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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 original 92 Squadron Form 540 covering the years 1939 to 1958 was still kept on the squadron in the 1970s and was used extensively in the writing of this book. In the 1990s it was rescued from a skip and handed to Richy Brawn who had it for many years before passing it to Simon Morris. Thanks to Richy and his wife Denise, Simon was able to add more detail to the history of those years. 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, in case anyone was wondering!
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TANGMERE OCTOBER 1939
10.10.39 (Tuesday) 00.00 Hrs No 92 Fighter Squadron was on this date re-formed as a Night Fighter Squadron at RAF Station TANGMERE. It is to be equipped with BLENHEIM Aircraft firing 5 guns forward and one gun in the rear turret and powered by two MERCURY VIII engines. The establishment will be 21 officer and airman pilots, 2 non-flying officers and 209 other ranks.
11.10.39 (Wednesday) Various airmen were posted totalling in all 98.
12.10.39 (Thursday) F/Lt R.J. BUSHELL was posted to command the squadron with effect from 10.10.39. This officer came from No 601 Fighter Squadron Auxiliary Air Force and is the first A.A.F. officer to be posted to command and form a new squadron. As a result of various conversations with those in higher authority he was able to persuade II (F) Group to allow him to take two officers from his old squadron with him and it was arranged that F/O Patrick GREEN should be posted as the first flight commander and that P/O J. MONROE-HINDS should be the second officer and section leader. F/Lt Bushell spoke to the Station Commander R.A.F. Station Tangmere W/Cdr I. BERTRAM by telephone and arranged to report for duty on 15.10.39.
13.10.39 (Friday) Nothing to report
14.10.39 (Saturday) Nothing to report
15.10.39 (Sunday) F/Lt Bushell reported for duty and discovered that the Squadron consisted of himself, 3 airmen pilots, (565197 Sgt Pratt, 741920 Sgt PEARCE and 740822 Sgt ALLEN – the latter two coming from the Volunteer Reserve) and 98 other ranks. The senior N.C.O.’s are 314109 F/Sgt BENNETT, Disciplinarian, 355016 F/Sgt HUGHES, Fitter I who has come from 43 (F) Squadron stationed here, and 362993 F/Sgt LEECH.
There is no office equipment, no aeroplanes and indeed no equipment of any sort. The Squadron is housed in the offices and hangars vacated by No 1 Squadron who have gone with the A.A.S.F. to France.
The other two squadrons stationed at Tangmere are No. 43 (F) Squadron commanded by S/Ldr R. BAINE and No 605 County of Warwick (F) Squadron A.A.F. commanded by S/Ldr Lord WILLOUGHBY DE BROKE M.C. As previously mentioned the station is commanded by W/Cdr IAN BERTRAM.
The C.O. of this Squadron was tonight very hospitably entertained at Tangmere Cottage by Lord and Lady Willoughby de Broke and other members of No 605 Squadron and retired to his bed at a late hour feeling that Tangmere was the best station to be found in the best country in the best of all possible wars.
16.10.39 (Monday) The C.O. began his duties and constituted himself his own Adjutant, Flight Commander, Engineer Officer, Parachute Officer and Map Officer. In his combined capacity of Adjutant and Flight Commander he visited the Adjutant of No 605 Squadron P/O LONGSDEN who was extremely helpful and lent him a HIND aircraft to give the three Sgt. Pilots some flying on. None of these pilots has any experience at all on twin engine aircraft and efforts are being made to have them sent on a conversion course. The C.O. went by air to Debden with S/Ldr PERRY to collect a Hurricane aircraft for 605 Squadron and there saw P/O LIDDELL-SIMPSON (ex 601 Squadron) whom he is anxious to obtain as his adjutant.
17.10.39 (Tuesday) Information received that all equipment will be sent direct from Maintenance Units for the formation of new units. In the meantime there is still nothing and the C.O. and Cpl BURTON of the Orderly Room are scraping along on borrowed and scrounged materials. Stationary and Publication demands have been put in but it is anticipated that considerable delay will ensue before their arrival and in the meantime returns and correspondence are written on any odd piece of paper that can be found. These words are being written on Forms borrowed from 43 Squadron. The Sgt. Pilots fly the Hind which gives them something to do.
18.10.39 (Wednesday) The C.O. visited F/Lt WARD (ex 601 Squadron) at Thorney Island where he is in charge of the Coastal Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit with Ansons. He has promised that if pilots are sent over for the day he will give them something to do. This will at least show them what a twin looks like and how it flies. F/Lt WILSON from 11 group visited the station and promised the C.O. that efforts would be made to supply the Squadron with some form of twin for training purposes.
19.10.39 (Thursday) The Sgt. Pilots continue to fly the Hind and are learning the Sector.
20.10.39 (Friday) F/O GREEN and P/O MONROE-HINDS reported for duty from 601 Squadron and this enabled the C.O. to relieve himself of the posts of Flight Commander and Adjutant which were allocated respectively to the above named officers. There are still no signs of any aeroplanes or equipment. The Squadrons Officers are to be housed partly in Nos 6 & & O.N.Q and the C.O. has taken possession of No 7 O.M.Q. where F/O Green and P.O m Hinds will also live. Indeed the C.O. and his first two officers repaired there in the evening and celebrated with considerable class the rebirth of 92 Squadron, the first born child of 601 (F) Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force. It is devoutly to be hoped that 601 will be proud of her off spring and that the said off spring will grow up in that spirit of hardy independence so characteristic of its parent.
21.10.39 (Saturday) Information received that ten Pilot Officers and three Sgt Pilots are being posted to the Squadron direct from 11 and 13 F.T.S. Children though they be it is hoped that by some divine providence they will have flown twins.
22.10.39 (Sunday) The following pilots reported for duty ex 13 F.T.S. A/P/Os BARTLEY, BRYSON, HILL EDWARDS. All these pilots have experience of twin engine aircraft having flown some 80 – 100 hours on them. Divine Providence has intervened. A signal was received today that F/O V.G.L.D. BYRNE ex 74 Squadron at Hornchurch is being posted as the second flight commander. The C.O. has made arrangements with 11 Group that he be attached to 601 Squadron in order to be converted on to Blenheims. Still no news of any aeroplanes.
23.10.39 (Monday) The following further pilots reported for duty ex 11 F.T.S A/P/Os FRAZER P.C., WHITMARSH R.J., WILLIAMS D.E. SGTS 565889 EYLES and 566171 HAIGH. All these pilots have likewise had experience on twins. Efforts are now being made to have all these pilots sent on a conversion course to Blenheims. W/CDR MULHOLLAND from Fighter Command visited the station and saw the C.O. He promised that aircraft would be allotted to the squadron immediately and that a dual should be sent to us.
24.10.39 (Tuesday) Signal received that six aircraft can be accepted by this squadron forthwith. Things would seem to be moving. The squadron is however still without any equipment and it is feared that a situation may well arise where the Squadron is in possession of aircraft with nothing to maintain them. No stationary or publications have as yet been received.
25.10.39 (Wednesday) The C.O. and F/O GREEN went to St. Athan in a Battle where the C.O. saw S/Ldr RHYS-JONES who is in charge of the 11 Group Pool. No pilots are trained on twins at St Athan but a Blenheim conversion flight is being formed at Hendon and as three of the pilots posted to this Squadron with no twin experience are at the 11 Group Pool at the moment the C.O. asked that they immediately be sent to Hendon. The C.O. collected a Hurricane for No 605 Squadron and arranged to exchange the Townsend Ring on the Gauntlet lent to us by 601 Squadron. This important piece of equipment developed a large hole on a flight F/O GREEN made yesterday to collect Lady Willoughby de Brokes furs from Warwickshire.
S.H. CARY reported for duty as squadron adjutant. In the C.O’s absence he was seen by p/o Monroe Hinds and as it appeared that he had been called back from his civilian job at six hours notice and had no uniform he was given a week’s leave in order to put his private affairs in order. The C.O dined extremely well with the Station Commander and then the party went on to one of Lady Willoughby de Brokes’ Soirees at Tangmere Cottage where a good and rough time was had by all.
28.10.39 (Saturday) Signal received that a further five pilots posted to the squadron. This brings us up to our full establishment. If we could only get some equipment we might be able to do something. As it is the squadron has twelve untrained pilots sitting at Tangmere with nothing to do.
29.10.39 (Sunday) The C.O. collected the Townsend ring for the Gauntlet from St. Athan and landed to refuel at Old Sarum on his return. There he learnt that at Andover there are various dual Blenheims in the G.R. conversion flight. Something must be done about this.
30.10.39 (Monday) The following officers reported for duty : A/P/Os DRUMMOND and M.V. DUGDALE ex 11 F.T.S. and Flight Cadets R.H. HOLLAND, A.R. WRIGHT, and P.H.G. LEARMOND ex Cranwell. These pilots have likewise had experience on twins. The C.O, F/O. Green and P/O Monroe-Hinds attempted to get to Aston Down in the Battle to collect the Blenheims but had to turn back owing to weather.
31.10.39 (Tuesday) The A.O.C visited the station and promised to C.O. he would do his best about getting us a dual. The weather was too bad to get to Aston Down. Therefore still no Blenheims. Arrangements have been made to send two Blenheims to Hendon for our pilots on the conversion flight.
TANGMERE NOVEMBER 1939
1.11.39 (Wednesday) F/O Blinton posted as adjutant from surplus to establishment of 605 Squadron. Detailed to Flt Lt Simpson Adj. 43 Squadron for a little general instruction.
3.11.39 (Friday) General inspection by Sir Charles Burnett. In the absence of the C.O. 92 on leave, questions regarding the formation difficulties etc. Of the Squadron was satisfactorily answered by Flt. Lt. Green Flt Lt Green and P/O Monroe Hinds fetched the Squadrons first two Blenheim Aircraft nos. L6726 and L6727 from Aston Down. They flew down in 605 Sq. Hind which they left at Aston Down.
4.11.39 (Saturday) P/O Monroe Hinds took 605 Sq. Battle a/c No L20818 to Netheravon. He was forced down by bad weather for a short time at Boscombe Down. Flt. Lt Green who had intended bringing F/O/ Monroe Hinds back in a Blenheim was obliged to return to Tangmere by bad weather. F/O Monroe Hinds accordingly spent a fairly comfortable night at Netheravon. During this day instruction without Dual Blenheims was given to non-operationally Blenheim trained pilots. P/O Lang reported back for duty, but due to a conversation between C/O 92 and Fl. Lt. Holden at group, this posting is now cancelled.
5.11.39 (Sunday) Sq. Ldr. Bushell, Fl.Lt Green and P.O. Hinds fetched two more Blenheims from Aston Down by flying over together in one Blenheim. One Blenheim waiting for us at Aston Down was found Unsatisfactory in one engine, but this has since been rectified.
6.11.39 (Monday) A guard on aircraft in hangars was this day instituted. Sq. Ldr Bushell, Flt Lt Green and F/O Hinds attempted to fly 3 Blenheims to Hendon with the idea of leaving 2 there for solo flying by our pilots undergoing Blenheim conversion course when fit to fly solo. However, they were prevented from getting through by bad weather.
7.11.39 (Tuesday) Weather still remaining very bad. Pilots lectured on engine care and maintenance in station workshops.
8.11.39 (Wednesday) Sq Ldr Bushell, Fl. Lt. Green and P/O Monroe Hinds take 3 Blenheims to Hendon. After leaving two Blenheims there they proceed to Aston Down in the remaining aircraft. At Aston Down they collect one new Blenheim No L2624 and return to Tangmere. Doing local flying later in the day, with Flt. Lt Green flying this aircraft broke its starboard wing flap control and will be unserviceable until new rods can be obtained.
We succeeded in borrowing some tools from Ford to replace 3 broken valve springs in another Blenheim engine.
9.11.39 (Thursday) Torrential rains and S.W. gale. No flying possible in pre-noon, but weather improved later and local flying practice became possible in afternoon.
10.11.39 (Friday) The weather continued very poor and it was impossible to fetch my new aircraft either from Aston Down or Tern Hill and only local flying practice was possible.
