Please click on a month to take you directly to that section
92 Squadron, form 540
The RAF Form 540, also known as the "Summary of Events" in an Operations Record Book (ORB), is a historical record that provides a brief narrative of a unit's activities, such as operations, official visits, and special events. It was designed to create a consistent way for all RAF units, including squadrons and headquarters, to document their history during both wartime and peacetime.
The entries have been typed out below, exactly as they were written, except that the day of the week has been added for each date, and icons have been added indicating when enemy aircraft have been shot down, when a member of the Squadron had been awarded a medal or when a member of the Squadron had to bail out or finally and most regrettably, when a member of the Squadron was killed in action.
Please click on a month to take you directly to that section
BIGGIN HILL OCTOBER 1940
1.10.40 (Tuesday) The weather is clear and bright. Four sorties were made today and although several ME 109s were seen no interceptions took place by our Squadron. P/O Maitland Thompson arrived as a new posting to this Unit. Fl.Lt Green reported for duty.
2.10.40 (Wednesday) Another clear day. S/L MacLauchlan took over the command of 92 Squadron and P/O Land reported for duty. Sgt. E Monttron also reported for flying duties from the Free French Air Force. 92 Squadron pilots are now sleeping out of camp at Southwood two miles from Biggin Hill. This beautiful house has been lent by Captain McNair Scott. 5 sorties no interception today.
3.10.40 (Thursday) Low clouds and heavy rain. Very little flying was done today as the clouds were low all day. Occasional enemy A/C were heard above and in the clouds.
4.10.40 (Friday) A sortie was made about 1100 hrs but owing to clouds no enemy A/C were contacted. On a later sortie at 1300 hrs P/O William fired at a Dornier but it went into cloud and he was unable to know the result of his attack.
5.10.40 (Saturday) Clouded and dull. Several sorties were made during the day. F/O Drummond shot down a ME109 and a HE126. P/O Lund got a possible ME109. Much night activity by E/A Heavy AA fire all night.
6.10.40 (Sunday) Very stormy weather with high wind and rain. Some bombs were dropped on the aerodrome today without doing much harm. No flying was possible owing to the low clouds. Fl/Lt Green to command special flight to Gravesend.
7.10.40 (Monday) Clear and bright today. Two sorties were made during the morning but no enemy A/C were intercepted by this Squadron.
8.10.40 (Tuesday) Fl. Lt. Kingcome and P/O Bartley awarded the DFC. Weather this morning exceptionally clear but rain came in about 1100 hrs and continued in showers and drizzle all day
9.10.40 (Wednesday) S/Ldr Tuck who was with the Squadron as Flight Commander has been awarded Bar to his DFC and is now in command of 257 Squadron. Weather fine – heavy clouds and strong wind, gale force.
10.10.40 (Thursday) AT 08.30 today P/O Williams and F/O Drummond were attacking a Dornier of Tangmere and they collided. Both of them were killed. This is the birthday of 92nd Squadron which was formed a year ago today and Tangmere. Clear weather. Several sorties were made during the day.
11.10.40 (Friday) Another clear day. Several sorties were made during the day. Fl. Lt. Kingcome brought down a ME109 in the afternoon. P/O Pattinson was posted to 92 from 64 and reported for duty.
12.10.40 (Saturday) A very big day for 92. S/L Tuck went up with his old Squadron in the morning and shot down a 109, this being his 20th machine. In the afternoon the Squadron brought down another three 109’s. The three pilots concerned were Fl.Lt Kingcome, P/O Wade and Sgt. Kingaby. Several other probables were scored. P/O Pattinson was shot down on his first patrol and his body was recovered at Hawkinge.
13.10.40 (Sunday) Several patrols took place, the weather was clear and bright.
14.10.40 (Monday) Clear weather, several sorties .
15.10.40 (Tuesday) Fl. Lt. Kingcome was wounded and bailed out. Now in the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham.
16.10.40 (Wednesday) Clear day. 72 Squadron left Biggin Hill and was replaced by 74. Contact with enemy was made today and P/O Lund was shot down into the sea and has been rescued by the RN.
17.10.40 (Thursday) Several sorties were made but no contact with the enemy were made.
18.10.40 (Friday) Dull & wet with low clouds with no flying all day.
19.10.40 (Saturday) Dull in the morning but the sun came out after lunch.
92 called to readiness at 13.30
20.10.40 (Sunday) Better day today. Three sorties were made and Fl.Lt Villa and P/O Saunders shared with 66 Squadron in bringing down a ME110.
21.10.40 (Monday) Dull with heavy rain. Very little flying today. Cleared during the afternoon when two sorties were made without contacting any enemy aircraft.
22.10.40 (Tuesday) Bright sun and clear sky no sortie had been made up till 10.30, very small enemy activity today.
23.10.40 (Wednesday) Dull with low cloud. No flying took place and no enemy A/C were seen.
24.10.40 (Thursday) Brighter today. Several patrols were made and interception with ME109s. No enemy machines were shot down, we had no losses.
25.10.40 (Friday) Bright and clear. Several patrols today. Two ME109s shot down by Fl.Lt. Villa and P/O Sherrington. Another probable by Fl.Lt Villa.
26.10.40 (Saturday) Dull with low clouds. 92 at dawn readiness. Colder today. P/O Watling returned to duty from sick leave. Squadron Leader Kent reported and took command of 92.
27.10.40 (Sunday) Clear this morning. P/O Sherrington attacked a DO17 aircraft scored a probable. Clouded over in the afternoon which prevented flying owing to ground mist. Squadron was sent off at 17.30 and had to land at Gravesend owing to mist.
28.10.40 (Monday) Squadron returned from Gravesend at noon. Several sorties but no enemy A/C encountered.
29.10.40 (Tuesday) Bright and clear. Squadron had several sorties this morning. Two Spitfires were damaged through a taxiing accident. Sgt. Morris and Sgt. Kingaby. This afternoon the Squadron contacted several ME110’s and the following result. 3 confirmed shot down, One probably and one damaged. The 3 confirmed were shot down by Fl.Lt. Villa, P/O Saunders and Sgt. Bowen-Morris. A great day for 92.
30.10.40 (Wednesday) Dull day today with cloud. Two sorties were made in the afternoon but no enemy A/C were encountered.
31.10.40 (Thursday) Dull with low cloud.
BIGGIN HILL NOVEMBER 1940
1.11.40 (Friday) Bright and clear several sorties were made and in the afternoon 92 shot down 3 109s, 1 JU88 and 1 JU88. A grand days score. They were shot down as follows. Sq/Ld Kent 1 – 109, Sgt Kingaby 1 – 109. P/O Bartley, Sgt Monttron and Ft.Lt Holland shared another 109. P/O Saunders shot down 1 JU87 and P/O Kinder 1 – JU 88.
2.11.40 (Saturday) Another good day for 92. The C.O shot down 2 – 109s and one probable. P/O Watling shot down 1 – 109 and Flt Lt Holland did the same. P/O Wellum damaged two other 109s. The weather clouded over in the afternoon and there was no more flying.
3.11.40 (Sunday) Dull with low cloud no flying all day. Heavy rain.
4.11.40 (Monday) Another dull wet day. No flying at all, all day.
5.11.40 (Tuesday) Bright and clear today. Several sorties were made by 92. In the afternoon during a combat with 109s P/O Bartley shot down a 109. Sgt Ellis forced landed at Gravesend badly shot up. He was unhurt but the machine was Cat II.
6.11.40 (Wednesday) Dull with rain in the morning. Very little flying all day. No enemy encountered on two sorties.
7.11.40 (Thursday) Bright and clear today. Several sorties made today but no combat was experienced. No 66 Squadron arrived here as their aerodrome was water logged. 421 Flight (Spotter) is also coming here. It is commanded by Fl/Lt Green late of 92 Squadron.
8.11.40 (Friday) Bright and clear. First sortie at 10.30. Several other sorties were made but no enemy A/C were encountered.
9.11.40 (Saturday) Dull today cloud from 10,000 to 20,000. Several sorties took off. Sgt Folkes D.F.M. and Sgt de Monttron shot down a JU88 into the sea at 10.30 this morning not much flying in the afternoon, owing to bad weather.
10.11.40 (Sunday) Mist in the early morning but clear by 10.00 hrs. Last night was noisy with much night raiding. Two sorties were made today but no enemy A/C were encountered. During the evening several bombs were dropped at the Dispersal Points and one Spitfire belonging to 92 was burned and three others rendered U.S. 66 Squadron lost two burned out and five damaged with bomb splinters. Fortunately no casualties were caused in either Squadron.
11.11.40 (Monday) Clear this morning with frost. One sortie was made by 74 Squadron but 92 did not go up. Clouds came down low and rain fell at lunch time. No more flying took place in the afternoon.
12.11.40 (Tuesday) Two sorties were made today but no enemy A/C were encountered. Clear sky in the morning but dull later in the day.
13.11.40 (Wednesday) Dull today. During a sortie this morning a D.O.17 was set on fire by Ft/Lt Holland and Sgt Havercroft but it was lost in the clouds and was not seen to crash.
14.11.40 (Thursday) Not much flying owing to low clouds. No action with the enemy.
15.11.40 (Friday) Two sorties today with splendid results. Sgt Kingaby shot down four ME 109s confirmed. Fl/Lt Villa and Sgt Fokes shot down one ME109 each and P/O Bartley and Fl/Lt Holland damaged another. Sq.Ldr Kent went on seven days leave.
16.11.40 (Saturday) Very little flying on account of heavy rain all day.
17.11.40 (Sunday) Several sorties today. 92 got three probable and two damaged but none confirmed. Bright in the morning but dull again with rain towards evening.
18.11.40 (Monday) Dull today. No flying at all all morning. Two sorties in the afternoon but no contact with enemy was made.
19.11.40 (Tuesday) No flying took place owing to bad weather. Very low cloud. Slight activity in the early evening.
20.11.40 (Wednesday) Very wet day. No flying took place. Slight activity at night but the weather was very bad all night.
21.11.40 (Thursday) Another wet day with low clouds 92 did not take off at all, all day. Very little bombing at night owing to the bad weather.
22.11.40 (Friday) Low clouds and rain again. No flying at all, all day.
23.11.40 (Saturday) Clear today. Several ME109s came over about 10,000 but 92 was not sent up as 66 and 74 Squadrons were on readiness. Further sorties were made during the day without any contact with the enemy being made by 92.
