recorded today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Two Operational flights and flying practice were carried out today. 13 hours and 10 minutes day and 7 hours 15 minutes night flying practice.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
23 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
06:30 – F/O Rayner flew a local base patrol returning at 06:45hrs. Nothing seen.
10:25 – F/O Rayner and F/O Tait flew a patrol returning at 11:20 and 11:35hrs. Nothing seen.
10:40 – Sgt Howell and F/O Watson flew a patrol returning at 11:30hrs. Nothing seen.
11:50 – F/O Watson and Sgt Howell flew a patrol returning at 12:35hrs. Nothing seen.
13:00 – F/O Rayner and P/O Spirlet flew a patrol returning at 13:40hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown
601 Squadron Operational Flying Records for today
All forms of flying training made a total of 25 hours 20 minutes day and 2 hours 45 minutes night flying.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
24 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
13:20 – F/Lt Gleed, F/O Watson and F/O Tait flew a patrol returning at 13:55hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
A total of 24 hours 45 minutes day flying, and 4 hours 20 minutes night flying made up of two operational flights and operational flying training. P/O D. B. Ogilvie, a pilot receiving operational training was slightly injured and conveyed to hospital when he overshot the aerodrome onto soft ground and his Hurricane overturned.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
25 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today which were recorded differently than normal just showing the flight duration time rather than departure and arrival times.
F/O Tait and Sgt Howell flew a patrol for 1 hour 20 minutes. Nothing seen.
F/O Tait and F/O Watson flew a patrol for 0.55 minutes. Nothing seen.
Five other Hurricanes flew a patrol lasting 40 minutes. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The remainder of the unit proceeded by rail from RAF Tangmere to RAF Exeter acting on instructions given by Headquarters Fighter Command.
During the day at RAF Exeter there were two engagements with the enemy. The first took place between 6 Hurricanes of 601 and 12 DO.15s, 12 ME110s and 2 JU88s off Plymouth. In the individual combats which ensued the following casualties were inflicted on the enemy without loss to 601. JU88 destroyed and 1 probable, 1 ME110 probable and 1 DO 215 damaged.
The second combat took place over Frome district when three Hurricanes of Red Section sighted a large formation of enemy bombers escorted by fighters flying N.W. over Yeovil then turning South around Gloucester. 2 ME110s were destroyed and another damaged during the engagement.
26 hours day flying, and 6 hours 10 minutes night flying took place today.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
26 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records show no activity for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron were ordered to patrol base on this day on one occasion and together with other flying made a total of 8 hours 30 minutes.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
27 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records show no activity for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
15 hours and 30 minutes day flying was made up of flying training and two operational patrols.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
28 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:50 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Tait flew a patrol returning at 11:15hrs. Nothing seen.
15:15 – F/O Rayner and Sgt Howell flew a patrol returning at 16:40hrs. Nothing seen.
15:35 – F/O Tait and P/O Despirlet flew a patrol returning at 16:15hrs. Nothing seen.
21:30 – F/Lt Gleed flew a night patrol returning at 22:30hrs.
22:15 – F/O Rayner flew a night patrol returning at 23:35hrs.
23:25 – F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 00:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Several patrols and practice fighter attacks were included in the day’s flying of 21 hours 40 minutes. Night flying practice at St Eval, Cornwall was carried out for 2 hours.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
29 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records show no activity for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The usual training flying was carried out today. A total of 32 hours 45 minutes day and 4 hours 50 minutes night flying. One of the pilots posted to this unit for operational training – Sgt Hulbert crashed his aircraft on landing today but was uninjured.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
30 September 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
16:50 – Four Hurricanes flew a patrol returning at 17:50hrs. Nothing seen.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records remain undated and therefore the usual daytime and night patrols took place but exact details unknown.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Two operational interception flights and one patrol were included in the day’s flying but no engagements with the enemy resulted. Other practice flying was carried out and the total was 27 hours 20 minutes by day and 3 hours 5 minutes night flying.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
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Battle of Britain at RAF Exeter 1940
1 October to 31 October
1 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight had no operational activity today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
08:55 – P/O Mitchell flew a patrol returning at 09:25hrs.
08:30 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 09:00hrs.