13.11.39 (Monday) P/O Monroe Hinds did some local flying practise but on landing had difficulty in lowering undercarriage and flaps owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. Sq.Ldr Bushell and Flt Lt Green went to Aston Down in one Blenheim and picked up the last new one from there. Flt.Lt Green returned at once and Sq.Ldr Bushell landed at Filton on the return journey to see the Bristol engine people. They were kind enough to promise to send two engineers with a full set of Mercury tools here for a fortnight to give our men some Mercury experience. On landing at Tangmere Sq Ldr Bushell discovered all the rods on his starboard flap broken.
14.11.39 (Tuesday) Sq.Ldr Bushell, Flt.Lt Green and P/O Monroe Hinds attempted to fetch two Blenheims from Tern Hill but were forced by bad weather to return to Tangmere. In the afternoon the weather closed right in and flying became impossible. The two Mercury experts from Bristols arrived.
15.11.39 (Wednesday) Sq.Ldr Bushell, Flt Lt Green and P/O Monroe Hinds flew in one Blenheim to Tern Hill and brought back two new Blenheims. The non operationally trained officers did sector reconnaissance in 605 squadrons tutors. In the evening P/O Monroe Hinds, who was flying one of the Blenheims brought this day from Tern Hill, crashed on the north east boundary of the aerodrome. Unfortunately both P/O J. Monroe Hinds and his two passengers, P/O Dugdale and P/O Drummond lost their lives. The cause of the accident is at present under review. The aircraft is a total wreck. The weather at the time was, for once, fine and clear.
16.11.39 (Thursday) No flying at all was possible this day, owing to incessant rain and low cloud. On investigation into the cause of the Blenheim accident during the previous day was carried out by the competent authorities.
17.11.39 (Friday) Again, no flying was possible all day due to very bad weather. Considerable work was entailed in making the necessary funeral arrangements for the 3 Officers killed on the 15.11.39 The two crashed engines of the Blenheim were removed to station workshops for inspection.
18.11.39 (Saturday) Weather still very bad. P/O Drummond’s funeral took place at 1100 hrs at Tangmere Church with full ceremonial. No flying was possible in the afternoon owing to heavy rain and low cloud.
19.11.39 (Sunday) Weather improved. Local flying took place all day on Tutors and 1 Magister. P/O Fraser returned from Hendon. Blenheim conversion course. P/O Nailer reported from South Cerney and went off on one weeks leave.
20.11.39 (Monday) Most of this day was taken up by P/O Monroe-Hinds funeral at Windsor, which was attended by all the Squadron’s Officers. 92 Squadron provided the firing party and Uxbridge the remainder. P/O Bartley returned from Hendon.
21.11.39 (Tuesday) A fine day but not very good visibility. Local flying took place all day and the two Hendon pilots P/O Fraser and P/O Bartley flew Blenheim solo. One Tutor and one Magister were flown. Hendon signalled that they were ready for two more pilots and the C.O attempted to fly P/O Bryson and P/O Edwards up to Hendon but had to turn back for fog.
22.11.39 (Wednesday) P/O Williams reported back from Hendon Blenheim Conversion Course. The weather was very fine and local flying practise on 3 Blenheims, 1 Tutor and one Magister took place all day.
23.11.39 (Thursday) Very wet, 2 10/10 low cloud. A weather test by the C.O was the only flight.
24.11.39 (Friday) Slight improvement in weather allowed a considerable amount of local flying practise in the morning, the afternoon being still better.
25.11.39 (Saturday) Reasonable weather lasting most of the day allowed of considerable flying training. Flt.Lt Green fetched with P/O Fraser, another Blenheim from Tern Hill. P/O Bartly took a Blenheim to Hendon for the C.O who had been for 36 hours at Hornchurch attending a court martial.
26.11.39 (Sunday) The C.O attempted to get through to Hendon, but had to turn back owing to low cloud. A certain amount of local flying practise was possible in the morning, but the weather deteriorated very much later.
27.11.39 (Monday) No flying possible at all in the morning but some local flying practise was possible in the afternoon.
28.11.39 (Tuesday) Very fine weather. The C.O. went early to Tern Hill with P/O Williams to collect another Blenheim. He took Flt. Lt Little to collect an aircraft from Hullavington and also collected Flt Lt Hains from Tern Hill. Flying training took place all day. Flt Lt Green took a Blenheim to Portsmouth Aerodrome for a demonstration, lasting until 29.11.39.
P/O Wright, P/O Hill and P/O Holland went to Hendon for their Blenheim conversion course. 501 Squadron arrived in force.
29.11.39 (Wednesday) Flt. Lt Green returned from Portsmouth. Local practise flying took place all day and the C.O went to Biggin Hill and returned.
30.11.39 (Thursday) Weather and visibility very poor, but local flying practise possible.
TANGMERE DECEMBER 1939
1.12.39 (Friday) Weather moderate and considerable local flying practise took place.
2.12.39 (Saturday) The C.O., Flt Lt. Green, P/O Williams and P/O Bartley and Sgt Eyles flew to Tern Hill in one Blenheim and collected three more. Weather generally very good.
3.12.39 (Sunday) Local flying practise took place, weather fine.
4.12.39 (Monday) Weather indifferent, but local flying practise possible
5.12.39 (Tuesday) Cold and strong N.W. wind. Some local flying practise and formation by Flt. Lt Green, P/O Bartley and P/O Williams.
Three pilots, P/O Bartley, P/O Williams and P/O Fraser went on Sector reconnaissance; two accomplished the exercise successfully encountering local storms as was expected. P/O Fraser lost himself in a local blizzard and forced landed in a turnip field near Wantage, with the undercarriage up. He was unhurt and the usual damage to his aircraft was sustained, i.e. 2 propellers, possibly longerons etc damaged. P/O Fraser remained at Harwell. Sgt Haigh, who had been left at Tern Hill on 2.12.39 returned with a new Blenheim.
6.12.39 (Wednesday) Moderate weather, with cold N.W. wind. Considerable local flying practise took place but P/O Williams failed to reach Harwell in the morning. Later it was possible and he returned with P/O Fraser. At 1400 hours the C.O carried out a very successful test flight for 08. This consisted of flying for 35 minutes on a course of 172 degrees and returning on a reciprocal course at 8000 feet coming down to 1000 feet off the coast. It is understood that this test proved entirely satisfactory. At 1615 hours dusk flying was carried out solo by P/O Williams and Sgt. Eyles. This day P/O Edwards returned from the Blenheim Conversion Course at Hendon.
7.12.39 (Thursday) Weather fine and cold. Plenty of local flying practise took place. Dusk flying was done by P/O Williams, P/O Bartley and Sgt. Eyles. This day Sgt. Patterson was granted a Commission as P/O V. R. with effect from 18.11.39. He was duly informed and initiated.
8.12.39 (Friday) Torrential rain and no visibility all day made flying quite impossible.
9.12.39 (Saturday) Moderate weather in the morning enabled formation practise with six aircraft to be carried out very successfully, but low cloud and rain stopped a further attempt at formation after about twenty minutes and the dusk landing programme had to be abandoned.
10.12.39 (Sunday) Very fine day and considerable local flying done. Dusk landings were practised by P/O Fraser, P/O Bartley and Sgt. Eyles.
11.12.39 (Monday) Weather good. Formation practise in the morning and individual flying practise. P/O Strang arrived on posting. P/O Bartley and Sgt Haigh did dusk landings. The C.O and Flight Lieutenant Green each did one hour night flying in very dark conditions.
12.12.39 (Tuesday) Weather dull but fine. Local flying practise continued. At 10.30 hrs P/O Nailer and P/O Fraser took off in Avro Tutor K3309 borrowed from 605 Squadron for local flying and landing practise. At about 11.45 hours it was learnt from the Police that a yellow training machine had crashed near Sidlesham. This turned out to be the Tutor K3309. The C.O and Flt Lt Green went at once to the scene of the crash by car and found the aircraft a total wreck in a ditch and both Officers dead. It would appear that their aircraft had been engaged in low flying and on executing a turn near the ground it had lost height, put its port wing tips into the ground and crashed into a ditch.
13.12.39 (Wednesday) Weather bad with low cloud 10/10. The only flying possible was a weather test by Flt Lt Green.
14.12.39 (Thursday) Weather only moderate in the morning and local flying was possible. The weather deteriorated in the afternoon and the night flying programme was cancelled.
15.12.39 (Friday) Low cloud and rain. Quick starting practise was carried out by available pilots and crews. No flying at all possible all day.
16.12.39 (Saturday) Reasonably fine, cold and cloudy. Local flying practise took place, night flying programme cancelled due to bad visibility.
17.12.39 (Sunday) Cold, cloudy but fine. A formation by the C.O and the two Flight Commanders done in the morning. Local flying practise took place in the afternoon but there was no night flying.
18.12.39 (Monday) Cold and dull, visibility poor with clouds at 1400 feet. Throughout the morning Flt Lt Byrne and Flt Lt Green led formation of 3 aircraft which practised take offs and landings. In the afternoon there was individual local flying and the C.O with the two Flight Commanders did formation flying for ¾ hour. The dusk landings and night flying were cancelled owing to unfavourable weather conditions.
19.12.39 (Tuesday) Cold and dull with poor visibility which deteriorated throughout the day. Two weather tests were made, one by the C.O and the other by Flt Lt Byrne. This was the only flying possible due to the weather conditions. Night flying was cancelled due to weather.
20.12.39 (Wednesday) Again, cold and dull but visibility quite good in the forenoon and early afternoon. Deteriorated towards evening and prevented night flying. The C.O. gave dual in the morning and Flt Lt Byrne did formation practise with two other a/c. Formation practise was continued in the afternoon. The C.O. collected forced landed Blenheim.
21.12.39 (Thursday) Brilliant sunshine all day long with haze gathering later in the day. Flt Lt. Byrne collected one Blenheim from Aston Down, but had to fly it back most of the way on one engine. General flying practise took place all day and night flying took place on the moor. Sgt. MacDonald went solo by day in a Blenheim. Flt Lt Green carried out an R.D.F. exercise under somewhat difficult conditions during the afternoon.
22.12.39 (Friday) Clear, fine, frosty weather with some slight fog. Local flying practise took place all morning. Flt. Lt. Green did another successful R.D.F. test in the afternoon. From 1615 – 2359 hours night flying, including circuits and landings and formation sector reconnaissance was carried out, with a bright moon. The Sector reconnaissance failed to see the marker searchlight beams, probably due to local fog conditions.
23.12.39 (Saturday) Same fine frosty weather. Local flying possible all day but fog conditions prevailing a few miles inland from Tangmere. Night flying programme continued till 2100 hours, when it was abandoned due to increasing fog conditions. This day we were advised of an impending move to Croydon. This news was received without enthusiasm. P/O Wright returned from Blenheim Conversion Course at Hendon.
24.12.39 (Sunday) Still frosty and fine but general fog existing a few miles all round Tangmere. Local flying practise was possible, but night flying had to be abandoned. P/O Holland this day returned from Hendon Blenheim Conversion Course.
25.12.39 (Monday) Christmas Day. As the Squadron is not yet operational, today was observed as a holiday. We learnt today that our move to Croydon is fixed for 29.12.39 by 1600 hours. In spite of this news a pleasant time was had by all.
26.12.39 (Tuesday) P/O Wright went to Croydon to investigate billeting and other problems, but had difficulty in finding the necessary people. W.O Bennett also proceeded to Croydon on the same mission. Weather fine at first but deteriorating. Local flying practise only possible and night flying abandoned on instructions of the Station Commander.
27.12.39 (Wednesday) Weather fine and local flying practise carried out. Night flying took place and Sgt MacDonald and P/O Learmond went solo.
28.12.39 (Thursday) The C.O. flew to Croydon but had to return by road due to snow. The advance party of 92 left at 1000 hours. Snow prevented any further flying and the day was spent packing up. 601 Squadrons advance party arrived in the afternoon.
29.12.39 (Friday) Weather fine, clear and cold. Flt Lt Green flew up to Croydon without landing to investigate conditions, but reported unfit for our move owing to fog. This was confirmed similarly by the C.O. later in the morning. Formation practise of 9 machines took place in the afternoon. 92 Squadron advance party left at 1000 hours.
TANGMERE & CROYDON
30.12.39 (Saturday) Clear, cold and fine. 9 Blenheims flew in Formation at 1100 hours and arrived in good order at 11.45. Visibility only moderate. Main party left by road at 0900 hours and arrived 12.30 hours.
