Battle of Britain Pilot's Blog - Royal Air Force Museum

31 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Hostile activity was very reduced in the morning. In the afternoon it was a little more marked and this increased in the late afternoon to flights inland especially in EAST ANGLIA. The objective would appear to have been reconnaissances of aerodromes. The activity resembled night operations on a reduced scale.

There were no interceptions and no casualties to the enemy or ourselves

Blog note: This date was laid down at the final day of the Battle of Britain by the RAF for the purposes of allocating Battle Honours to units, and for aircrew to qualify for the Battle of Britain clasp. This blog now ends.

30 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Rose late, coffee with E, then back to Wallop. No flying for rest of month, & nothing very interesting happening.

29 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Got a day off & went to Bournemouth. Met E, danced at Pavilion, then met Ian Lefroy & the three of us had drinks & dinner at Bath Hotel. Back to P.C., which we didn't leave till after midnight, a good time having been had by all.

28 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Two patrols, in both of which we saw the enemy above us making smoke trails. They wouldn't come down, & we couldn't get up, so a deadlock was reached. Dog tired after a long day of flying in dazzling sunshine.

27 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

He was greatly pleased with his trip, although the weather was a little misty. Had trouble with my u/c so had to retire from beam attack practice. Later went on Squadron Scramble, but saw nothing.

26 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Had dinner with Gordon Robinson's father & mother at Stockbridge. A very pleaseant party of country people. Promised to take Mr R for a flight in the Maggie, which I did next day.

25 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Considerably greater activity took place than of late. Reconnaissances were made from the ORKNEYS Southwards to the ESTUARY, thence along the South Coast to LANDS END.

Four enemy fighter sweeps were made in KENT and these developed towards LONDON. During the day's operations 14 enemy aircraft were destroyed (plus 12 probable and 16 damaged). Our losses amounted to 10 aircraft and 3 pilots.

24 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Frightened myself well & truly doing weather test. There was a space of about 50' between cloudbase & Danebury Hill. No flying therefore, other than that.

23 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Came back to MW, but did not fly, due to terrible weather.

22 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Awoke with lots of ideas about keeping on the wagon.

Off at 13.00. Went off to Bournemouth, where I met Elizabeth outside the Pavilion at 5. We danced with our tea, then booked me a room at the Palace Court. Drank at Norfolk & Bath Tap. Dinner at Norfolk, where we tried to meet Ian Lefroy, but did not succeed.

21 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

We were pancaked, & then Reds Frank H & Sidney Hill^[82], went up. They were vectored onto a Ju 88, which, having shot up Old Sarum, was panting along about 50' above the trees.

It passed underneath them. Frank got in an attack which set the starboard motor on fire. Hill got in a few beam attacks, & must have hit the pilots, as the a/c crashed & strewed itself over 400 or more yards. All crew killed.^[83]

A shocking party in the evening - champagne cocktails of which we all drank many more than we intended. Went to bed feeling very queer, & decided the only thing to do was to be sick, which I proceeded to do with gusto. Consequently next day did not feel so ill. Anyway we didn't have to fly much so it was all right.

Footnotes

⁸² Pilot Officer Sidney Jenkyn Hill had been posted to the squadron earlier in October. The Spitfire that he flew in this action by Hill (X4590) is displayed in the Battle of Britain Hall at Hendon. He was killed on 18 June 1941.

⁸³ Oberleutnant Fabian, Unteroffiziere Wilhelm & Scholz, and Gefreiter Stadalbauer, of I/KG51.

20 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

There were five main attacks during the day, all in South East England, with some penetration to LONDON. The bulk, if not all, of the enemy aircraft engaged would appear to have been fighters and fighter-bombers.

Patrols were maintained in the CHANNEL and STRAITS, and several reconnaissance flights were made.

Reports so far received indicate that our fighters destroyed seven enemy aircraft, plus five probable and six damaged. Our casualties were three aircraft (pilots safe).

19 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

An early start - arrived MW about 12.30 to find that the sqdn had had one more party - score now 99. Everyone aching for the extra singleton. A/C painted with pale blue spinners - but they have to be taken off again by order of F.C. Have got on now with having Bisdee crest painted on side. Nothing happening in air or on ground nowadays.

One or two chases after single a/c until the notable October 21 when Yellows went off to patrol base Angels 8.

18 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity was on a very reduced scale and consisted mainly of reconnaissance flights and raids by single aircraft. Our fighters damaged one enemy aircraft.

17 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

During the day the enemy made four fighter sweeps over KENT, some reaching the LONDON district and the THAMES ESTUARY. Approximately 300 fighter aircraft were employed, some of which carried bombs.

Our fighters destroyed four enemy aircraft (plus six probable and five damaged), while our losses were three aircraft and three pilots killed or missing.

16 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

[Personal - family bereavement]

The Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity, which was on a very small scale, was confined almost entirely to sporadic raids by single aircraft, the majority of which operated in the South East. Several of these raids approached the INNER ARTILLERY ZONE but only one is reported to have penetrated to LONDON. An isolated raid was plotted near ARBROATH where an attempt to intercept was made without success, and others were plotted in the LIVERPOOL, SWANSEA, CARDIFF and GLOUCESTER areas.

A few reconnaissances were made to the South and South East Coasts and into the THAMES ESTUARY.

Patrols were maintained in the CHANNEL and STRAITS and off the DUTCH Coast.

Our fighters damaged one enemy aircraft near ASHFORD. We lost one aircraft, but the pilot is safe.

15 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

During the day the enemy made five fighter sweeps over KENT and SUSSEX, some aircraft penetrating to HORNCHURCH and CENTRAL LONDON. One formation of fighters flew over the PORTSMOUTH - SOUTHAMPTON area. It is estimated that about 550 enemy aircraft were employed on these sweeps.

Our fighters destroyed 17 enemy aircraft, (plus 5 probable and 10 damaged). While our losses were 15 aircraft and 6 pilots killed or missing.

14 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity, which was on a small scale, consisted of scattered raids by individual aircraft and one attack by a formation of 34 bombers in the PORTSMOUTH area. Hostile patrols and reconnaissance were maintained in the CHANNEL and STRAITS OF DOVER. Our fighters damaged 3 enemy aircraft, without loss to themselves.

13 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

There were four main attacks during the day and portions of all but the first, penetrated to Central LONDON. The remaining portions of these attacks and the first attack, confined their operations to KENT. Very few of the enemy aircraft employed were bombers. A few reconnaissances were made in the South-east and off the South Coast in the early morning, and again between 1045 hours (when a convoy was visited) and 1130 hours, and off the North-east and East Coasts in the afternoon. A convoy is reported to have been attacked.

Our fighters destroyed 2 enemy aircraft plus 4 probably destroyed. Our casualties were 2 aircraft. One enemy aircraft was probably destroyed by A.A. fire.

12 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

12 October

Shooting at Penrice - 2 pheasants, of which one was a runner & got away. Not so clever, as we had 4 dogs. In evening went to Griffiths for supper & drinks.

11 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Tea at Club & much sleep.

10 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Got off early (11 a.m.) to go on leave, seeing Michael at Blandford on the way. He was surrounded by gifts & letters from locals. Schoolchildren had each written him a letter. One or two should be worth a place in the "line book"^[81]. Got to Fowey around 6 pm.

Footnotes

⁸¹ Most units kept a "line book" recording boastful, exaggerated or humorous comments made by members.

9 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Nothing doing. Went with Frank to Spitfire dance@ Salisbury. Very crowded.

8 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Six sweeps by enemy fighters (Me.109 and Me.110) were made

Dogs ferried back by Olenski^[80] in Harvard through terrible weather. No activity.

Footnotes

⁸⁰ Zbigniev Olenski, another Polish pilot. Ogilvie is reported to have changed Olenski's first name to "Big Enough"!

