Biggin Hill

1.4.41 Very wet day and low clouds making flying impossible.  Some Link training was carried out.

2.4.41 Another wet day with low cloud.  No flying took place.  Some Live Camera Gun instruction was carried out during the day. 

3.4.41 Dawn readiness was altered to 0900 hrs owing to a ground mist.  Brighter today with some sun in the morning.  P/O Duke and P/O Brettell reported to 92 this morning also Sgt. Rippon from Grangemouth O/T.U.  This brings the pilots up to 23.

4.4.41 Better today and some flying was done in the afternoon.  New formations were done by eleven machines.  Dusk landings by P/O Wellum.

5.4.41 Not much flying in the morning owing to mist.  P/O Mottram took P/O Brettell up for practice flying in the afternoon.  Sir A Sinclair visited the Squadron and was introduced to all the Officers at Dispersal.  Weather closed in making flying impossible in the afternoon.

6.4.41 Dull with low cloud.  The pilots were released for training and were under instructions in the station intelligence during the morning.  A little flying over base in the afternoon but the clouds remained very low all day.

7.4.41 Dull again.  Clouds at about 2000 feet.  The C.O and F/L Wright took two Spitfires to Bucknell and returned with two others which had been modified.  Some practice flying took place during the day but pilots had to keep low and near the base on account of cloud.

8.4.41 Dull with cloud at 1000 feet.  Instruction lecture on ZZ landings and some flying over base.

9.4.41 Several patrols were carried out today.  No E/A were encountered.  Three Dutch pilots are being posted to  92 according to a signal received today from 11 Group.

10.4.41 Bright and clear.  Squadron at readiness at 0830 hrs this morning.  Quite a lot of flying was done today.  One flight went off with 609 Squadron in the afternoon and patrolled over a convoy in the channel.

11.4.41 Bright and clear today.  92 at readiness at 0500 hrs this morning.   Our night fighters shot down 15 E/Bombers over England last night.  At about noon today four of 92 were ordered to sink an E/Seaplane which was being towed back to France by an E/Ship.  The four to go were the C.O., Ft/Lt Kingcome, Sgt Lloyd and Sgt Gaskell.  The E/Seaplane was shot up and sunk and the tow ship damaged.  During this operation 15, 109s attacked and shot down Sgt. Gaskell into the sea and he is now missing.  He is a great loss to the Squadron and was a very promising pilot.  The CO returned and left to Debden by plane.

12.4.41 Dull today with low cloud.  No flying this morning. The CO returned during the morning.  Some practice flying in the afternoon.  Sgts Ream and Ripon were posted to 56 Squadron

13.4.41 Dull with low cloud.  Six machines took off for cooperation with the Navy.  They were up an hour.  No further flying all day.  Some link training was carried out.

14.4.41 Dawn readiness at 0500 hrs.  Low cloud prevented much flying all day.  Some practice flying over base.  Squadron was released unconditionally from 1300 hrs.  Three new Dutch pilots reported to 92 for Duty.

15.4.41 Bright and clear today.  Squadron again on dawn readiness. Several practice flights but no operational patrols.

16.4.41 Bright and clear  An operational sweep was carried out during the morning.  No E/A were encountered.  A second sweep was done over the French coast in the afternoon with contacting E/A.  Two pilots did dusk landings

17.4.41 Bright again.  An operational patrol was carried out during the morning but nothing was seen.  Squadron was released in the afternoon.  P/O Brettell was posted to 56 Squadron at North Weald.  This posting was cancelled later in the day.  Four machines went to West Malling for night readiness at 1800 hrs.

18.4.41 Bright in the morning but it clouded over in the afternoon.  One practice patrol with the Navy was carried out today.  The CO attended a Conference at Group today.

19.4.41 Rain and low cloud.  No flying all day till the evening.  Two A/C to go to Gravesend with crew for night readiness.

20.4.41 Bright and clear today.  One convoy patrol took place at 1300.  Nine machines were in this  No E/A were seen.  Some practice flying was done in the afternoon as the Squadron were released for training.

21.4.41 Bright with occasional cloud.  Three aircraft patrolled in the afternoon and three went to Gravesend for night readiness.  Other practice flying took place during the day.

