Warbird Information Exchange

This day during The Battle of Britain, Day 5.


By R.T. Bickers

Sunday, July 14: Fair

Day: Germans evidently using Red cross seaplanes on convoy reconnaissance. British Government therefore announced that these were no longer immune from attack. Start of six days of reduced enemy activity. Morning, bomber's attemp to hit a destroyer off Swanage failed. Convoy near Dover damaged.

Night: Bomber over west, south, south-east and east England.

Aircraft losses: RAF 4, Luftwaffe 2.



Another Account:

From Battle-of-Britain.com

14th July

Weather Forecast
Conditions fair all day throughout the country.



Combat Report
The Air Ministry decides to allow Fighter Command to attack enemy rescue seaplanes flying under the Red Cross banner due to suspicions that they are also flying reconnaissance missions on British shipping.

Activity during the morning was low with a few raids reported near Poole, Swanage, Dungeness and Lands End. The action increased into the afternoon with an attack over Dover around 1500hrs and a large attack by Ju87's and Me109's on a convoy off Eastbourne. This was met by Hurricanes of No: 151 & 615 Squadrons and Spitfires from No: 610 Squadron.

During the night, raids were reported over the country from 2200hrs. Bombs were dropped in the Bristol area, North of the Isle of Wight, Kent and Suffolk.

Mines were thought to have been dropped in the Thames Estuary and off Harwich.




Statistics

R.A.F. Losses: 2 aircraft damaged or destroyed and 1 pilot died following day from injuries.

Luftwaffe Losses: 5 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 4 pilots & aircrew killed or missing and 1 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.


German Propaganda Battle of Britain Film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqvyQHGT9sI

British Battle of Britain film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R33vPh0x9wE


From R.T. Bicker's BOB

Majot Adolf Galland, Kommodore of JG 26


Jadgesscwader 27, based near Cherbourg. Note new oversea camoflage and white scissors insignia behind cockpit.


BF 110C of I/ZG 2 force lands in France


Pat Wells of No. 249 Sqd. stands on the wing of his Hurricane surrounded by his ground crew; four armourers, a fitter, rigger, radio mechanic all needed for a quick turn around.


Ju 88A of Stab III/KG 30 recovered from shallow waters of Pagham.


242 Hurricane Sqd. CO Douglas Bader(4th from right) and Dennis Crowley-Milling far left




Shay
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Semper Fortis