CROYDON
31.12.39 (Sunday) Visibility poor. Only a flight test by Flt. Lt. Green possible. Squadron attended church parade. Adjutant I/C Rear party reported. This Squadron has carried out 280½ hours flying by day and 36½ hours night flying during the month of December with an average of 6 aircraft.
CROYDON JANUARY 1940
1.1.1940 (Monday) Thick fog and no flying in the morning. Weather cleared a bit at 1500 hours and a little flying was possible after a weather test by Flt. Lt Byrne, but a night flying programme had to be cancelled due to weather. The C.O confirmed in Rank this day.
2.1.40 (Tuesday) Beautiful day and lots of flying including formation practise. The C.O took Flt Lt Green to Northholt for his Air Fighting Course. P/O Bryson got lost on Sector (?) Reconnaissance and forced landed at Harwich and had to stay the night as weather had thickened. A fine night and night flying began about 1900 hours and continued till after midnight.
3.1.40 (Wednesday) A fine cold day with fair visibility. P.O Bryson returned from Harwell. Considerable local and sector flying took place. P.O Learmond flew to Tangmere and back. Night flying continued until about 2100 hours.
4.1.40 (Thursday) Weather not so cold but 10/10 cloud about 1000’. An exercise for guns and interception by Hurricanes over the sector took place. The C.O did an exercise for Bentley Priory Defenses, but was somewhat hampered by thick weather. The night flying programme was abandoned owing to thick weather.
5.1.40 (Friday) A low shallow belt of fog over Croydon prevented any flying until noon. Four Blenheims left at 1230 for a gun and interception exercise round the Sector. When they returned over Croydon at about 1400 hours, visibility was too bad for landing and they were instructed by R/T to proceed to Tangmere where they landed at about 15.30. No night flying was possible.
6.1.40 (Saturday) Thick fog in the morning which only improved slightly during the day made all flying impossible and the four Blenheims were forced to remain at Tangmere. The remaining pilots made us of the link trainer at Kenley.
7.1.40 (Sunday) Visibility poor and some rain. There was no flying. The five pilots who forced landed at Tangmere returned by train.
8.1.40 (Monday) Weather extremely bad – fog and low cloud. After lunch it cleared slightly and Flt. Lt Byrne with 4 pilots flew to Tangmere to bring back the four Blenheims which forced landed there last Friday, only two of them got back, so that there are 3 pilots at Tangmere. The C.O. set off to Aston Down but weather forced him to return after reaching Newbury.
9.1.40 (Tuesday) In spite of bad weather the 3 pilots still at Tangmere managed to return to Croydon at 1230 hours. Only a little local flying practise was possible at Croydon and no night flying took place.
10.1.40 (Wednesday) A good deal of local flying took place in nice weather. The C.O and P/O Bartley collected one Blenheim from Aston Down. P/O Holland went solo at night. Night flying finished at 2030 owing to thickening weather. The C.O. went off on 7 days leave.
11.1.40 (Thursday) Cold fine and sunny. FLt Lt Byrne gave dual to a pilot from 248 Squadron. Only a limited amount of flying possible as there were few machines serviceable. Night flying was held up till 2100 hours due to there being some drifting balloons about. After this it was continued until 0330 hours but one Blenheim flown by Sgt Haigh was damaged on landing.
12.1.40 (Friday) Flt. Lt. Green returned from his Air Firing Development Course. The damaged Blenheim was brought in to 92 Squadron Hangar. Only one sector reconnaissance was possible as only one aircraft was serviceable.
13.1.40 (Saturday) Weather bad and no flying possible at all.
14.1.40 (Sunday) Thick fog and no flying possible.
15.1.40 (Monday) Weather improved slightly and Flt. Lt Green and P/O Edwards did AA exercise. They were not however able to return to Croydon as the weather had thickened and landed at Tangmere. No night flying was possible owing to ground mist.
16.1.40 (Tuesday) A fine cold morning. P/O Edwards returned from Tangmere. AA exercise took place with three aircraft at 1100 hours also local flying practise and dual for P/O Arthur of 248 Squadron. With 5 aircraft in the air a bad and sudden snowstorm came on at 1530 hours and P/O Wright was forced to land at Gatwick and P/O Bryson at Tangmere. During the day Flt. Lt Green flew from Tangmere to St Merryn Cornwall to fetch the C.O.
17.1.40 (Wednesday) Fine but visibility poor. No flying possible, although P/O Bryson managed to get in from Tangmere. P/O Arthur rejoins 248 Squadron, Hendon. Visibility improved a little in the afternoon and local flying took place. The C.O. and Flt. Lt. Green managed to fly from St Eval to Tangmere. No night flying was practical.
18.1.40 (Thursday) The AA exercise was duly carried out I/C P/O Learmond. The C.O. was flown up by 601 Squadron from Tangmere as the Blenheim of 92 Squadron there was not running properly on one engine. Late in the day Flt. Lt Green brought it up. Local flying in the afternoon. Sq. Ldr Roberts from H.Q.F.C. visited the Squadron. A night flying programme was attempted at 2130 but after a test flight by Flt. Lt Byrne disclosed snowy conditions it was abandoned.
19.1.40 (Friday) A very fine day and warmer. The AA exercise was duly carried out and Flt. Lt Byrne visited Gatwick to inspect the result of the burst water pipes and find out the position generally. Local flying took place in the afternoon. An extensive night flying programme was carried out between 2130 hours and 0330 hours in very fine weather.
20.1.40 (Saturday) The AA exercise was carried out and local flying was possible all day. The night flying programme however had to be abandoned owing to local fog.
21.1.40 (Sunday) Visibility poor but local flying possible. The C.O. attempted to go to Gatwick but had to turn back on account of bad visibility. A snowstorm in the afternoon prevented further flying.
22.1.40 (Monday) Warmer and clear. Local flying and dual given to Sgt. Fokes who later went solo. Snow and clouds prevented flying after 1530 hours. P/O Whitmarsh, who has been reported to 92 Squadron after illness, reported for duty.The C.O., Officers, Airman Pilots and Senior NCO’s attended the Grand Theatre Croydon at the invitation of Mr Teddy Joyce.
23.1.40 (Tuesday) No flying was possible in the morning due to fog, which cleared a bit after midday. The C.O and Flt. Lt. Byrne flew to Gatwick, and Flt. Lt. Green took a formation. Night flying was possible and the C.O. led a formation round the Sector while other pilots did local circuits and landings. Night flying finished at 2330.
24.1.40 (Wednesday) Weather warmer and visibility fair. AA exercises carried out. Flt. Lt. Byrne took 3 aircraft and P/Os Wright, Hill, Whitmarsh and Sgt. Fokes to Gatwick, to establish an advanced training base.
P/O Williams, while doing a Sector reconnaissance, had his port airscrew and reduction gear fly off over Brighton, at about 1500'. P/O Williams promptly headed for Gatwick and forced landed there very successfully on the remaining engine. It was later collected by the C.O.
A night flying programme with one aircraft finished at 2230.
25.1.40 (Thursday) Fine weather. Local flying with two serviceable machines. The C.O. visited Gatwick. A night flying programme included an exercise done by the C.O. with 601 at Tangmere in which Tangmere was raided successfully. Sector flying and sector reconnaissance continues with 3 aircraft.
P/O Bartley mistook Ascot Concentration Camp lights for Lingfield and Benson for Croydon and landed there, and spent the night.
26.1.40 (Friday) P/O Bartley returned early from Benson. The weather was poor but in the morning and early afternoon several pilots flew for half an hour each to keep their hand in for night flying. In the evening there was rain which later turned to snow and the night flying was cancelled in consequence.
27.1.40 (Saturday) There was no flying today because the aerodrome was wet with the thaw. Flt Lt. Green and P/O Bartley travelled independently by road to Gatwick, where needless to say there was no more activity than here. P/O Wright returned from Gatwick. In the evening it froze again and during the night about 4” of snow fell.
28.1.40 (Sunday) Clouds and 700’ visibility very poor. P/O Learmond carried out a weather test but conditions were unfavourable and no more flying took place throughout the day. In the afternoon a party of officers tobogganed on Box Hill regardless of the fact that there was no snow there.
29.1.40 (Monday) Still more snow overnight, the day is chiefly noteworthy for the many and frenzied efforts made to clear the snow from the tarmac in front of the hangar. P/O Bryson was in charge of operations and was lucky enough to secure the invaluable services of the army.
30.1.40 (Tuesday) Snow clearing with two snow ploughs continued and considerable progress made in front of the hangar, and on the runway. Only a little more snow fell during the day.
31.1.40 (Wednesday) Snow still lying but thawing. Foggy. No flying possible, but snow clearing on runway proceeded well with over 100 men at work.
CROYDON FEBRUARY 1940
1.2.40 (Thursday) Foggy and thawing. Aerodrome surface very soft. No flying at all possible.
2.2.40 (Friday)The same weather and no flying.
3.2.40 (Saturday) The same and a lot of the snow now gone.
4.2.40 (Sunday) Snow practically all gone, but foggy and no flying possible.
5.2.40 (Monday) Warmer and s. westerly wind. Very low cloud 6/10. P/O Bartley did a weather test, which revealed very low cloud and no further flying was considered advisable. Link Trainer practise was continued at Kenley.
7.2.40 (Wednesday) Rain and low cloud. Visit paid to the station by the A.O.C. and A.V.N. Welch. P/O R. Scott posted as Air Gunner to the Squadron. Still no flying possible.
8.2.40 (Thursday) Wet and foggy. The aerodrome has dried well and is quite serviceable but no flying possible.
9.2.40 (Friday) Colder and very thick weather. No flying possible. The Adjutant visited Gatwick to interview the G.P.O. Brighton area telephone representative, with Flt Lt. Byrne.
10.2.40 (Saturday) Fine cold and clear. General immediate aerial activity. The C.O. and Group Captain Moore meet at Gatwick. P/O Bartley fetched the Magister recently allotted from 111 Squadron Northolt. P/O Edwards and P/O Bryson fetched L1257 from Bristol. The rest of the pilots operated from Gatwick during the day and returned later in the afternoon.P/O Learmond took Flt Lt J. Little to Manston and back. 145 Squadron brought off a very curious and lucky midair collision between 2 aircraft. A night flying programme was carried out from 1830 – 2345 hours in a clear but dark night. Total flying time of the Squadron for the day was approximately 40 hours.
11.2.40 (Sunday) A fine day to start with. Flt. Lt. Green led a formation of 3 aircraft on a Sector Reconnaissance, but the weather got thick and they were brought down at Kenley by the Controller with a Hurricane. Later they proceeded to Gatwick. Flying became impossible after midday and the night flying programme was cancelled.
12.2.40 (Monday) Weather cold and visibility only moderate. Considerable local flying activity at Croydon and Gatwick. The C.O. and P/O Hill went to Tangmere to collect Blenheim L1236. The night flying programme was abandoned, owing to the probability of snow in the weather report.
13.2.40 (Tuesday) Snow had fallen during the night, but P/O Hill managed to return early from Tangmere. A little local flying was possible at Croydon and Gatwick, but there was a good deal of snow cloud about which prevented night flying.
14.2.40 (Wednesday) Cold and clearer. Local flying and AA exercise carried out. Visibility deteriorated and not much afternoon flying and no night flying was possible.
15.2.40 (Thursday) Cold and 10/10 cloud but 3 aircraft proceeded to Gatwick and two aircraft did AA exercise. A good deal of flying between Gatwick and Croydon and vice versa took place but the weather made night flying impractical.
16.2.40 (Friday) Cold and fairly foggy weather – cloud 10/10 at 2000’ but considerable aerial activity took place during the day and night. Serviceable aircraft which were so plentiful at the beginning of the month are fast becoming a rare luxury. L1361 has a cracked stern frame and there is nothing right with L1236. All pilots at Gatwick have gone solo. Night flying with 3 machines was carried out between 17.30 hours and 22.00 hours in spite of an adverse weather report and gale warning. The last pilot landed ¼ hour before a young blizzard descended on the aerodrome. The total hours flying during the day were 18 hours 15 minutes and during the night 10 hours.
17.2.40 (Saturday) Snow had fallen during the night, but some local flying was possible. No night flying.