22.4.41 Bright with ground mist.  A section of 2 A/c did a convoy patrol off Manston at 0730 hrs.  Another section did a Maidstone patrol at 1230 hrs.  Some practice flying in the afternoon.

23.4.41 Dull with some low cloud.  At 1540 hrs a convoy patrol was carried out by Red Section, followed by Blue section an hour later.  Dusk landings by Sgt Bowen Morris.  Three aircraft went to Gravesend for night readiness.

24.4.41 Dull with low cloud.  92 scores a victory.  S/L Rankin and F/L Bruinien intercepted a 109 over the south coast this morning.  S/L Rankin attacked and set the 109 on fire after which F/L Bruinien fired at it.  It crashed in flames and the pilot bailed out and is now a prisoner.  Our score is now 133 confirmed.  The Squadron was released for training this afternoon.

25.4.41 Bright with high wind.  The Squadron was released for training till 1300 hrs when it came to readiness. P/O Fokes posted to 53 O.T.D as from 1.5.41.  C.O. at Dover on Court of Inquiry today.  Three aircraft went to Gravesend for night readiness.

26.4.41 Bright and clear with high wind.  The Squadron came to readiness at dawn 04.44 hrs.  Two aircraft went off on convoy patrol at 0700 hrs.  Seven aircraft went on patrol at 1300 hrs and encountered 4 109s near the French coast. P/O Fokes shot down on which went into the sea and P/O Maitland Thompson and P/O Duke shot at another but the result was not observed.  The Squadron was released for training at 1400 hrs.

27.4.41 Dull and wet.  No flying all morning.  Readiness at 0900 hrs.  The CO and P/O Wellum went off about 10.00 hrs to intercept a raid.  They were in the air nearly two hours but did not see any enemy aircraft.  The Squadron were released for training at 1300 hrs.  In the evening four aircraft were sent on patrol and encountered six 109s over the coast.  No combat took place and all our aircraft returned.

28.4.41 Dull but fine.  Readiness at dawn.  Some flying was done but nothing operational during the morning.  Some cannon firing practice at Leysdown during the afternoon.  Squadron patrolled Maidstone at 2000 for an hour in the evening.  No enemy aircraft seen.

29.4.41 Bright but low cloud in places.  Dawn readiness till 13.00 hrs.  Some air firing into the sea.  Squadron on readiness at 16.20 hrs.  We heard with regret that P/O Pennys, the Dutch pilot who left 92 Squadron 611 Squadron was reported missing yesterday.

30.4.41 Bright and clear.  No flying all morning.  Readiness at 1300.  Six aircraft on Maidstone patrol.  Squadron released at 4.30.  No night readiness.

 

 

 

Biggin Hill
May 1941

1.5.41 Dull and wet. No flying all morning.  Squadron comes to readiness at 1600 hrs.  No flying possible owing to low clouds.

2.5.41 Dull and wet.  No flying again all morning. Some practice flying and air firing with cannons into the sea during the afternoon.  Squadron released at 16.30.  Squadron Leader Tuck late of 92 visited the Squadron.

3.5.41 Bright with clouds.  One patrol this morning in which F/O Mottram fired at a 109.  This has not been confirmed but may be a probable.  Released at 1300 hrs. Some practice flying in the afternoon.  C.O. went on leave (7 days).

4.5.41 Bright with ground mist,  Section patrols over base at 07.15 hrs.  Sphere at 13.33 by four A/C.  B Flight Maidstone patrol in the afternoon.

5.4.41 Bright and clear.  Section patrol of base at 12.49 hrs.  Some cannon firing during the day.  Dusk landings by M     and Morris.

6.5.41 Bright with ground mist.  P/O Wade went to Houtton for a medical board today.  Sgt Waldery reported on posting.  Squadron on 60 mins available for night flying.

7.5.41 Bright and clear.  Squadron on 60 mins available owing to night flying  Twelve Aircraft went to West Malling at 2000 hrs but did not have to take off all night.  P/O Archer and P/O Dougall reported on posting.

8.5.41 Bright and clear.  Squadron again on 60 available all day.   Squadron took off for West Malling at 20000 hrs  Some night flying was done over base.