11:30 – Three Hurricanes departed for a patrol two returning at 11:40 and one returning at 11:55hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
14:15 – P/O Lawson carried out local flying returning at 15:00hrs.
14:40 – P/O Rohacek carried out aerobatics returning at 15:10hrs.
16:20 – Sgt Taylor, P/O Rohacek and Sgt McCann carried out a formation sortie landing at 16:40hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
2 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight had no Operational Flying activity today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:50 – S/Ldr Mills flew a patrol returning at 13:15hrs.
13:40 – P/O Mitchell and P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 13:50hrs.
18:00 – S/Ldr Mills flew a patrol returning at 18:35hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
18:10 – Six Hurricanes led by Flt Lt Clyde, carried out formation flying returning at 19:10hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
3 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:35 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 11:10hrs.
10:35 – Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
11:15 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
15:10 – F/O Carver flew a Recco’ returning at 15:50hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
10:35 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 11:10hrs.
10:35 – Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
11:15 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
15:10 – F/O Carver flew a Recco’ returning at 15:50hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:00 – P/O Rohacek and Sgt Bernard flew a dog fight sortie returning at 10:40hrs.
10:05 – P/O Lawson flew Cross Country returning at 11:15hrs.
10:35 – P/O Riddle, P/O Fenwick and Sgt Millet flew Cross Country returning at 11:40hrs.
11:40 – F/Lt Clyde, P/O Lawson and Sgt McCann flew Cross Country returning at 12:15hrs.
12:05 – P/O Fenwick, Sgt Millet and P/O Rohacek flew a local map reading sortie returning at 12:40hrs.
13:15 – F/Lt Clyde, Sgt Dixon and Sgt Bernard practiced formation flying returning at 14:30hrs.
14:45 – Sgt Taylor, P/O Fenwick and Sgt Miller practiced formation flying returning at 15:00hrs.
16:45 – Sgt Taylor and Sgt Bernard completed an Operational Take-off returning at 17:15hrs.
18:15 – Six Hurricanes departed for formation practice returning at 19:10hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
4 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight and B Flight had no Operational activity today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:50 – S/Ldr Hope flew a weather test flight returning at 09:05hrs.
09:40 – F/O Riddle flew a weather test flight returning at 10:15hrs.
10:00 – P/O Aldwinkle flew an operational sortie returning at 10:20hrs.
10:50 – Flt Lt Clyde flew an operational sortie returning at 11:10hrs.
14:15 – Sgt Dixon, Sgt Taylor and F/Lt Clyde flew a formation practice flight returning at 14:45hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
5 October 1940
This was a relatively busy day for both Squadrons at RAF Exeter with many comings and goings.
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
09:20 – Three Hurricanes scramble on an interception patrol reported as ‘Angels 5’ returning at 10:05hrs.
13:55 – Five Hurricanes scramble on an interception patrol reported as ‘Angels 15’ but no interception was achieved. They all returned at or around 15:00hrs.
16:45 – F/O Carver flew a Recco’ sortie returning at 17:00hrs.
No Operational activity is recorded for 87 Squadron B Flight for today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:30 – Sgt Miller flew a local flight returning at 10:55hrs.
10:35 – Three Hurricanes flew a formation practice flight returning at 11:30hrs.
11:15 – F/Lt O Neill flew a local flight returning at 12:05hrs.
12:00 – Two Hurricanes flew a formation flight returning at 12:25hrs.
12:25 – Two Hurricanes flew a local flight returning at 12:35hrs.
12:30 – P/O Lawson flew a local flight returning at 13:10hrs.
12:35 – Sgt Miller flew a local flight returning at 13:30hrs.
13:55 – Three Hurricanes flew an Operational Flight returning at 15:10hrs.
14:40 – Two Hurricanes flew an Operational Flight returning at 15:05hrs.
15:45 – Four Hurricanes flew a local flight returning between 16:40 and 17:30hrs.
17:30 – Five Hurricanes flew an Operational Flight returning at 18:45hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
6 October 1940
No Operational activity for 87 Squadron Flights today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:00 – Sgt Page flew a local practice flight returning at 09:45hrs.
10:10 – P/O Hoar-Scott and Sgt Hubert completed formation practice flight returning at 10:35hrs.
09:35 – Sgt Taylor completed local flying returning at 10:00hrs.