18.2.40 (Sunday) Weather only moderate but local flying and sector reconnaissances were carried out. No exercises and no night flying were done.
19.2.40 (Monday) No flying was possible at all, due to foggy conditions following the thaw.
20.2.40 (Tuesday) Low cloud 10/10 and bad visibility. A weather test by the C.O but no further flying advisable. Another weather test by the C.O. at 1630 hours caused him to cancel night flying.
21.2.40 (Wednesday) Weather and visibility still only moderate, but a restricted amount of local flying was possible. The night flying programme was first postponed and finally cancelled. The main Gatwick party returned by road, leaving one aircraft and a small maintenance party.
22.2.40 (Thursday) Weather slightly improved. Sgt Fokes carried out an RDF exercise satisfactorily. General local flying and Flt. Ltd Byrne returned from Gatwick. F/O J. Gillies who had been to us for Blenheim conversion returns to 604 at Northolt after completing his conversion. 145 Squadron have a Blenheim lose one cylinder and all one engine cowling and force land wheels up successfully in a small field to the S.W of Aerodrome. Night flying was carried out in bright moonlight but under somewhat misty conditions till 0400 hours. The R/T course returned from ............(ineligible).
23.2.40 (Friday) Weather rather poor but local flying possible at times. Flt. Lt Green and crew left on Special Mission to St Athan at 1440 and arrived 1545 in spite of low cloud. Sq. Ldr. Bushell and crew left at 1530 and had to put down at Cardiff due to thick weather conditions. No night flying was possible.
24.2.40 (Saturday) A fine clear day. P/O Sont left for Leconfield with Blenheim L1330 which has been awaiting disposal. Considerable flying activity took place all day and a large number of flying hours were recorded on this, the first fine day for weeks. A night flying programme was started at dusk. The weather was clear beneath high cloud, nearly 10/10. At 1900 P/O Whitmarsh who had just completed about 1 hours night dual, took off on his first night solo. For some reason not yet determined, he crashed from a low altitude into houses on the west boundary of the aerodrome. The machine disintegrated, exploded and burst into flames. P/O Whitmarsh was thrown clear and killed instantly. Damage by fire and impact was done to 5 dwelling houses, 3 cars and garages. Two civilians died in hospital a third is seriously injured and 8 more have shock. P/O Whitmarsh was the sole occupant of the aircraft Blenheim L1724. Night flying ceased.
25.2.40 (Sunday) Fine but cloudy. Local flying took place all day and Sgt. McDonald went to Tangmere and back. Night flying was possible only up to 2000 hours when fog came on.
26.2.40 (Monday) Local flying practise took place in warm but not very fine weather.
27.2.40 (Tuesday) Low cloud made much flying impractical. The C.O. weather bound at Catterick. No night flying possible. The inquest on P/O Whitmarch and the two civilians took place.
28.2.40 (Wednesday) Local flying took place. The Court of Enquiry into the accident to Blenheim aircraft L1724 began. The C.O returned from Catterick by train owing to thick weather.
29.2.40 (Thursday) Rough but fine weather and general local flying took place.
CROYDON MARCH 1940
1.3.40 (Friday) A fine day and strong easterly wind. A lot of flying time was put in. A day exercise for AA Cooperation was carried out at Newhaven. No night flying.
2.3.40 (Saturday) A very fine day. As much local and sector flying as was possible with our limited aircraft was carried out. Flt. Lt Green and P/O Bartley completed their special duty by arriving from Catterick.
3.3.40 (Sunday) Very fine day but misty near the ground. Flying was, however, possible and local formation practise etc was carried out. P/O Learmond took a navigator officer back to Carew Cheriton.
4.3.40 (Monday) Very fine and cold wind, but very poor visibility prevented flying before 1100 hours, after which as much flying was done as aircraft permitted. A search light exercise arranged for 2000 hours had to be cancelled, as ground mist came on after sunset.
5.3.40 (Tuesday) Station Parade Practise. Fine cold and clear. As much local flying was carried out as serviceable aircraft permitted. Flt. Lt. Byrne took some pilots to Northolt to examine a Spitfire, as this day our allotment for 21 Spitfires was received. 8 from No. 9 M.V. Cosford and 13 from No.27 M.V Shawbury. The Master a/c was also allotted as this day from Reading.
6.3.40 (Wednesday) Station Parade. Cold N.W. wind fairly fine. P/O Bartley and Flt. Lt. Green went to Reading (Philips and Powis) to fetch newly allotted Master a/c L7534. The C.O took Flt. Lt. Boyd (145) and Sqd. Ldr. Gifford, 3 Squadron to collect Spitfires. Flt.Lt Byrne Collected 3 pilots from Northolt also to collect Spitfires from Cosford. The C.O. returned with two formations of 7 Spitfires, in all, but the eighth Aircraft was not yet serviceable. One of the Spitfires, P9374 delivered today is now flying again. Ed. See: P9347
7.3.40 (Thursday) Very poor visibility and AA exercise had to be cancelled. Very little flying was possible until the evening when the C.O. and Flt. Lt Green took the Master up.
8.3.40 (Friday) Fine, but poor visibility. The Master was flown and a lecture on Spitfire flying given by Flt.Lt Boyd of 145 Squadron. Mr Rose of Vickers Supermarine visited the Squadron and also Flt.Lt Healey from 11 Group. P/O Bryson took P/O Holland to Old Sarum and returned alone. In the afternoon the weather and visibility improved and Flt.Lt Green, P/O Learmond, Sgt Fokes and P/O Blomly went solo on Spitfires.
9.3.40 (Saturday) Very fine and clear. General activity with Spitfires continued. P/O Edwards went solo. Sgt. Eyles went on his nose taxying a Blenheim on a bad patch on the aerodrome. P/O Bartley and P/O Edwards went solo on Spitfires. Flying continued until dusk.
10.3.40 (Sunday) Very fine weather and a lot of Spitfire and Master flying was carried out. Also Spitfire formations.
11.3.40 (Monday) Still fine weather, considerable flying time was put in on spitfires. P/O Bryson took Flt. Sgt. Payne to fetch the 8th Spitfire from Cosford. Orders received from Kenley that no further flying is to be done on Blenheims.
12.3.40 (Tuesday) A fine morning which deteriorated into low cloud and rain from midday and prevented flying after that time.
13.3.40 (Wednesday) Moderately fine and 7/10 cloud. Some formation practise, with and without R/T. P/O Edwards got lost and forced landed at Rochester, but returned later. Low cloud and later rain stopped flying in the afternoon.
14.3.40 (Thursday) Snow and sleet, which continued until mid afternoon. No flying was possible, but a party of pilots spent the afternoon at the Link Trainer.
15.3.40 (Friday) Fine and clear. A lot of aviation including Spitfire formation and Master dual. The C.O took Flt. Lt Actkin to Tangmere in the Master. Fighter attacks were practised in formation with a Blenheim as target.
16.3.40 (Saturday) Thick mist. Link Trainer used in the morning. Weather cleared at midday and flying became possible after lunch, including a formation of 5 Spitfires. Squadron Leader H.A. Purion paid us a visit while collecting a Wellington.
17.3.40 (Sunday) Rain and low cloud. No flying possible. Link Trainer used at Kenley.
18.3.40 (Monday) Rain and low cloud, which cleared about 1100 hours. Formation practise and general flying practise took place, and was continued until dusk. F/O Cazenove reported on posting.
19.3.40 (Tuesday) Wind very strong, broken clouds at 2000’. There was flying until approximately 12 o’clock when an aircraft (P ) which F/Lt Green had landed in formation tipped up on its nose while stationary on the aerodrome. It was then decided that the wind was too gusty so that all flying ceased. Towards midnight there was an air raid “flap” and all the aircraft had to be dispersed on the aerodrome. In the darkness and confusion 2 Spitfires were pushed into each other with resulting damage to both the wing tips.
20.3.40 (Wednesday) Fine with strong S.W. wind. Three Blenheims loaded with pilots left for Shawbury to collect Spitfires. In all nine were collected. Before their return orders came from H.Q.F.C. for the 92 Squadron to disperse all available aircraft to Gatwick and disperse them there. Order received at 1700 hours before Spitfires had returned but by 1915 hours 14 Spitfires, 2 Blenheims and one Magister were dispersed at Gatwick. About 50 airmen were transported by road. The Adjutant and two officers were left at Croydon.
Croydon & Gatwick
21.3.40 (Thursday) Weather report uncertain and cloud 10/10 at 1000’. In the afternoon Flt Lt Green brought Sgt. Klipsch and a Blenheim and later the C.O. P/O Edwards and P/O Williams arrived in Spitfires and returned to Gatwick after the guns pm two aircraft had been changed. P/O Blomeley left 92 Squadron on posting to 25 Squadron.
22.3.40 (Friday) Five Spitfires and one Blenheim came up from Gatwick first thing in the morning. The C.O. gave dual in the Master to P/O Hargreaves. F/O Cazenove flew the Magister to Gatwick. P/O Hill, who has been ill with pleurisy for two weeks developed pneumonia and was taken to hospital. P/O Edwards brought a Spitfire from Gatwick to have the guns aligned. The C.O. gave dual in the Master to Sgt. Klipsch. At 1900 hours all Spitfires returned to Gatwick.
23.3.40 (Saturday) Low cloud at first. The C.O. arrived at Croydon in a Spitfire and gave dual in the Master to F/O Cazenove. The C.O. took the Master to Gatwick. F/O Cazenove went solo on spitfires. At Gatwick general flying was arrived out from 1100 hours to 1600 hours, including formation and practise attacks on a Blenheim target. P/O Bryson visited the Squadron in a 604 Squadron Blenheim.
24.3.40 (Sunday) Early morning visit, clearing later, but leaving much low cloud until late in the afternoon. Flying continued from 11.30 hours until 1915 hours. Formation flying and practise attacks on a Blenheim being the main exercises carried out. The C.O. returned from Philips and Powis, Reading in the Master.
25.3.40 (Monday) A good deal of flying today until 1800 hours when rain stopped flying. Formation flying quick take offs and practise interceptions of the Blenheim were carried out. During an interception exercise Flt.Lt. V. Byrne’s engine was observed to be pouring out black smoke and oil, and he prepared to forced land on a race course near Edenbridge, Kent. Unfortunately, at the last minute the unexpected appearance of horses and riders in the field he had selected, caused him to make a quick 90 degrees turn into a small field alongside, the result being that the Spitfire was written off. Flt.Lt Byrne escaped with a bruised head and a little concussion. A leaking oil pipe is suspected, or the absence of the requisite amount of engine. Several pilots went to Biggin Hill after their guns had been aligned.
26.3.40 (Tuesday) Pouring rain continued all day. Gatwick Aerodrome became very waterlogged.
27.3.40 (Wednesday) A little flying was possible during the morning. It was decided not to fly during the afternoon owing to the proximity of Gatwick Race meeting, which was in progress. During the afternoon P/O Wright and F/O Gillies delivered two Blenheims, one to Tern hill and one to Aston Down. F/O Gillies returning by train. In the evening the Squadron returned from Gatwick to Croydon in a formation of 11 Spitfires. The main party returned by road.
28.3.40 (Thursday) Fine but a strong N.W wind. Flying was possible only with great care taxying. Interception exercise carried out morning and afternoon. Attempt to fetch 4 remaining Spitfires frustrated by only remaining serviceable Blenheim going U/S.
29.3.40 (Friday) A fine day, a fair amount of flying was done. One interception exercise was carried out.
30.3.40 (Saturday) Interception exercise carried out. Two battle climbs to 27000’. Four more Spitfires were collected from Shawbury.
31.3.40 (Sunday) A new flying programme was started. Pilots divided into five sections. One section at readiness, three available and one released. Interception exercises carried out, and attacks on target aircraft. An AA Co-op exercise was also done. Sgt. Havercroft taxied Spitfire with airman on tail behind two Spitfires running petrol out, airman jumped off tail and went to wing tip. Owing to slipstream of two Spitfires, Sgt. Havercroft’s machine tipped up on nose, badly damaged airscrew.
CROYDON APRIL 1940
1.4.30 (Monday) A fine day, very strong S.W wind, but a great deal of flying was done. P/O Hargreaves took Blenheim L6126 to Aston Down on allotment and returned by train.