9.5.41 Beautiful day with clear skies.  Squadron returned to Biggin Hill and was on readiness from 09.30 till 1300 hrs.  Several operational patrols took place during the day.  One patrol during the evening was attacked by 109s and F/O Wade and P/O Maitland Thompson were shot up.  F/O Wade landed safely but P/O M. Thompson crashed landed receiving slight injuries to his leg and face.  The machine was a complete write off.  On this patrol Sgt. Morris shot down a 109 and another 109 crashed owing to evasive action taken by F/O Wade causing the controls of the 109 to break.

10.5.41 Bright with a few clouds.  Readiness at 0900.  Several operational patrols and contact was made with 109s several pilots fired their guns but no result was observed.  No night flying.

11.5.41 Bright and clear.  The usual patrols but no Enemy aircraft was seen.  Readiness at 0900 and later in the evening.  No night flying.  Fl/Lt Wright was on all night readiness but was not sent up.

12.5.41 Bright and clear.  Readiness at dawn till 0900 hrs.  No operational flying all day.  Some local flying and engine tests.  The weather became US owing to mist.  The C.O returned from leave.

13.5.41 Dull with clouds.  Readiness at 0900 hrs.  No operational flying all morning.  F/O Saunders went to Hucknall at 1100 hrs.  Two patrols in the evening.  No enemy a/c seen.

14.5.41 Bright with clouds.  Several patrols today but no enemy action encountered.  Night flying practice P/O Brettell made a bad landing and slightly damaged his A/C.

15.5.41 Bright and clear.  No operational flying till the afternoon except two A/C on convoy patrol.  In the evening ten A/C were ordered on patrol.  They encountered some 109s and Sgt Waldren fired at one but the result was unobserved.  He returned with some bullet holes in his machine.  Dusk patrol by Ft/Lt Wright and Sgt Le Cheminant but this had to return on account of bad weather.

16.5.41 Bright and clear.  Squadron not on readiness till 1300 hrs today.  Squadron was sent off at 11.45 hrs on a sweep with 74 and 609.  Wing Commander Malan leading.  Several enemy A/C were seen and Sgt Kingaby and Ft/Lt Wright scored a probable over the channel.  The Squadron landed at 1400 hrs.  On a later patrol two 109s were short down; one by Sgt Kingaby and the other by several of our Squadron.  Our score today is two 109s shot down and one probable.  The A.O.C. visited 92 in the afternoon.

17.5.41 Bright and clear.  Squadron on readiness at dawn when several convoy patrols were carried out till 0900 hours.  Squadron on 30 minutes till 16.30 hrs.  Another patrol in the evening when several enemy A/C were seen but were not engaged.

18.5.41 Bright and clear.  Only one patrol today at 17.14 hrs in the evening.  No enemy A/C were seen.  Some practice flying during the day.  Much warmer weather.  Squadron on readiness till dusk which is 2300 hrs.

19.5.41 Bright and warm.  Squadron at readiness today at 1300 hrs.  Two patrols were carried out over Maidstone under cloud during the day.  No E/A were seen.

20.5.41 Dull and cool.  Squadron on readiness at dawn till 0900 hrs.  Weather prevented flying all day.  Heavy ground mist.  Squadron did not return to readiness.

21.5.41 Bright and clear.  Readiness at dawn.  A Section was on patrol of convoy this morning and was relieved by other sections.  Blenheim escort of three a/c was provided at 1200 today.  15 minutes this afternoon.  92 did a cover in a circus over France taking off at approx 1700.  Eleven a/c took off but three had to return.  The other eight a/c were up on this Circus for over an hour.  They did not engage the enemy and all landed safely at Biggin Hill.

22.5.41 Squadron at readiness at 0930 hrs till 1300 hrs operational flying all morning.  The weather remains good with some high cloud.  Only test and practice flying during the rest of the day.

23.5.41 High wind with rain.  Dawn readiness.  No flying owing to bad weather conditions.  Squadron was released at 1300 hrs for the rest of the day.

24.5.41 Bright with some cloud.  Several convoy patrols were carried out during the morning.  Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs.  No further activity during the day owing to bad weather.

25.5.41 Dull with low cloud.  Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs.  During the morning six a/c took off and went over France on a ‘R’ patrol.  All landed safely later.  In the afternoon 9 a/c did a ‘cover’ near Ramsgate with 91 Squadron.  W/C Malan and S/L Rankin did an operational flight together.  Weather got very bad towards evening.  Heavy rain and wind.  