7 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

First day lead by new CO, resulting in a fairly hectic party. We were told e/a were crossing coast at Portland. At 18,000' feet, we saw 109s above us, which did not, however, come down. We turned right, i.e. inland, & ran straight into some 110s which were trying to form a circle. By this time A Flight & Dogs (B Flt Com) were alone as rest had lost us in sun. 238, who were on our left, suddenly turned away & dived, one of them spinning in the process. One 110 crossed my bows & I did a beam turning to dead astern. As my ammo ran out, he turned over, & dived away streaming glycol^[76]. From port engine, I think. Dived after him, & he tried to level off just above cloud. Missed him a moment in cloud, then down he came, crashing near Cerne Abbas, as far as I can make out. Circled the wreck, & was cheered by searchlight post. Then buzzed home just over the tree tops. Passed Yeovil, which did not seem badly hit.

When we added up, result was CO - 2 110s, Dogs^[77], Frank & self one each. Casualties Feary killed, Dogs landed at Warmwell, wounded by cannon-shell splinters on left side, Staples shot through leg (RH) above knee, but no bones touched; a/c^[78] on fire so bailed out, landed at Blandford, plus a 238 bloke. Frank landed wheels up at Shaftesbury, & had the mother & father of a blind^[79] with the local police. Everyone else OK. Went out with new CO in evening. A nice fellow.

Footnotes

⁷⁶ Indicating that the engine cooling system had been damaged.

⁷⁷ Dundas - the squadron's combat report credits him with a 110 probably destroyed.

⁷⁸ Aircraft.

⁷⁹ Frank Ziegler's history of 609 records "Howell was unhurt, but returned somewhat inebriated after being forcibly entertained for some hours by the Shaftesbury police and local inhabitants."

6 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Filthy weather. A Jerry dropped four bombs on us out of the driving rain clouds, but did not hit the aerodrome. However the billiard players (self incl) fairly leapt under the table!

5 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Didn't seem much of a day, but we had two squadron patrols one a.m. one p.m. over IOW-S'hampton area. Saw nothing but countless friendly fighters. I was flying my new 'H' - a hum-dinger of a machine. Fitted with auto. undercart^[75], self sealing tank, & new mirror. Blue Sect put up a black by not keeping up - a very straggling bunch indeed.

Footnotes

⁷⁵ In early Spitfires the undercarriage had to be retracted by the pilot using a hand pump; Bisdee's new aircraft was presumably a Spitfire Mark II, in which it was only necessary to select "Undercarriage up".

4 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A day of no activity in the air. It had been quite fixed that Frank was getting the squadron, when the news came by signal that F/Lt Lister Robinson^[74] from 238 ex-601 was coming: great despondency. If anyone ever deserved promotion it was Frank, (& also S/L Darley, but he's got his).

In evening went to Darley's house for farewell party - a little overcast by the news, & also by the CO's leaving.

Hopeless weather - did test & nearly wrote myself off.

Footnotes

⁷⁴ Michael Lister Robinson led 609 until September 1941, and failed to return from a sweep on 10 April 1942 while leading the Tangmere Wing.

3 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

CO broke the news that he was posted as OC RAF Sta. Exeter. We were all startled, & not a little depressed that he would no longer be around. The inference supported in official circles, is that Frank will take over, & everyone is wildly pleased.

Went out with CO & Frank this evening - a quiet drink at MD.

2 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Six sweeps by enemy fighters (Me.109 and Me.110) were made through KENT towards LONDON, and during these operations, although bombing is reported to have taken place during some of these raids, in only one were bombers identified as taking part.

Very considerable reconnaissance activity continued throughout the day in the CHANNEL.

Our fighters destroyed 10 enemy aircraft (plus 1 probable and 2 damaged).

We lost one aircraft, pilot safe.

1 October 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Three attacks were made in the KENT area and one toward POOLE and the ISLE OF WIGHT, in each case the numbers of aircraft employed were fewer than of late. Reconnaissance flights and patrols were less active.

Our fighters destroyed 4 enemy aircraft (plus one probable and 5 damaged). Our losses were 5 aircraft with 4 pilots killed or missing.

30 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

10.30 Went off to patrol Kenley, but order cancelled. Got back, & before we could refuel, went off again to Southampton. When we got there, it was obviously a fighter patrol show as far as we were concerned. 109s tried to get us on both sides, so as Sqdn went eastwards, Frank sent "B" Flight back west. Six 109s came along & did a beam attack on Yellows which I was leading.

I told everyone to turn sharp left, & personally found that one 109 had fallen out of the formation. Got on his tail, as he dived, & gave him all my ammo. Could not wait long, but saw him go down with broken tail & thick oil smoke. Came home & claimed a probable, - a fair claim I think.

In afternoon of course, Jerry had to get his own back on me. Still Yellow One, I was trying to act as rearguard to Red & Blue sects as Greens had gone chasing shadows. Was a bit behind & to the left, when I saw 109s right behind Reds. Warned them, & tried to get a shot - all I got was two bullets in my machine - one through wing, t'other through fuselage. No one else hit.

F/Sgt 'Titch' Cloves^[73], needless to say, complained of holes in 'his' kite!

Footnotes

⁷³ Cloves served with the squadron as ground crew from 1938 to 1941

29 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Blitz-day, or should be, according to Hitler's present form. Round 12.50 had an advanced readiness, but the panic, which was caused by a concentration over Cherbourg, died down again. At 19.15, Frank & I dashed off after a lone sound plot^[71] above cloud. We got split up & my pipsqueak^[72] wouldn't work, but though we didn't find anything, we had a good fly & got home safely. Also tried out VHF homing, which worked fine.

Footnotes

⁷¹ Aircraft located from its sound by observers on the ground.

⁷² Device which transmitted a short radio signal to enable an aircraft's position to be plotted.

28 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Readiness dawn, & also at 10 o'clock.

At 14.20 we all went off to patrol Needles Angels 25^[70]. We were given all sorts of assorted information but finally went off East, where there were some AA bursts.

Saw about 20 e/a batting out to sea, but could do nothing. Finally came back having done nothing. 238 of course had to buy a packet from 109s, & lost three. I'm very sorry for them, but they will not get up to operational height before going in.

Footnotes

⁷⁰ 25,000 feet

27 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

An attack on Bristol today, just before lunch. We were sent down to the coast, with the result that we had to chase the bombers north. CG & Dog's wireless packed up, so could not get well organised. Also we were dived on by two 238 Hurricanes, who subsequently alleged they were "trying to attract our attention" - we of course thought they were 109s.

Anyhow a lot of 110s turned back, & we went after them. They formed a circle over Swanage, which we soon broke up. Mick Miller led Yellows in on a beam attack & collided with a 110. As I was breaking away (acting on my own) I saw a huge black cloud of smoke with flames & bits and pieces dropping out of it. Several 110s going down with smoke coming out. Did two beam attacks on the line of 110s then went down to where another was being chased by Rees & Crook - finally got it down by following it 60 miles out to sea - a shaky business.

Score: - 5 - 110s.

I had had a peculiar dizziness in the air after testing out Mac's accelerometer, so was made spare pilot in the evening.

26 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Up am to test new sets - leading Yellows pm.

At 16.00, Squadron scrambled base 20,000', changed to Bournemouth same height. Saw about 70 bombers crossing Needles towards S'hampton. Went to intercept, but were attacked by 109s. They did not attack Yellows, & so went straight on & caught bombers as they turned over target. Two 109s (yellow nosed) on my port as I first attacked. Raced past them & shot at a He 111 in centre. He flicked, but would not break up the formation, which had not been attacked before, & was still tight. Went on, & dived vertically on bombers, spraying all & sundry. Got flames out of port of one Heinkel, then broke away up & to left, as could not find a decent gap to dive through.

