North Weald airfield was badly hit and, as the raiders tried to make their escape, a major fight developed over the south east. Hurricane squadrons engaged included Nos 1, 17, 46, 249, 257, 302 and 310. There was much frustration for the Spitfire pilots of No 19 Squadron, with weapons often jamming in their cannon-fitted aircraft.

One of the day’s casualties was Pilot Officer Richard Hillary of No 603 Squadron, who baled out of his Spitfire grievously burned and was rescued from the sea by the Margate lifeboat. Hilary would become a Guinea Pig and go on to write the book, The Last Enemy.

Over North Weald a Blenheim of No 25 Squadron was attacked by a No 46 Squadron Hurricane. Pilot Officer Douglas Hogg died at the controls, though Sergeant Powell baled out unhurt. Douglas Hogg lies with his parents in a family grave in Eastwood Cemetery, Glasgow. On the stone is the inscription, “One of The Few to whom so many owe so much”.