26.5.41 Dull with rain and low cloud.  Squadron Flight at readiness at dawn.  Weather remained too bad for flying all day.

27.5.41 Dull with cloud.  Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs.  One section escorted a Blenheim during the morning.  Readiness again at 19.30 hrs.  Two Sections patrolled for a short time till dusk.

28.5.41 Bright and clear today.  Readiness today at 1300 hrs.  The Squadron did a patrol over France in the evening with 609 Squadron and on the way back they encountered several 109s.  A combat took place and P/O Wade had his machine shot up in several places but landed safely at Biggin Hill.  No enemy A/c were seen to be hit and we suffered no loss.

29.5.41 Dull with low cloud.  One section on readiness at dawn.

30.5.41 Dull with rain, no flying possible all day.

31.5.41 Dull with rain, no flying all day.

 

 

 

June 1941

1.6.41 Dull with low cloud.  Only one operational patrol this evening of one section.  This had to be abandoned owing to the weather after half an hour.  Two new pilots posted to 92.

2.6.41 Very little flying all day owing to bad weather conditions.  A section did a patrol in the evening, no enemy A/c were seen.

3.6.41 Dull with low cloud.  Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs.  Sgt Terry is to return to 92 after two months on ferry work at Hendon.  No flying on account of bad weather.

4.6.41 Thick fog till nearly noon then it cleared and became very hot for the rest of the day.  Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs.  One escort for Bombers was provided during the afternoon.  Nothing occurred and no enemy action was reported.  A patrol during the dusk period.  No action during this patrol.   Sgt Pietrasiak a Pole reported for duty with 92.

5.6.41 One Section at dawn readiness.  Very thick weather no flying possible all morning.  Squadron released for the rest of the day at 1300 hrs on account of the weather.  No flying all day.

6.6.41 Dull with mist.  Dawn readiness was cancelled owing to the weather conditions.  Squadron was released from 1300 hrs for the rest of the day.  Squadron Leader Rankin is on two days sick leave.  Squadron Leader Ward visited 92 and brought a copy of his history of the Squadron.

7.6.41 Dull but it looks like clearing.  Squadron on 30 minutes till 1300 hrs when they came to readiness.  S/L Rankin returns today.  Squadron was called to readiness at 11.30 hrs and at 11.45 hrs they took off lead by W/C Malan to do a sweep of the French coast.  They all landed again in about an hour and a quarter.  During this sweep no E/A were seen or engaged.

8.6.41 Dull with rain.  No operational flying took place all day owing to bad weather conditions.  Sq/Ld Rankin and F/O Mottram went over to Middle Wallop this afternoon to do some tests in air to ground (tank) firing tomorrow.  No other flying all day except for a few test flights only over the base.

9.6.41 Very heavy rain this morning with low cloud.  Readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs after which the Squadron is released for “Fighter nights” for the rest of the day.  If weather permits the Squadron will fly to West Malling so night readiness, during the evening.  The weather was so bad during the evening that “Fighter nights” was cancelled.

10.6.41 Dull with heavy rain all day.  No flying possible.  The Squadron was released all day and the Fighter nights again had to be cancelled owing to adverse weather conditions.  The C.O. and F/O Mottram are weather bound at Middle Wallop.  Mr High Gibson USA called at Biggin Hill today and was introduced to the pilots of 92 Squadron at the Dispersal Hut.  He was accompanied by G.C. Sir Louis L. Greig.

11.6.41 Dull with cloud.  Squadron released all day again for Fighter nights at West Malling.  Seventeen pilots took off during the evening for West Malling.  The weather had cleared considerably during the day.  Some practice flying was done during the night at West Malling.

12.6.41 The Squadron arrived back before breakfast and do not go on readiness till 16.30 hrs this afternoon.  During the afternoon the Squadron was sent to escort some Bombers to the French coast.  During this operation several 109s were attacked and the C.O. shot one down into the sea in a head on attack.  He received three machine gun bullets in his own wing in this combat but was unhurt himself.  All the A/C landed by 16.30 hrs.

