11th October 1940 – we remember

Friday 11th October 1940 – The Fallen

41 squadron, Hornchurch

Spitfire X4042, F/O D.H. O’Neill killed, mid-air collision during battle climb to engage Bf109s, crashed near Crooked Billet, Ash, pilot bailed out but parachute failed, 16.24 hrs.

Spitfire P9447, P/O J.G.Lecky killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s, crashed at Preston Hall, Maidstone, pilot bailed out but presumed parachute failed, 16.30 hrs.

421 Flight, Gravesend

Spitfire P7303, Sgt C.A.H. Ayling killed, crashed near Newchurch during combat with enemy aircraft over Hawkinge, 16.00 hrs.

611 squadron, Ternhill

Spitfire P7323, Sgt K.C. Pattison killed, became lost on return from sortie, crashed at Crooksey Green, near Kidderminster 19.45 hrs, critically injured and admitted to Barnsley Hall Hospital, but died 13th October 1940.

To learn more about the events of this day click here http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/october11.html