2.4.40 (Tuesday) Fairly strong S.W. wind with occasional showers but a good deal of flying time was put in, and some more aircraft guns were fired on the Butts at Biggin Hill.
3.4.40 (Wednesday) Group Captain Moore’s parade. Low cloud and rain caused an interception practise to be abandoned. The weather improved later in the day, and flying continued until dusk. Concluding with 3 flights going up to recognise 6 types of friendly bomber in the Biggin Hill area.
4.4.40 (Thursday) Strong westerly wind and rather low cloud, but plenty of flying practise took place, including practise dives on a target on the aerodrome, pilots being instructed to pull out well above 500’. In the evening 3 flights of Spitfires went again to inspect the 6 types of friendly bomber, which exercise was successfully carried out.
5.4.40 (Friday) Strong northerly wind, but flying practise carried out throughout the day.
6.4.40 (Saturday) Air to ground firing at Dengie Flat range. The first detail left Croydon at 0630 and 14 pilots had three runs each, in spite of bad visibility on most of the flight there and back. The exercise was carried out successfully and only 3 gun stoppages occurred. The Squadron was given the greater part of the afternoon free.
7.4.40 (Sunday) Squadron Church parade. Weather very fine and clear, but clouded up after midday. The usual interception practises, formation, and battle climbs took place.
8.4.40 (Monday) Air to ground firing at Dengie Flat range started at 0700, but had to be abandoned owing to bad visibility and rain at 0900 hours. The C.O. was obliged to land off North Weald. The weather deteriorated further during the day and all flying had to be stopped during the afternoon.
9.4.40 (Tuesday) A Station Parade was held at 1015 hours to enable the A.O.C. who arrived by air to address 145 Squadron and congratulate A.C. Hayes on the subject of his gallantry on the occasion of two Blenheims being in collision in midair on February 10. After this flying practise took place in moderate weather. Wing Commander Broadhurst visited the Squadron.
10.4.40 (Wednesday) Very strong northerly wind, but usual flying practise carried on.
11.4.40 (Thursday) Fine and clear. Practise interceptions, fighter command attacks etc carried out.
12.4.40 (Friday) Low cloud and some rain made flying impossible before noon. After that the usual flying training practises were carried out.
13.4.40 (Saturday) Fine weather, permitting intensified flying training programme.
14.4.40 (Sunday) Fine, with fresh N.W. wind. Normal flying training proceeded all day. The C.O. left for Manston in the Magister at 1800 hours. P/O Bryson went on his nose in a Spitfire, probably due to too slow a landing speed and over application of the brakes. The resultant damage was one airscrew tip and a cracked stem frame.
15.4.40 (Monday) Fine, but windy, from W, with increasing force, until at 1500 hours rain squalls and high wind stopped flying until 1730 hours.
16.4.40 (Tuesday) Very fine and clear, with fresh westerly breeze, but weather deteriorated during the day and somewhat reduced flying practise.
17.4.40 (Wednesday) Very fine and less wind. Normal flying training carried out in the morning. From 1230 hours Air to ground firing at Dengie Flats took place, under good conditions. 64 Squadron collected one Spitfire of 92 Squadron’s allotted to them. The C.O. fetched a new tail wheel tube from Philips and Powis Reading.
18.4.40 (Thursday) Overcast, but fairly clear. A visit paid to the Squadron by the Group Captain, who watched flying for a time and inspected the Squadron hangars etc. Flying practise proceeded normally.
19.4.40 (Friday) Fine, but a strong N.W. wind. Interceptions, little climbs, fighter attacks were carried out. Sqd. Ldr Bultain from Fighter Command paid a visit to the Squadron. W/C Broadhurst and W.C Atcherley also came to see us and G/C Moore said goodbye before leaving Kenley and the Group.
20.4.40 (Saturday) Weather cloudy but fine. General flying took place, interceptions, battle climbs etc. “Blinkers” were fitted to some aircraft in preparation for night flying which took place from 2045 hours to 0330 hours. There was a bright moon, the C.O’s and Blue Section carried out landings and sector reconnaissances successfully. Total night flying hours 12.45.
21.4.40 (Sunday) Fine weather and the usual flying practise was carried out. At night, which was clear, night flying took place, including a formation battle climb.
22.4.40 (Monday) Fine weather and normal flying training practise took place. Some dusk landings were done but a lot of cloud, and obscured moon made night flying for Spitfires unadvisable and later on the presence of E/A on the Kenley operations board kept our aircraft grounded. However the C.O did a complete sector reconnaissance at 2145 hours, with Sqd.Ldr Norman and Flt. Lt Wallace, to observe lighting conditions in the sector.
23.4.40 (Tuesday) Fine but overcast. Normal flying routine proceeded. Two new pilots, P/O R. Mottram and P/O C.H. Saunders who had reported from Kinloss F. .S on20/4/40 were given dual in the Master by Sgt Fokes and the C.O. and later went off successfully in Spitfires. No night flying was attempted.
24.4.40 (Wednesday) Low cloud and rain, which persisted all day and prevented any flying by day or night.
25.4.40 (Thursday) Fine all day and the usual amount of flying training practises took place. Most officers of the Squadron attended a cocktail party at Kenley, which was a great success.
26.4.40 (Friday) Normal flying took place till midday, but in anticipation of a night flying programme flying stopped after midday. However, the weather deteriorated and dusk landings were cancelled. It was hoped that at 0200 hours the rising moon would enable flying to start, but 10/10 cloud made it impossible, although pilots passed the night in the crew room. During the day P/O Bartley took Mr Geke, civilian Croydon engineer, on a tour of camouflage inspection in a Blenheim, including Gatwick and Lympne.
27.4.40 (Saturday) Fairly fine weather but bad visibility at first. Later general flying practise was possible. P/O Mottram, who had taken off at 1430 in a Spitfire noticed that his starboard wheel would not come up, nor would his port wheel go down. After getting into R/T touch with Runick, and through them with the C.O. who made various suggestions to P/O Mottram and after considerable time had elapsed, it was found possible to retract the starboard wheel and hold it up by constant pumping. At 1700 hours with the starboard wheel down about 45 degrees, P/O Mottram made a perfect “ventre-a-terre” landing before a large and enthusiastic audience, doing the minimum amount of damage under the circumstances and with only 10 gallons of petrol left.
28.4.40 (Sunday) Rain and 10/10 cloud, the latter persisting all day and making flying impossible.
29.4.40 (Monday) Still thick low cloud, which lifted about 1500 hours and enabled flying to proceed. At 1800 hours a Squadron formation of 12 a/c did 1¼ hours flying, including flying of Tangmere, Biggin Hill and Kenley. In the evening Wing Commander Price complimented the Squadron by telephone on the quality of their formation.
30.4.40 (Tuesday) Low cloud and mist, which persisted all day and made flying impossible. The time was well spent in maintenance work, writing up log books and tidying up generally.
CROYDON AND NORTHOLT MAY 1940
1.5.40 (Wednesday) F/O McGowan and F/O Tuck posted to 92 Squadron today. Poor visibility persisted all day, preventing flying until about 1600 hours, when 3 a/c practised formation. The expected visit of the A.O.C. did not materialise.
2.5.40 (Thursday) Thick weather, making flying impracticable until evening, when some dual was given in the Master to pilots of another Squadron.
3.5.40 (Friday) Fine, but poor visibility. Normal flying practise took place. W.C Hatcher visited the Squadron and flew a Spitfire for a R/T test. The C.O and P/O Bartley took the Blenheim to East Leigh to collect the Spitfire from there, and Spitfires from this Squadron did camera gun practise on the Blenheim on the outward and return journey and another sector did an interception on the Blenheims return journey.
4.5.40 (Saturday) Fine, but bad visibility which improved later in the afternoon, when formation practise took place and dual was given in the Master to pilots of 145 Squadron. The signal was this day received that 92 Squadron will move to Northolt on 9.5.40. Flt.Lt V. Byrne posted to 74 Squadron. His flight is taken by F/O Tuck who reported from 65 Squadron on 1.5.40.
5.5.40 (Sunday) Squadron Church Parade. Very fine weather and flying practise started immediately after Church Parade and continued all day. F/O McGowan reported for Adjutant duties as F/O Brinton is going back to civil life.
6.5.40 Wet and foggy all day. No flying
7.5.40 Weather improved. Slight mist in the morning. Flying most of the day. The C/O went to Lyme to carry out gunnery practise with spitfires in the afternoon.
8.5.40 (Wednesday) Advance party left for Northolt in the morning. F/O Brinton and P/O McGowan reported to Northolt and took over Squadron offices etc. F/O Brinton returned to Croydon in the evening. P/O McGowan has now taken over the duties of Squadron Adjutant.
NORTHOLT
9.5.40 (Thursday) Very fine weather all day. First seven Spitfires arrived about noon. F/O Tuck in command from Croydon. Station C/O on tarmac to receive them. On their arrival they at once commenced operational duties, one section at readiness – one available. The pilots then took their machines to the dispersal stations. The remainder of the Squadron, nine Spitfires arrived with the C.O at about 1500 hours. H.Q. 11 Group notified that move was completed at 1700 hours.
10.5.40 (Friday) Another very fine day. As the Squadron is now operational, six Spitfires are kept a the dispersal points on readiness. At about 1500 hours a practise operational movement was made and after the firing of a white rocket, three of the readiness sectors went up. Owing to the progress of the War today, everyone was recalled from leave and all leave has been stopped.
11.5.40 (Saturday) Weather again very good. Usual operational duties carried out at the dispersal points. F/O Gillies returned from leave.
12.5.40 (Sunday) Slightly colder but the weather remains very fine. P/O Hill who returned from sick leave recently, did his first Spitfire solo today. At about noon today a warning came through and nine Spitfires were put at readiness till all clear was given.
13.5.40 The weather remains very good. Usual operational duties were carried out today. This afternoon a practice was carried out with 604 and proved very satisfactory. Night flying will take place at dusk tonight.
14.5.40 During the day the usual operational duties were carried out, both “A” and “B” Flights now being available and at readiness from 0830 till 1700. P/O Lindsay report for training from Tangmere. Sgt. Pilot Ramsay reported for duty having been posted to 92 Squadron. The weather remains bright and clear. Night flying took place at dusk. With much regret we said goodbye to F/O Brinton, the late Adjutant, who is returning to civil life.
15.5.40 (Wednesday) The weather is still very good. A slight thunder storm with rain occurred during the night. Wing Commander Hamilton arrived to inspect the Master this morning and then took off for Prestwick with Sgt. Pilot Ramsey, who returns to 92 Squadron tomorrow. F/O Tuck and P/O Wright are detailed to escort an Ensign to France this afternoon in Spitfires. Night flying had been arranged for tonight but it had to be cancelled owing to rain which commenced at dusk. The escort flight to France was also cancelled this afternoon. P/O Lindsay who reported for training yesterday returned to Tangmere today as the Maser is at present unserviceable.
16.5.40 (Thursday) Much rain fell in the night and this morning is dull. No flying is taking place owing to bad visibility. Flying commenced about noon. At 1400 hours three Spitfires did firing practice with a Blenheim flown by F/O Barry Smith who is attached to Station temporarily with a Beaufort Bomber. Three Spitfires left for France this afternoon to escort a Flamingo under the command of F/O Tuck. Night flying took place. The night was clear with a three quarter moon.
17.5.40 (Friday) A very good day again for flying. The section under F/O Tuck which went as escort to Paris yesterday returned to Northolt at 10 am after having landed at Hendon. They had a very uneventful trip and had stayed at the Air Port Hotel at Le Bourget. Another practice flight was made in the afternoon with Beaufort using cameras. Much valuable information has been obtained as regards the arming of the Beaufort against hostile fighters. The night was clear with a bright moon and night flying was in operation as usual. A slight ground mist made ground visibility bad. Air Commodore Probyn arrived in the evening and did some night flying in a Spitfire.
18.5.40 (Saturday) The weather remains perfect again today. A to G firing practise took place at Dengie Flats this morning. A warning was given out about 10.30 and all machines were called in. Two sections remained at readiness all night and night flying which was in operation was stopped at about 2300 hours. The night was clear with almost a full moon.