Had a pot at a lone He, & then at one or two 109s, but ammo was nearly out, so I went for home at about 400 on the clock. Hope I've got a good cine picture - I should have.

A/A throughout was hopelessly inaccurate - 109s weren't very anxious to fight.

Altogether quite an exciting & a very satisfactory day, except that we could not intercept in time. First day with new sets (V.H.F.) very satisfactory.

Went to MD with Ogilvie in evening. It was Bill Williams' birthday, & he kept on standing drinks.

609 Score:- 2 109s & 1 He 111 dest. + several probables & damaged.

25 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

After a few drinks, got back about 13.00 to find that we had missed two good shows.

Squadron intercepted Dorniers over I.O.W.^[69] & shot down 3 Do 17 & one unknown single seater fighter.
On Thurs morning, Sqdn sent to Swanage - e/a came in round Chesil, & were chased to Bristol where they dropped their loads before much could be done. However, about 7 were shot down & as many more damaged or "probables". Only 238 & 609 on spot, against 200 bombers. I believe 601 & 152 had a crack at the force as it returned.

In afternoon, sqdn set off for Plymouth, but we were recalled before we got there. Frank went off on leave.

About 22.00 Rose came in with report that German bomber had crashed at Broughton. Went there with Wing Co. etc., but found it was 23 Sqn Blenheim, which had crashed due to engine failure. All crew killed & machine burnt. A very horrible sight.

Teeny's birthday (21) - he is back on restricted (6000') flying.

Footnotes

⁶⁹ Isle of Wight.

24 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A day of air raid warnings, though nothing materialised. Forgot to say that yesterday a Ju 88 dropped two 500 kg & two 250 kg bombs just NE of Mess. Total casualties:- one bird killed by concussion. Just before, four delayed action bombs & an oil bomb dropped in SE corner of camp. None went off, but one cut the line to the Radio Station. Both bombers shot down - later one cracked by fighters & AA.

Today's raids came to nothing, and I had 24 hrs off at 13.00. Tried my hardest to get down to St Eval in the Maggie, but could not get it serviceable.

So Frank & I went down to Bournemouth. Stopped at Durley Dean Hotel. Went dancing at the Exeter in the evening & had quite an amusing time.

23 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

So far (18.12) an uneventful day. Continued so all day, so there's nothing to put down.

22 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Fog & rain all morning. At lunch time we were all told to be on our toes (despite hopeless weather) as the invasion started. All sqdns (inc. night fighters) to readiness, & we sat around card-playing, till we went back to normal state round about 18.00 hrs. I think this is just another canard, though officially it was the "real thing".

In evening went to Cinema - "Green Hell" with D Fairbanks Jr, & Ruth Bennett. Very pukka show, chaps, put up by explorers against damned headhunters and all. No invasion - yet.

21 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Fog in morning - so no activity. In evening, being spare pilot, took Sgt H-R for cloud flying, drill, & ¼ & beam attacks. He shows plenty of sense & grit, so we've got a good man. While we were up, the Sqdn went off Londonwards, but saw nothing.

20 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Was out of London about 9.5, picked up car at Osterley & motored to Andover. Went into Sq[uare] Club while waiting for car to be greased, & there found out that the Americans^[66] have left to join a Yank squadron. This, combined with loss of Geoff Gaunt^[67] on the 15th, leaves us very short of pilots - we have a new Sgt, Hughes-Rees^[68], who is I hear a likely lad. So leave is much cut down, but the weather will, I hope get worse, & anyhow the hours will be getting a bit shorter by degrees.

No activity - the Squadron have got four more Dorniers chalked up, otherwise the "Blitz" might not be on.

Went into Andover in the evening.

Footnotes

⁶⁶ Andy Mamedoff, Eugene "Red" Tobin & Vernon "Shorty" Keough.

⁶⁷ Pilot Officer Geoffrey Gaunt was shot down and killed on 15 September 1940.

⁶⁸ Sergeant John Anthony Hughes-Rees was later commissioned but died of poliomyelitis in 1943.

19 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

In morning, listened to gramophone records, & had lunch at the Aperitif, oysters, omelettes, Pimm's. Afterwards Pam & I went walking, and got back in time to see "My Two Husbands". Got back late for dinner but were forgiven, & had another pleasant meal & talk before leaving on the 10 pm train.

18 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

More shooting, this time more formal, at Lennoxlove. Started with a really good shot at duck - again, let myself down a bit later! Bowhills were very good, praising the hits & ignoring several glaring misses, & by the end of the day we'd got a fair bag. Stayed in for a really good dinner served with hock, port, brandy & cigars. Slept like a log.

17 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A good day's sport rough shooting at Lennoxlove; did not shoot quite so badly as I might have - still, shot badly! Started the day by surprising myself with a high pigeon - afterwards let myself down a bit.

Am reading "Death in the Air" - a diary & photos taken by a last war pilot^[65] - they certainly were gluttons for fighting in those days.

Footnotes

⁶⁵ Published anonymously in 1936. The author has since been named as Wesley David Archer, and the photographs have been shown to be fakes.

16 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Pam met train, which was only 50 mins late.

PM went over to N. Berwick, & had tea with Yvette Ricardo, who tells hair-raising tales of her escape from France. Francis R got out OK as well.

15 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Today we were on readiness 8.15 to 13.00 hours. Everything went well, & I was hoping that I'd get off on leave quite OK, but round about 11.45 we were sent off to patrol Brooklands - order cancelled, then renewed about ten minutes later. Was flying Red 2 behind Frank. Tobin Red 3. After a while saw some A/A bursts behind (N) of us. Turned, & saw two formations of Dorniers, escorted by fighters. Frank took us in, but broke away seeing some Hurricanes in the perfect position to attack. They did not do so however, & we think they may have been hostile. Anyhow, we did a vertical climb & semi-stalled turn off the top, then dived down again, but this time were too far back to get the leader. Took rear-ward vic of front formation, & gave it a beam blast. I had to throttle back & hold my fire to let Frank out of way, so only got in a 3 secs burst. Lost so much speed, I could not get in another burst straight away. While avoiding fighters lost e/a bombers, finally ran out of oxygen & returned much disgusted. But hope I'll always be behind Frank - he's a marvellous leader - sees everything, always gets in the best position for attack, & is the coolest person in the world.

All got back except Red, & Gaunt. In great flap, largely selfish, as I would not be able to go on leave, however, Red turned up, & I went off.

Left car at Osterley Sta., and "trained" into town. Everything very deserted - finally went to flick "Lilian Russell" - a very pleasant piece. Two air raids, second lasted all night. Got to King's X from Euston on foot, then got into train just as a new load of H.E.^[64] began to fall. Luckily, none came near us. Had amusing altercation with a blond with Mae West contours, who was going to Rosyth, but would lean out of the window - asking for it, if anyone was.

Footnotes

⁶⁴ High Explosive.

14 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

This damn dawn readiness is getting a little wearing - it seems so pointless, & really Group, or FC^[63] seem determined to tire their pilots out completely. We stay regularly on readiness long after it is too dark to see.

Again a few abortive alarms & excursions.

Footnotes

⁶³ Fighter Command.

13 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Was leading Yellows, but nothing happened, & we really hardly earned our keep!

12 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Did not have to rise early a.m., as I was spare pilot. However, went up for an hour of cloud flying, which did me a whole heap of good. Practised flying round four sides of a square in cloud - each leg 5 minutes, then later allowing for wind etc.

One or two section patrols, though nothing very startling. The weather seems really to have taken a turn for the worse, which is a good thing, as Churchill speaking on the radio last night warned the country that an invasion was imminent. This cloud will

Cut down the effect of the present bright moonlight
Stop large fighter escorted formations
Enable our bombers to use cloud cover to bomb the barges & other boats which are now collecting "over the water".

What excellent fellows these Poles are - yesterday 303 Sqdn (Polish) got 14 for only one loss themselves.