10:10 – F/Lt Clyde and F/Lt O’Neil completed a local flight returning at 10:35hrs.
11:25 – F/Lt O’Neil flew a formation practice flight returning at 11:50hrs.
13:50 – Three Hurricanes completed a local flight returning at 14:05hrs.
NOTE - Again, there is some confusion over dates with the Operational Records so there may well have been more sorties flown on this day. It appears that they have logged 18:00hrs to 18:00hrs duties causing overlaps of dates and times.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
7 October 1940 - *The last combat action for Exeter Squadrons during the Battle.
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
12:40 – F/O Rayner, Sgt Howell and P/O De Spirlet flew a patrol reported as Angels 20. All returned safely at 13:10hrs.
16:05 – F/Lt Gleed led seven Hurricanes on a patrol returning at 17:10hrs.
17:45 – F/Lt Gleed scrambled with F/O Watson and F/O Carver to investigate spotted aircraft. It was a false alarm as it turned out to be friendly aircraft. The Flight returned at 17:55hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
19:25 – F/O David and P/O Jay flew a night patrol returning at 20:40hrs.
20:20 – P/O Mitchell and P/O Cock flew a night patrol returning at 20:55 and 21:40 respectfully.
21:10 – P/O McLure and F/O David flew a night patrol returning at 22:50hrs.
22:10 – P/O Jay and P/O Mitchell flew a night patrol returning at 23:15hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:50 – Sgt Miller carried out a local flight returning at 10:05hrs.
10:30 – F/Lt O’Neill and Sgt Taylor flew a formation flying flight returning at 11:30hrs.
13:30 – Sgt Taylor, F/Lt O’Neill and Sgt Dixon carried out a local flight returning at 14:35hrs.
15:00 – P/O Fenwick, P/O Grier and Sgt Miller carried out formation flying returning at 15:45hrs.
15:25 – Three Hurricanes carried out an operational take off returning at 15:40hrs.
15:45 – *Three Hurricanes carried out an operational take off with just two returning at 16:55hrs. Hurricane R4218 was hit in the Glycol tank during combat with Bf 110s over Portland. On attempting to return to RAF Exeter the aircraft made a forced-landing south of Axminster at 16:05. Pilot Officer H.C. Mayers was slightly injured and the aircraft was a write-off.
16:05 – P/O Grier, Sgt McCann and Sgt Dixon carried out an operational take off returning at 16:55hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
8 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:00 – P/O Carver flew a sector Recco’ returning at 11:00hrs.
13:10 – F/Lt Gleed and Sgt Thorogood flew an interception patrol returning at 13:40hrs.
14:00 – F/O Rayner and F/O Watson patrolled RAF Exeter returning at 14:15 and 15:15hrs.
15:15 – F/O Rayner and P/O De Spirlet patrolled RAF Exeter returning at 15:45hrs.
16:35 – F/O Rayner and P/O Carver flew an interception patrol returning at 17:45hrs.
17:40 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Watson flew an interception patrol returning at 17:50hrs.
No Operational activity for 87 Squadron B Flight today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Operation Records remain unclear in terms of activity on certain dates sadly. I can only generalise and say that Practice Dog Fights, Formation flying, local flights and Base Patrols made up most of the activity for today. Pilot Officer Whitney-Straight flew many sorties throughout the day. Eventually becoming Air Commodore Whitney Willard Straight, he had an interesting career and was responsible for establishing many airfields and flying clubs including Exeter. His life can be further read here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Straight
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
9 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
09:20 – F/O Rayner and F/O Carver flew a patrol returning at 09:55hrs.
19:20 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 20:50hrs.
No Operational activity for today for 87 Squadron B Flight
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron flew routine patrols and had formation practice throughout the day.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
10 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
18:40 – F/O Laycock flew a sector Recco’ returning at 19:15hrs.
19:10 – F/O Tait, Sgt Howell and F/O Watson flew a patrol returning at 20:10hrs.
20:45 – F/Lt Gleed departed first on a patrol followed on by F/O Rayner, F/O Laycock and F/O Tait. They all returned at various times with the last landing at 22:30hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:10 – P/O Mitchell and P/O Jay flew a patrol returning at 13:15 and 13:45hrs.
12:40 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 13:15hrs.
