10 June 1940 Nine planes take off from Kenley, at 11h15, to reach Tangmere. They leave at 14h00 for a new offensive patrol over France. This time, it is the Fécamp – Abbeville – Dieppe – Le Tréport sector. The pilots return to Kenley at 15h30. Unlike previous days, German aircraft are reported, but the…
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22 September 1940 Northern Front The end of September is marked by the gradual arrival and deployment of Major-General Lewis Heath’s 5th Indian Division in Sudan. This event leads to transfers within the No.1 (SAAF) Squadron. Thus, a first detachment of two Gladiator Gladiators (including Lieutenant Robin Pare) is sent to Atbara (midway along the…
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21 September 1940 Northern Front During a nighttime bombardment of Gura and Asmara, the Vickers Wellesley K8530 (Flight Sergeant Bathe; Sergeant Naismith) was intercepted, around 11h36, northeast of Massawa. A short confrontation ensued for four minutes between the bomber and two aircraft identified by the crew as Fiat CR.42[1]. Southern Front Following SAAF’s recent bombardments,…
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9 June 1940 As on the previous day, nine pilots left Kenley at 10h15 to join Tangmere in order to carry out an offensive patrol, in company with No.111 and 601 (RAF) Squadron, above the Le Tréport – Aumale – Poix sector (12h00 – 13h30). Again, one of the Hawker Hurricanes (Flight Lieutenant James G.…
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20 September 1940 Northern Front After being announced for several weeks, the first three Blenheim Mk IVs were delivered to No.14 (RAF) Squadron on 14 September 1940 in Port Sudan. These three Bristol Blenheim Mk IVs (R3899, T2057 and T2061) of No.14 (RAF) Squadron come into action during a bombardment on Massawa between 11h35 and…
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8 june 1940 : back over France After a short period of reorganization, the No. 615 Squadron was quickly returned to operation over France. Nine Hawker Hurricane Mk I take off from Kenley in the direction of Hawkinge at 09h45. After the necessary preparations, the formation take off, at 12h50, with No.111 (RAF) Squadron for…
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19 September 1940 Northern Front The Bristol Blenheims return, again, to Dire Dawa with two aircrafts of No.8 (RAF) Squadron, two of No.11 (RAF) Squadron and two of No.39 (RAF) Squadron. The bombardment is done between 01h30 and 06h35 and specifically aims the hangar of Ala Littoria.[1] On their side, the Italians send five Savoia-Marchetti…
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1 – 7 June 1940 : reorganization Squadron Leader Joseph R. Kayll is involved in the reorganization of No. 615 Squadron at Kenley Airfield following various losses suffered during the operations of May 1940. Thus, the Flying Officer Lionel M. Gaunce becomes the new head of A Flight with the functions of Flight Lieutenant. Pilot…
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18 September 1940 Northern Front Following reports of troop concentrations near Kassala, three Vickers Wellesley of No. 47 (RAF) Squadron took off at 03h30 for a bombing. All the bombs fall on the target, but the crews note the absence of Italian troops on the target[1]. They are followed by three other aircraft of No.223…
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20 May 1940 The No.615 Squadron leaves, finally, at 04h30, for the airfield of Norrent-Fontes with thirteen Hawker Hurricane Mk I (as well as one Miles Magister). The day starts very early when at 08h00, a double patrol is organized : the first above Lille (six aircraft), and the second in defense of the airfield…
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