24.11.40 (Sunday) Bright and clear. A sortie was made by 92 before breakfast but nothing was seen. Two more sorties were made but no enemy A/C were encountered.
25.11.40 (Monday) Dull with low clouds in the morning. Two sorties in the afternoon without results. P/O McGowan returned to Biggin Hill after sick leave.
26.11.40 (Tuesday) Clear with high clouds. During a patrol this morning P/O Wade shot at a Dornier in a cloud but did not see any result except for a patch of oil on the sea near the coast. No further flying in the afternoon.
27.11.40 (Wednesday) Several sorties were made today but no enemy A/C were encountered. Clear and bright.
28.11.40 (Thursday) Clear and bright with frost. Several sorties were made. Contact was made with some 109s and P/O Mottram scored a probable. Owing to ground mist the Squadron had to land at Gravesend and were held there till about 5pm when they returned to Biggin Hill.
29.11.40 (Friday) Bright and clear today. 92 was at readiness at dawn. Very little flying took place owing to heavy ground mist. Biggin Hill scored its 600th E/A shot down today.
30.11.40 (Saturday) Bright with frost. Heavy ground mist. Two sorties were made in the afternoon without contacting any E/A.
BIGGIN HILL DECEMBER 1940
1.12.40 (Sunday) Bright and clear. In the afternoon 92 was in combat on the south coast with the following splendid result. 4 ME109s destroyed, two probables and six others damaged. The destroyed 109s were shot down by Fl.Lt Villa, P/O Saunders, Sgt Kingaby, P/O Mansell Jarvis. A very satisfactory day for 92.
2.12.40 (Monday) Another clear frosty day. P/O Wade shot down a 109 near the French coast. Several sorties were made during the day.
3.12.40 (Tuesday) Dull today not much activity, only section sorties were made without contact with E/A.
4.12.40 (Wednesday) Dull in the morning. 92 was on dawn readiness but did not go up all morning. One sortie was made without any contact being made with E/A.
5.12.40 (Thursday) Bright and clear during the morning. 92 went on readiness at 1300 hrs. Patrol was made in the afternoon. F/O Wright scored one probable 109 and Sgt. (now P/O) Fokes shot down a 109 into the sea. Sgt Fokes who has been with 92 since last March and has already been awarded with the D.F.M. was commissioned as a P/O yesterday. Every effort will be made to retain him as a pilot in 92.
6.12.40 (Friday) Cloudy with high wind. The usual patrol was made in the afternoon but no contact with E/A was made.
7.12.40 (Saturday) Bright and clear. No flying in the morning but a patrol was made in the afternoon. After this patrol took off a ground mist came up and this caused five of the Squadron to land at Croydon and two others to force land. Sgt Le Cheminant crashed forced landing and his machine was Catt III.
8.11.40 (Sunday) Bright and clear. A standing patrol was made in the morning but no contact was made with enemy machines. An early warning and much activity during the night in London area.
9.12.40 (Monday) Clear weather with some high patchy cloud. A patrol was made this afternoon without any results. Quiet night.
10.12.40 (Tuesday) Bright and clear. A patrol took off at 1100 this morning but no E/A were encountered. No further patrols by 92 during the day.
11.12.40 (Wednesday) Bright and clear again 92 was on 15 minutes at dawn. Heavy mist made flying difficult but a patrol was made in the afternoon.
12.12.40 (Thursday) Another bright clear day. The usual patrol took place but no E/A were seen. Not much activity during the night owing to fog.
13.12.40 (Friday) Hard frost and ground mist. No flying possible this morning. A short patrol was made in the afternoon.
14.12.40 (Saturday) Bright and clear. No activity at all, all morning. 92 were on readiness at dawn till 1300 hrs.
15.12.40 (Sunday) Bright and clear again today but a mist on the ground caused little flying to take place. No enemy raid all day.
16.12.40 (Monday) Dull with low cloud. No flying in the morning. A ground mist prevented flying all day.
17.12.40 (Tuesday) Nothing to report again today as no flying took place owing to weather conditions. Bright sky but a low ground mist.
18.12.40 (Wednesday) Bright again with the usual ground mist. A patrol was made in the afternoon but no E/A were encountered.
19.12.40 (Thursday) Heavy mist and no flying possible all day.
20.12.40 (Friday) Very wet day with low clouds. No flying possible today. The Squadron was released at 1300.
21.12.40 (Saturday) Bright and frosty. A patrol took off in the afternoon and at 1000 foot over the channel they encountered two 109s. P/O Fokes who was leading along with Sgt Kingaby shot down one 109 into the sea but the other got away.
22.12.40 (Sunday) Dull and cold. Ground mist. 92 on readiness at dawn. No flying possible owing to bad weather conditions.
23.12.40 (Monday) The same conditions prevail today and no flying took place. Sq.Ld Kent of 92 broadcasted to Canada today from the B.B.C. Ft/Lt Kingcome was posted back to 92 after being N/E for nearly two months. Snow fell in the evening.
24.12.40 (Tuesday) Slight snow on the ground. Cold and dull with low cloud. No flying possible.
25.12.40 (Wednesday) Christmas Day. Dull with low clouds and ground mist all day. No flying took place all day.
26.12.40 (Thursday) Another day with low cloud and ground mist. Flying impossible.
27.12.40 (Friday) Clearer today. The first offensive patrol was carried out today by 92. F/O Wright and P/O Mottram took off at 1250 hours. They went N. & S. of Abbeville. F/O Wright did not see anything and did not fire his guns. He landed at Southampton to refuel and returned to Biggin Hill. He was roughly over French territory for 40 minutes. P/O Mottram shot up a staff car and a convoy of army lorries on the road. Two lorries were seen to be damaged. He landed at Hawkinge and was unable to return to Biggin Hill owing to weather conditions.
28.12.40 (Saturday) Dull with heavy ground mist. P/O Mottram returned from Hawkinge during the day. No patrols took place owing to the bad weather conditions.
29.12.40 (Sunday) Bright and clear this morning. A convoy patrol was made by 92 in the afternoon. No enemy aircraft were encountered.
30.12.40 (Monday) Dull with rain. No flying took place today at Biggin Hill.
31.12.40 (Tuesday) Dull with low cloud. No flying possible today. Instructions were received for 92 Squadron to move to Manston on the 1st January 1941.
BIGGIN HILL AND MANSTON JANUARY 1941
1.1.41 (Wednesday) Dull with hard frost. No flying took place except one or two short flights by F/L Villa. The move of 92 to Manston has been postponed owing to difficulties with telephone communication from Manston to Biggin.
2.1.41 (Thursday) Another cold day with low cloud. No flying owing to bad weather conditions.
3.1.41 (Friday) Again no flying except for individual practice flights. The move to Manston is still uncertain. Fl/Lt Wright tried to reach Manston by air but he had to return on account of snow storms and low clouds.
4.1.41 (Saturday) No flying today on account of low cloud. F/O Wright went down to Manston by road to remain there till the Squadron goes.
5.1.41 (Sunday) Bad weather with cold and slight snow. No flying all day. The machines are being run up every so many hours on account of the severe cold.
6.1.41 (Monday) More snow today and no flying possible. The move to Manston is still postponed owing to the weather.
7.1.41 (Tuesday) Dull and slight snow. No flying possible again.
8.1.41 (Wednesday) Dull again. Flying impossible owing to low cloud. Orders to prepare to move to Manston tomorrow.
MANSTON
9.1.41 (Thursday) 92 Squadron moved to Manston. The weather is bright and clear. 13 machines took off from Biggin Hill at 1145 hours for Manston. The convoy arrived at Manston late at night but the quarters were ready and the airmen were soon in barracks. ~The whole move went well and no hitch of any kind took place. Ft/Sgt Priter remained at Biggin Hill to clear up and was in charge of the rear party.
10.1.41 (Friday) Another beautiful day of sunshine. All morning was spent inspecting quarters and the general lay out of the station. After lunch the Accounts Officer from Biggin arrived to complete the paying of the Squadron. 92 did its first offensive patrol and escorted bombers returning from France during the morning. This patrol was very satisfactory and 92 contacted the bombers and escorting fighters off the French coast and brought them home. No loss was suffered by us at all.
11.1.41 (Saturday) Dull with low cloud. The Squadron was released all day from 1000 hours. In the afternoon two 109s bombed and machine gunned the aerodrome but did not do any damage except for a small hole in one of the wings of a spitfire which was in the hanger.
12.1.41 (Sunday) Dull again with low cloud. No flying took place in the morning or the rest of the day.
13.1.41 (Monday) Thick fog all day. No flying possible. The Squadron has now settled down to its new station.
14.1.41 (Tuesday) Dull with fog no flying possible.
15.1.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear till about 1000 hours then fog with snow came over making flying impossible for the rest of the day. The C.O left for London.
16.1.41 (Thursday) The C.O. of 92 was presented with the Polish Vertuti Militari the V.C of Poland in London today. The weather at Manston was clear in the morning and a section did a patrol near the base. Cloud came over in the afternoon again.
17.1.41 (Friday) Bright in the morning but mist came over again in the afternoon. Very little flying took place today.
18.1.41 (Saturday) Dull today with low cloud. A section took off at 1030 hours but had to land on account of the weather which gradually became worse. By noon snow was falling with a high wind. A blizzard was blowing for the rest of the day.
19.1.41 (Sunday) Several inches of snow on the aerodrome making flying impossible till later in the day when several patrols were carried out over the base.
20.1.41 (Monday) Very wet morning with low cloud and mist. No flying possible all day.
21.1.41 (Tuesday) No flying owing to bad weather.
22.1.41 (Wednesday) Again no flying owing to bad weather
23.1.41 (Thursday) Clearer today. One sortie went off. P/O Fokes and Sgt. Lloyd damaged Dorier 172 over the Thames.
24.1.41 (Friday) Low cloud making flying impossible.
25.1.41 (Saturday) Again. No flying owing to low cloud.
26.1.41 (Sunday) Only one sortie has been possible this week as the cloud has been almost down to ground level on the aerodrome.
27.1.41 No flying owing to bad weather
28.1.41 (Tuesday) Again no flying clouds low
29.1.41 (Wednesday) Mild but low cloud prevents flying again today
30.1.41 (Thursday) Low cloud this morning. No flying possible.