15:00 – P/O Jay flew a patrol returning at 15:20hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The issue with confusing date records continues but certainly lots of activity from the Squadron throughout the day including a number of cross-country flights including RAF Church Fenton and RAF Tangmere to RAF St Eval.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
11 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
19:05 – F/O Rayner and Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 20:35hrs.
20:00 – Sgt Howell flew a local flight returning at 20:10hrs.
20:15 – F/O Laycock flew a patrol returning at 21:50hrs.
20:55 – F/O Tait flew a patrol returning at 22:10hrs.
21:05 – Sgt Howell flew a patrol returning at 22:30hrs.
21:20 – F/O Rayner flew a patrol returning at 22:30hrs.
21:50 – Sgt Thorogood flew a patrol returning at 23:15hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:25 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 13:05hrs.
14:40 – F/Lt Ward, P/O Jay, P/O David and F/Sgt Badger flew a patrol returning at 15:25hrs. P/O David returned at 15:50hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:40 – Sgt Hubert and Sgt Page flew homing practice returning at 09:35hrs.
10:20 – Sgt Waddington and Sgt Fearn carried out local flying returning at 11:30hrs.
12:25 – Sgt Page and Cpl Dowle flew to St Evel, Cornwall in a Miles Magister aircraft.
12:25 – Sgt Fearn and Sgt Waddington flew a dog fight practice sortie returning at 13:30hrs.
14:45 – F/O Grier, Sgt Cousins and P/O Seddon flew an operational take off returning at 15:30hrs.
15:55 – F/O Grier and P/O Seddon flew an operational take off returning at 16:15hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
12 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
00:15 – F/O Rayner and F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 01:10hrs.
19:15 – Sgt Howell and F/O Rayner flew an evening patrol returning at 20:55hrs.
20:10 – F/O Tait, Sgt Thorogood and F/O Laycock flew an evening patrol returning at 22:00hrs.
21:21 – Sgt Thorogood and Sgt Howell flew a night patrol returning at 22:00hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:00 – F/Lt Ward and P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 12:50hrs.
12:15 – F/O David and F/Sgt Badger flew a patrol returning at 12:35hrs.
15:15 – F/O David, P/O Jay and S/Ldr Mills flew a patrol returning at 16:10hrs.
15:30 – F/Lt Ward and F/Sgt Badger flew a patrol returning at 16:15hrs.
15:50 – F/O Roscoe flew a patrol returning at 16:20hrs.
20:10 – S/Ldr Mills and F/Lt Ward flew a night patrol returning at 21:15hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
A busy day for the Squadron with cross country flights to RAF White Waltham and RAF St Eval, Cornwall. All the usual activity took place including several operational take-offs, test flights, training sorties and patrols.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
13 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records showed no activity for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
11:20 – F/O David and P/O Jay flew a patrol returning at 12:05hrs.
17:35 – F/Lt Ward, P/O Beamont and P/O M’Lure flew a patrol returning at 18:00hrs.
18:20 – F/O David and P/O Jay flew a patrol returning at 18:40hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron was very active today with cross country flights, sorties to and from RAF St Eval, Cornwall including a trip in a Miles Magister aircraft. A number of operational sorties, cloud cover patrols and general patrols took place. Formation practice, sector reconnaissance and various test flights also took place.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
14 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
15:15 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Carver flew an interception patrol returning at 15:35hrs.
20:50 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Rayner flew a night patrol returning at 23:05hrs.
23:20 – F/O Watson, Sgt Thorogood and F/O Laycock flew a night patrol returning at 01:15hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
12:00 – F/Lt Ward and F/Sgt Badger flew a patrol returning at 12:35hrs.
13:55 – P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 15:40hrs.
15:00 – F/O David, P/O Beamont and F/Sgt Badger flew a patrol returning at 15:40hrs.
18:45 – F/Lt Ward and P/O Beamont flew a patrol returning at 18:55hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
Another busy day for the Squadron including a couple of incidents. The usual training flights took place including formation practice, cross country flying, cloud cover flights, operational sorties and weather test flights. It was during a formation practice that Hurricane P5208 overshot the runway on landing at 18:40. Sergeant E. Weightman was unhurt. The aircraft was undamaged.
Sergeant R. A. Milburn also overshot the runway in Hurricane P3393 at 18:45. The aircraft was damaged but repairable and the pilot was unhurt.