13.6.41 Bright and cool.  Squadron at readiness at dawn.  Sections were sent up during the early morning on patrol.  No E/A were seen.  Readiness again at 1300 hrs.  Readiness again at 19.30 hrs.  No further operational flying during the day.

14.6.41 Dull with cloud.  13 A/C took off at 6.30 on a Sweep over France.  Quite a fair amount of activity.  The C.O. shot at a109 which went down vertically into mist near the ground.   Ft/Lt Wright and Sgt Payne were shot up and crashed landed at Lympne and Hawkinge respectively.  Ft/Lt Kingcome’s and Sub Lieut de Mouttron’s machines were slightly damaged.  All the rest landed ok.  The Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs again.  No further operational flying during the day.

15.6.41 Dull with cloud.  “A” Flight at dawn readiness.  Squadron does not go to readiness till 19.30.  Sutton Bridge Range is reserved for 92 this afternoon.  About 200 boys of the Air Training Corps came out to 92 Dispersal and were shown over Spitfires by the pilots.  Six A/C were at Sutton Bridge Range till 2100 hrs.

16.6.41 Bright and clear today.  Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs.  No operational flying as done during the morning but an escort for Bombers was sent up in the afternoon.  Seven machines took off.  Several enemy A/C were encountered over the sea and the Squadron scored a total of 2 destroyed and two probables.  F/O Wade and Sgt Bowen-Morris destroyed two 109s and the C.O and Fl/Lt Kingcome got the two others.  Fl/Lt Kingcome’s machine was badly shot up but he was able to get back and land a Biggin Hill.

17.6.41 Squadron at readiness at dawn.  Convoy patrols were made by two machines at a time during the early morning.  No further operational flights were made till the evening when the Squadron escorted Bombers over France.  Many 109s were encountered and Sgt Payne shot down two 109s.  Ft.Lt Wright scored a probable.  This operation was one of the largest yet carried out over France.  Another patrol was carried out by the Squadron at 2300 hrs.  Nothing was encountered and the Squadron returned to base after dusk.

18.6.41 Squadron did not come to readiness till 1300 hrs.  A lecture was given at 609 dispersal to all pilots during the morning.  The C.O went to Northolt for a conference with the C.O of 609.  Another escort was provided in the evening by 92 and one 109 was shot down by the C.O. and P/O Brettell during an encounter over the channel.

19.6.41 Beautiful day with clear sky.  Some patrols were carried out during the day.  A convoy patrol by the Squadron was carried out during the evening.  No E/A were encountered on this.  F/O Saunders was posted to 74 Squadron today and F/O Mottram left to join 54 Squadron at Hornchurch to which Squadron he has been posted.

20.6.41 Bright with some ground mist.  One flight on readiness at dawn.  30 minutes till one then the Squadron is released off the camp for the rest of the day.  No further flying took place.

21.6.41 The Squadron is not due to come to readiness till 1300 hrs but at 1100 hrs it was called to readiness to go on an escort to Bombers.  It took off with 609 at 1200 hrs and returned about 13.30hrs.  The C.O shot down a 109 making his fifth enemy machine shot down.  He was the only one of the Squadron to be in combat and all the others landed without firing their guns.  Another Bomber escort was provided in the afternoon and several combats took place.  The C.O and P/O Wade shot down a 109 between them and Sgt Aston was shot down and landed into the sea.  He was able to inflate his rubber dingy and was picked up safe.  He returned to Camp later from Dover.  The days bag for the RAF was 28 Huns to a loss of 5 of ours two pilots being safe.  It was ascertained that Sgt. Aston shot down a 109 before he was shot down himself.  Sgt Havercroft claimed a damaged 109.

22.6.41 Beautiful day again today.  Squadron at Readiness at 0900 hrs.  Squadron ordered on patrol at 1020 patrolling Maidstone at 20,000 feet.  Sgt Lloyd returned owing to oxygen trouble.  Squadron landed at base 1145 hours.  At 1500 hours squadron took off on a ‘circus’ operation  Sgt Payne landed at Hawkinge after shooting a ME 109 down.  P/O’s Brettell and Wade landed at Manston.  8 aircraft landed Base at 1700 hours.  Squadron to Readiness at 1855 hours.  Ordered to patrol Maidstone at 15,000 feet 11 aircraft.  Squadron on readiness till dusk.