31.1.41 (Friday) Rain and low cloud preventing all flying today.
MANSTON AND BIGGIN HILL FEBRUARY 1941
1.2.41 (Saturday) Dull with very low cloud. No flying possible all day.
2.2.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear. Four patrols were made during the morning and a Squadron sweep of the French coast was made in the afternoon. Everyone got back without being engaged in combat. 59 Blenheim (CC) Squadron is now at Manston and four of them did a daylight show over France today. Our pilots had to sleep at the billet tonight and were not very comfortable there. Snow fell during the evening.
3.2.41 (Monday) Snow storm all day. P/O Watling went up before breakfast for an hour as four E/A were bombing Ramsgate. He did not make contact owing to cloud. A further patrol went off in the afternoon during a short spell of clear weather. F/O Bartley made contact with a HEIII near Southend and shot it down into the sea. This is the first victory for 92 since December and in this case the Cannon now fitted to the Spitfires proved a great success.
4.2.41 (Tuesday) Clear this morning. A patrol was ordered off before nine o’clock. Several patrols were made today but no E/A were encountered.
5.2.41 (Wednesday) Bright with some high cloud. A great deal of flying was done today. Shortly after nine this morning an escort was provided for a convoy of ships and during this an enemy attack was made on the convoy. Several of our pilots fought a JU87 and shot it down near the aerodrome. P/O Saunders and Fokes with two Sgt Pilots were responsible. The fight took place over the aerodrome. Both German Airmen were killed. All day standing patrols were in the air and a great deal of activity continued throughout the day. P/O Kinder and Sgt. Mann went to report on posting to 91 Squadron (Paddy Greens) at Hawkinge. Snowing all night.
6.2.41 (Thursday) There is about six inches of snow on the aerodrome this morning making flying difficult. A low ground mist is also hanging over the ground. A signal was received from Group as to the posting of three new pilots from an O.T.U to this Squadron on the 7th.
7.2.41 (Friday) Dull today with low cloud. Two machines went up for a weather test during the morning. Visability was very bad. At 11.45 we had a phone message from Hawkinge that a Spitfire had crashed into a hill near Deal in the mist. This turned out to be P/O Watling of 92 Squadron. It is very much regretted that P/O Watling lost his life in this crash. He joined 92 at Pembrey last July and was a very good pilot and his death is a very severe loss to us all in 92. The weather prevented flying for the rest of the day.
8.2.41 (Saturday) Very much milder today and also much clearer. Some machines went up during the morning and the afternoon on patrols. No enemy aircraft were seen.
9.2.41 (Sunday) Clear again today. The A.O.C. arrived and spent the morning inspecting the Station. Several machines went up during the day. No enemy activity.
10.2.41 (Monday) Bright and clear today. A channel sweep was made at noon today by 92, 74 and 66. No E/A were encountered. 59 Squadron did a raid on the French coast from here which was very satisfactory. They encountered little opposition either by E/A or Flak. Several sorties were made during the rest of the day and an escort was supplied for the rescue flight over the sea. On taking off at dusk P/O Maitland Thompson hit the chance light and crashed. He was unhurt but the Spitfire was Cat E and a total wreck. There was a full moon and a clear sky. Little enemy activity during the night.
11.2.41 (Tuesday) Bright and clear with some frost. Three new Sgt Pilots arrived to 92 Squadron. Sgt. Aston, Sgt Gaskell and Sgt Terry. Some flying took place in the morning but fog came up at noon and prevented further flying for the rest of the day. Ft/Lt Villa and F/O Lund went to Biggin Hill to bring a Spitfire which had been left there in the morning.
12.2.41 (Wednesday) Heavy ground mist all day and no flying possible. S/L Kent went to Biggin Hill in the morning. Mist covered the aerodrome all day. Much colder.
13.2.41 (Thursday) Still misty making flying impossible. Funeral of P/O Watling taking place today at Biggin Hill. The C.O. returned this evening from Biggin. Some flying was carried out by some of the new pilots in the evening before dusk.
14.2.41 (Friday) A patrol was carried out by the Squadron during the morning but no E/A were seen. Sgt. Kingaby whilst flying alone caught sight of an E/A and gave chase across the channel. He did not catch up with it till he was over France but he shot it down and it crashed near Grisney in France. It was an ME109. This brings the total bag of the Squadron up to 260 C.P.& D.
15.2.41 (Saturday) Clear weather today. Several patrols were made by 92 but no E/A were encountered during the day. Several E/A passed over Manston at a great height.
16.2.41 (Sunday) Dull with high wind and rain. No flying possible this morning. One or two patrol were carried out in the afternoon Heavy rain in the evening.
17.2.41 (Monday) Bright and clear. Patrol was carried out during the morning. No encounter took place. Information was received that 92 would probably return to Biggin Hill on Thursday as 74 is moving here on that day. Signal received for 92 to move on Thursday to Biggin Hill.
18.2.41 (Tuesday) Dull and raining. No flying possible this morning. A little flying was due in the afternoon.
19.2.41 (Wednesday) Several patrols were made but no E/A was encountered. The advance party of 92 left for Biggin Hill after lunch. The orderly room was established at Biggin today. The station officers mess is now in the old building which was evacuated at the time of the blitz.
BIGGIN HILL FEBRUARY 1941
20.2.41 (Thursday) The remainder of the Squadron came over to Biggin today. The pilots landed at lunch time. 74 Squadron is now in 92’s place at Manston. General satisfaction is felt by 92 on its return to Biggin Hill now its parent station. F/O Sherrington was posted as an instructor to 57 O.T.U at Heston. This makes the third officer posting in the last month. P/O Kinder and F/O Holland having been posted to 91 Squadron at Hawkinge.
21.2.41 (Friday) Bright and clear. The Squadron has now settled down and the billets were inspected this morning by the Adjutant. Everything seems satisfactory and conditions are much improved to what they were when the Squadron was last at Biggin Hill. The Squadron was to do a sweep with 74 and 66 at noon but it was postponed on account of mist. The sweep took place in the afternoon and everything went satisfactory. No. E/A were encountered.
22.2.41 (Saturday) The Squadron took off in the morning but did not make contact with E/A. The weather is again bright and clear. A patrol was ordered off again at 1500 hours. Fl/Lt Villa was decorated by H.M. The King in London today with the D.F.C. and bar. Also F/O Wright with D.F.C. Squadron was released in the afternoon.
23.2.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear. The Squadron was released all morning. Squadron Leader Kent has been posted from 92 to an O.T.U. as a Wing Commander. Sqd. Ld Thompson is to take over command of 92. This makes the fifth C.O. since the Squadron was formed in October 1939.
24.2.41 (Monday) Heavy ground mist which prevented flying during the day.
25.2.41 (Tuesday) Bright and clear with ground mist. S/L Kent, Fl/Lt Kingcome and F/O Bartley were decorated by H.M. The King with the D.F.C. today. S/L Rankin has been posted to 92 instead of S/L Thompson.
26.2.41 (Wednesday) Beautiful day with clear sky. 92 did a sweep of the French coast in conjunction with 74 and 609. They took off at noon and were away about one hour and a half. No enemy A/C were encountered and all our machines returned safely. Sq/Ld Rankin reported in the evening and Sq/Ld Kent returned to Biggin Hill for a few days.
27.2.41 (Thursday) Dull with very heavy rain all day. No flying possible all day. P/O Wade went to a course for high flying at Farnborough today. Sq/Ld Rankin was in the office to take over the O.C. of 92 this morning. Posting of S/L Kent has been changed to 11 Group instead of the O.T.U Heston.
28.2.41 (Friday) Very heavy rain with high wind again today. No flying possible in the morning. Cannon Firing Practice carried out in the afternoon. P/O Saunders and F/O Wright attempted to do a dusk patrol but owing to weather conditions it had to be abandoned.
BIGGIN HILL MARCH 1941
1.3.41 (Saturday) Bright and clear. S/L Kent is flying to Boscomb Down today. Patrol carried out over Maidstone at 15000 feet by both Flights. A sweep of the French coast was carried out with 74 Squadron. Some E/A sighted but no interception took place. Weather was generally fine all day.
2.3.41 (Sunday) Dull weather and rain most of the day. Weather test flight was made during the day also some cannon firing practice.
3.3.41 (Monday) Bright and clear. One patrol over Maidstone was carried out and also some cannon firing practise.
4.3.41 (Tuesday) Another clear day. Very little activity today.
5.3.41 (Wednesday) Weather still remains good. Sq/Ld Kent left 92 Squadron to take up his new duties at 53 O.T.U. at Heston. A convoy patrol and a sweep of the French coast were made during the day, no E/A were encountered all day.
6.3.41 (Thursday) Dull and wet all day. No flying possible. Sq/Ld Rankin has now taken over the duties as O.C. of 92 Squadron.
7.3.41 (Friday) Very thick fog with rain all day. Impossible to take off from Biggin today.
8.3.41 (Saturday) Better weather today. Very little activity today, some cannon firing was carried out in the morning by two Spitfires.
9.3.41 (Sunday) A patrol of four machines were up for an hour this morning but were recalled on account of ground mist which thickened during the day. No further flying the rest of the day.
10.3.41 (Monday) The Squadron were sent up on a patrol this morning at 15000’. No enemy aircraft were seen. The weather has improved and today is bright and sunny. Some air to ground firing was carried out in the evening and F/O Wright and F/O Bartley did some night flying later. There was a bright moon. F/O Bartley unfortunately had a mishap when taxiing in owing to one wheel of the undercarriage sinking into an old bomb hole which had been filled in. The Spitfire was damaged.
11.3.41 (Tuesday) Dull and misty this morning. Very little flying all day owing to ground mist.
12.3.41 (Wednesday) No flying possible owing to fog all day.
13.3.41 (Thursday) Beautiful day. Bright and clear. Squadron was on readiness at dawn and took off at 0700 hrs. Over the channel 109s were encountered and a fight took place in which Ft/Lt Wright damaged two or three E/A. Adjt de Montbron got a cannon shell in the tail of the fuselage without doing serious harm to his aircraft. The Squadron landed again shortly after 0800 hrs. No further operational flying was carried out during the rest of the day.
14.3.41 (Friday) Ground mist all morning making flying impossible. Some cannon firing was carried out at the ranges in the afternoon. The A.O.C. visited Biggin Hill today.
