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Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.

Winston S. Churchill, Their Finest Hour

Battle of Britain Campaign Diary

Date: 15 July 1940

Weather: Low cloud.
Day: Shipping attacked off Norfolk coast and the Channel. Yeovil bombed.
Night: Minelaying.
Enemy action by day
There was very little enemy activity, probably owing to bad weather. A few raids occurred in the Cardiff, Swansea, Portsmouth and Southampton areas, off the Thames Estuary and Norfolk Coast. One raid also visited Drem. A certain amount of activity was also experienced over convoys on the south and east coasts.
South and South West
In the early morning a raid crossed the coast near Shoreham and bombs were dropped on Brighton and Hove. Shortly after 0900 hours enemy aircraft passed over Portland, flew direct to Cardiff and bombed Barry. Later a reconnaissance was made over a convoy in the Thames Estuary by a Do215. No. 151 Squadron intercepted, but the enemy escaped. Bombs were dropped at Pembroke Dock and Poling. Shipping in the vicinity of Portland Bill was also visited. Between 1600 and 1800 hours a raid crossed the Cornish coast. Two aircraft were sent to intercept but no details have been received of any contact being made. A raid started near Liverpool and flew over Wales and Gloucester. This raid dropped four unexploded bombs on St Athan. Between 1800 and 2100 hours a raid of two Dorniers flew over Portsmouth and Southampton. One of these aircraft was probably shot down by Blue Section of No. 145 Squadron. Later one raider dropped bombs in the sea of Southend.
East Coast
One raid was made off the Norfolk coast from 0600 to 0800 hours. Fighters were despatched but no contact is reported. Between 0900 and 1600 hours several enemy reconnaissances were made over the Norflk coast and upon shipping off this coast. A convoy was attacked at 1413 hours by ten enemy aircraft, probably Dornier 215s. A fighter escort to the convoy (Blue Section of No. 56 Squadron) shot down one Do215 and probably shot down another.
Scotland
Between 1600-1800 hours one raid was made over Drem. Later in the evening another raid crossed the coast flying east just north of Aberdeen. No further news was reported of this raid.
By night
Very slight activity was encountered during the night, the weather still being very bad. One enemy aircraft, thought to be a Dornier, appeared off Kinnaird's Head. At about 2300 hours, 6 to 8 raids crossed the coast between Newcastle and Flamborough Head, and proceeded to Liverpool Bay. These aircraft are suspected of minelaying. One raider dropped a bomb near Berwick. Later, about 12 raids appeared between the Norfolk coast and the Tyne, 6 of which crossed the coastline and the remainder cruised around as though minelaying. These aircraft later returned to Borkum.
________________________________________
Statistics
Casualties:
Enemy:
Fighters - nil
Bombers - 1 confirmed, 3 unconfirmed
AA claims destruction of one bomber in above totals.
Own:
No. 213 Squadron - 1 Hurricane (in combat off Plymouth).
No. 145 Squadron - 1 Hurricane (crashed on landing, Swales Farm, Wickham).
No. 249 Squadron - 1 Hurricane (crashed and burned out near York at 0053 hours).
No. 249 Squadron - 1 Hurricane (crashed on landing).
Patrols:
154 patrols despatched involving 470 aircraft.
Balloons:
Flying 1122. Casualties 21.
Aerodromes:
Acklington unserviceable.
Organisation:
No changes
Air Intelligence Reports
A confirmed report has been received that among the German troops there is a healthy respect for, coupled with a fear of, the RAF due to the ferocity of their fighters and the accuracy of their bombers.
Home Security Reports
Period: 14/15th July 1940.
General Summary
During the 15th July there was a certain amount of enemy activity over Coastal areas of the South and South-West of England and South Wales. There was considerable damage to property in the Brighton and Hove area.
Detailed Summary
Further reports received after the publication of yesterday's summary state that the Avonmouth area was subjected to attacks on three occasions during the night of 14/15th July. The first attack has previously been detailed, in the second attack, three HE and two IB were dropped on open ground near the National Smelting Works without damage or casualties being caused. The third attack occurred at 0117 hours on the 15th and no incidents have so far been reported.
Further information as to incendiary bomb on Dover (see yesterday) is that thirty to fifty bombs were dropped on the Duke of York's School at Guston near Dover, now in military occupation. Damage was slight, no casualties.
During the evening of 15th July, bombs were dropped near Carew Cheriton Aerodrome and on St Athan Aerodrome. Also on the RAF Station Llandow where damage was caused to underground internal cables.
At 1341 hours on the 15th July, bombs were dropped at Mount Batten, Plymouth.
The Naval Air Station at Yeovilton near Ilchester was bombed at 1355 hours on the 15th July, slight damage being caused to hangars and one aircraft.
Battle of Britain