23.6.41 Bright and clear today.  Squadron at 30 minutes at dawn.  1 section ordered at 0859 to patrol convoy in the estuary, no enemy aircraft encountered.  Offensive patrol at 1248 hours.  7 aircraft landing at base at 1425 hrs.  Enemy aircraft were encountered and the Squadron returned after giving a good account of itself.  The C.O destroyed 2 Me.109’s Sgt Kingaby DFM and P/O Archer a 109 each and P/O Duke claims one damaged.  P/O Duke landed at Lympe and P/O Archer at Manston.  Sgt Bowen-Morris is reported missing from this operation, but it is hoped that he is a Prisoner of War, as a pilot was seen floating in the water just off the French coast.
Another offensive sweep was carried out at 1942 hrs and during this W/C Malan shot down 2 Me109s and P/O Dougall Me 109s, F/O Wade and Sgt Le Cheminant, 1 probable each, all the aircraft landed safely at Base.  It has been a very good day for 92 today, 7 enemy aircraft shot down for the loss of one aircraft.

24.6.41 Squadron on readiness at dawn.  Some air firing was carried out today.  Squadron on sweep at 1951 hours.  W/C Malan got a 109 and Sgt Payne got 2.  All aircraft back.  No further activity today.  Squadron reached 150 destroyed today.

25.6.41 Squadron at 15 minutes called to readiness at 0910.  2 aircraft ordered to patrol convoy.  Offensive patrol at 1146 hrs 11 aircraft landed at base safely.  W/C Malan got a 109, Fl/Lt Wright a 109 and P/O Duke a 109  Another patrol at 15.45 hours Sgt Payne got a 109, Sgt Pietrasiak did some cannon firing and crashed on landing but was unhurt.  Squadron at Readiness till dusk.

26.6.41 Squadron readiness 0930 hours.  Offensive patrol 1046 hrs A/C.  Sgt Lloyd had to return owing to oxygen trouble.  From this operation Sgt Aston is reported missing No further patrols made today.  Squadron released unconditionally this afternoon.

27.6.41 Readiness at Dawn 0616 hours. 1 section to patrol convoy 5 miles North of Sheerness.  Squadron half day was cancelled owing to the spell of fine weather and extensive operations At 1420 hours Squadron was ordered with 609 Squadron for escort to bombers to attack shipping in the Channel.  No enemy aircraft were encountered and all our aircraft returned safely. Available until 1705 hours then to Readiness.
Sgts. Terry and Lloyd carried out some air firing.  At 2045 hrs another patrol was made but no enemy aircraft were engaged.

28.6.41 30 mins at Dawn.  0750 hrs sweep 12 aircraft.  10 aircraft landed at 0938.   F/Lt Kingcome landed West Malling.  F/O Wellum landed Manston.  Some air firing took place F/Lt Kingcome returned from West Malling and F/O Wellum from Manston.  1638 hrs Squadron ordered on patrol.  Attacking shipping in Channel.  No Opposition.  1 Flight at Readiness till dusk.

29.6.41 Squadron released all day.  F/Lt Wright Bar to DFC.  P/O Wade awarded DFC.  Telegram of congratulation received from Sir Archibald Sinclair on the good work of 92. 

30.6.41 1 Flight at readiness at Dawn.  Three new Sgt pilots posted to us today Sgts. Todd, Carpenter and Wawns who is an Australian.  Readiness at 1400 hrs.  Patrol at 17.30, no activity was encountered and all aircraft landed safely.  Commanding Officer awarded DFC.

Biggin Hill

1.7.41 Squadron at dawn readiness.  Several patrols by Sections took place before 0900 hrs.  Four machines had to land at Northolt owing to weather conditions at Biggin Hill.  A sweep took place over France at 16.30 hours.  All returned without contacting any E/A.  Weather hot and clear.

2.7.41 Squadron called to readiness at 11.00 hrs and eleven machines took off a 1200 hrs for a bomber escort to Lille.  They all returned gradually to Biggin Hill, some had landed at Manston and Malling in the meantime.  Several combats took place over France and we obtained the following score Sgt Kingaby: two 109s destroyed, Sgt Lloyd shot a 109F down into the sea also Sgt Pietrasiak.  The score for the Squadron is now 165 confirmed with a total of 307 altogether.  Another sweep was carried out during the late afternoon but no combats took place.  All the A/C was back by 1800 hrs.