F/O Gould attempted to carry out a flight to RAF Hucknell, Nottinghamshire, but had to return to base due to inclement weather.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
15 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
20:40 – F/Lt Gleed carried out a night patrol returning at 21:50hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
09:45 – Lt Roscoe and F/Sgt Badger flew a local flight returning at 10:10hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:50 – F/O Grier flew a local flight returning at 11:00hrs.
11:05 – F/O Grier, P/O Seddon and Sgt Page flew a patrol returning at 12:10hrs.
11:15 – F/O Riddle and S/Ldr Hope flew a weather test flight. Unfortunately, S/Ldr Hope crashed his Hurricane V6649. The aircraft was repairable and would fly again and S/Ldr Hope would fly again in two days.
18:05 – P/O W-Straight, P/O Seddon and Sgt Page flew a formation practice returning at 18:40hrs. Hurricane V6666 crashed on landing as the undercarriage was not locked in place. Pilot Officer J. W. Seddon was unhurt and the slight damage was soon repaired to the aircraft.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
16 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational Activity recorded
This is a good time to list the Hurricane airframes in use for the Squadron.
P2798, P2829, P3093, P3118, P3420, P3755, P9204, V7204, V7225, V7255
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational Activity recorded
This is a good time to list the Hurricane airframes in use for the Squadron.
J3404, K3389, L7285, M3394, N7207, P3149, Q3317, S2881, T7589, V7204,
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron had little activity today flying short weather test flights and local patrols. Hurricane V6649 crashed in avoiding Flying Officer Riddle in V7236 who was landing in the wrong direction at 11:45. Flight Lieutenant Sir Archibald Hope was unhurt and the aircraft was repairable.
This is a good time to list the Hurricane airframes in use for the Squadron.
L1819, P2949, P3030, P3393, P3402, P3675, P3886, P5208, P6630, P6649, V6632, V6666, V7236, V7255.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
17 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational activity recorded for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational activity recorded for today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
10:45 – F/Lt O’Neill flew a local reconnaissance flight returning at 11:00hrs.
12:10 – F/O Mayers carried out a local flight returning at 12:30hrs.
14:40 – F/Lt O’Neill and Sgt Taylor flew an operational sortie returning at 16:00hrs.
15:20 – F/Lt Clyde flew a test flight landing and 16:00hrs.
15:30 – F/O W-Straight, P/O Seddon and Sgt Hulbert flew a patrol of point 4 returning at 16:15hrs.
15:55 – P/O Lawson and Sgt Hetherington flew an operational sortie returning at 17:05hrs.
16:30 – F/Lt O’ Neill and Sgt Taylor flew an operational sortie returning at 17:05hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
18 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational activity recorded for today
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational activity recorded for today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:50 – P/O W-Straight flew a weather test flight returning at 10:00hrs.
10:30 – Sgt Wooley flew a sector reconnaissance flight returning at 11:15hrs.
13:50 – P/O Seddon and P/O Hoare-Scott flew a sortie including slow flying practice returning at 14:35hrs.
14:50 P/O W-Straight flew a patrol of the base returning at 15:15hrs.
15:00 Sgt Waddington and F/O Mayers flew a local sortie returning at 15:45hrs.
16:20 F/O Mayers flew an air test in V7317 returning at 16:40hrs.
16:40 – P/O W-Straight and P/O Rippon flew a patrol of point 3 returning at 17:20hrs.
17:15 – Sgt Wooley, P/O Seddon and Sgt Hulbert flew formation flying practice returning at 17:50hrs.
17:35 – P/O W-Straight, P/O Rippon and Sgt Cousins flew a patrol of point 2 returning at 18:30hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
19 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
10:20 – F/O Carver patrolled base returning at 10:40hrs.
11:05 – F/Lt Gleed and Sgt Howell flew a patrol returning at 11:55hrs.
11:25 – Sgt Thorogood and F/O Carver flew a patrol returning at 13:00hrs.
15:55 – F/Lt Gleed, P/O Malengreau and Sgt Howell flew a patrol returning at 17:05hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today: No Operational activity recorded for today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:50 – F/Lt Clyde, Sgt Hetherington and P/O Lawson flew a patrol returning at 10:05hrs.