15.3.41 (Saturday) Heavy fog in the morning which developed into ground mist in the afternoon. No flying possible all day.
16.3.41 (Sunday) Another day with ground mist at 50’ making flying impossible from this station. A little clearer in the afternoon with some sun but the mist persists near the ground.
17.3.41 (Monday) The Squadron was released most of the day. No flying owing to ground mist. F/O Bartley left 92 on posting to 74 as a Ft/Lt. Great regret at his going.
18.3.41 (Tuesday) Bright and clear. Five machines took off to patrol the Maidstone line at 10.30 hrs. P/O Veitch was reported to 92 a week ago was posted to 118 Squadron at Filton. He left yesterday. Further patrol was made by a Flight in the evening. Ft/Lt’s Kingcome and Wright did dusk landings.
19.3.41 (Wednesday) Bright with heavy ground mist which cleared later in the day. The C.O. with P/O Wellum and P/O Maitland Thompson took off to escort a convoy near Dover. They landed again in an hour. The Squadron was called to readiness at 14.30 hrs. Recommendations for promotion were today sent in as follows: Fl/Lt Kingcome for Squadron Leader and the Following P/Os for acting Flight Lieuts. Saunders, Mottram and Fokes. Eleven machines took off in the evening and were patrolling at 36000’ when three were forced to land owing to engine failure. The C.O. passed out owing to lack of oxygen and regained consciousness at 12000’. His engine had heated and he was forced to crash land near Maidstone. P/O Le Cheunnant also crash landed and Adjt. De Muntbron crashed on landing at Chatham.
20.3.41 (Thursday) Dull today with ground mist. No flying during the morning, A little flying in the afternoon testing the ground defence guns for aiming at dive bombers.
21.3.41 (Friday) Bright and clear. One operational patrol was carried out by one Flight but no E/A were encountered. “A” Flight was called to readiness at 1200 hours. A little flying was done in the afternoon over the base but no further operations were ordered. A night section where on readiness.
22.3.41 (Saturday) Dull with rain and mist. No flying all day. A new Engineer Officer reported to replace P/O Garland.
23.3.41 (Sunday) Another dull day with rain and mist. No flying possible today.
24.3.41 (Monday) Better weather today. A patrol took off in the morning and E/A were encountered over the coast. B flight made contact with E/A. The CO and Sgt de Montbron following what may have been a 115 to the French coast. The CO fired his cannon at it and damaged it as something fell off it at the time of firing. P/O Wade when taking off hit the church light with his undercarriage. He was forced to crash land and damaged the machine. No further flying was carried out during the afternoon.
25.3.41 (Tuesday) Bright and fairly clear this morning. The Squadron goes on readiness at 1300 hrs. Some flying over base was carried out and a patrol of one flight was ordered off but was in cloud most of the time and did not see any E/A. Heavy rain and wind in the evening.
26.3.41 (Wednesday) Dull with low cloud. Squadron at readiness at 0900 hrs. Adgt de Montbron received his commission in the F.F.A.T. today. Three machines did a patrol over Manston and another four aircraft were ordered off on patrol later. No flying in the afternoon.
27.3.41 (Thursday) Bright early but clouds came over later. The Squadron was at 30 min during the morning but came to readiness at 1300 hrs. “B” Flight took off to patrol Hastings and “A” followed later. Sgts Terry and Gaskell went to Duxford in the Magister to bring back a Spitfire. Sgt Terry posted to Hendon as a ferry pilot on Spitfires for one month when he returns to this Unit.
28.3.41 (Friday) Dull with low cloud. No flying possible all day owing to ground mist.
29.3.41 (Saturday) Another dull day with rain and mist. No flying at all in the morning.
30.3.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear this morning. Squadron at readiness at 0920 hrs. Three Spitfies went to Hucknal for a modification. Squadron was then released for training at 1300 hrs. At 1450 hrs Sqd took off for a training flight, landed at 1620 hrs.
31.3.41 (Monday) Another lovely day. Squadron at readiness at 0540. Released for training at 0900 hrs. 4 pilots did practice attacks. 2 Spitfires went to Leysdown Range for cannon firing. P/O Wellum did an ante mist test at 35000. Squadron at readiness 1245. “B” Flight did a patrol over Manston at 1320, landed 1440. At 1640 Squadron ordered to patrol Mayfield at 15000’. No interceptions. At 2000 Squadron was at 30 mins. P/O Wade and Fokes did a dusk patrol over Maidstone – Dungeness at 15000 ft. No E/A were encountered. The C.O did some dusk flying.
BIGGIN HILL APRIL 1941
1.4.41 (Tuesday) Very wet day and low clouds making flying impossible. Some Link training was carried out.
2.4.41 (Wednesday) Another wet day with low cloud. No flying took place. Some Live Camera Gun instruction was carried out during the day.
3.4.41 (Thursday) Dawn readiness was altered to 0900 hrs owing to a ground mist. Brighter today with some sun in the morning. P/O Duke and P/O Brettell reported to 92 this morning also Sgt. Rippon from Grangemouth O/T.U. This brings the pilots up to 23.
4.4.41 (Friday) Better today and some flying was done in the afternoon. New formations were done by eleven machines. Dusk landings by P/O Wellum.
5.4.41 (Saturday) Not much flying in the morning owing to mist. P/O Mottram took P/O Brettell up for practice flying in the afternoon. Sir A Sinclair visited the Squadron and was introduced to all the Officers at Dispersal. Weather closed in making flying impossible in the afternoon.
6.4.41 (Sunday) Dull with low cloud. The pilots were released for training and were under instructions in the station intelligence during the morning. A little flying over base in the afternoon but the clouds remained very low all day.
7.4.41 (Monday) Dull again. Clouds at about 2000 feet. The C.O and F/L Wright took two Spitfires to Bucknell and returned with two others which had been modified. Some practice flying took place during the day but pilots had to keep low and near the base on account of cloud.
8.4.41 (Tuesday) Dull with cloud at 1000 feet. Instruction lecture on ZZ landings and some flying over base.
9.4.41 (Wednesday) Several patrols were carried out today. No E/A were encountered. Three Dutch pilots are being posted to 92 according to a signal received today from 11 Group.
10.4.41 (Thursday) Bright and clear. Squadron at readiness at 0830 hrs this morning. Quite a lot of flying was done today. One flight went off with 609 Squadron in the afternoon and patrolled over a convoy in the channel.
11.4.41 (Friday) Bright and clear today. 92 at readiness at 0500 hrs this morning. Our night fighters shot down 15 E/Bombers over England last night. At about noon today four of 92 were ordered to sink an E/Seaplane which was being towed back to France by an E/Ship. The four to go were the C.O., Ft/Lt Kingcome, Sgt Lloyd and Sgt Gaskell. The E/Seaplane was shot up and sunk and the tow ship damaged. During this operation 15, 109s attacked and shot down Sgt. Gaskell into the sea and he is now missing. He is a great loss to the Squadron and was a very promising pilot. The CO returned and left to Debden by plane.
12.4.41 (Saturday) Dull today with low cloud. No flying this morning. The CO returned during the morning. Some practice flying in the afternoon. Sgts Ream and Ripon were posted to 56 Squadron
13.4.41 (Sunday) Dull with low cloud. Six machines took off for cooperation with the Navy. They were up an hour. No further flying all day. Some link training was carried out.
14.4.41 (Monday) Dawn readiness at 0500 hrs. Low cloud prevented much flying all day. Some practice flying over base. Squadron was released unconditionally from 1300 hrs. Three new Dutch pilots reported to 92 for Duty.
15.4.41 (Tuesday) Bright and clear today. Squadron again on dawn readiness. Several practice flights but no operational patrols.
16.4.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear An operational sweep was carried out during the morning. No E/A were encountered. A second sweep was done over the French coast in the afternoon with contacting E/A. Two pilots did dusk landings
17.4.41 (Thursday) Bright again. An operational patrol was carried out during the morning but nothing was seen. Squadron was released in the afternoon. P/O Brettell was posted to 56 Squadron at North Weald. This posting was cancelled later in the day. Four machines went to West Malling for night readiness at 1800 hrs.
18.4.41 (Friday) Bright in the morning but it clouded over in the afternoon. One practice patrol with the Navy was carried out today. The CO attended a Conference at Group today.
19.4.41 (Saturday) (Saturday) Rain and low cloud. No flying all day till the evening. Two A/C to go to Gravesend with crew for night readiness.
20.4.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear today. One convoy patrol took place at 1300. Nine machines were in this No E/A were seen. Some practice flying was done in the afternoon as the Squadron were released for training.
21.4.41 (Monday) Bright with occasional cloud. Three aircraft patrolled in the afternoon and three went to Gravesend for night readiness. Other practice flying took place during the day.
22.4.41 (Tuesday) Bright with ground mist. A section of 2 A/c did a convoy patrol off Manston at 0730 hrs. Another section did a Maidstone patrol at 1230 hrs. Some practice flying in the afternoon.
23.4.41 (Wednesday) Dull with some low cloud. At 1540 hrs a convoy patrol was carried out by Red Section, followed by Blue section an hour later. Dusk landings by Sgt Bowen Morris. Three aircraft went to Gravesend for night readiness.
24.4.41 (Thursday) Dull with low cloud. 92 scores a victory. S/L Rankin and F/L Bruinien intercepted a 109 over the south coast this morning. S/L Rankin attacked and set the 109 on fire after which F/L Bruinien fired at it. It crashed in flames and the pilot bailed out and is now a prisoner. Our score is now 133 confirmed. The Squadron was released for training this afternoon.
25.4.41 (Friday) Bright with high wind. The Squadron was released for training till 1300 hrs when it came to readiness. P/O Fokes posted to 53 O.T.D as from 1.5.41. C.O. at Dover on Court of Inquiry today. Three aircraft went to Gravesend for night readiness.
26.4.41 (Saturday) Bright and clear with high wind. The Squadron came to readiness at dawn 04.44 hrs. Two aircraft went off on convoy patrol at 0700 hrs. Seven aircraft went on patrol at 1300 hrs and encountered 4 109s near the French coast. P/O Fokes shot down on which went into the sea and P/O Maitland Thompson and P/O Duke shot at another but the result was not observed. The Squadron was released for training at 1400 hrs.