19.5.40 (Sunday) Beautiful summer weather continues again today. An escort of three Spitfires left for Paris at about 0800 hours this morning under the command of Flt.Lt Green; the other two pilots were P/O Bartley and Sgt. Fokes. They returned about noon without having had anything out of the usual happen. The C/O with three Spitfires took off in the afternoon for another escort flight to Paris. They landed at Hendon but were not required for the escort, they stayed the night at Hendon. Night flying took place in the clear moon light night.
20.5.40 (Monday) Squadron Leader Bushell and the three Spitfires arrived back from Hendon this morning. The weather is again clear and bright. The C/O went to Farnborough in a Spitfire before lunch. Two new officers were posted to 92 Squadron as from the 18th. P/O N.E. Martineau and P/O T.S. Wade. Operational flying practises were carried out during the day. Owing to bad visibility night flying was cancelled. Alarm attack test was made by Station.
21.5.40 (Tuesday) Weather is still very good. P/O Wade and P/O Wellum reported for flying duties with 92 Squadron today. A signal was received cancelling posting of P/O Martineau to this Squadron. Flying practise was carried out as usual during the day but night flying was cancelled owing to a change in the weather. An escort flight was made to France this morning by three Spitfires.
22.5.40 (Wednesday) Heavy rain is falling this morning with bad visibility. An escort of three Spitfires left at 1000 hours for France with a Flamingo. Flt. Ltd Green who was in command had a forced landing at Kempton Park Race course. Later in the day he returned and the machine was flown back unharmed. P/O Wade and P/O Wellum went over to Uxbridge after lunch to commence a course on R/T procedure. The Squadron returned to Northolt about 9pm from Hornchurch.
23.5.40 (Thursday) The whole Squadron left at dawn for Hornchurch where they commenced patrol flying over the French coast. At about 0830 hours they ran into six Messerschmitts 109s, a dog fight ensured. The result was a great victory for 92 Squadron and all six German machines 109s were brought down with only one loss to us. It is with the greatest regret that we lost P/O P/ Learmond in this fight. He was seen to come down in flames over Dunkirque.
In the afternoon 92 went out again on patrol and this time they encountered at least forty Messerscmitts 110s flying in close formation. The result of this fight was another seventeen German machines 110’s were brought down and 92 Squadron lost Squadron Leader Bushell, F/O J. Gillies and Sgt. Klipsch. Flt. Lt Green was wounded in the leg and is now in hospital in Shorncliffe. The remainder of the Squadron returned to Hornchurch badly shot up with seven Spitfires U/S It has been a glorious day for 92 Squadron with 23 German machines brought down but the loss of the C/O and three others has been a very severe blow to us all and to the Squadron which was created and trained last October by our late Squadron Leader.
24.5.40 (Friday) Another patrol was made this morning by 92 and another seven German (DO 17s) machines were brought down. This time we had only two losses, Flt. Lt Tuck was slight wounded in the leg but is able to continue the good work. F/O Cazenove had a forced landing on the land at Calais and it is supposed that he now in enemy hands. Showers of rain during the day.
25.5.40 (Saturday) Another patrol was carried out at 0830 hours form Hornchurch and a German D.O was attacked and brought down. In the afternoon 92 Squadron moved to Duxford to rest and reequip. Squadron Leader Saunders is now posted to 92 as the new C/O. P/O Stewart joined 92 at Northolt from France yesterday. He is suffering from his experiences and is being treated by the Station M.O. The pilots are now at Duxford to rest and reequip. The maintenance flight and orderly room staff will remain at Northolt.
26.5.40 (Sunday) As the Squadron is now resting at Duxford there is nothing to report. The weather continues fair with occasional heavy showers. P/O Wade and Wellum went off on their first Spitfire solos.
27.5.40 Rain occasionally during the day. Squadron Leader Saunders reported to Northolt today and inspected what remains of 92 Squadron here. Two pilots came over to take the two now serviceable Spitfires to Hornchurch this afternoon. P/O Wade and P/O Wellum have now flow Spitfires and are in training at Duxford. Sgt Ramsey did his first Spitfire solo today.
28.5.40 The weather is very good at present. As the C.O and the Pilots are at present resting and reequipping at Duxford there is little to report as to actual flying operations.
29.5.40 (Wednesday) Bright and clear weather. A signal from H.Q.F.C. was received stating that 92 Squadron would remain at Northolt but that the operations would be carried out form Hornchurch. At present there are thirty N.C.O’s and men at Northolt consisting of the administrative staff and some A.C.H’s. Forty-eight hours leave was granted to the whole of 92 Squadron by 11 Group H.Q in account of the splendid work done by all during the last six months. 25 per cent of the Squadron commenced this leave as from today.
30.5.40 (Thursday) The weather continues good. It is understood that a patrol of 92 Squadron operated over the French coast on the 28th. No losses were sustained by us.
31.5.40 (Friday) P/O Stewart who was granted leave to go to the Air Ministry returned and has gone to report for flying duties with the Squadron at Duxford. The weather is very good again today.
DUXFORD Extra information supplied by P/O Alan Wright at Duxford
28.5.40 Considerable cloud in layers and some rain. The available Flight was sent off at dawn to Martlesham Heath. From there a three Squadron patrol was carried out at once over Ostend and Dunkirk. No enemy aircraft were sighted. Nine aircraft are now serviceable and a flying programme was carried out consisting mainly of practise ‘Dog Fights’ for the new Pilots.
29.5.40 Large amounts of cloud, but flying went on as usual. Most of the Pilots kept their hand in with some practise ‘Dog Fights’. The best means of evasion and attack are being worked out. In the evening the following message was received. “HIS MAJESTY THE KING on the recommendation of the AIR OFFICER COMMANDING IN CHIEF FIGHTER COMMAND has been graciously pleased to make the following award. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to ACTING FLIGHT LIEUTENANT R.R.S. TUCK No. 92 SQUADRON. The AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 11 GROUP desires his heartiest congratulations conveyed to the above named personnel”.
30.5.40 Little cloudy and slight haze. The new Pilots continued their training and a little other flying was carried out. At dusk the Squadron was ordered to disperse to a nearby field. Safe landings were made, and the Crews and Pilots slept the night in a nearby hayloft.
31.5.40 Soon after dawn the Squadron moved back to Duxford. Hot and sultry. Little flying was carried out because of unserviceability of aircraft. In the afternoon “A” Flight left for Coltishall to guard the Sector.
NORTHOLT
1.6.40 (Saturday) The weather continues warm and clear. P/O Weise the Squadron I.O has now joined the Squadron. He took over all maps and I.O books from the Adjutant. “A” Flight at Coltishall was sent up on a false raid today.
2.6.40 (Sunday) Again, the weather is very good. 92 Squadron again covered itself in glory over the French coast. It shot down fourteen enemy bombers and four fighters without any loss to the Squadron. It was a grand show. The Squadron has now over fifty enemy machines to its credit.
At dusk the Squadron flew over to Martlesham Heath so that an offensive patrol of four Squadrons will be able to take-off tomorrow before dawn.
3.6.40 (Monday) The latter part of last night was very misty and only Blue Section took off for the patrol at 03.40 hours. These were almost at once recalled and despite the low lying fog they all managed to land safely. The Squadron later on in the day returned to Duxford. The weather remains perfect.
4.6.40 (Tuesday) Low unbroken cloud. The patrol was cancelled and the whole Squadron flew to Northholt. The rest of the Squadron arrived at Northolt later in the day with the exception of W.O. Mooring and 20 men of the Maintenance Flight. The Squadron has to remain here until further notice. As the weather was misty and visibility bad, several machines had to land at other aerodromes till the mist cleared. P/O Wade crashed the Master at Hemel Hempstead owing to bad visibility and lack of good airmanship. The Master was badly damaged but P/O Wade and his passenger Sgt. Pilot Ramsay were unhurt. The Squadron came to readiness at 1000 hours.
5.6.40 (Wednesday) Beautiful summer weather with great heat during the day. The Squadron has now settled down and is doing the usual available and readiness duties with the other Squadron at the Station.
6.6.40 (Thursday) Another beautiful day. There is nothing to report as regards the Squadron as they continue with the usual station duties.
7.6.40 (Friday) Good weather continues. Mr Mooring and his men arrived tonight at Northolt after some difficulty in getting away from Hornchurch. Practice flying in the afternoon.
8.6.40 (Saturday) Very hot again today. Instructions were received at noon today from H.Q. 11 Group that 92 Squadron had to move to Hornchurch forthwith. Group Captain Vincent very kindly arranged a delay in the move till tomorrow morning. The rest of the day was occupied in packing and getting ready to move. A small advance party under W/O Bennett left for Hornchurch this evening. Much regret is felt by all 92 Squadron on leaving Northolt where we have received the greatest kindness from everyone in the station.
HORNCHURCH JUNE 1940
9.6.40 (Sunday) 1700 hours. 92 Squadron is now stationed at Hornchurch and is sharing a hangar and offices with the H.Q. staff of 74 Squadron. The move from Northolt was carried out without a hitch and apart from Captain Burton and five Airmen the whole Squadron was settled down into their new quarters by midday today. The machines came over during the morning. The weather was very close and hot till about 1600 hours when a thunder storm broke and heavy rain fell.
10.6.40 (Monday) Operational flying and duties were commenced and the Squadron was available most of the day. There are two other Spitfire Squadrons stationed here at present. Nos 54, 65 and the H.Q of 74. In the evening a signal was received posting two non operational pilots to 610 Squadron at Gravesend. P/O Steward and Sgt. Ramsey were instructed to report in the morning.
11.6.40 (Tuesday) The weather remains good with ground mist in the morning. The Squadron remains at readiness and available most of the day and the pilots spend all their time at the dispersal points. There is nothing to report as everything appears to be quiet as regards Spitfire Squadrons at present.
12.6.40 (Wednesday) Another beautiful day. Practice flying was carried out during the day in perfect weather conditions. The Squadron has now settled down to its new station and the pilots are sharing readiness and available duties with the other Squadrons.
13.6.40 (Thursday) The weather today is dull and misty. At 1300 hours the Squadron is released for twenty-four hours. 50% of the Pilots may leave the station but are subject to instant recall. The weather improved during the morning and it became bright and hot for the rest of the day.
14.6.40 (Friday) The Squadron became available again at 1300 hours. It is a beautiful day again with good flying conditions. Squadron Leader Saunders is attending a conference at Northolt this afternoon. At pay parade a warning was read to all ranks by the Adjutant, in the absence of the C.O regarding the imparting of information to civilians by airmen and soldiers on and off Duty.
15.6.40 (Saturday) The weather remains fine and warm. There is nothing to report as the Squadron is standing by on the usual operational duties.
16.6.40 (Sunday) Another beautiful day. The Squadron is settling down to its new station but there is no activity and not much flying. A patrol took place over France this evening. The C.O leading with three other machines, they were away for about two hours and the only one hit was Flt. Llt. Tuck’s machine which had a wing tip damaged with AA fire. The returned with much information regarding French aerodromes now in enemy hands.
17.6.40 (Monday) A very fine day again. Usual duties were carried out today and the Pilots did some flying in the afternoon.
18.6.40 (Tuesday) Very warm and fine again. The Squadron was ordered to move to Pembrey in South Wales on very short notice. This movement was carried out without any hitch and most of the Squadron were at Pembrey by the evening.
PEMBREY JUNE 1940
19.6.40 (Wednesday) Pembrey is to be a new Fighter Station and at present everything is in rather a mess as regards dispersal points etc. There is no operations as yet and no station intelligence. As raids have commenced now in England the Pilots are at readiness most of the time. The weather remains very good.
20.6.40 (Thursday) The Squadron has now settled down to its new quarters and is gradually getting used to the new aerodrome. P/O Wellum ran into a starter while taxiing a Spitfire today and caused the propeller to become U.S. No other damage was caused to the machine. Some flying was done during the day. The weather remains perfect.
21.6.40 (Friday) There is nothing to report today. The weather remains very good.
22.6.40 (Saturday) Another good day. Usual duties carried out by 92.
23.6.40 (Sunday) Dull with some rain in the morning. This station is still without an operations room but other conditions for operational flying are improving. The R.T is now fairly satisfactory. The weather cleared up in the afternoon.