11:20 – F/Lt O’Neill carried out local flying returning at 12:00hrs.
12:05 – P/O Lawsch flew a training sortie returning at 12:20hrs.
17:45 – F/Lt Clyde, F/O Grier and F/Lt O’Neill flew an operational sortie returning at 18:00hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
20 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
08:15 – F/Lt Gleed, P/O Malengreau and F/O Carver flew a patrol returning at 08:50hrs.
14:40 – F/Lt Gleed and F/O Watson flew a patrol returning at 15:10hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded for today
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:50 – F/Lt Clyde, Sgt Hetherington and P/O Lawsch flew an operational sortie returning at 10:05hrs.
11:20 – F/Lt O’Neill carried out a local flight returning at 12:00hrs.
12:05 – P/O Lawsch and F/O Grier flew a formation practice flight returning at 12:20hrs.
17:45 – F/Lt Clyde, F/Lt Grier and F/Lt O’Neill flew an operational sortie returning at 18:00hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
21 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
15:15 – F/Lt Gleed and P/O De Spirlet flew a patrol returning at 15:55hrs.
15:30 – F/O Watson and Sgt Howell flew a base patrol returning at 16:30hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
20:15 – P/O Jay flew a night patrol returning at 20:35hrs.
20:30 – P/O Mitchell flew a night patrol returning at 22:00hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:40 – Sgt Hulbert and Sgt Coussins carried out a local flight returning at 12:30hrs.
11:20 – Sgt Coussins and P/O Hoare-Scott carried out local flying returning at 12:30hrs.
12:40 – F/O Mayers, Sgt Wooley and F/O Jankiewicz flew a patrol of point 1 returning at 13:05hrs.
13:30 – Sgt Hulbert carried out landing practice returning at 14:30hrs.
14:00 – P/O Hoare-Scott did a local flight returning at 14:30hrs.
14:10 – P/O W-Straight, Sgt Coussins and P/O Aldwinkle carried out a patrol of point 4 returning at 15:25hrs.
15:10 – F/Lt Clyde flew from RAF Exeter to RAF Langley in Hurricane V7255, landing at 15:55hrs.
15:40 – Sgt Dixon flew from RAF Exeter to RAF Hucknell in Hurricane L1819 landing at 17:00hrs.
15:55 – P/O Hoare-Scott flew a local flight returning at 16:25hrs.
15:55 – F/O Mayers carried out a test flight returning at 16:35hrs.
17:35 – P/O Aldwinkle carried out aerobatics returning at 18:35hrs.
17:50 – F/O Jankiewicz carried out a local flight returning at 18:25hrs.
17:40 – P/O W-Straight, P/O Rippon and P/O Hoare-Scott carried out formation flying practice returning at 18:25hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
22 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron carried out formation practice, cloud flying, local flights, dog fighting practice, and slow flying practice throughout the day. P/O W-Straight flew from RAF Exeter to RAF St Evel in Hurricane P3675 along with Sgt Hulbert in Hurricane P3886. Squadron dates and times were mixed up on the records hence providing a synopsis of activity for today.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
23 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded for today.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded for today.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron completed formation practice flights, weaving and formation flying and local cloud flying, Cross country flights also took place with P/O W-Straight, Sgt Hulbert and P/O Lawson flying from RAF St Eval (where they had carried out night flying) back to RAF Exeter. A formation sortie involving Sgt Coussins, P/O Hoar-Scott, P/O Aldwinkle and P/O Rippon ended up with P/O Aldwinkle landing at RAF Knightsbridge and P/O Rippon landing at RAF Roborough, Plymouth.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
24 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
Hurricane V7303 collided with Pilot Officer Cock during a routine patrol. The aircraft crashed and burned out. Pilot Officer D. T. Jay bailed out but believed to have struck the tailplane as he did not pull the rip cord and was killed. The other Hurricane had severe damage but managed to forced-land at RAF Exeter. The pilot was unhurt and the aircraft was repairable.
19:50 – F/Lt Gleed, F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 21:30hrs.
20:50 – F/O Watson and F/O Laycock flew a night patrol returning at 22:30hrs.
21:45 – Sgt Howell flew a night patrol returning at 23:10hrs.
22:25 – F/O Tait flew a night patrol returning at 23:35hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
13:40 – F/Sgt Badger and P/O Carver flew a patrol returning at 14:10hrs.