27.4.41 (Sunday) Dull and wet. No flying all morning. Readiness at 0900 hrs. The CO and P/O Wellum went off about 10.00 hrs to intercept a raid. They were in the air nearly two hours but did not see any enemy aircraft. The Squadron were released for training at 1300 hrs. In the evening four aircraft were sent on patrol and encountered six 109s over the coast. No combat took place and all our aircraft returned.
28.4.41 (Monday) Dull but fine. Readiness at dawn. Some flying was done but nothing operational during the morning. Some cannon firing practice at Leysdown during the afternoon. Squadron patrolled Maidstone at 2000 for an hour in the evening. No enemy aircraft seen.
29.4.41 (Tuesday) Bright but low cloud in places. Dawn readiness till 13.00 hrs. Some air firing into the sea. Squadron on readiness at 16.20 hrs. We heard with regret that P/O Pennys, the Dutch pilot who left 92 Squadron 611 Squadron was reported missing yesterday.
30.4.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear. No flying all morning. Readiness at 1300. Six aircraft on Maidstone patrol. Squadron released at 4.30. No night readiness.
BIGGIN HILL MAY 1941
1.5.41 (Thursday) Dull and wet. No flying all morning. Squadron comes to readiness at 1600 hrs. No flying possible owing to low clouds.
2.5.41 (Friday) Dull and wet. No flying again all morning. Some practice flying and air firing with cannons into the sea during the afternoon. Squadron released at 16.30. Squadron Leader Tuck late of 92 visited the Squadron.
3.5.41 (Saturday) Bright with clouds. One patrol this morning in which F/O Mottram fired at a 109. This has not been confirmed but may be a probable. Released at 1300 hrs. Some practice flying in the afternoon. C.O. went on leave (7 days).
4.5.41 (Sunday) Bright with ground mist, Section patrols over base at 07.15 hrs. Sphere at 13.33 by four A/C. B Flight Maidstone patrol in the afternoon.
5.4.41 (Monday) Bright and clear. Section patrol of base at 12.49 hrs. Some cannon firing during the day. Dusk landings by M and Morris.
6.5.41 (Tuesday) Bright with ground mist. P/O Wade went to Houtton for a medical board today. Sgt Waldery reported on posting. Squadron on 60 mins available for night flying.
7.5.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear. Squadron on 60 mins available owing to night flying Twelve Aircraft went to West Malling at 2000 hrs but did not have to take off all night. P/O Archer and P/O Dougall reported on posting.
8.5.41 (Thursday) Bright and clear. Squadron again on 60 available all day. Squadron took off for West Malling at 20000 hrs Some night flying was done over base.
9.5.41 (Friday) Beautiful day with clear skies. Squadron returned to Biggin Hill and was on readiness from 09.30 till 1300 hrs. Several operational patrols took place during the day. One patrol during the evening was attacked by 109s and F/O Wade and P/O Maitland Thompson were shot up. F/O Wade landed safely but P/O M. Thompson crashed landed receiving slight injuries to his leg and face. The machine was a complete write off. On this patrol Sgt. Morris shot down a 109 and another 109 crashed owing to evasive action taken by F/O Wade causing the controls of the 109 to break.
10.5.41 (Saturday) Bright with a few clouds. Readiness at 0900. Several operational patrols and contact was made with 109s several pilots fired their guns but no result was observed. No night flying.
11.5.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear. The usual patrols but no Enemy aircraft was seen. Readiness at 0900 and later in the evening. No night flying. Fl/Lt Wright was on all night readiness but was not sent up.
12.5.41 (Monday) Bright and clear. Readiness at dawn till 0900 hrs. No operational flying all day. Some local flying and engine tests. The weather became US owing to mist. The C.O returned from leave.
13.5.41 (Tuesday) Dull with clouds. Readiness at 0900 hrs. No operational flying all morning. F/O Saunders went to Hucknall at 1100 hrs. Two patrols in the evening. No enemy a/c seen.
14.5.41 (Wednesday) Bright with clouds. Several patrols today but no enemy action encountered. Night flying practice P/O Brettell made a bad landing and slightly damaged his A/C.
15.5.41 (Thursday) Bright and clear. No operational flying till the afternoon except two A/C on convoy patrol. In the evening ten A/C were ordered on patrol. They encountered some 109s and Sgt Waldren fired at one but the result was unobserved. He returned with some bullet holes in his machine. Dusk patrol by Ft/Lt Wright and Sgt Le Cheminant but this had to return on account of bad weather.
16.5.41 (Friday) Bright and clear. Squadron not on readiness till 1300 hrs today. Squadron was sent off at 11.45 hrs on a sweep with 74 and 609. Wing Commander Malan leading. Several enemy A/C were seen and Sgt Kingaby and Ft/Lt Wright scored a probable over the channel. The Squadron landed at 1400 hrs. On a later patrol two 109s were shot down; one by Sgt Kingaby and the other by several of our Squadron. Our score today is two 109s shot down and one probable. The A.O.C. visited 92 in the afternoon.
17.5.41 (Saturday) Bright and clear. Squadron on readiness at dawn when several convoy patrols were carried out till 0900 hours. Squadron on 30 minutes till 16.30 hrs. Another patrol in the evening when several enemy A/C were seen but were not engaged.
18.5.41 (Sunday) Bright and clear. Only one patrol today at 17.14 hrs in the evening. No enemy A/C were seen. Some practice flying during the day. Much warmer weather. Squadron on readiness till dusk which is 2300 hrs.
19.5.41 (Monday) Bright and warm. Squadron at readiness today at 1300 hrs. Two patrols were carried out over Maidstone under cloud during the day. No E/A were seen.
20.5.41 (Tuesday) Dull and cool. Squadron on readiness at dawn till 0900 hrs. Weather prevented flying all day. Heavy ground mist. Squadron did not return to readiness.
21.5.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear. Readiness at dawn. A Section was on patrol of convoy this morning and was relieved by other sections. Blenheim escort of three a/c was provided at 1200 today. 15 minutes this afternoon. 92 did a cover in a circus over France taking off at approx 1700. Eleven a/c took off but three had to return. The other eight a/c were up on this Circus for over an hour. They did not engage the enemy and all landed safely at Biggin Hill.
22.5.41 (Thursday) Squadron at readiness at 0930 hrs till 1300 hrs operational flying all morning. The weather remains good with some high cloud. Only test and practice flying during the rest of the day.
23.5.41 (Friday) High wind with rain. Dawn readiness. No flying owing to bad weather conditions. Squadron was released at 1300 hrs for the rest of the day.
24.5.41 (Saturday) Bright with some cloud. Several convoy patrols were carried out during the morning. Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs. No further activity during the day owing to bad weather.
25.5.41 (Sunday) Dull with low cloud. Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs. During the morning six a/c took off and went over France on a ‘R’ patrol. All landed safely later. In the afternoon 9 a/c did a ‘cover’ near Ramsgate with 91 Squadron. W/C Malan and S/L Rankin did an operational flight together. Weather got very bad towards evening. Heavy rain and wind.
26.5.41 (Monday) Dull with rain and low cloud. Squadron Flight at readiness at dawn. Weather remained too bad for flying all day.
27.5.41 (Tuesday) Dull with cloud. Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs. One section escorted a Blenheim during the morning. Readiness again at 19.30 hrs. Two Sections patrolled for a short time till dusk.
28.5.41 (Wednesday) Bright and clear today. Readiness today at 1300 hrs. The Squadron did a patrol over France in the evening with 609 Squadron and on the way back they encountered several 109s. A combat took place and P/O Wade had his machine shot up in several places but landed safely at Biggin Hill. No enemy A/c were seen to be hit and we suffered no loss.
29.5.41 (Thursday) Dull with low cloud. One section on readiness at dawn.
30.5.41 (Friday) Dull with rain, no flying possible all day.
31.5.41 (Saturday) Dull with rain, no flying all day.
BIGGIN HILL JUNE 1941
1.6.41 (Sunday) Dull with low cloud. Only one operational patrol this evening of one section. This had to be abandoned owing to the weather after half an hour. Two new pilots posted to 92.
2.6.41 (Monday) Very little flying all day owing to bad weather conditions. A section did a patrol in the evening, no enemy A/c were seen.
3.6.41 (Tuesday) Dull with low cloud. Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs. Sgt Terry is to return to 92 after two months on ferry work at Hendon. No flying on account of bad weather.
4.6.41 (Wednesday) Thick fog till nearly noon then it cleared and became very hot for the rest of the day. Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs. One escort for Bombers was provided during the afternoon. Nothing occurred and no enemy action was reported. A patrol during the dusk period. No action during this patrol. Sgt Pietrasiak a Pole reported for duty with 92.
5.6.41 (Thursday) One Section at dawn readiness. Very thick weather no flying possible all morning. Squadron released for the rest of the day at 1300 hrs on account of the weather. No flying all day.
6.6.41 (Friday) Dull with mist. Dawn readiness was cancelled owing to the weather conditions. Squadron was released from 1300 hrs for the rest of the day. Squadron Leader Rankin is on two days sick leave. Squadron Leader Ward visited 92 and brought a copy of his history of the Squadron.
7.6.41 (Saturday) Dull but it looks like clearing. Squadron on 30 minutes till 1300 hrs when they came to readiness. S/L Rankin returns today. Squadron was called to readiness at 11.30 hrs and at 11.45 hrs they took off lead by W/C Malan to do a sweep of the French coast. They all landed again in about an hour and a quarter. During this sweep no E/A were seen or engaged.
8.6.41 (Sunday) Dull with rain. No operational flying took place all day owing to bad weather conditions. Sq/Ld Rankin and F/O Mottram went over to Middle Wallop this afternoon to do some tests in air to ground (tank) firing tomorrow. No other flying all day except for a few test flights only over the base.
9.6.41 (Monday) Very heavy rain this morning with low cloud. Readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs after which the Squadron is released for “Fighter nights” for the rest of the day. If weather permits the Squadron will fly to West Malling so night readiness, during the evening. The weather was so bad during the evening that “Fighter nights” was cancelled.
10.6.41 (Tuesday) Dull with heavy rain all day. No flying possible. The Squadron was released all day and the Fighter nights again had to be cancelled owing to adverse weather conditions. The C.O. and F/O Mottram are weather bound at Middle Wallop. Mr High Gibson USA called at Biggin Hill today and was introduced to the pilots of 92 Squadron at the Dispersal Hut. He was accompanied by G.C. Sir Louis L. Greig.