In evening took Ogilvie into Salisbury, where we visited the Rose & Crown, & met Bill Williams^[61] & Baylis^[62] (604).

Footnotes

⁶¹ Pilot Officer Mark Alan Williams

⁶² Pilot Officer Derek Bayliss.

11 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A day of fairly fine weather, with one or two bogey^[60]-hunts. Later, when I was spare pilot, we all patrolled base furiously, but the raids turned tail & broke up, & we saw nothing. I had to go down as my oxygen would not work. Also while in the air, I got a lot of airscrew vibration. This was traced to a loose reduction gear shaft. Went off at 19.00 and saw "On Your Toes", with John Lee from 604. Zorina, the ballerina, is really stunning in it. She has probably the most beautiful face and figure I have ever seen. After we went to Square Club, & MD, getting home fairly early.

Footnotes

⁶⁰ Bogey - unidentified aircraft.

10 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Saw Honor off by bus at Andover, then went to look for a hacking stable (without success).

PM Nothing materialised, though I believe there were one or two small raids on Kent.

Evening - took Michael S over to Stockbridge, where Gordon Robinson should have had dinner. It turned out he had not been able to make it but we had been chez Dr Loveless, and then went to the Grosvenor. There we were met by a bevy of the local Observer Corps. They were full of the evening's doings. What they had seen was an Me 110, which had first been spotted by Frank, while he was up testing "E". He had just done an upward roll, & a stall turn which left him with only 100 mph, when he saw this below him. He chased, but the 110 got away easily into a cloud, after giving a decent view of itself to the Stockbridge locals. An ex-stableboy from Wallop promised to get us some riding, & I hope also to find a bit of shooting later (as if we don't get enough already!).

9 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Nothing much doing a.m. except two e/a reported to be approaching aerodrome. We maintained an icy calm throughout!

Owing to bombs on railway, Honor Magee came down by 'bus, & of course I never got a wire which she sent, so didn't know when to meet her. We went to tea in Salisbury, where among other things I bought an Oxford edition of Chaucer. Spent much of the evening reading it, & so was late for dinner.

Saw Geoff Gaunt in the MD & he tells me that 609 was milling round under a large German bomber force in the evening, but no one was engaged.

8 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Early readiness - during a fitful sleep I dreamt it was raining - I woke up and within two minutes it started pattering down on the roof of our Nissen hut. Great rejoicings by all - but I fear the change isn't going to last.

PM. The weather is a bit fitful - but no great activity. Being very tired, decided to go to bed early, but got as far as the Pheasant, to book rooms, and of course stayed drinking with Hibbard till about 11.

7 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

We had got so used to nothing much happening on our Brooklands patrols that we got a rude shock today. A series of raids of a total strength of about 500 I should think, came buzzing round London and attacked the docks, others swung round over N. London, & came back at about 18,000', most conveniently for us (Red Sect.) Frank told us all to pick a man, & down we went into a first vic of 110s. My target just sat there, & I got in some astern shooting exactly as per book. Could not see conclusive result & had to turn to avoid fire from behind. Dived & climbed steeply, then took a nice shot at the belly of another 110. Port engine caught fire, & stb'd aileron fell off. I broke away, & dived for home, rather pleased with myself. Squadron bag 7 dest. 4 Prob, 6 damaged.

Staples & Ogilvie were thought to be lost, but turned up OK, which put us all in a good mood. I had a bullet in my stb'd rocker gear, but it did not hurt the engine.

London was badly hit - I saw what I thought was a gasometer go up, & there were many fires round the docks.

We all celebrated the great day with cocktails at a party at Gordon Harker's house, Monkton, in aid of the Spitfire Fund. O. was full of his first day's fighting - my God, you learn more & more each time you go at it! Got to bed, and found it rocked me like a heavy swell at sea.

6 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Two patrols again today, also with no result. 234 has been putting up a good show here, having shot down several on most days.

My radio studies go on apace.

5 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Two patrols 10,000' & 20,000' over Brooklands. On former we saw "many bandits" far away, but nothing else. Drinking again - though never seriously!

4 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Life continues peacefully. AM took up Ogilvie (Reds) to patrol Radstock. Then chased all over S.W. England after a single Dornier, which unfortunately got away without us seeing it. I did however see a new Consolidated flying boat^[59]. In the evening we did a patrol at Northolt, & did not see anything.

Footnotes

⁵⁹ Consolidated Catalina. Only one example was operating in the UK in 1940.

3 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A.M. went & bought a book on Radio, then bathed at Dents'. Did not fly at all during the day, despite one or two panics. Went into Square Club, & MD in evening.

2 September 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee 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 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.

Footnotes

⁵⁶ Agazarian.

⁵⁷ Blackburn had been one of Bisdee's instructors during training.

⁵⁸ A nearby airfield.

31 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee 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.

Footnotes

⁵⁴ Made a serious error

⁵⁵ An attack made from the side of the enemy aircraft or formation.

30 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

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

29 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee 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.

Footnotes

⁵³ Miles Magister, a two-seat training aircraft.

28 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Up by mistake at 7.30, instead of 8.30. Left at 10.00 & took 2 hrs 10 mins to get back, including a stop for two beers, and another for sanitary purposes! Mileage about 70.

A very clear day - wonder whether Jerry will attack or not.

Well, Jerry didn't attack in our sector at all. We were finally released at 8.30, after some practice flying, and took Jim Rose and two WAAF officers over to the Mucky Duck, where much too much beer was consumed.

27 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

During the night I dreamt of German planes with English markings spraying gas. But that was the only sign of war, because nothing happened all day. At 13.00 hrs was released for 24 hrs. Went straight off to Somerset & stayed night with the Hennikers. Saw Wilmot family at Kenstoke - they are keeping on 10 couple of hounds, & have offered me a hunt whenever I can get down. Went for a walk on Mendips, before an early bed.

26 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Today's a Monday, though it's like any other day now. Got a letter from Bobbie - I can't make out what she really thinks of being married - she still writes a most amusing letter. By the bye, yesterday Osta^[49] came back with a cannon shell through his starboard, & another through the fuselage, hit the top A.P.^[50] & pulled it off its bolts. The whole thing came forward & bumped the back of his head. So he was lucky to get away with it.

Round about tea time Jerry came over again, & I was leading Yellows - first time I'd led in combat. Took section to 24,000, where Sgt Feary thought he knew best, & lost himself & Mamedoff^[51] from behind me, Went down again to 18,000 or so with squadron, as by this time it seemed unlikely that we'd be engaged. Jerry was probably nearby, but thanks to lack of information from Ops, we never found him. Except that Andy vows he fired at a 109. At the end of the show Ops vectored Red Sect away instead of towards base! Brilliant.

Took Gardiner^[52] practice flying afterwards - he was obviously trying very hard to get close formation. Did quite well on the whole.

Footnotes

⁴⁹ Ostaszewski-Ostoja.

⁵⁰ Armour Plate.

⁵¹ Pilot Officer Andy Mamedoff, one of three Americans to fly with 609 during the Battle.

⁵² No reference to this pilot in standard reference books.

25 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Nothing much doing until tea-time, when we all went off, & when we were at 20,000, saw big vics of Me 110 Jaguars approaching Warmwell. There must have been about 60 of them. Yellow section (me No 2) attacked the first vic & broke it up. Saw my stuff going into one, but overshot, dived & came up again for another burst. Ran out of targets & oxygen, so dived down on Warmwell which appeared to have received 3 hits. Sick quarters, one near R/T tender, & a fire in the quarry nearby. This was all the damage done by that large force of escorted bombers.

Could not find any lone bombers, so patrolled at 8,000' for 20 mins & returned. Estimate one 110 fairly heavily damaged. Altogether a most satisfactory party - correct height, & everyone able to get a decent first attack in.