3.7.41 Beautiful day with clear sky.  A large bomber escort was carried out this morning.  16 Squadrons taking part.  Few E/A were encountered and al 92 landed safely.  Sgt Kingaby claimed a Probable.  Another bomber escort was carried out at 1500 hrs.  Several combats took place and Lieut de Montbron failed to return.  We did not shoot down any E/A on this occasion.

4.7.41 Bright and clear  Dawn readiness an escort to Bombers was carried out at 1400 hrs today  This was very successful and 16 E/A were shot down to a loss of 4 of ours  92 landed safely at about 1530 all returning safely. Our Polish pilot Pietrasiak shot down one 109 and shared one with F/O Wellum.  No further activity after this during the evening.

5741 Bright and clear. Squadron on readiness at 1300 hrs today.  Another bomber escort was carried out today at 1200 hrs.  No combats took place and all our A/C landed safely. The Squadron was released off the cam for the rest of the day.

6.7.41 Another beautiful day.  The A.O.C arrived during the morning and congratulated 92 on its splendid record in the last four weeks.  At 13.30 hrs another bomber escort was carried out and all our machines returned with the exception of Sgt. Todd.  He is reported missing and was last seen leaving the formation at the French coast as if to return to England.  The Squadron did not go up again after this operation.

7.7.41 Weather bright and hot.  Two more escort sweeps were made today.  When the Squadron landed at 1600 hours the Prime Minister was at our dispersal and spoke to the pilots.  They all returned except Sgt. Howard who crashed landed.  Somewhere near Dymchurch.  He was slightly hurt and is now in hospital.  P/O Archer shot down a 109 and damaged another.

8.7.41 Beautiful day and very hot.  An early escort was carried at shortly after dawn.  All the pilots got back except P/O Beake who baled out over the sea near the French coast.  The CO scored a probable and F/O Wellum shot down a 109 as well as Sgt Pietrasiak.  P/O Beake was picked up and got back to camp in the afternoon.  Another escort was carried out at 1300 hrs.  All the pilots arrived back with having been in combat.  Squadron released for the rest of the day.

9.7.41  Good weather with high temperature.  Squadron on readiness at dawn.  F/O Lund and P/O Maitland Thompson returned fit from medical boards today.  An escort sweep took place at 1300 hrs today.  92 again did a very good job.  The CO shot down a 109 and scored another probable.  F/O Wellum got one 109 and Sgt Pietrasiak shot down two.  Mr Archer shot down another.  This makes a total score of 5 shot down and one probable.  Sgt. Waldren damaged one also.  Sgt ? , P/O Archer and P/O Brettell landed away but were all alright.

10.7.41 Weather still keeps right and clear.  Another escort was carried out in the afternoon but no combats took place except Sgt Waldren who was shot down and had to bail out into the sea.  He was lost for over five hours and returned to camp at 9pm.

11.7.41 Beautiful weather again.  A n escort was carried out in the afternoon and several combats took place.  F/O Lund and Sgt Pietrasiak shot down a 109 each and Sgt. Kingaby scored two probables.  It is very much regretted by all that P/O Dougall failed to return and was seen shot down and on fire by Sgt. Lloyd.

12.7.41 Weather still very good.  Squadron at readiness at 9.30 hrs.  Squadron provided a cover over the French coast at 12.30 hrs.  No combats took place and all got back safely.  Weather clouded over about 1500 hrs and a thunder storm seems to be coming up.  Weather remained dull with heavy showers for the rest of the day.

13.7.41 The weather was not good and no operations took place during the day.

14.7.41 Dull with some cloud.  A sweep took place during the morning.  No combats took place and all returned safely.  Mr Archer and Beake reported back for duty.  No further operations took place during the day.

15.7.41 Very wet day with low cloud.  Squadron released till 1700 hrs when there is a conference in the I.O.  Ft.Lt Kingcome DFC and Bar returned from leave today.  A conference in connection with a sweep over France at 1700 hrs was cancelled owing to the weather.  Squadron released.

