Hi does anyone know why the proposed fighter cover for the escorting of the 6 Swordfish bi planes, were unable to reach the rendezvous point over Manston in time to escort Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmondes 825 squadron, against the German fleet and luftwaffe fighter cover. Only 72 Squadron was able to get there in time.
There was supposed to be the Hornchurch and Biggin hill wings in attendance,what was the reason for these 2 wings not being there in time? was it just due to lack of time in reaching Manston, or was there any other reasons.
Any help as always would be appreciated.
By: hawker1966 - 25th June 2013 at 18:34
Excellent and poignant website. I always thought it was bad weather that prevented the fighter cover..but that must’ve come from reading the old paperback book about the operation. What extraordinarily brave men they were.
That was what i believed to be the reason.but it doesn’t seem to be stated anywhere that i can see,but did recall hearing that it was due to the bad weather, that the full fighter cover was unable to attend.
Many thanks Charliehunt, i have visited the spitfire and Hurricane museum on numerous occasions as i come from the Kent area.a great memorial. to a truly courageous group of men, as stated before the ultimate sacrifice.
By: slicer - 25th June 2013 at 10:06
Excellent and poignant website. I always thought it was bad weather that prevented the fighter cover..but that must’ve come from reading the old paperback book about the operation. What extraordinarily brave men they were.
By: charliehunt - 25th June 2013 at 08:16
Hawker – their website is very informative and if you are ever in East Kent there is good exhibition within the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston and a Memorial at Ramsgate.
By: TonyT - 24th June 2013 at 22:32
Wasn’t there an article in Britain at war / Flypast / aeroplane about it a couple of months back? Seem to remember the Staish came out to see them off as they all knew it was one way and they circle until it was realised cover wasn’t coming and they had to go.
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June 24, 2013 at 10:24 pm