Battle of Britain Pilot's Blog - John Bisdee

2 September 1940, Plt. Off. John Bisdee
Battle of Britain Blog Entry

Did some rather halfhearted Section Drill & Cloud Dispersal practice, otherwise no flying. Was off at 13.00, & went over to bathe at the Dents, after much debating as to what to do. It was a lovely day. In evening, more debating, but finally went to see North-West Passage at Andover. Went on to Square Club & MD. That seems to be the usual routine these days, though they are slightly vitiated as entertainment, by the dead-beat officers, who fondle their brainless girl-friends in public.

1 September 1940, Plt. Off. John Bisdee
Battle of Britain Blog Entry

Practise flying a.m., which turned into an abortive "patrol Guildford". Was leading Yellows. We are beginning to be used to reinforce 11 Group when they are busy down at the coast.

P.M. was spare pilot, & so made use of the time by doing jobs in the Maggie. First took Aggie^[56] to Netheravon. There saw Sgt Blackburn, now an F/O, still instructing^[57]. Went on to Warmwell to drop an oil flex., and looked at the damage. The sick quarters were quite burnt out, & a bomb had gone straight through a Bellman hangar. Otherwise very little damage, except that a 1000 lb bomb was to be let off that evening behind the Officers' Mess. Looked in at Chilbolton, our satellite^[58] drome, on way back, & refuelled at Andover. A very pleasant day.

31 August 1940, Plt. Off. John Bisdee
Battle of Britain Blog Entry

What I didn't say about yesterday is that 'A' Flight put up a terrific black^[54], practice flying. We were all over the place, Ogilvie spun off the turn into a beam^[55] attack, & the result was a huge lecture from Frank.

Abortive scramble before lunch, & again about 6.30. On latter we were at Northolt, out of RT touch, & with a blinding sun in our eyes. Just managed to keep together until told to pancake. 'H' is due for a 30 hour, for which I'm glad, as the airscrew is throwing out oil.

In evening, to the Square Club with Red, Ogle, & John, followed by more "rye & dry" at the MD.

30 August 1940, Plt. Off. John Bisdee
Battle of Britain Blog Entry

So far a "duff" scramble before lunch, & an abortive panic round about four.

29 August 1940, Plt. Off. John Bisdee
Battle of Britain Blog Entry

A Flight practised attacks a.m. - I really think I am getting the hang of leading these things, and though one has the responsibility, one at least avoids sorrowing over other people's errors.

Was spare pilot p.m. Took "Maggie"^[53] to Northolt, to collect combat films, which took some time. While there, saw new Beaufighter - rather a clumsy weapon I think. Also made tender enquiries for Doris, John's WAAF friend who's a waitress there. She was away. On way back picked up 'chutes at Old Sarum, & home.