14:30 – P/O Malengreau and F/O David flew a patrol returning at 15:25hrs.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron carried out practice attacks, formation flying, slow flying, and practice aerobatics throughout the day. F/O Grier, Sgt Hetherington and Sgt McCann flew from RAF Exeter to RAF St Eval.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
25 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
It was a very busy day with further flights including battle climbs to 25,000ft, further aerobatic practice, operational take off practice, reconnaissance flights, a patrol of point 5, local flying and more cross country flying with three hurricanes flying from RAF Eval to RAF Exeter.
The Operational records also recorded Sgt Mills-Smith and Sgt May missing from a training formation sortie which was carried out from 14:20hrs. Hurricane V6917 collided with Sergeant Mills-Smith at around 15:00hrs. The aircraft crashed into the sea off Exmouth. The aircraft was lost. Hurricane P3709 also crashed into the sea off Exmouth after the mid-air collision with May. The aircraft was lost.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
26 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron carried out formation flying practice, local flights, cloud flying, and P/O W-Straight flew from RAF Heston, West London to RAF Exeter landing at 17:45hrs. Flights also included cross country flying and aerobatics practice flying.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
27 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
11:30 – F/O Carver and F/O Watson flew a base patrol returning at 12:15hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron completed further formation flying practice, local flights, weather test flights, formation and weaving practice and F/O Mayers flew from Kingsbridge to RAF Exeter.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
28 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
The Squadron continued with formation flying, local flights, operational take-off’s, patrols, coastal reconnaissance throughout the day and early evening.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
29 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight and B Flight Operational Records for today has no activity recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:40 – Six Hurricanes carried out formation flying practice returning between 09:35 and 10:15hrs.
10:20 – Three Hurricanes carried out a local flight returning at 11:20hrs.
10:40 – Sgt Fearn, Sgt Nicholls and F/O Gould carried out formation flying practice returning at 11:35hrs.
13:00 – F/O Mayers and P/O Aldwinkle flew an operational sortie returning at 13:20hrs.
14:10 – F/Lt Clyde carried out an operational take-off returning at 14:35hrs.
15:00 – Three Hurricanes flew an operational sortie returning at 15:35hrs.
16:40 – Three Hurricanes flew a formation flight returning at 17:50hrs.
17:10 – Three Hurricanes flew a formation flight returning at 18:10hrs.
17:25 – Three Hurricanes carried out a formation practice flight returning at 18:00hrs.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
30 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
09:05 – F/Lt Clyde flew a compressor test flight returning at 09:35hrs.
The Squadron continued with test flights, formation practice, operational take-off’s and some circuit flying throughout the day.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives.
31 October 1940
87 Squadron A Flight Operational Records for 31 October 1940
03:05 – F/O Rayner and Sgt Thorogood flew a night patrol returning at 05:05hrs.
87 Squadron B Flight Operational Records for today
No operational activity was recorded.
601 Squadron Operational Records for today
08:45 – F/O Mayers flew a weather test initially and then formation practice with F/O Gould, Sgt Fearn, Sgt Nicholls, Sgt Hulbert and Sgt Coussins, all returning at 09:45hrs. On landing Hurricane V6781 was damaged after a heavy touchdown. Sergeant Fearn was unhurt in the incident but the aircraft was damaged and later repaired.
Reflection
This date in 1940 is now recognised as the official end to the Battle of Britain. Our Island had stood its ground and although damaged, we had survived the biggest threat with pride. Everyone pulling together and with the help and support of Allied Countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and Canada, to name just a few. The war was far from over, but history was made by stopping the Nazi invasion in its tracks. RAF Exeter had played its part and would continue to do so in the future war years.
We have followed the RAF Exeter Squadrons activities from the 10 July to this milestone day. That’s 113 separate daily posts and I have basically copied the official records onto my own Word document then used it to copy and paste each day into this website and Facebook page. In doing so I now have a comprehensive document outlining the Operational Records as best I can. It has been hard but enjoyable work and through the process I have learnt so much more about 87, 213 and 601 Squadrons.
Information sourced from Squadron Operational records from the National Archives and the book The Battle of Britain Then and Now (fifth edition).
This page was updated on 22 March 2026.