11.6.41 (Wednesday) Dull with cloud. Squadron released all day again for Fighter nights at West Malling. Seventeen pilots took off during the evening for West Malling. The weather had cleared considerably during the day. Some practice flying was done during the night at West Malling.
12.6.41 (Thursday) The Squadron arrived back before breakfast and do not go on readiness till 16.30 hrs this afternoon. During the afternoon the Squadron was sent to escort some Bombers to the French coast. During this operation several 109s were attacked and the C.O. shot one down into the sea in a head on attack. He received three machine gun bullets in his own wing in this combat but was unhurt himself. All the A/C landed by 16.30 hrs.
13.6.41 (Friday) Bright and cool. Squadron at readiness at dawn. Sections were sent up during the early morning on patrol. No E/A were seen. Readiness again at 1300 hrs. Readiness again at 19.30 hrs. No further operational flying during the day.
14.6.41 (Saturday) Dull with cloud. 13 A/C took off at 6.30 on a Sweep over France. Quite a fair amount of activity. The C.O. shot at a109 which went down vertically into mist near the ground. Ft/Lt Wright and Sgt Payne were shot up and crashed landed at Lympne and Hawkinge respectively. Ft/Lt Kingcome’s and Sub Lieut de Mouttron’s machines were slightly damaged. All the rest landed ok. The Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs again. No further operational flying during the day.
15.6.41 (Sunday) Dull with cloud. “A” Flight at dawn readiness. Squadron does not go to readiness till 19.30. Sutton Bridge Range is reserved for 92 this afternoon. About 200 boys of the Air Training Corps came out to 92 Dispersal and were shown over Spitfires by the pilots. Six A/C were at Sutton Bridge Range till 2100 hrs.
16.6.41 (Monday) Bright and clear today. Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs. No operational flying as done during the morning but an escort for Bombers was sent up in the afternoon. Seven machines took off. Several enemy A/C were encountered over the sea and the Squadron scored a total of 2 destroyed and two probables. F/O Wade and Sgt Bowen-Morris destroyed two 109s and the C.O and Fl/Lt Kingcome got the two others. Fl/Lt Kingcome’s machine was badly shot up but he was able to get back and land a Biggin Hill.
17.6.41 (Tuesday) Squadron at readiness at dawn. Convoy patrols were made by two machines at a time during the early morning. No further operational flights were made till the evening when the Squadron escorted Bombers over France. Many 109s were encountered and Sgt Payne shot down two 109s. Ft.Lt Wright scored a probable. This operation was one of the largest yet carried out over France. Another patrol was carried out by the Squadron at 2300 hrs. Nothing was encountered and the Squadron returned to base after dusk.
18.6.41 (Wednesday) Squadron did not come to readiness till 1300 hrs. A lecture was given at 609 dispersal to all pilots during the morning. The C.O went to Northolt for a conference with the C.O of 609. Another escort was provided in the evening by 92 and one 109 was shot down by the C.O. and P/O Brettell during an encounter over the channel.
19.6.41 (Thursday) Beautiful day with clear sky. Some patrols were carried out during the day. A convoy patrol by the Squadron was carried out during the evening. No E/A were encountered on this. F/O Saunders was posted to 74 Squadron today and F/O Mottram left to join 54 Squadron at Hornchurch to which Squadron he has been posted.
20.6.41 (Friday) Bright with some ground mist. One flight on readiness at dawn. 30 minutes till one then the Squadron is released off the camp for the rest of the day. No further flying took place.
21.6.41 (Saturday) The Squadron is not due to come to readiness till 1300 hrs but at 1100 hrs it was called to readiness to go on an escort to Bombers. It took off with 609 at 1200 hrs and returned about 13.30hrs. The C.O shot down a 109 making his fifth enemy machine shot down. He was the only one of the Squadron to be in combat and all the others landed without firing their guns. Another Bomber escort was provided in the afternoon and several combats took place. The C.O and P/O Wade shot down a 109 between them and Sgt Aston was shot down and landed into the sea. He was able to inflate his rubber dingy and was picked up safe. He returned to Camp later from Dover. The days bag for the RAF was 28 Huns to a loss of 5 of ours two pilots being safe. It was ascertained that Sgt. Aston shot down a 109 before he was shot down himself. Sgt Havercroft claimed a damaged 109.
22.6.41 (Sunday) Beautiful day again today. Squadron at Readiness at 0900 hrs. Squadron ordered on patrol at 1020 patrolling Maidstone at 20,000 feet. Sgt Lloyd returned owing to oxygen trouble. Squadron landed at base 1145 hours. At 1500 hours squadron took off on a ‘circus’ operation Sgt Payne landed at Hawkinge after shooting a ME 109 down. P/O’s Brettell and Wade landed at Manston. 8 aircraft landed Base at 1700 hours. Squadron to Readiness at 1855 hours. Ordered to patrol Maidstone at 15,000 feet 11 aircraft. Squadron on readiness till dusk.
23.6.41 (Monday) Bright and clear today. Squadron at 30 minutes at dawn. 1 section ordered at 0859 to patrol convoy in the estuary, no enemy aircraft encountered. Offensive patrol at 1248 hours. 7 aircraft landing at base at 1425 hrs. Enemy aircraft were encountered and the Squadron returned after giving a good account of itself. The C.O destroyed 2 Me.109’s Sgt Kingaby DFM and P/O Archer a 109 each and P/O Duke claims one damaged. P/O Duke landed at Lympe and P/O Archer at Manston. Sgt Bowen-Morris is reported missing from this operation, but it is hoped that he is a Prisoner of War, as a pilot was seen floating in the water just off the French coast.
Another offensive sweep was carried out at 1942 hrs and during this W/C Malan shot down 2 Me109s and P/O Dougall Me 109s, F/O Wade and Sgt Le Cheminant, 1 probable each, all the aircraft landed safely at Base. It has been a very good day for 92 today, 7 enemy aircraft shot down for the loss of one aircraft.
24.6.41 (Tuesday) Squadron on readiness at dawn. Some air firing was carried out today. Squadron on sweep at 1951 hours. W/C Malan got a 109 and Sgt Payne got 2. All aircraft back. No further activity today. Squadron reached 150 destroyed today.
25.6.41 (Wednesday) Squadron at 15 minutes called to readiness at 0910. 2 aircraft ordered to patrol convoy. Offensive patrol at 1146 hrs 11 aircraft landed at base safely. W/C Malan got a 109, Fl/Lt Wright a 109 and P/O Duke a 109 Another patrol at 15.45 hours Sgt Payne got a 109, Sgt Pietrasiak did some cannon firing and crashed on landing but was unhurt. Squadron at Readiness till dusk.
26.6.41 (Thursday) Squadron readiness 0930 hours. Offensive patrol 1046 hrs A/C. Sgt Lloyd had to return owing to oxygen trouble. From this operation Sgt Aston is reported missing No further patrols made today. Squadron released unconditionally this afternoon.
27.6.41 (Friday) Readiness at Dawn 0616 hours. 1 section to patrol convoy 5 miles North of Sheerness. Squadron half day was cancelled owing to the spell of fine weather and extensive operations At 1420 hours Squadron was ordered with 609 Squadron for escort to bombers to attack shipping in the Channel. No enemy aircraft were encountered and all our aircraft returned safely. Available until 1705 hours then to Readiness. Sgts. Terry and Lloyd carried out some air firing. At 2045 hrs another patrol was made but no enemy aircraft were engaged.
28.6.41 (Saturday) 30 mins at Dawn. 0750 hrs sweep 12 aircraft. 10 aircraft landed at 0938. F/Lt Kingcome landed West Malling. F/O Wellum landed Manston. Some air firing took place F/Lt Kingcome returned from West Malling and F/O Wellum from Manston. 1638 hrs Squadron ordered on patrol. Attacking shipping in Channel. No Opposition. 1 Flight at Readiness till dusk.
29.6.41 (Sunday) Squadron released all day. F/Lt Wright Bar to DFC. P/O Wade awarded DFC. Telegram of congratulation received from Sir Archibald Sinclair on the good work of 92.
30.6.41 1 (Monday) Flight at readiness at Dawn. Three new Sgt pilots posted to us today Sgts. Todd, Carpenter and Wawns who is an Australian. Readiness at 1400 hrs. Patrol at 17.30, no activity was encountered and all aircraft landed safely. Commanding Officer awarded DFC.
BIGGIN HILL JULY 1941
1.7.41 (Tuesday) Squadron at dawn readiness. Several patrols by Sections took place before 0900 hrs. Four machines had to land at Northolt owing to weather conditions at Biggin Hill. A sweep took place over France at 16.30 hours. All returned without contacting any E/A. Weather hot and clear.
2.7.41 (Wednesday) Squadron called to readiness at 11.00 hrs and eleven machines took off a 1200 hrs for a bomber escort to Lille. They all returned gradually to Biggin Hill, some had landed at Manston and Malling in the meantime. Several combats took place over France and we obtained the following score Sgt Kingaby: two 109s destroyed, Sgt Lloyd shot a 109F down into the sea also Sgt Pietrasiak. The score for the Squadron is now 165 confirmed with a total of 307 altogether. Another sweep was carried out during the late afternoon but no combats took place. All the A/C was back by 1800 hrs.
3.7.41 (Thursday) Beautiful day with clear sky. A large bomber escort was carried out this morning. 16 Squadrons taking part. Few E/A were encountered and al 92 landed safely. Sgt Kingaby claimed a Probable. Another bomber escort was carried out at 1500 hrs. Several combats took place and Lieut de Montbron failed to return. We did not shoot down any E/A on this occasion.
4.7.41 (Friday) Bright and clear Dawn readiness an escort to Bombers was carried out at 1400 hrs today This was very successful and 16 E/A were shot down to a loss of 4 of ours 92 landed safely at about 1530 all returning safely. Our Polish pilot Pietrasiak shot down one 109 and shared one with F/O Wellum. No further activity after this during the evening.
5.7.41 (Saturday) Bright and clear. Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs today. Another bomber escort was carried out today at 1200 hrs. No combats took place and all our A/C landed safely. The Squadron was released off the cam for the rest of the day.
