There was combat over Kent this morning between RAF and Luftwaffe fighters. German bombers came over later, but many turned back in the face of strong opposition.

A force heading up the Thames towards London was met by No 12 Group’s “Duxford Wing” led by Squadron Leader “Tin Legs” Bader of No 242 Squadron. A number of the German aircraft were shot down, though nowhere near the 30 claimed at the time.

Today also saw one of those incidents in which RAF pilots who would not later be awarded the Battle of Britain Clasp were credited with destroying an enemy aircraft. One Dornier Do 17 was shot down and another was damaged by Squadron Leader McLean, Flying Officer Brotchie and Sergeant Armitage, who were serving with No 7 Operational Training Unit at Hawarden, near Chester. OTUs were not included among the qualifying units for the Clasp. Controversy over incidents such as this continues 73 years later.

A parachute mine landed on County Hall in London and shattered windows as far away as Downing Street.