24.6.40 (Monday) Good weather again today. Usual duties and some flying continued during the day. A yellow warning was given during the night and the station turned out. The defence scheme does not seem to be very good but now the 92 Squadron has settled in and is getting to know the station, an improvement will soon be made.
25.6.40 (Tuesday) Another beautiful day. The new Station Commander arrived, W/C Hutchinson, and S/L Budd, the new operations Officer. 92 is now sending Spitfires to Hornchurch to have the new D.H air screw fitted. F/Lt Kingcome was the first to go yesterday to have this done. It is to take about a day and a half to complete. Sgt. Oakley with some men are at Hornchurch to do this work. Flt Llt Tuck is going to Hornchurch tomorrow to receive his D.F.C from H.M. the King. The congratulations and best wish of the whole Squadron go with him.
26.6.40 (Wednesday) Slight mist with some rain in the morning. P/O Wright and P/O Williams had a forced landing near St Athans today and damaged the left wing of the Magister. Practice flying was carried out with a Hampton today over the aerodrome.
27.6.40 (Thursday) Good weather continues. Usual operational duties being carried out without anything unusual happening. The D.H props are gradually being fitted to our Spitfires at Hornchurch; so far we have three fitted with these props.
28.6.40 (Friday) The morning was cloudy with rain but later in the day the sun came out and the rest of the day was clear. Some practice flying was carried out. Nothing to report apart from an occasional yellow warning at night.
29.6.40 (Saturday) Heavy rain till noon today. Three of our Spitfires went off about 1000 hours as a report came in that enemy A/C were over Cardiff. After a patrol they returned without seeing anything. An alarm was sounded in the Station and defence posts were manned for half an hour.
30.6.40 (Sunday) A beautiful day again. Usual operational flying carried out during the day. Bryson went to Hornchurch to get constant speed airscrew.
PEMBREY JULY 1940
1.7.40 (Monday) Another good day. One section was sent off at 1000 hrs on a report of enemy A/C over Cardiff. They returned without making any contact with enemy patrol. In the evening another section went to Hullavington for night patrol but did not report anything. A red warning was sounded in the station at midnight. P/O Bartley left for Hornchurch to get C.S. Airscrew.
2.7.40 (Tuesday) Bright sun and clear sky today. Apart from one or two patrols over the coast there is nothing to report.
3.7.40 (Wednesday) Good weather continues today after a night of heavy rain. The usual section from Hullavington returned this morning without having had any activity during the night.
4.7.40 (Thursday) Good weather all day. Yellow section consisting of P/O Edwards, Saunders and Sgt Folkes shot down a n He111 in the afternoon near Weston. P/O Edwards and Sgt Folkes landed beside the German crashed machine and took the Pilot, who was wounded in the foot, prisoner. The other three of the German crew were killed in the crash. P/O Saunders fired at another He111 which is believed to have crashed into the sea. P/O Bartley was sent up after an enemy raider at 2300 hours but failed to make contact. P/O Bryson returned from Hornchurch and Hamble after having beat up a Dutch camp on the 30th May on his way to Hornchurch. He was placed under open arrest pending an inquiry.
5.7.40 (Friday) Red section returned from Hullavington. P/O Edwards returned from Filton with souvenirs captured from the He111. Red section chased a He111 down the coast in the afternoon. On the way back P/O Bartleys engine failed after a slow roll and he had to land in a bog. There is some doubt whether it will be possible to save the Spitfire as it is sinking in the mud.
6.7.40 (Saturday) Weather still very good. Occasional alarms and yellow warnings took place during the day when a section was sent up without encountering enemy A/C.
7.7.40 Rain and cloud, not much flying during the day.
8.7.40 (Monday) Several sections went off during the morning and Blue section shot down a D.O.17 over Bristol. Section led by Fl.Lt Tuck with P/O Holland and Sgt. Havercroft.
9.7.40 (Tuesday) There is nothing to report today, the weather remains fair and warm.
10.7.40 (Wednesday) Good weather continues. The Squadron has discontinued to send a section to Hullavington at night. An Air Raid took place at noon today and a powder factory near the aerodrome. Three bombs were dropped killing 12 and injuring about 14. Our Squadron went up but did not contact enemy A/C.
11.7.40 (Thursday) Heavy cloud, with rain in the evening. A gale warning was issued. Not much flying took place.
12.7.40 (Friday) Very wet day with high wind. No flying till the late afternoon low clouds. Red warning at midnight for half an hour.
13.7.40 (Saturday)Beautiful day again. Red warning at 10.00 hrs. No enemy a/c seen. Usual patrols were made by the Squadron in the morning and evening.
14.7.40 Beautiful weather continues. The usual patrols were carried out today but no enemy a/c were seen. Night flying was carried out in bright moonlight and clear sky.
15.7.40 (Monday) Another fine day. P/O Watling reported for duty with 92 Squadron this morning. The usual patrols were carried out but nothing was reported by the Pilots. Night flying took place. The general defence situation of this station is improving and A.A. guns and searchlights are now in the vicinity. Fl Lt Tuck forced landed near Plymouth.
16.7.40 (Tuesday) Rain and low clouds. F/O Paterson has been posted to 92 and P/O Watling has gone on a course at O.T.U. Aston Down. Usual patrols took place.
17.7.40 (Wednesday) The weather continues unsettled with low clouds and occasional sun. Two warnings came through and P/O Saunders contacted a JU88 over Bristol. It got away after P/O Saunders had used up all his ammunition and had received several bullet holes in his wings.
18.7.40 (Thursday) High wind and showers during the day. P/O Bryson went before the A.O.C. in connection with his low flying at the Dutch Camp. He received a reprimand.
19.7.40 (Friday) A very wet and stormy day. Two warnings were given and the usual patrols were carried out. Two Red warnings were sounded during the night.
20.7.40 (Saturday) Stormy weather with high wind and showers. One or two alarms were received but the patrols did not encounter any enemy A/C all day. The weather cleared in the evening but there was a very high wind. A red warning came through during the night.
21.7.40 Still a high wind but the sun is shining again. A few small clouds but other the sky is clear. The usual patrols were carried out, nothing further to report.
22.7.40 (Monday) Beautiful day. The C.O. returned this afternoon. Sgt Folkes crashed a Spitfire last night by overshooting the flare path on landing. The usual patrols took place and night flying commenced at dusk. Several alarms caused sections to go up during the night but no enemy A/C were encountered.
23.7.40 (Tuesday) Good weather, usual patrols. Night flying.
24.7.40 (Wednesday) Dull and cloudy. A section led by Fl/Lt Kingcome with P/O Bryson and F/O Paterson encountered a JU88 this morning about 7.30 over Porthcawl. They gave chase and brought it down at Ilfracombe on the Devon coast. One German baled out at 20 yards and was killed, the remainder of the crew got three out of the burning machine but our pilots were unable to know if they were injured or not. Later it was ascertained that one of the crew had been injured but that the other two were uninjured.
25.7.40 (Thursday) Cloudy again today. The usual patrols were carried out during the morning.
26.7.40 (Friday) The weather remains good with no cloud. Sgt. Barraclough crashed last night when landing owing to a burst tyre which appears to have burst when he took off. He was unhurt but the A/C was badly damaged. Several patrols were sent off without contacting enemy A/C. The usual night flying was carried out and a red warning was sounded about 12.30.
27.7.40 (Saturday)Clear day all day. Patrols went up. Nothing to report. Air Raid took place at 23.30 and bombs were dropped close to the station at Kidwelly brick works. Three of our machines went up and owing to the failure of RT on P/O Wade’s machine he got lost and after several hours in the air was forced to bale out over Exeter. He got down safely but the machine was a write off.
28.7.40 (Sunday) Clear day. Usual patrols carried out. Night flying.
29.7.40 (Monday) Weather clear and dry. Nothing to report from patrols. A red warning at night no contact with enemy A/C and no bombs dropped.
30.7.40 (Tuesday) Good weather with cloud in the morning. Quiet day with no calls on the readiness sections.
31.7.40 (Wednesday) Another quiet day. Several patrols were made. Nothing was reported. A beautiful clear day. A red warning was sounded during last night.
PEMBREY AUGUST 1940
1.8.40 (Thursday) Bright clear weather continues. One or two patrols were made without any enemy A/C being seen by our pilots. The nightly air raid warning was sounded at 23.20 hrs.
2.8.40 (Friday) Good weather with some heat today. A new Spitfire was delivered today from Turnhill. Usual patrols over the coast during the day. Night flying.
3.8.40 (Saturday) More heat with clear sky. P/O Watling returned from O.T.U. Aston Down. He has now done 20 hours on spitfires and is operational days. Another Air Raid last night.
4.8.40 (Sunday) Beautiful day. Bombs were dropped each side of the Station last night. Some at Kidwelly and others close to the powder factory. Patrols took place along the coast during the day. No E/A/C were encountered. Night flying as usual.
5.8.40 (Monday) Change in the weather today. Low clouds. Very little activity today. Cooler towards the evening with slight rain. Raid at 2.30. No bombs were dropped.
6.8.40 Clear sky and settled conditions again today. The usual patrols were out but there was nothing to report. No warning was given during the night.
7.8.40 The good weather continues. A few patrols were ordered out during the day but nothing was seen. Night flying as usual.
8.8.40 (Thursday) Nothing to report today. The weather was dull with cloud. An Air Raid warning was sounded at 23.30. A Section was sent up above the clouds.
9.8.40 (Friday) Dull with high wind. Some patrols were made during the day. Low clouds and some rain the evening and more rain during the night.
10.8.40 (Saturday) high wind and clouds. Nothing to report today as no patrols were called for. Bright moonlight night warning at 2300 hrs.
11.8.40 (Sunday) Beautiful day with bright sun. Nine Spitfires took off during the morning but returned without contacting enemy A/C. Night flying in moonlight. Rain warning sounded as usual at 2300 hrs.
12.8.40 (Monday) Bright and clear today. No activity in the air today. A few sections took off in the morning without any result. Clear night. Usual warning about midnight.
13.8.40 Dull with clouds. Several patrols were ordered up during the day. Eleven Spitfires left here at 1545 hrs. Blue Section, Ft/Lieut Tuck, P/O Watling and Sgt Havercroft contacted a JU88 over the sea which they brought down between them. They all returned here by 1835 hrs. Low clouds in the evening. Three warnings were given during the night.
14.8.40 The weather remains good with clear skies. A patrol lead by Ft/Lieut Tuck brought down a JU88 this evening. P/O Watling and Sgt Havercroft shared in the honour.
15.8.40 (Thursday) Another clear day with some heat. Several patrols went off during the day without contacting any enemy A/C. At about 1900 hrs however a section consisting of Ft/Lieut Tuck, P/O Watling and Sgt Havercroft contacted three JU88s and Ft/Lieut Tuck brought down two of them. These were later confirmed. P/O Williams and P/O Wright also brought down a He.III with another He.III unconfirmed.
16.8.40 (Friday) Dull with low clouds. Several bombs were dropped last night within a few miles of the station. No damage was done. A few patrols were made today without anything to report.
17.8.40 (Saturday) Very warm day with clear sky. A few patrols went up. It was decided to move one flight to Bibury tomorrow by air. “A” Flight is to go under Ft/Lieut Kingcome. They are to become operational at Bibury at 1500 hrs tomorrow.
18.8.40 (Sunday) Dull with mist which cleared during the morning. “A” Flight left for Bibury in three transport A/C. The first two leaving at 1100 hrs the third was u/s and the remainder of the party went by road in the evening. A message was received from Ops Northolt that Flt/Lieut Tuck had brought down a JU88 at Tonbridge on his way home from Brooklands. His Spitfire had been badly shot up and was almost out of control so he baled out and landed safely. He is now at Northolt unhurt.
19.8.40 (Monday) The weather remains fine. Slight cloud and a high wind. Pembroke Docks were bombed this afternoon and several oil tanks set on fire. During the night three warnings were sounded in Pembrey.
20.8.40 Clear weather with strong wind. A report has been received from P/O Wade of yesterday date. At about 1500 hrs yesterday the landing field at Bibury was bombed and machine gunned by a JU88. Considerable damage was done to one Spitfire and others were hit. One Airman on defence duty was killed by machine gun fire. Yellow Section took off at once led by F/O Paterson. They chased the JU88 south and caught up with it in the Solent. Both F/O Paterson and P/O Wade attacked it and brought it down into the sea. P/O Wade had difficulty in getting back over the land on account of his engine which had been hit. He eventually forced landed with wheels up in a (sandel?) field. His engine by that time was on fire and after he had got clear it exploded.
