25/08/2026
25 August 1940:
Fifteen Hurricanes of 213 Squadron departed from R.A.F. Exeter at 16:59 hours to intercept enemy raiders at Portland. The enemy were intercepted at 17:23 hours and a general dogfight ensued. Several pilots remarked about the improved armament on the ME109s.
Thirteen Hurricanes of 87 Squadron also intercepted a large raid about 5 miles west of Portland. The raid consisted of Ju88s escorted by Me110s and Me109s. B Flight went for the Ju88s and the Me110 went for B Flight. A Flight then attacked the Me110s. Some of the Me110s were seen to fire red Verey lights, apparently as a signal to the Me109s to come down, which they did. A general dogfight ensued.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry
Combat Report – W/Cdr J. S. Dewar - B Flight, 87 Squadron:
Led Squadron to patrol Warmwell at 10,000 ft as ordered. Sighted AA bursts over Portland but no aircraft. Then sighted large enemy force coming westwards along coast. Selected the Squadron of JU88s least escorted and led in on a quarter attack. Fired about 800 rounds. As I pulled away, I saw aircraft smoking. F/Sgt Badger who was following saw it burst into flames. It must have fallen near Lulworth. Later it was confirmed by Observer Corps that one fell there. I continued my turn on pulling away and went for about four 110s head-on, taking a fleeting burst at one. By the time I had turned round again I could see no aircraft. Every now and then one dropped out smoking. The bombers seemed to be making out to sea. Very high over Portland way a white Verey light was fired. I flew climbing towards the west, turning now and again to sweep the sky above. During one of these turns I almost collided with an ME109 turning in the opposite direction. I started to pursue as he went past me and saw that he was the leader of 4. They did not seem to have seen me, so I joined them in the rear. Unfortunately, their initial speed did not allow me to get nearer than about 600 yds and although I had 9+ on the boost I could not catch up. As they turned, however, I slowly gained. When about 300 yds away I opened fire on the rearmost in short bursts. He immediately turned more steeply than the rest and increased speed, but not before vapour came pouring from him. His manoeuvre carried him to the front of the others, and I had to break off action with him. Last seen he was diving at about 45o slightly banked and may have come down near Lulworth also on the land or in the sea. Fumes were pouring from him. I suspect he carried armour as I fired at least 800 rounds with almost dead astern shots. The others quickly climbed out of reach. I was greatly handicapped by lack of speed. Seeing no further activity and being short of ammunition I returned to base without seeing any of my Squadron since the first encounter. I consider that greater effect would be got from our attacks and less losses suffered if we patrolled in larger numbers, if possible two Squadrons going together. Twin-engined bombers can take terrific punishment from the rear and their own shooting was greatly improved. I consider it a mistake to attack from the rear if any other method is possible. With fighter escorts only fleeting attacks can be made making it difficult to obtain conclusive results.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry
Combat Report - S/Ldr I R Gleed - A Flight, 87 Squadron:
I led attack with Flight covering rear of ‘B’ Flight. Attacked 10 ME110s who were diving out of the sun on ‘B’ Flight. Shot one down and saw it splash in sea with 4 others, were attacked by about 20 ME110s, shot at one which rolled on back, got good shot whilst it was on back, had to break off owing to E/A getting on my tail. Sgt Howell saw the E/A I shot at still upside down. Later was attacked from above by two 109s, one of which overshot me and got a good burst up its tail. The other was near my tail so I aileron turned down and left them. The E/A then sheared off to sea.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry
Combat Report – F/O K W Tait - A Flight, 87 Squadron:
Contacted E/A at 18,000 approx. 30 ME110s. Saw leader of 110s fire two red Verey lights evidently calling for 109s to come down. They did. Attacked one 110 trying to enter circle. After three bursts he dived away with one engine stopped and crashed into sea. Attacked a 109 from directly above – full deflection – Spitfires also attacked it from beam and 109 crashed on land behind Chesil Bank.
109 painted light blue with broad red band round fuselage. Editor’s Note. This red band around the nose cowling was applied to JG53 Aircraft
Combat Report – P/O R P Beamont - B Flight, 87 Squadron:
We attacked the main bomber formation from 1,000 feet above and out of the sun. I fired a long burst from the beam at a Do17, closing to fifty yards and the E/A turned on its back with smoke pouring out and dived towards the sea. At 4,000 feet I engaged an ME109 and after some minutes forced it down into a field between Abbotsbury and Weymouth and about 1 mile inland. The pilot appeared unhurt and set fire to his machine.
Information sourced from the book Battle of Britain Combat Archive Volume 6 – Simon W Parry
RAF Losses:
87 Sqn Hurricane V7250 Sgt S R E Wakeling – killed, shot down over Portland and fell at New Barn Dorchester.
213 Sqn Hurricane N2646 Sgt E G Snowden – safe. Badly damaged by ME109s and forced landing at Burton Bradstock, Dorset.
213 Sqn Hurricane P3200 P/O H D Atkinson – killed. Shot down over the sea.
213 Sqn Hurricane V7226 AK-I P/O J A L Philippart – killed. Shot down by ME109s off Portland. Pilot baled out over the sea, but drowned, his body was washed ashore on the 28 August.
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https://www.rafexeter.co.uk/raf-and-allied-squadrons/213-squadron/
https://www.rafexeter.co.uk/raf-and-allied-squadrons/87-squadron/
