The newspapers have now fully caught up with the first day of the Italian invasion of Greece. That, with heavy raids by Bomber Command of the Skoda works in Czechoslovakia, drive news of RAF Fighter Command operations from the front pages. The official Battle of Britain has only three more days to run, including this one, yet the air war is already dropping in visibility.
Despite this, fighting is continuing at a significant level. After early mist which keeps aircraft grounded, raids start mid-morning and carry on through to the early evening, just as darkness gathers in overcast skies. Four daylight raids on London are recorded and two on Portsmouth, the largest involving 40 bombers escorted by Messerschmitt fighters. No. 602 City of Glasgow Sqn distinguishes itself, shooting down eleven Me 109s in six minutes, for no loss.
Fifteen Italian BR 20s (type pictured above), escorted by CR 42 biplanes attack Ramsgate. Five are damaged by anti-aircraft fire. At dusk, RAF airfields in East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire are attacked by Ju 88s and Me 109s.
On the day, the Germans lose 24 aircraft, including 15 Me 109s. They lose 110s, two Do 17s - even two He 115s to accidents. Fighter Command loses ten aircraft, including two Hurricanes caught while taking off from North Weald airfield during an attack. One pilot is killed there. Heavy night bombing of Birmingham and Coventry is recorded. London is also bombed.
COMMENT: Battle of Britain thread