Later went up & patrolled base 15,000. Sections got broken up going through thick cloud. AOC later appeared, but did not give any constructive information.

24 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

A very clear day except for a few fleecy clouds. In fact, a day on which Hitler had no excuse for not attacking. As I write at 15.15 hrs, this hasn't materialised, although we've had an air raid warning. No letters so far today - I finished yesterday with quite a long letter to Bobbie, quite well & wittily written I thought!

The AOC was charm yesterday pm - is reported to have given the CO of 604 an imperial rocket for letting his squadron fly when it shouldn't have. We suspect it was when their Blenheims were nipping in & out of cloud when we were trying to shoot down Ju 88's. In point of fact, one B'hm was shot about by Crook, & the gunner slightly wounded.

Tonight I think I'll go visit the Chappells at Stockbridge, after dinner.

I am a poor prophet - the attack did come. A force of bombers (Jaguars)^[47] supported by scores of 109's. We of course were told to patrol at 10,000', & the bombers had gone amidst a good send-off of A/A before we got there, leaving us up the pole as it were, with probably "100+" 109's above us at about 27,000. As we climbed up, they of course did hit & run attacks on us, hitting Andy's machine up pretty badly. It is due for a pension anyway. None of us fired, & all were rather despondent as a result. Ops got a hell of a rocket from Frank, and I think it was thoroughly deserved. After all this, we had to come on late to release 'B' Flight for dinner, so we were the mugs all round.

Wrote a quick note to Mummy, & after release took Red & Frank to the "Mucky Duck"^[48]. It was only then that I realised what an agony of mind the day's work had meant to Frank. Knowing we were too low, & with 109's above us, his common sense telling him to get to hell out of it, but loyalty to our rather crazy sense of honour telling him we must climb up under them, a sitting target for any 109 which cared to have a crack at us. He drank about six highballs and was much better for them.

Footnotes

⁴⁷ Messerschmitt 110s.

⁴⁸ Probably the Black Swan at Monxton.

23 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

An eventful day for me. Readiness, 8.00 am. The Duke of Kent arrived about 11.30 & talked to each of us, shaking hands. I think it is a mistake to try & talk to each man separately - if he got to know a little of the doings of the squadron as a whole, it would be much better for him & us! Particularly noticed he wore what appeared to be patent leather shoes.

Two air raid warnings, neither turning out to be in earnest.

Besides the air raids, no activity at all. Frank^[45] was to have seen the AOC^[46] about a new idea he has for placing one man as controller or air intelligence officer, to report by VHF direct to Group. This same strategy might be brought into the game of Hun chasing.

Footnotes

⁴⁵ Flight Lieutenant Frank Howell.

⁴⁶ Air Officer Commanding 10 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Christopher Quintin Brand

22 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

After an early start, it was 'A' Flight's easy day. It was also my first adventure in section leading. Took Staples & Tobin up for cloud flying in vic, then crazy line astern, & landing. Brought them in a bit fast, otherwise OK.

One abortive air raid, during the day.

21 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Doc certified me OK. Went into a section at lunch time. I find I have not missed much, except a day when 'A' Flight got 9 Ju 87's - Squadron total for day - 13. Wire of congratulations from Archibald Sinclair.^[43]

Nothing much happens these days - no Warmwell & the raiders mostly singles. Today we were bombed, about four dropping near 604 dispersal. Some were delayed action as usual, & gave the Army marking party a bit of a shock, one going off while they were standing round. Another Jerry was shot down by one of 234. Crashed in flames at Stockbridge^[44], all crew being blown up by its bombs.

Footnotes

⁴³ Secretary of State for Air.

⁴⁴ Probably a Ju 88 of I/KG54.

20 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Last day of leave, & so, packing. Bathed at Club a.m., then lunched there with Mrs Richardson, Dennis & Paddy Mason etc, on very good cold lobster.

Off back about 3.46 - got to M.W. about nine, in time to see by daylight two hangars which were damaged by bombs a few days before. Had drinks at the Officers' Club at Andover with blokes from 609. All pleased to see the Bish^[42] back again, (I hope)

Footnotes

⁴² Bisdee's nickname.

19 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Went out a.m. with MA/SB 42 - Lieut. Robertson. The MA/SB's^[41] carry depth charges & A/A defence - go about 40 knots on 2 Merlins. Altogether a marvellous experience.

Footnotes

⁴¹ Motor Anti-Submarine Boats.

18 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The Air Staff Operational Summary records:
Enemy activity resumed an extensive scale after the lull of the previous day.

Two main attacks developed in the South-East at about 1230 and 1700 hours. In the former case the attacks spread over the South-eastern Home Counties and in the latter case over ESSEX and KENT. LONDON CENTRAL received Red warnings in each instance.

Another big attack was directed on the PORTSMOUTH-SOUTHAMPTON area at 1400 hours.

Interceptions were effected by fighters and 126 enemy aircraft were shot down.

17 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Apart from a few isolated reconnaissance flights in the South and East Coasts, and over one or two aerodromes, there has been little enemy activity over GREAT BRITAIN today.

16 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The Air Staff Operational Summary records:
Enemy activity was on a reduced scale compared with that of the previous day. The main activity consisted of two attacks:-

Attacks launched between 12.00 and 14.30 hours against PORTSMOUTH, KENY and EAST ANGLIAN areas.
A series launched between 16.30 and 18.30 hours against DOVER and THE THAMES ESTUARY and along the South Coast between SHOREHAM and SELSEY BILL.

Several of these raids penetrated towards LONDON which received two red warnings.

During engagements our Fighters destroyed 72 enemy aircraft.

15 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The Air Staff Operational Summary records:
There were five major actions as follows:-

At 11.00 hours over the Coast between DOVER and HAWKINGE where about 100+ enemy aircraft were involved.
At about 12.00 hours in the NEWCASTLE-SUNDERLAND-DRIFFIELD area where 70+ enemy aircraft were involved.
At 14.30 hours over MARTLESHAM, DOVER, DEAL, and LYMPNE involving 200 enemy aircraft.
From 17.20 hours to 18.10 hours in the PORTSMOUTH, WEYMOUTH, and MIDDLE WALLOP areas involving 300 to 400 enemy aircraft.
From 18.10 hours to 19.30 hours, from DUNGENESS to KENLEY and BIGGIN HILL involving 60 to 70 enemy aircraft.

Aerodromes appeared to be the principal objectives. Industrial targets and Coastal towns were also attacked. In the combats resulting from the above actions the number of enemy aircraft destroyed reached the record figure of 161.

14 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Got to Fowey 12.45, after exploring a little pub called the Oxenham Arms at South Zeal - a 12th Century monastic agricultural school originally. Still I doubt if the yellow bellied moderns drink more than the monks did in clerical times of yore.

The score of the RAF is mounting - am secretly not at my ease here, because though if I search my reason, I can see that this war will last more than a week, still I am feeling out of things.

13 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Saw specialist at Tidworth, a.m. after a deal of trouble, & after having done an early patrol. He recommends Argotine & a powder called Pulv. Alkalin mixed with water, to be sniffed up the nose. M.O. gave me 7 days' confined to the ground, & the C.O. sent me off on leave. Could not leave till 5.30, owing to mass air raid. Bombs all over the place, but none on aerodrome.

On the way down, got a bit overconfident, & promptly found myself in Taunton by mistake - so spent night in Cullompton.

12 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Saw M.O. who immediately ordered me to see a specialist. Didn't fly, as I was spare pilot. 609 bagged another 5. RAF - 62.

11 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

The most amazing party I've yet been in. About 200 Me's arrived in circus off the coast. We were set to intercept, & had a hectic time, helped by some Hurricanes. I had a short but long range shot at a 110, & it turned straight over & dived. Was fired at myself, turned & span (silly fool). Came out at 12,000 (I had started at 24,000) & started climbing up again. Met a Hurricane chased by 2 Me 109's, the second of which dived to a quarter attack on me.. I could almost see down his cannon barrel. I turned left & span again trying to do a climbing turn onto him. Found another 109 at 18,000 but he disappeared into cloud.

