16th August 1940 We Remember

FRIDAY AUGUST 16TH 1940 CASUALTIES

1235hrs: Off Deal. Spitfire R6768. 266 Squadron Hornchurch
S/L R.L.Wilkinson Killed. (Believed collided with Bf109 over Channel/Some authorities say shot down)

1240hrs: Calais (France) Spitfire N3240 266 Squadron Hornchurch
Sub Lt H.L.Greenshields Killed. (Chased Bf109 across Channel, crashed and burnt in Calais suburb)

1245hrs: Adisham. Spitfire N3095. 266 Squadron Hornchurch
P/O N.G.Bowen Killed. (Shot down and aircraft burst into flames during combat with Bf109)

1245hrs: Marden (Kent). Hurricane R4193. 111 Squadron Croydon
F/L H.M.Ferris Killed. (Collided with Do17 during a head-on attack on enemy formation)

1300hrs: Bognor Regis. Hurricane P3358. 601 Squadron Tangmere
P/O W.M.L.Fiske Died of Injuries next day. (Damaged by gunfire from Ju87 and crashed on landing)

1300hrs: Portland. Hurricane 213 Squadron Exeter
P/O J.E.P.Larichelieere. Listed as missing. (Failed to return after combat over Portland)

1355hrs: Southampton. Hurricane P3616. 249 Squadron Boscombe Down
P/O M.A.King Killed. (Shot down by Bf110 and pilot baled out but parachute collapsed on descent)

1715hrs: Dungeness. Spitfire R6802. 610 Squadron Biggin Hill
F/Lt W.H.C.Warner Listed as missing. (Last seen in combat with Bf109 over Channel. Failed to return)

1730hrs: Off Deal. Spitfire K9915. 65 Squadron Hornchurch
P/O L. L. Pyman Killed. (Crashed into Channel during combat)

For more information on the actions of the day click the link below.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/bob1940/august16.html

“I saw one of 601s Hurricanes lying on it’s belly belching smoke on the airfield after coming in for it’s final approach, I taxied up to it and got out. There were two ambulance men there. They had got Billy Fiske out of the cockpit. They didn’t know how to take off his parachute so I showed them. Billy was burnt about the hands and ankles. I told him, “Don’t worry. You’ll be alright….”
Flight Lieutenant Sir Archibald Hope 601 Squadron Tangmere