19 July 1940
The A Flight returns to Hawkinge at dawn (04:00) with two patrols over Beachy Head between 04:25 and 07:15. These patrols may be related to the presence of a Dornier Do.17P of 4(F)/121 attacked by six Hawker Hurricanes of No.145 and No.257 (RAF) Squadron (06:03 – 07:35) between Redhill and Shoreham-by-Sea, before being shot down off Brighton.[1]
The pilots return to Kenley at 09:00. At the same time, the B Flight remains on alert all morning. The Squadron is released at 13:00 for a well-deserved rest.
Pilots and Aircrafts :
- Flight Lieutenant Lionel M. Gaunce (N2328) ; Pilot Officer Petrus H. Hugo (P2963) ; Pilot Officer Sydney J. Madle (P3160) ; Flying Officer Peter Collard (P2768) ; Flying Officer John R.H. Gayner (P3380) ; Pilot Officer Cecil R. Young (N2337) [04:25 – 06:35][2]
- Squadron Leader Joseph R. Kayll (P2966) ; Pilot Officer Cecil R. Young (N2337) [06:00 – 07:45].[3]
[1] No.11 Group Intelligence Bulletin n°8. Kew : The National Archives, AIR 25/197 ; PARRY, SIMON W. Battle of Britain Combat Archive, n°1 (10 July – 22 July 1940). Red Kite. 2015. p.84.
[2]According to Form 541, not all pilots return at the same time. For example, Pilot Officer Cecil R. Young lands at 05:50, while the other land between 06:10 and 06:35. The ORB does not provide an explanation for this scattered return.
[3]Here again, still according to Form 541, Squadron Leader Kayll returns at 07:15 and Pilot Officer Young lands at 07:45.