Finally found my engine was smoking, so returned. I am fairly confident that I got the 110, as I saw him going a long way down, after my first spin. The motto seems to be: - never lose the initiative (which is what you're sure to do, if you spin).

John had two shells one in st'b'd wing, & one in the radiator - how he got back beats me. Sgt pilot from 238 got his Hurricane out of a spin with one elevator completely shot away. Good show. Day's bag 609 - 5, RAF - 60.

Am feeling lousy with ear nose & throat trouble. Going to see M.O. tomorrow.

10 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Had to get back fairly early, for Dogs^[40] to get 'A' Flight fixed up.

Came to Warmwell, & tested out my new mirror - a great success. Am writing this diary under difficulties - people chatting & throwing footballs. About 15.30 a fire started in a barley field by our dispersal point. What with this & that, it was half burnt before the yokels & RAF could put it out.

Footnotes

⁴⁰ Dundas.

9 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Did not fly a.m. as Howell^[38] was using 'H' It went u/s^[39] with a glycol leak, & I arranged for the crew (Wright & Hancock) to mend the leak & fix my new mirror at same time.

'A' Flight released 13.00 John Dundas & self were invited to stay night with Mr J Lewis (of John Lewis's stores) at Leckford Abbas.

Footnotes

³⁸ Flight Lieutenant Frank Jonathan Howell had been shot down on 18 July. On 21 October he shared in the destruction of 609's 100th enemy aircraft. He reached the rank of wing commander but died in an accident on 9 May 1948.

³⁹ Unserviceable - out of action.

8 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

There is a dawn convoy coming our way - I'm sure it'll bring trouble with it.

Later: - It has! Went off with Greens (McArthur^[33] the new 'B' Flight Commander, David Crook^[34] & self). Flight led by C.O^[35]. I had to turn back, as my sliding hood was sticking. When I got back I could find nothing except the convoy. Finally pancaked^[36]. 'B' Flight had been in the thick of it - Appleby^[37], C.O. & Curchin, each one Me 110, McArthur two Ju 87's. I was very annoyed - and still am, at missing the chance. We did several more patrols during the day, but of course saw nothing. Slept heavily at dispersal.

Footnotes

³³ Flight Lieutenant James MacArthur later joined the RCAF and flew in Korea. He was killed in a flying accident in May 1961.

³⁴ Crook wrote Fighter pilot, published in 1942, on his experiences in the Battle. He was lost on a photographic sortie on 18 December 1944.

³⁵ Squadron Leader Horace Darley.

³⁶ Landed.

³⁷ Pilot Officer Michael John Appleby left the RAF in September 1945.

7 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

The mirror in 'H' is not yet ready - but had to have rev. counter changed before leaving for Warmwell.

On the whole, a dull day, with very few patrols. Slept down at dispersal, using my air-pillow, & had a sound night's sleep.

6 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

15 minutes till 13.00 hours. Did not do any practice flying, as all the aircraft were being used. PM did camera gun practice, quarter attacks on Sgt Feary as target. Do not think they were any good, as I had trouble with the sights. When I was last down at Warmwell, I got on to 152's Eng. Officer, & borrowed a specimen rear vision mirror, which fairs into the armour plate glass mounting.

This has not yet been fitted to 'H', as the first one made was wrongly sighted.

Also went for a short walk with Dundas^[31] and Goodwin^[32], to look for John's scarf, lost in the circuit. We, of course, did not find it, but it was a bit of exercise for us.

Footnotes

³¹ Flying Officer John Dundas shot down 11 aircraft during the Battle, plus 4 shared with other pilots and one probably destroyed. He was killed on 28 November 1940, after shooting down the Luftwaffe's top scoring pilot, Major Helmut Wick.

³² Flying Officer Henry Goodwin was posted to No. 609 Squadron on 20 May 1940 and failed to return from a combat on 14 August.

5 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Did an early flight, but had to give up owing to low cloud & fog. Again at 30 mins available till about 10.30. Nothing more happened till we came home. Flew in diamond with me in 'box' of Yellows.

Found 'H' now complete, & flew it in the evening, doing rolls off top. Engine a bit ropy after the old one which was in 'H' before, but I think it'll get better.

Evening - took out our two new pilots, Novierski^[29] & Ostaszewski^[30]. They still have a long way to go in the way of learning English, but have plenty of flying hours. It is a bit difficult to talk to them without arousing painful memories in their minds.

Footnotes

²⁹ Tadeus Nowierski had joined the Polish Air Force in 1929. During the Battle he was credited with destroying 5 enemy aircraft, plus two Probably Destroyed.

³⁰ Piotr Ostaszewski-Ostoja left the RAF at the end of 1946 as a wing commander, and settled in the UK.

4 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Got back to Middle Wallop at 11.45 after driving 77 miles in 2 hours dead. Down to Warmwell, where things were very dull. A heavy sea-mist slowly crept up, till it covered the aerodrome, & we were put to Available.

Good drinking time was had by all. Slept at dispersal, using an air pillow bought in Watford.

3 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Released at 13.00 hours, but managed to get off about 11.30. Went to Watford & collected Pat. We motored to the "Clock" at Welwyn for tea, & bought honey for Mrs Davis. Stopped at the "Comet" Hatfield for a drink, & the returned to Watford to change.

Pat made herself look very nice indeed, & quite melted my heart. We went to see "Broadway Melody of 1940" - (Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell) - a very good light film, with plenty of dancing. Then on to Quaglino's (now re-named Meurice's since Quag. was lost in the Arandora Star^[28]) which was as usual very full - we danced there till things died down. Met Mike Fitzalan-Howard, now instructor at Sandhurst, and David Petherick with wife. Quite a nice girl for such a wet young man.

Footnotes

²⁸ Sunk by a German U-boat on 2 July 1940, while transporting German and Italian internees and prisoners of war to Canada.

2 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The extent of activity was principally limited to reconnaissance of shipping off the South and East and East Anglian Coasts, and to Coastal patrols and assembly of aircraft off the French Coast.

The ISLE of WIGHT area received the most attention.

Low cloud hindered fighters in the morning when enemy aircraft approached close to, or temporarily crossed the coast.

The assemblies off the French Coast were inclined to increase as the weather improved during the day, and at one period in the late afternoon seven raids composed of about eighty plus aircraft were concentrated in the CALAIS-Boulogne area. Four Squadrons were waiting for them, but no attack developed.

No hostile aircraft were accounted for.

2 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

The lacuna^[1] in this diary is at present worse than ever. This is mainly due to the altered way of life which we now lead - practically no time for writing while we are on readiness.

After the Dunkirk show, life at Northolt mainly consisted of practice flying. We got three new pilots from 600, P/Os Miller^[2] ("Mick") & Curchin^[3], & Sgt Feary^[4], a VR^[5]. Also from 605 (S/L Avent's^[6] old squadron) F/O "Mac" Goodwin^[7] nicknamed "Quisling"^[8] by Beau^[9]. The name has stuck, as he has a way of sabotaging things with all the good will in the world.

Finally, Mark Avent was posted as a controller at St Eval. He's a nice man, but seems to hate operational flying, & was not really very suitable as C.O. We now have S/L Darley^[10], a very nice type, & a good sense of humour - though he's a "Regular" through & through.

Footnotes

¹ Gap.

² Pilot Officer R F G Miller joined the RAF in June 1939 and, after completing his training, joined the squadron on 4 May. He was killed in action on 27 September 1940.

³ Flight Lieutenant John Curchin, an Australian. He failed to return from a sortie on 4 June 1941, when his score stood at 8 enemy aircraft (plus 4 shared) destroyed, 1 unconfirmed and 1 probably destroyed.

