Monday 7th October 1940 – The fallen
152 squadron, Warmwell.
Spitfire N3039, P/O H.J. Akroyd severely burned and died next day, shot down during combat with enemy fighters over Lyme Regis, crashed and burned at Nutmead, Shillingstone, 16.40 hrs.
222 squadron, Hornchurch.
Spitfire P9469, P/O J.W. Broadhurst bailed out but killed, shot down during attack on enemy bombers, crashed and burned out at at Baileys Reed Farm, Hurst Green, Salehurst, pilot fell at Longhurst, 16.50 hrs.
245 squadron, Turnhouse.
Hurricane N2707, P/O J.J.I. Beedham killed, engine failure during landing.
501 squadron, Kenley.
Hurricane V6800, F/O N.J.M. Barry killed, shot down by Bf109 in combat over Wrotham, crashed Lane End, Darenth, pilot fell dead at Wilmington, 10.40 hrs.
602 squadron, Westhampnet.
Spitfire X4160, Sgt B.E.P. Whall severely injured and died on admission to Princess Alice Hospital, Eastbourne, damaged by Ju88 off Beachy Head, spun-in near Court Farm, Lullington, whilst attempting forced-landing, 17.50 hrs.
603 squadron, Hornchurch.
Spitfire N3109, F/O H.K.F. Matthews killed, shot down in combat with Bf109s of II/JG26, crashed Hurst Farm, Godmersham Park, 10.45 hrs.
605 squadron, Croydon.
Hurricane P3677, P/O C.E. English killed, shot down by Bf109s over Westerham, crashed and burned out Park Farm, Brasted, 14.00 hrs.
Acording to ‘Fighter Command Losses’, P/O English’s parachute caught on the tailplane of his Hurricane. P/O I.J. Muirhead bailed out of Hurricane V7305 which crashed at Bexley, only a few miles from me. Eight days later he would not be so lucky
607 squadron, Tangmere.
Hurricane L1728, F/O I.B. Difford killed, mid-air collision during squadron patrol, crashed at Eartham Farm, Slidon, 16.00 hrs.
609 suadron, Warmwell.
Spitfire N3238, Sgt A.N. Feary killed, shot down in surprise attack over Yeovil, pilot unable to regain control and bailed out too low, crashed at Watercombe Farm, south of Warmwell, 16.30 hrs.
If you want to know more about the events of today, click here > http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/october7.html
By: mmitch - 7th October 2004 at 18:38
Evening bump
By: von Perthes - 7th October 2004 at 09:33
P/O John William Broadhurst was another of ‘The Few’ who lived in what is now Bexley London Borough. His obituary appeared in the local paper on the 18th October 1940, his wedding had appeared in the same newspaper on the 12th July 1940.
Photo courtesy of Battle of Britain Historical Society
By: von Perthes - 7th October 2004 at 09:19
As P/O Nat Barry lost his life only a short distance from our museum, and his Hurricane came down even nearer, it was natural that we should, in 2002, carry out an excavation at the crash site. To our surprise, and dismay, it was obvious that an illeagal recovery had been carried out in the early nineties, as proven by the ‘best before’ date on a soft drink can left behind. Ours had been the first and only licence granted for this incident. Follow this link for more information http://www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk/V6800.htm Contact was made with Nat’s family, and a piece of his Hurricane was given to his sister.
This photo shows the display of items recovered from the crash site, which was on display at Hall Place, Bexley, this summer.
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October 7, 2004 at 9:00 am