William L. Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
William L. Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
Date: 29 July 1940
Enemy action by day
The main activity was as follows:
Region
South and West
At 0906 hours, a raid was plotted a few miles west of Varne Light Vessel. The number of aircraft varied from 20+ to 2+ but no attack materialised.
Several enemy reconnaissances were plotted in the Channel, and of these, one Ju88 was shot down off Portsmouth by No. 145 Squadron.
At about 1815 hours, some 30-40 aircraft flew from Cherbourg towards Lyme Bay but turned away when 20 miles out. Part of this raid turned north-west again to within ten miles of Portland where it is reported to have bombed a naval unit. Fighters were despatched but did not intercept.
East and South-East
At 0718 hours, preceded by one sortie over Dover at 24,000 feet, four raids assembled in the Calais-Boulogne-St Omer area and at 0734 hours were consolidated as one raid of 80+ aircraft which flew from just east of Cap Gris Nez to attack Dover. Reports received indicate that the damage was comparatively light with few casualties. One merchant vessel (already damaged) and one small yacht were sunk and one naval unit was damaged. The actual number of bomber aircraft engaged in the attack is estimated at 40 Ju87s, and these approached in two waves of 20 aircraft each, covered by approximately the same number of Me109s. Four fighter squadrons were sent up and shot down eight Ju87s (confirmed) and seven Me109s (confirmed) and five Ju87s (unconfirmed) and two Me109s (unconfirmed). AA accounted for two Ju87s. Our losses were two Spitfires and one Hurricane.
At 1300 hours, trawlers were bombed off Dungeness and No 610 Squadron probably accounted for one Do215.
Several enemy reconnaissances were plotted off the East Coast and one of these, one He111 which was reconnoitring a convoy off Harwich, was shot down by No 17 Squadron and one Do17 is a probable casualty by No 85 Squadron.
At about 1720 hours, 32+ aircraft were plotted as approaching a convoy off North Foreland. Seven squadrons were despatched to intercept this raid, but only one (No 151) made contact and this squadron accounted for two Me110s (confirmed) and another probable. One Hurricane crashed on landing. The convoy suffered no casualties through air action.
North and North-East
Two raids approached the Aberdeen area during the morning. One of these was intercepted and fighters engaged two Heinkels which, however, evaded them in clouds.
France
The usual patrols were flown in the Calais-Boulogne-Gris Nez areas and several reconnaissance flights took place in the Channel. No interceptions were effected.
By night
Enemy activity appeared to be on a reduced scale inland, but there was considerable minelaying activity on the Dover, Thames Estuary and Harwich areas. Observer Corps posts report that seaplanes were operating.
Later, nine raids of small numbers approached the East Coast between Scarborough and St Abb's Head. Some of these raids crossed the coast. Minelaying operations are reported along the coastline from Hartlepool-Newcastle-Firth of Forth.
Bombs are reported to have been dropped at Brigg, Gilestone (about a mile south of St Athan), near Leys, east of Highbridge and at Acklington.
At 0010 hours, one Ju88 crashed just north of Bury St Edmunds. This aircraft was plotted in over Bristol as an unidentified raid but later it was stated to be friendly and Bedford ceased plotting. 16 bombs are reported dropped near Norwich.
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Statistics
Fighter Command Serviceable Aircraft as at 0900 hours, 29 July 1940
Casualties:
Patrols:
Balloons:
Aerodromes:
Organisation:
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