⁴ Sergeant Alan Feary was a member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve, rather than the Auxiliary Air Force. He was killed on 17 October 1940 and is buried in the churchyard at Warmwell.

⁵ Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

⁶ Squadron Leader Mark Avent was the squadron's third Commanding Officer, and had joined 609 in January 1940.

⁷ Henry MacDonald Goodwin

⁸ After the Norwegian traitor Vidkun Quisling, who worked with the occupying German forces.

⁹ Flight lieutenant S G Beaumont was one of the first three pilots trained by the squadron.

¹⁰ Horace Stanley Darley had joined the RAF in 1932. His score during the Battle was 3 Destroyed, 3 Probably Destroyed and 2 Damaged.

1 August 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity was on a reduced scale and mostly consisted of reconnaisaance and raids by single aircraft or small formations. Shipping was attacked and one land target was bombed. Our fighters shot down four enemy aircraft (one confirmed and three unconfirmed).

31 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity was on a reduced scale; this may have been partly due to a lack of cloud cover when operations were attempted on the SOUTH COAST, but it was also noteworthy that enemy aircraft not infrequently turned away as soon as our fighters were sent to intercept. Successful interceptions, however, were made, resulting in one Ju.88 and one Do.215 being regarded as probable casualties off DUNGENESS and the ISLE OF WIGHT respectively, and one Me.109 being shot down near DOVER.

30 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Activity in general was on a restricted scale, owing to weather conditions. Our fighters made two successful interceptions, shooting down an He.111 off MONTROSE and an Me.110 off SOUTHWOLD.

29 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The main activity was as follows:-

At 0730 hours, DOVER Harbour was heavily attacked.
In the afternoon, a hostile reconnaissance aircraft was shot down off PORTSMOUTH.
Of two enemy aircraft making a shipping reconnaissance East of SOUTHWOLD, one was shot down and a second is a possible casualty.
A raid which was attacking a convoy off HARWICH was intercepted and driven off.

28 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Gordon Robinson^[27] came round after lunch, then he & I went off to tennis at Stockbridge, with two more Gunners.

Afterwards went on to Col. "Johnnie" Crosbie & his new wife, at Micheldever. The house stands in its own park, a lovely place, if rather cluttered up inside with Chinese dragons.

As I write a woman is singing Down-South songs on the radio "My honey, don't do me no wrong". I've just fixed up a new aerial for it.

Very good record by Count Basie - what it's called I don't know.

Footnotes

²⁷ A former school friend of Bisdee's.

27 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

During the afternoon, several raids attacked shipping and naval units in the Straits and in DOVER Harbour. Two enemy aircraft were shot down and we lost one Hurricane.

One raid approaching a convoy off SWANAGE was intercepted and driven back, two enemy aircraft being shot down and one Spitfire missing. Other raids approaching shipping and ports on the SOUTH COAST retired before our Fighters could intercept.

26 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Went up to town with Jarvis - saw Cop Mitchell at A.M.^[25], then went with him & Skino to "Come out of your Shell" at the Criterion. Quite a good little show. Then met Honor Magee, & the 4 of us went to Quaglino's^[26]. A very good party, and a great chance to see into the workings of high places. Got back next day about 12.30.

Footnotes

²⁵ Air Ministry.

²⁶ Restaurant founded by Giovanni Quaglino in 1929.

25 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity by day was once again concentrated on attacks on shipping and convoys in the Channel, the major engagement taking place off DOVER. A few raids penetrated inland and dropped bombs without inflicting any serious damage.

24 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The main activity was centered in the Channel. A combat involving approximately 90 aircraft took place at mid-day off DEAL and NORTH FORELAND. Convoys and shipping were the main objectives. A few raids penetrated inland and dropped bombs without inflicting any serious damage except near GLASGOW where a printing works was practically demolished.

23 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Enemy activity appeared to have further decreased and those aircraft with few exceptions approaching the cost seemed to devote their attention to reconnaissance of shipping and to attacks when opposition was not immediately encountered but turned away when fighters were in the vicinity.

While patrolling a convoy off YARMOUTH in the early morning, Hurricanes shot down a JU.86 and it is a probable casualty.

A 'help' message from a convoy some distance off LOWESTOFT was received at about 0809 hours but only one bomb is reported to have been dropped from a great height.

Later, a raid penetrating inland as far as KENLEY dropped bombs during the flight. It at once retraced its track on the approach of fighters. At 1120 a force of 6 aircraft approached NORTH FORELAND and bombed trawlers. Two fighter squadrons intercepted without conclusive results. During the morning, various other aircraft were detected around the coast from the north of SCOTLAND southwards. No contact was made by fighters.

During the afternoon activity was still further recued but in a raid near KINNAIRDS HEAD a DO.215 was intercepted and is confirmed as having been shot down by Spitfires at 1540 hours.

At 1530 hours a raid of 9 aircaft appeared without being tracked in R.D.F.^[24] 50 miles East of HARWICH. A naval vessel is reported to have been bombed . Another raid appeared inland near YARMOUTH at 1640 hours and re-crossed the coast near BAWDSEY after dropping bombs at PULHAM MARKET. It evaded fighters in the clouds. Fighters were sent up to a raid which appeared inland over NORTH SCOTLAND after 1800 hours but the enemy aircraft escaped East at great speed.

Footnotes

²⁴ Radio Direction Finding, the original name for Radar.

22 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Some 14 raids were detected. These appear to have been mainly engaged in meteorological and shipping reconnaissance flights off the East and South Coast; although convoys were approached, no resultant attacks were reported. Convoy and shipping protection patrols were flown by our fighters and possibly accounted for the apparent reluctance on the part of the enemy to attack by daylight. A few raids crossed our Coasts; one was plotted between BRISTOL and the SUSSEX Coast, flying very high. Another DO.17 crossed the Coast near SELSEY BILL and was intercepted and shot down off TANGMERE' a raid of three aircraft was plotted 10 miles North of SELSEY BILL and appeared to be intercepted but no combat reports have been received.

21 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The main activity of the day was centred in the Channel and the STRAITS OF DOVER, convoys being the objectives. A few isolated raids penetrated inland.

20 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Our fighters were again mainly engaged in the South against enemy formations despatched to attack convoys and shipping in DOVER harbour. These attacks were preceded by reconnaissance flights up to mid-day. Our fighters engaged the enemy, inflicting casualties and turning him away from his objective before serious damage could be done. On several occasions, however, the enemy did not wait to meet our fighters but turned back on sighting them or hearing our R.T.^[23]

Footnotes

²³ Radio Telephone.

19 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Two major engagements took place off DOVER the first at 12.15 hours and the second at 1600 hours.

An enemy bomber was shot down off SHOREHAM in the morning and another in the evening, whilst one HURRICANE (pilot saved) was shot down near WEST GRINSTEAD.

GLASGOW was bombed in the morning by 2 DO. 217's, and small vessels were attacked east of CLACTON and south of the ISLE OF WIGHT.

18 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

Had a crack at a Ju 88. Yellow [Section] Teeny^[20], Self, Newbery^[21] on patrol, saw AA from convoy. Teeny did steep climbing turn, loosed off a few rounds & "ran out of lift", actually nearly span in. I chased the Ju 88 out to sea. Rear gunner opened up at 1000 yards, quite out of range. I gave burst at 600 yards & 400 yards, stopping top rear gunner. Closed in & damaged port engine, when e/a^[22] climbed steeply. I had a fine plan view, but ran out of ammo. Was I sick! Still, I had had a crack.

Rest of month's flying very dull, except for a lump of our own AA in my tail.

Entertainment at [Middle] Wallop consists of drinking, mainly at the White Hart, Andover, and the Haunch of Venison, Salisbury.