6.7.41 (Sunday) Another beautiful day. The A.O.C arrived during the morning and congratulated 92 on its splendid record in the last four weeks. At 13.30 hrs another bomber escort was carried out and all our machines returned with the exception of Sgt. Todd. He is reported missing and was last seen leaving the formation at the French coast as if to return to England. The Squadron did not go up again after this operation.
7.7.41 (Monday) Weather bright and hot. Two more escort sweeps were made today. When the Squadron landed at 1600 hours the Prime Minister was at our dispersal and spoke to the pilots. They all returned except Sgt. Howard who crashed landed. Somewhere near Dymchurch. He was slightly hurt and is now in hospital. P/O Archer shot down a 109 and damaged another.
8.7.41 (Tuesday) Beautiful day and very hot. An early escort was carried at shortly after dawn. All the pilots got back except P/O Beake who baled out over the sea near the French coast. The CO scored a probable and F/O Wellum shot down a 109 as well as Sgt Pietrasiak. P/O Beake was picked up and got back to camp in the afternoon. Another escort was carried out at 1300 hrs. All the pilots arrived back with having been in combat. Squadron released for the rest of the day.
9.7.41 (Wednesday) Good weather with high temperature. Squadron on readiness at dawn. F/O Lund and P/O Maitland Thompson returned fit from medical boards today. An escort sweep took place at 1300 hrs today. 92 again did a very good job. The CO shot down a 109 and scored another probable. F/O Wellum got one 109 and Sgt Pietrasiak shot down two. Mr Archer shot down another. This makes a total score of 5 shot down and one probable. Sgt. Waldren damaged one also. Sgt ? ,
P/O Archer and P/O Brettell landed away but were all alright.
10.7.41 (Thursday) Weather still keeps right and clear. Another escort was carried out in the afternoon but no combats took place except Sgt Waldren who was shot down and had to bail out into the sea. He was lost for over five hours and returned to camp at 9pm.
11.7.41 (Friday) Beautiful weather again. A n escort was carried out in the afternoon and several combats took place. F/O Lund and Sgt Pietrasiak shot down a 109 each and Sgt. Kingaby scored two probables. It is very much regretted by all that P/O Dougall failed to return and was seen shot down and on fire by Sgt. Lloyd.
12.7.41 (Saturday) Weather still very good. Squadron at readiness at 9.30 hrs. Squadron provided a cover over the French coast at 12.30 hrs. No combats took place and all got back safely. Weather clouded over about 1500 hrs and a thunder storm seems to be coming up. Weather remained dull with heavy showers for the rest of the day.
13.7.41 (Sunday) The weather was not good and no operations took place during the day.
14.7.41 (Monday) Dull with some cloud. A sweep took place during the morning. No combats took place and all returned safely. Mr Archer and Beake reported back for duty. No further operations took place during the day.
15.7.41 (Tuesday) Very wet day with low cloud. Squadron released till 1700 hrs when there is a conference in the I.O. Ft.Lt Kingcome DFC and Bar returned from leave today. A conference in connection with a sweep over France at 1700 hrs was cancelled owing to the weather. Squadron released.
16.7.41 (Wednesday) Dull and wet again. Squadron on readiness at dawn. No flying all day owing to low cloud. P/O Phillips reported for duty as a new posting, also P/O Bruce. Squadron released for the rest of the day at 1700 hrs.
17.7.41 (Thursday) Weather better today. Some cloud. Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs. Two sweeps over the channel took place during the day. No E/A were seen and the cloud was bad over France. Sgt. Howard forced landed at West Malling owing to shortage of petrol. P/O Thomas also landed at West Malling on his return from the afternoon sweep.
18.7.41 (Friday) Dull and low clouds. Squadron is not on readiness till 1300 hrs. Squadron took off in bad weather and made contact with some 109s. Some shooting took place on both sides but nothing happened. The Squadron landed at Manston but eventually landed here about 1400 hrs. F/O Wellum was awarded the D.F.C. today. Weather getting very bad with low cloud and rain. The C.O is going on 10 days leave tonight. Ft /Lt Thompson reported for flying duty with 92.
19.7.41 (Saturday) Better weather today. Bright with some local cloud. Squadron on readiness at dawn. F/O Lund to act as Ft/Lt. in “B” Flight. A conference at 12.20 and a sweep took off at 13.13 hrs. Twelve A/C took off on this sweep. All returned except Sgt. Waldren a Canadian, who is reported missing.
20.7.41 (Sunday) Bright this morning. Some cloud later in the day. A sweep took off at 11.30 hrs. All returned at 13.15 hrs without having made contact with the enemy. Nothing again till 2200 hrs when 92 was sent off over the channel on some information about enemy shipping. Nothing was seen and all returned and landed by 2300 hrs.
21.7.41 (Monday) Dull with some cloud. An early sweep and escort for bombers to Lille took place at 07.45 hrs. All returned at 0930 hrs with the exception of P/O Thomas who has not yet reported. No E/A were seen and no action took place on the sweep. Squadron comes back to readiness at 1300 hrs. P/O Thomas returned after having landed at Manston to refuel. Another sweep took place during the evening. No E/A were seen or were any of our A/C engaged.
22.7.41 (Tuesday) Dull with cloud and some ground mist. Squadron on readiness at dawn. A sweep was made at 11.30 hrs. Nothing happened and no contact with E/A was made. All landed with the exception of Ft/Lt/ Kingcome and Ft/Lt Lund who did not go owing to faulty R.T. Nothing further was done during the day.
23.7.41 (Wednesday) Squadron on readiness at dawn in view of an early sweep. This did not take place owing to adverse weather conditions over France. One Flight on readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs. A sweep took place at midday and all returned with contacting any any E/A. Another sweep was carried out at 19.30 and several E/A were encountered. Sgt. Hickman shot down a 109 in flames. All our pilots returned safely. P/O Dougall is reported a prisoner of war.
24.7.41 (Thursday) No operational work all morning. Beautiful day with clear sky. Readiness at 1300 hrs. A sweep was carried out at midday and half an hour after landing the Squadron was sent off again. Ft.Lt Thomson shot down a 109 and Sgt Johnstone scored two probables. Sgt Howard also got one probable. Sgt. Vinter was shot down into the sea and was not found when a search was made for him. He is reported missing.
25.7.41 (Friday) Squadron at readiness at dawn when some convoy escorts were furnished. Weather clouded over and no operations took place during the day. Squadron released at 5pm for the rest of the day.
26.7.41 (Saturday) Conference at 0500 hrs cancelled owing to heavy rain and low cloud. Bad weather all day making flying impossible.
27.7.41 (Sunday) Another day of bad weather making operational flying impossible. Sgt. Pilot Aherne reported for flying duties.
28.7.41 (Monday) Dull again with cloud. Squadron on readiness at dawn. A conference at 0900 hrs was cancelled on account of the weather. The C.O returned from his leave.
29.7.41 (Tuesday) Again no flying owing to weather conditions. Rain and low cloud most of the day.
30.7.41 (Wednesday) Bright this morning but clouded over during the morning. No operations in view so far up to noon. Squadron on readiness at 13.00 hrs. No operations possible for the rest of the day owing to adverse weather conditions.
31.7.41 (Thursday) Dull and low clouds. Squadron released during the morning for the rest of the day.
01/08/41 (Friday) Dull with low clouds. No flying possible all day. Squadron released off camp.
02/08/41 (Saturday) Dull again making flying impossible. Squadron released off camp again.
03/08/41 (Sunday) Brighter today. Some activity during the evening. At 1730 hours four aircraft did a rhubarb over FRANCE. Two had to return on account of cloud at 1800 hours. 8 aircraft took off on an escort for an attack on shipping. All returned. Another four aircraft left at 2119 hours on a Rhubarb. All returned except P/O. BRUCE who forced landed at LYMPNE, with a damaged tail plane owing to A.A. Fire over FRANCE.
04/08/41 (Monday) Clear, not much activity during the day. One or two patrols were made but no enemy aircraft were seen. Weather continues to be cloudy and unsatisfactory for operational flying.
05/08/41 (Tuesday) No flying all day. One sweep carried out in the evening without any result owing to bad weather conditions over FRANCE. Sgts. COX and HANN reported from an OTU for flying duties.
06/08/41 (Wednesday) Low clouds with occasional bright periods. A conference at 1000 hours, but no operations ordered owing to adverse weather over FRANCE. The squadron went on a sweep about 1900 hrs over FRANCE. The weather became so bad that they returned without reaching the target.
07/08/41 (Thursday) Bright with a clear sky. A conference called for at 0900 hours in view of a sweep at 1000 hrs. This was postponed owing to weather till later in the afternoon. A high escort was made by 92 and several combats took place. Sgt. KINGABY DFM. scored one probable and one damaged. The squadron did not go to WEST HALTING for fighter nights owing to bad weather. A further sweep was made in the evening and the COMMANDING OFFICER scored one confirmed and one damaged. Sgt. HOWARD. RNZAF. was reported missing from this operation.
Sgts. AHERN and HICKMAN crashed landed near DEAL. Sgt. AHERN is alright but Sgt. HICKMAN is slightly injured in hospital at DEAL.
08/08/41 (Friday) Dull with heavy rain. Squadron on 30 minutes all morning. F/Lt. MILNE DFC. reported for duty. No flying all day on account of bad weather.
09/08/41 (Saturday) Dull again today. A sweep was carried out in the evening and several combats took place. The COMMANDING OFFICER shot down two confirmed. Sgt. Le CHEMINANT got one confirmed. Sgt. KINGABY DFM. got one confirmed and one probable. The rest of the Squadron scored one probable and three damaged. Sgt. HARRISON was shot up and landed at HAWKINGE.
10/08/41 Bright this morning. The Squadron did a fighter sweep at noon but did not encounter any enemy aircraft. All landed safely and no further operations took place during the day, as the weather became dull with heavy rain.
11/08/41 (Monday) Dull with heavy rain all day. Squadron released all day till 1700 hours. Further release owing to weather conditions.
12/08/41 (Tuesday) Bright with some cloud. Conference at 1015 hours and a sweep at 1100 hours. No enemy aircraft were encountered and all landed safely. Another sweep took off about 1730 hours and the only one to get shot up was Sgt. CARPENTER. He was unhurt but his machine was damaged, all the rest landed safely.
