15 September 1940
Northern Front
No.94 (RAF) Squadron knows a bit of action when Squadron Leader William T.F. Wightman (L9047) takes off at 12h25 for the usual patrol over the port of Aden. At 13j25, he receives order to go to Steamer Point where an unidentified aircraft is reported. The latter turns to be a Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 and Squadron Leader William T.F. Wightman attacks immediately, firing several bursts from behind. He loses however quickly the bomber and must land at 13h40. Two more Gladiators take off immediately: Sergeant F. E. Hendy (N5787) and Gerald D.F. Herrtage (N5757) but they fail to locate the Italian bomber and return after twenty-five minutes of flight [1].
Southern Front
No. 40 (SAAF) Squadron receives some reinforcements with the arrival of six Hartbees (No. 818, 819, 824, 826, 841 and 862) [2].
[1] « 15 september 1940 et Report No.40 », No. 94 (RAF) Squadron : Operations Record Book (Form 540 and Form 541), Kew – TNA, AIR 27 / 755.
[2] « 15 september 1940 », No.40 (SAAF) Squadron, War Diary (November 1939 – January 1941), Kew – TNA, AIR 54/79.