21.8.40 The weather continued fine with rather a high wind. Nothing to report as regards enemy action today in this area.
22.8.40 (Thursday) Dull with low clouds, slightly colder. One or two patrols went off without seeing any enemy A/C. Rain fell in the afternoon and the clouds came very low. No air Raid warnings have been sounded at night for several nights. No night flying tonight.
23.8.40 (Friday) Dull with some rain, much cooler. An alarm was sounded at 1045 this morning and the whole stations took cover for about half an hour. All personnel of 92 Squadron went to the shelters in a matter of minutes when the alarm was sounded.
24.8.40 (Saturday) Brighter today with some heat. Another alarm was sounded during the morning. No enemy A/C were seen by our pilots on the patrols.
25.8.40 (Sunday) Beautiful day with clear sky. Fl/Lt tuck brought down a Do17 or 215 off St Gowans Head. It was seen to crash into the sea at about 1800 hours. Fl/Lt Tuck himself was damaged and had to land in a field. He was slightly injured in the leg.
26.8.40 (Monday) Another clear day not much activity in the air all day. Several patrols were made.
27.8.40 (Tuesday) Slight cloud today. “A” Flight is now here and “B” Flight is at Bibury. Ft/Lt Tuck is U/S for flying for 3 days, not much activity today to report from our patrols.
28.8.40 (Wednesday) A few patrols were made by 92 today but no enemy A/C were seen. The weather is clear and bright.
29.8.40 (Thursday) A report has been received from Bibury that P/O Hargreaves lost his way last night when night flying and crashed landed at Martlesham Heath. He was uninjured but the A/C was badly damaged.
Several patrols were made today but no contact was made with any enemy A/C. Fl/Lt Tuck has returned to Pembrey and was seen by the MO today. He has to be medically boarded tomorrow as he is suffering from minor injuries sustained in his crash last Sunday.
30.8.40 (Friday) Good weather continues and much enemy activity continues along this coast at night. P/O Wright shot down an enemy A/C last night while he was on patrol from Bibury.
31.8.40 (Saturday) Another bright clear day. Sgt Havercroft crashed on landing at Bibury last night owing to ground mist. The machine was badly damaged but he was unhurt. More raids were carried out last night on this coast by enemy A/C, no bombs were actually dropped near the Station.
PEMBREY SEPTEMBER 1940
1.9.40 (Sunday) Hot cloudless day. Not much activity during the day. One patrol in the evening but nothing was seen.
2.9.40 (Monday) The weather continues hot and dry, but clouded over for night flying. Nothing to report. ‘A’ Flight came back from Bibury.
3.9.40 (Tuesday) Weather still warm and fine. Not much enemy activity.
4.9.40 (Wednesday) New arrangement started. ‘A’ flight doing night flying for one week, and ‘B’ Flight all day flying. A few patrols were made but nothing was seen. F/Lt Green visited the Squadron whilst on sick leave. He had been wounded in the Dunkirk operations on 23 May.
5.9.40 (Thursday) Cloudy and dull most of the morning, but cleared up later on. There was one patrol but nothing was seen. Very quiet during the night.
6.9.40 (Friday) Beautifully fine weather continues. Three sorties in the morning but nothing was seen. Slight enemy activity during the evening. The nightly alarm was sounded outside the camp.
7.9.40 (Saturday) Clouds at 2000 feet but otherwise very clear. Another patrol was ordered but again nothing was seen. Usual warnings at night. Camp siren not sounded though.
8.9.40 (Sunday) ‘A’ and ‘B’ flights moved to Biggin Hill today. Personnel and equipment moved by air transport Duty – relieving other squadrons at Biggin Hill. Indication of ore action greatly welcomed by the Squadron. Weather was fair, heavy clouds and strong SE wind.
BIGGIN HILL SEPTEMBER 1940
9.9.40 (Monday) Fair cloudy weather. First activity not until late afternoon when Squadron intercepted ME.109s close to Aerodrome. S/Ldr Sanders – 1HE 111 and 1 ME 109 probable. Fl/Lt Kingcome one ME 109 probable. P/O Saunders and P/O Watling wounded in combat with 7 ME 109s. P/O Wright’s machine was badly shot up, but Pilot escaped unhurt. On another patrol no luck.
10.9.40 (Tuesday) Cloud at 5000 feet. No patrols in the morning. After 1500 hours two patrols in quick succession. One DO 17 and one ME 110 destroyed. Enemy activity at night continues. A.A. barrage is terrific, like bursts of machine gun fire sometimes it is so intensive. Squadron personnel acclimatising to this barrage at night and managing to get some rest.
11.9.40 (Wednesday) Cloudy day. A large formation of bombers with fighter escort was intercepted by the Squadron between Dungeness Rye London at 20-25000 feet. Seven E/A destroyed. P/O Edwards and P/O Hargreaves Missing, usual night activity.
12.9.40 (Thursday) Very cloudy in the morning. No enemy activity today. A few patrols were made but nothing was seen. Night raiders still continue to drop bombs all around the Aerodrome but not on the aerodrome. Golf links very adjacent seem to suffer most.
13.9.40 (Friday) Low cloud all morning cleared partially in the afternoon. No activity by Squadron Remainder of personnel arrived this afternoon from Pembrey. A.A. Barrage still heavy.
14.9.40 (Saturday) Much cloud during the day. An attack was attempted in the evening. 92 Squadron engaged the enemy and damaged several ME 109s. None confirmed. Road convoy arrived today. F/O McGowan had to abandon aircraft through enemy action and was wounded. Sgt. Mann also.
15.9.40 (Sunday) Weather fair but fine. Enemy intercepted at midday, Canterbury Maidstone area. S/Ldr Sanders destroyed a DO 17 and many more were damaged including fighters. Another large formation intercepted at 1430 hours and two HE 111 definitely destroyed besides many others damaged mostly bombers. P/O Holland forced to abandon aircraft slightly injured on landing and admitted to EMS East Grinstead. Night activity continues. South Camp appears to be immune from bombing, perhaps London main objective of enemy.
16.9.40 (Monday) Cloudy but fine day. Squadron patrolled coast and intercepted small enemy patrols over coast. No results or combats.
17.9.40 (Tuesday) Bad weather today. No activity during the morning.. A patrol in the afternoon but it was not successful. Bad weather did not deter enemy from usual night activity.
18.9.40 (Wednesday) weather fine, with patches of cloud about 5000 feet, but clear above. Squadron took off at 0915 hours on patrol. Enemy intercepted and DO 17 was confirmed by P/O Bartley. Squadron again on patrol at 1555 hours with 66 Squadron. Enemy was intercepted two HE 111 were destroyed by Fl/Lt Kingcome and 1 JU 88 by P/O Hill. P/O Mottram injured. P/O’s Bartley and Pattinson forced landed but were unhurt. Squadron still giving good account of itself. Enemy activity at night continues.
19.9.40 (Thursday) Weather fine with broken cloud continued all day. Two A/c took off to intercept enemy over base. JU 88 seen and intercepted. Although lost in cloud several times e/a was seen flying over Dover with Smoke pouring from both engines and tail. No further activity today. Night raiders still pass over the Aerodrome each night on way to London. A.A barrage seems most effective.
20.9.40 (Friday) Weather fine, but layers of cloud from 4 – 9000 feet. Ten aircraft took off in the am and intercepted formation of ME 109s who surprised Blue section from behind and above. P/O Hill crashed and burnt out in Dover area and Sgt Eyles crashed into sea. Sq/Ldr Sanders destroyed a ME 109 and another was damaged by P/O Wade.
21.9.40 (Saturday) Weather fine, still plenty of cloud and wind. Enemy attacks are made with large escorts of fighters. Squadron attacked and suffered one aircraft badly shot up. Bombers forced to turn back. Everybody now acclimatised to heavy A.A fire at night.
22.9.40 (Sunday) Ten tenths cloud with wind and rain. A typical autumn day. No machines left the ground at all during the day. Weather in channel must have been terrific and not at all good for the supposed invasion attempt. An air of expectation hung about the camp today. Pilots were undoubtedly glad of this little break afforded by the dismal weather.
23.9.40 (Monday) Weather fine with cumulus cloud. Squadron took off at 0923 hrs to patrol Gravesend and intercepted enemy over Tonbridge Area. Two ME 109s were confirmed. P/O Pattinson managed to land aircraft with severe thigh wound and was admitted to Preston Hall Hospital Maidstone. No further combats during the day. A clear night was made use of by the enemy for bombing in and around London.
24.9.40 (Tuesday) Weather still fine. Early interception was made over Rochford Area at 0845 hours. Sgt Fokes made a JU 88 turnover on its back but not seeing it crash it was classed as a probable. Several other aircraft were damaged including two ME 109s. P/O Bryson a much liked Canadian was shot down and crashed at North Weald. He had last been seen diving into a large formation of ME 109s. Sgt. Ellis crash landed at Gravesend but was unhurt. S/Ldr Lister who was posted to us on the 20th for supernumerary duties was wounded in the wrist and legs. He brought his aircraft back to Biggin Hill where he was at once admitted to hospital. Usual night activity around the aerodrome. Ten of our aircraft acted as a covering screen to bombers going to France.
25.9.40 (Wednesday) Weather still fine and clear. Squadron proceeded to Hawkinge for day period but although enemy aircraft were seen no interceptions were made. Nothing further to report. P/O Pattinson placed on dangerously ill list.
26.9.40 (Thursday) Weather fine and haze first thing, but large cloud came up later. Green section intercepted two Dorniers. Section Leader P/O Wright attacked both aircraft one of which was confirmed by observer corps at Hailsham. Nothing further to report today.
27.9.40 (Friday) S/Ldr Machachlan posted to Comma D today. S/Ldr Sanders non-effective burns on hand. Weather fine with high clouds. Ideal for fighters. First ‘Scramble’ came about 0900 hours. 92 Squadron along with 72 Squadron sent to intercept large formations of fighters and bombers. We attacked bombers – DO 17s and HE 111 before enemy fighter escort could reach them. 3 Bombers were destroyed, one ME 109 destroyed and a probable DO 17 with other bombers damaged. We lost A/F/Lt Paterson and F/Sgt Sydney two experienced pilots, in this combat which took place over a wide area. Ten spitfires took off a 1145 hours to join with two other squadrons over Base. One of our pilots ‘weaving’ saw several ME 109s and attacked one which was badly damaged. In the third sortie of the day eleven spitfires took off at 1445 hours. 20 JU 88s were intercepted, 13 of these were destroyed and ME 109 damaged. Fighter escort of ME 109s too late to stop our aircraft from splitting bomber formation up. Sgt Oldfield was killed during this combat. P/O Wright appointed Acting Flight Lieutenant.
28.9.40 (Saturday) Weather fine and clear. No interceptions today after the heavy losses that were inflicted by us yesterday. Two patrols were made and on the latter several ME 109s were seen but quickly turned tail when they saw us. Enemy activity confined to night attacks, London being the main objective.
29.9.40 (Sunday) Weather fine and cloudy. A DO 17 was intercepted between Maidstone and Canterbury by P/O Williams who badly damaged it, but as DO 17 spiralled into heavy cloud he was unable to see the full result of his attack. Nothing else to report. Night activity of course.
30.9.40 (Monday) Weather fine but lots of cloud – about 8/10th at 4 – 7000 feet. First action came at lunch time. The Squadron took off and joined 72 and 66 over Base and made for Maidstone. One formation of ME 109 were passed, but as the main objective – bombers – was then not seen they attacked the ME 109s. During the combat several DO 215s were sighted and some Hurricanes and Spitfires intercepted them. Result 1 DO 215 probable 2 ME 109s probable and 2 damaged. Activity at night continues. In a sortie about 1630 hours A/F/Lt Wright was wounded by pieces of explosive cannon shell and is in Shortland Hospital Shoreham, with thigh wounds. However he destroyed one ME 109 which he followed until it fell into the sea. Squadron has given good account of itself since being at Biggin Hill. Pilots disperse themselves at night in houses several miles from the Aerodrome.