13/08/41 (Wednesday) Dull with heavy rain. Squadron released till 1300 hours. Squadron released off camp for the rest of the day owing to bad weather and rain.
14/08/41 (Thursday) Bad weather all morning. Squadron did two sweeps later one at 1344 hours. and one at 1643 hrs. No enemy aircraft were seen during either of these sweeps and all returned safely.
15/08/41 (Friday) Very wet day with low cloud. No flying possible all day. The East India Fund presented 24 beer tankards to 92 today. The presentation was made by SIR ALFRED PICKFORD at 92 dispersal at 1500 hours. F/O. SANDERSON reported for duty today.
16/08/41 (Saturday) An early sweep was carried out at 0730 hours. Some enemy aircraft were seen and F/Lt. THOMPSON scored a damaged. All landed safely. Two more sweeps during the day, one at 1230 hrs and the other at 1730. No enemy aircraft encountered and all returned to base without damage. One or two pilots fired their guns but without visible result.
17/08/41 (Sunday) Squadron on dawn readiness. Bright with clouds, but weather seems to be deteriorating. Weather remained bad all day and the squadron was released off camp.
18/08/41 (Monday) Dull with some cloud. Conference at 1330 hrs today. Two sweeps one in the afternoon over LILLE. Sgt. HANN failed to return and is reported missing. Another sweep in the evening no enemy aircraft encountered and the whole squadron returned safely.
19/08/41 (Tuesday) Beautiful day with clear sky. Conference at 1030 hrs this morning. Sweep this morning, no enemy aircraft encountered. All the squadron returned safely at Noon. ‘B’ Flight on readiness all afternoon. Another sweep in the evening, all returned safely to base. SQUADRON LEADER RANKIN was awarded a BAR to the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS and P/O. DOUGALL now a prisoner of War received A DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.
20/08/41 (Wednesday) Better weather today in the morning but it got bad in the afternoon and all operational flying was called off. Squadron was released early in the afternoon.
21/08/41 (Thursday) Bright and clear. Sweep took off at Noon and an accident occurred on the aerodrome. Sgt. HARRISON hit the wing of a 72 machine taking off and was badly injured. He died in ORPINGTONHOSPITAL the same evening. A second sweep was made in the evening. Sgt. AHERN was reported missing and P/O.ARCHER received a small wound in the leg. P/O.BRETTELL crash landed owing to lack of fuel.
22/08/41 (Friday) Weather unsatisfactory all day. Squadron released at Noon. No operational flying owing to low cloud. Sgt. ROFF reported for duty.
23/08/41(Saturday) Dull and wet. No flying possible all morning. The weather continued bad all day. Sgt. POSTLETHWAITE reported for duty.
24/08/41 (Sunday) Dull with rain, till the evening when a sweep took off, but returned without seeing any E/A. P/O. WITAMORE and Sgt. ATKINS reported for duty.
25/08/41 (Monday) Dull and wet. Cleared during the afternoon. Funeral of Sgt. HARRISON at ORPINGTON. No flying done all day.
26/08/41 (Tuesday) Dull during the morning, but it cleared by the afternoon. The squadron took off at 1700 hrs on a sweep. No action was experienced, but P/O. PHILLIPS failed to return.
27/08/41 (Wednesday) An early sweep on a bright clear morning. Sgt. ROFF was seen to go into the sea. All returned without contacting enemy aircraft. Another take off at 1030 of 8 aircraft, nothing seen all returned safely. No more flying all day.
28/08/41 (Thursday) Bright with some cloud. Squadron not on readiness till 1700 hrs. Three Canadian pilots reported for flying duties today. P/O. ASSELIN, Sgt. KENWOOD, Sgt. PAVELY. Some local flying during the day. Weather deteriorated during the day. P/O’s COCKER and BARTHOLOMEW reported for flying duties.
29/08/41 (Friday) Dawn readiness with an early sweep. No encounters and all returned safely. Readiness again at 1300 hrs. No further operational flying during the day.
30/08/41 (Saturday) Low clouds. No operational sweep all day. One or two aircraft did convoy escort. Sgt.’s EDGE and WOOD-SCAWEN reported for duty. The BIGGIN HILL wing flew over LONDON this afternoon for demonstration purposes.
31/08/41 (Sunday) An early sweep. All returned by 0800 hours. No encounters. Another sweep conference at 1100 hours, take off at Noon, several encounters took place and the following score was obtained: The COMMANDING OFFICER 1 probable, P/O. BARTHOLOMEW 1 Destroyed, P/O’s HUMPHREYS and DUKE 1 damaged each. A convoy patrol was made in the evening and Sgt. KENWOOD RCAF lost his way and baled out, he was uninjured, but his aircraft burnt out.
01/09/41 (Monday) Bright and door in the morning. Several non operational pilots did none training during the day. One or two sections did convoy patrols but no large operation took place. Released at 1700 hours.
02/09/41 (Tuesday) Beautiful day with warm sun. Squadron on readiness at 0900 hours. Eight aircraft as escort over the Channel during the morning. 30 minutes at 1300 hours. Conference at 1600 hours. 12 aircraft went on a sweep. No encounters with E/A and all back safely.
03/09/41 (Wednesday) Thick ground mist and rise in temperature. Mist cleared during the day. Conference at 1510 hours. Sweep at 1530. Several landed at MANSTON and HAWKINGE. P/O. BRUCE was shot up and landed with glycol leak at MANSTON. All the others landed safely back at BIGGIN HILL. F/Lt. MILNE. DFC. taking over 92 as COMMANDING OFFICER and Squadron Leader RANKIN. DFC. to be Wing Commander at BIGGIN HILL.
04/09/41 (Thursday) Dull with hoary mist. Cleared during the day. Conference at 1400 hours was cancelled, and the squadron did not do a sweep till late afternoon. P/O. ASSELIN failed to return from this operation.
05/09/41 (Friday) Another day of ground mist and bad weather over FRANCE. No operational flying during the day. Squadron was released during the afternoon.
06/09/41 (Saturday) Heavy mist and cloud all day. Squadron was released again after lunch. No further flying.
07/09/41 (Sunday) COMMANDING OFFICER MILNE DFC
Better weather today. Clear bright norning. Squadron on dawn readinese till 0900 hours. Weather over FRANCE not good enough for operational flying. S/Ldr. MILNE DFC took over command of 92 today.
08/09/41 (Monday) No operational flying all day owing to ground mist. Squadron released off camp in the afternoon. Anniversary of 92 arriving at BIGGIN HILL. Big party in the mess.
09/09/41 (Tuesday) Weather still foggy and no flying possible all day.
10/09/41 (Wednesday) Ground mist again this morning. One flight on Readiness at 0900 hours. Squadron was released again for the rest of the day owing to weather over FRANCE.
11/09/41 (Thursday) Better weather today. Some cloud. Several Rhubarbs patrols were carried out during the day.
12/09/41 (Friday) Weather not suitable for flying.
13/09/41 (Saturday) Only practise flying today owing to bad weather. Formation flying over BROMLEY in the afternoon. Night flying, Sgt. ATKINS overshot and went over on a wing tip avoiding a stationary machine. Sgt. POSTLETHWAITE crashed from 2500 feet, no explanation why he got into a dive out of control. He crashed onto a house and was killed.
14/09/41 (Sunday) Very little flying today owing to bad weather and ground mist. Some practise over base.
15/09/41 (Monday) Bad weather again and only local flying possible all day.
16/09/41 (Tuesday) Weather better and a conference to be held at 1600 hours in view of a sweep. Sgt. SAMOUELLE reported to 92 for duty. No operational flying owing to bad weather.
17/09/41 (Wednesday) Better weather today. A sweep took place at 1500 hours over FRANCE. Several combats took place. P/O. BRETTELL was shot up and wounded. He landed at HAWKINGE and is now in hospital. P/O. BARTHOLOMEW was shot up and had to bale out in the CHANNEL. It was with the greatest regret that we heard that he had been drowned. Sgt. COX got a confirmed 109F and F/Lt. LUND scored a probable. Orders to move to GRAVESEND on the 24/09/41
18/09/41 (Thursday) Beautiful day. Some ground mist. Weather conditions improved and a sweep took place in the afternoon. No enemy aircraft were seen and all arrived back safely.
19/09/41 (Friday) Weather dull with low cloud. All operational flying cancelled. Squadron released off camp at 1600 hours.
20/09/41 (Saturday) Dull again with adverse weather reports. Sweep in the afternoon. Sgt. HICKMAN failed to return. All the rest landed safely.
21/09/41 (Sunday) Much ground mist most of the day. When it cleared in the evening the Squadron did a sweep over FRANCE. All got back without contacting any enemy aircraft.
22/09/41 (Monday) Heavy ground mist making flying impossible. Squadron to move to GRAVESEND on Wednesday 24th. All preparations for the move commenced.
23/09/41 (Tuesday) Still no flying on account of bad weather conditions. Transport is being loaded for the move tomorrow. Everything completed by the evening. The COMMANDING OFFICER went on leave at night.
24/09/41 (Wednesday) Squadron moved out of BIGGIN HILL at 0900 for GRAVESEND. The move completed as regards the ground staff and equipment by the afternoon, only six pilots could land owing to mist on the ground. The rest of the aircraft and pilots remained at BIGGIN HILL. The Officers are billeted at COBHAM HALL two miles from the camp.
GRAVESEND
25/09/41 (Thursday) Beautiful morning with some ground mist. The squadron is settled in and work has commenced at the new station. All the pilots arrived by air in the afternoon, the Officers billets are very comfortable indeed. Some practice flying but no operational all day.
26/09/41 (Friday) Another good day with some cloud. Several Rhubarbs were carried out during the day. Practice flying all afternoon.
27/09/41 (Saturday) Bright and clear today. A sweep took place this afternoon. Several combats took place with the following results. The C.O. scored one probable and 1 damaged. Sgt. JOHNSON also one probable and one damaged and P/O. BEAKE damaged one. Everyone got back safely. Some bullet holes were found in P/O. BEAKE'S machine.
28/09/41 (Sunday) Clear early in the day but clouds came over and rain fell during the rest of the day. No operational flying during the day.
29/09/41 (Monday) Cloudy and some rain. Squadron was released off camp at 1000 hours. No flying all day.
30/09/41 (Tuesday) Bright day, some flying done mostly training and dog fighting. Squadron was released at 1600 hours owing to bad weather.