Footnotes

²⁰ Flying Officer Charles Overton left the RAF as a wing commander in 1946.

²¹ Flying Officer John Charles Newberry had joined the squadron on 8 July. He sustained serious injuries on 25 September but survived the war.

²² Enemy Aircraft.

17 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Weather hampered our fighters in their action against enemy air activity which was again on a reduced scale.

Raids were plotted off the SCOTTISH, East and South East Coasts, apparently searching for shipping. An attack was made on shipping off DUNDEE and trawlers were attacked of BEACHY HEAD. One or two raids crossed the coast and bombs were dropped in SURREY, KENT, at PORTLAND, and in AYRSHIRE.

16 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

I'm not going to put down my "daily doings" as I'm a bit behind still, but the main points only. I find Pip^[11], Drummond-Hay^[12], and Mitchell^[13] are all missing or dead. A depressing thought. On the other hand, we have new pilots.
F/O Newbury^[14], P/O's Staples^[15] & Agazarian^[16].

ex C.U.A.S. (Pembroke)^[17] & RAFO^[18]
V.R. ex Hollerith^[19] trainee
V.R. Armenian father, French mother a most charming fellow.

Footnotes

¹¹ Flying Officer Philip Henry Barran, killed on 11 July.

¹² Flying Officer Peter Drummond-Hay, missing after combat on 9 July.

¹³Pilot Officer Gordon Mitchell, killed 11 July 1940.

¹⁴ John Charles Newbery left the RAF in 1945 as a squadron leader.

¹⁵ Michael Edmund Staples was killed in a flying accident on 9 November 1941.

¹⁶ Noel Agazarian was killed while flying with No. 274 Squadron in the Middle East on 1 May 1941.

¹⁷ Cambridge University Air Squadron, and Pembroke College.

¹⁸ Reserve of Air Force Officers.

¹⁹ Herman Hollerith invented a punched card system for storing and processing data, and founded the company that eventually became IBM.

15 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

There was very little enemy activity, probably owing to bad weather. A few raids occurred in the CARDIFF, SWANSEA, PORTSMOUTH and SOUTHAMPTON areas, off the THAMES ESTUARY and NORFOLK Coast. One raid also visited DREM. A certain amount of activity was experienced over convoys on the south and east coasts.

14 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Fighter engagements with the enemy were on a smaller scale due to a reduction of enemy activity near our Coasts. What activity there was, however, was almost entirely directed towards attacks on shipping. Bombs damaged convoys off DOVER and a naval unit was bombed off SWANAGE. No damage reported. A convoy off the NORFOLK Coast was also reconnoitred, and one raid approached the coast of MONTROSE. Patrols were maintained over convoys at periods during the day; one enemy aircraft in reporting the position of a convoy mentioned our Fighter escort, and no attack resulted.

13 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

During the day the enemy focussed his attention primarily on shipping and many bombs were dropped on convoys but no hits were reported. Major fighter engagements were as follows:-

Off PORTLAND at 1430 hours.
In the DOVER area at 1730 hours.
About 15 m. off CALAIS at 1800 hours.

12 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

The chief features of the day's operations were attacks on shipping and one raid on ABERDEEN. The main shipping raid consisted of 2 formations of 12+ and 6+ aircraft which attacked a convoy off the NORFOLK-SUFFOLK Coast in the morning.

Five fighter sections were despatched to intercept and these were further reinforced by one squadron. The ensuing action resulted in 6 enemy aircraft being shot down for certain and 2 more probable. One HURRICANE is missing and one crashed on landing.

A second, though less intensive raid, on shipping took place in the afternoon off the ISLE OF WIGHT. This was intercepted by one squadron and resulted in one enemy aircraft being shot down and 2 others probable.

Other actions along the coasts by fighters brought the total enemy casualties to 10 certain and 4 probable, the aircraft which bombed ABERDEEN being included.

One other HURRICANE was brought down in the sea, but the pilot is safe.

11 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

Between 0600 and 0900 hours a number of raids by single aircraft were carried out between YARMOUTH and FLAMBOROUGH HEAD and inland.

Bombs were dropped at several places including the R.E. Headquarters at MELBOURNE in DERBYSHIRE, and at BRIDLINGTON where a truck containing ammunition was blown up. Although weather conditions were not good, a DO.17 was intercepted by fighters and shot down off CROMER by No. 242 Squadron. One of our HURRICANES was shot down during the combat but the pilot is reported safe. In the South, attacks were reported on shipping off the ISLE OF WIGHT and at 0741 hours a raid of six aircraft appeared in the CHERBOURG area. Three sections of fighters were ordered to patrol POOLE and on the approach of the enemy were reinforced by a further Squadron. A fight ensued and 604 Squadron shot down a JU.87 confirmed and possibly an additional JU.87 unconfirmed.

Between 0900-1100 hours, there was little activity, probably due to the bad weather. Of four raids however, one, a DO.17, was intercepted by No. 601 Squadron and shot down off SELSEY BILL. Another raid bombed SWANSEA and carried out a shipping reconnaissance of MILFORD HAVEN.

After 1100 hours considerable activity started with an attack on PORTLAND and a convoy off the Coast, some fifty enemy aircraft taking part. These aircraft were plotted from CAP HAGUE and JERSEY. Five of our Squadrons intercepted and succeeded in shooting down 8 ME.110's for certain and 8 ME.110's and 1 JU.87 probable. In addition, one Hurricane which attacked one of our sections and which bore red and blue checked markings on the wings was shot down.

The A.A. at PORTLAND shot down three enemy aircraft, one HE.111, 1 JU.88 confirmed and one unidentified enemy aircraft unconfirmed. As a result of this engagement, an ME.110 landed near WEYMOUTH practically undamaged and the occupants arrested before they could destroy the aircraft.

In the afternoon several attacks on convoys off SUFFOLK were reported. Continuous fighter patrols were maintained over these convoys and no reports of damage have been received. One enemy aircraft carried out a reconnaissance over ALDERSHOT, UPPER HEYFORD and out over NORFOLK.

At 1744 hours, a raid of some fifty aircraft attacked PORTSMOUTH. Guided by accurate A.A. fire, two of our Squadrons intercepted th enemy and in the ensuing combat, No. 601 Squadron shot down 4 HE.111's and 1 ME.110 for cetain and 4 He.111's probable. No. 145 Squadron shot down 1 ME.110 and 3 HE.111's for certain and lost one Hurricane (pilot safe).

Bombs fell in PORTSMOUTH setting fire to the gas works and causing some casualties. Pilots report that during this engagement, enemy bombers threw out various objects some of which appeared to be metal turnings, plates and wire, in great quantity.

One raid was plotted North of GLASGOW at 1913 hours and was tracked East over the FIRTH OF FORTH and out to sea. This is considered significant in view of a raid which was plotted at about 2330 hours on the night 10/11th July going westwards over the same route with no trace of its return.

10 July 1940 Plt. Off. John Bisdee Blog entry

No diary entry - the Air Staff Operational Summary records:

During the day the main enemy effort was concentrated in two attacks on shipping.

At approximately 1100 hours a convoy was attacked off MANSTON by 1 DORNIER escorted by 10 ME. 109's but in consequence of timely action by two of our fighter Squadrons, the enemy aircraft were driven off and they suffered losses of 1 ME. 109 confirmed and 4 ME.109's probable.

At 1325 hours a large force of about 120 enemy aircraft collected behind CALAIS and approached a convoy between DOVER and DUNGENESS. Fighter interception by 5 Squadrons resulted in 6 ME.110's, 1 ME. 109, 1 DO.17 and 1 DO. 215 being confirmed as having been shot down, and 2 ME.110's, 5 ME.109's and 4 DO.215's probable casualties.

Further enemy harassing raids took place along the West, South and East Coasts. This was especially heavy in the West. Towards the evening, owing probably to bad weather, activity decreased.