16.7.41 Dull and wet again.  Squadron on readiness at dawn.  No flying all day owing to low cloud.  P/O Phillips reported for duty as a new posting, also P/O Bruce.  Squadron released for the rest of the day at 1700 hrs.

17.7.41 Weather better today.  Some cloud.  Squadron on readiness at 0900 hrs.  Two sweeps over the channel took place during the day.  No E/A were seen and the cloud was bad over France.  Sgt. Howard forced landed at West Malling owing to shortage of petrol.  P/O Thomas also landed at West Malling on his return from the afternoon sweep.

18.7.41 Dull and low clouds.  Squadron is not on readiness till 1300 hrs.  Squadron took off in bad weather and made contact with some 109s.  Some shooting took place on both sides but nothing happened.  The Squadron landed at Manston but eventually landed here about 1400 hrs.  F/O Wellum was awarded the D.F.C. today.  Weather getting very bad with low cloud and rain.  The C.O is going on 10 days leave tonight. Ft /Lt Thompson reported for flying duty with 92.

19.7.41 Better weather today.  Bright with some local cloud.  Squadron on readiness at dawn.  F/O Lund to act as Ft/Lt. in “B” Flight.  A conference at 12.20 and a sweep took off at 13.13 hrs.  Twelve A/C took off on this sweep.  All returned except Sgt. Waldren a Canadian, who is reported missing. 

20.7.41 Bright this morning.  Some cloud later in the day.  A sweep took off at 11.30 hrs.  All returned at 13.15 hrs without having made contact with the enemy.  Nothing again till 2200 hrs when 92 was sent off over the channel on some information about enemy shipping.  Nothing was seen and all returned and landed by 2300 hrs.

21.7.41 Dull with some cloud.  An early sweep and escort for bombers to Lille took place at 07.45 hrs.  All returned at 0930 hrs with the exception of P?O Thomas who has not yet reported.  No E/A were seen and no action took place on the sweep.  Squadron comes back to readiness at 1300 hrs.  P/O Thomas returned after having landed at Manston to refuel.  Another sweep took place during the evening.  No E/A were seen or were any of our A/C engaged.

22.7.41 Dull with cloud and some ground mist.  Squadron on readiness at dawn.  A sweep was made at 11.30 hrs. Nothing happened and no contact with E/A was made.  All landed with the exception of Ft/Lt/ Kingcome and Ft/Lt Lund who did not go owing to faulty R.T .  Nothing further was done during the day.

23.7.41 Squadron on readiness at dawn in view of an early sweep.  This did not take place owing to adverse weather conditions over France.  One Flight on readiness at 0900 hrs till 1300 hrs.  A sweep took place at midday and all returned with contacting any any E/A.  Another sweep was carried out at 19.30 and several E/A were encountered.  Sgt. Hickman shot down a 109 in flames.  All our pilots returned safely.  P/O Dougall is reported a prisoner of war.

24.7.41 No operational work all morning.  Beautiful day with clear sky.  Readiness at 1300 hrs.  A sweep was carried out at midday and half an hour after landing the Squadron was sent off again.  Ft.Lt Thomson shot down a 109 and Sgt Johnstone scored two probables.  Sgt Howard also got one probable.  Sgt. Vinter was shot down into the sea and was not found when a search was made for him.  He is reported missing.

25.7.41Squadron at readiness at dawn when some convoy escorts were furnished.  Weather clouded over and no operations took place during the day.  Squadron released at 5pm for the rest of the day.

26.7.41  Conference at 0500 hrs cancelled owing to heavy rain and low cloud.  Bad weather all day making flying impossible.

27.7.41 Another day of bad weather making operational flying impossible.  Sgt. Pilot Aherne reported for flying duties.

28.7.41  Dull again with cloud.  Squadron on readiness at dawn.  A conference at 0900 hrs was cancelled on account of the weather.  The C.O returned from his leave.

29.7.41 Again no flying owing to weather conditions.  Rain and low cloud most of the day.

30.7.41 Bright this morning but clouded over during the morning.  No operations in view so far up to noon.  Squadron on readiness at 13.00 hrs.  No operations possible for the rest of the day owing to adverse weather conditions.

31.7.41 Dull and low clouds.  Squadron released during the morning for the rest of the day.