Speedy AAR Sunday the 2nd of October 1940

Myself and Red 4, were scrambled by Tophat to intercept a raid that was returning to base. We were vectored to the Beachy Head, Hasting area at 23K, where the raid was expected to cross the coast. In the meantime Red 1 and Red 2 had lifted and were catching up. However, Tophat informed us that the raid had already crossed the coast so we were unlikely to catch them. We therefore turned back and reformed with Red 1 and 2 over Rochester. Patrolling for a while we received RDF reports of 5+ bandits heading north of Dover at 28K. After heading East to gain height we turned south to intercept. After a short time I spotted 3 contacts co altitude to our 11'o'clock. Red 1 ordered the attack and we turned towards them. As we approached we noticed there were 4 contacts, Red 1 and 2 opting to take the left side, with myself and Red 4 going for the right group.

After the initial merge, there then ensued a turning fight as each tried to locate a take on a 109. With Red 4 clear, I proceeded to press home an attack one 109, closing to gun range I fired a good burst and saw bright flashes sparkle across his wing and fuselage. At that point Red 4 called that the 109 wingman was coming in on me so I broke off my attack and evaded the second 109. Now I was clear, I tried to relocate Red 4. Looking around all I could see was a twisting pattern of contrails. Not knowing who was who I proceed to gain height whilst approaching the nearest group.

Whilst searching the sky for friendlies, all I could see were 109s mostly lower. However, checking my six I noticed one closing in, despite breaking suddenly, I heard the ominous plink plink of rounds finding their target. Deciding my position was not good, I called I was diving out towards Eastbourne.

The rest of the flight were now scattered and lower than the 109s. So Red 1 called  general regroup over Eastbourne. After confirming that I hadn't taken significant damage, I also reformed with the flight.

We now headed to the southend area to resume our patrol. Red 1 soon spotted a couple of contacts co-alt and heading west towards London. One was identified as a bomber, so Red 1 ordered myself and Red 4 to engage. Several higher contacts, obviously the bomber escorts,  were also then spotted already diving in. We didn't have much time until the 109s would be upon us so we attacked the bomber. I only had time for a quick deflection shot on the Ju88, before the yellow nose of a 109 appeared too close for comfort on my starboard side. I broke of the attack and looked to reform with the flight who by now also engaged. However, the sudden jolt and sound of more rounds hitting my airframe caught my attention. There were two 109 close by, so I sought the protection of some clouds and dove out as fast as I could. Looking around I could see numerous gapping holes in  my starboard and port wings, and the undercarriage was damaged. My plane was also sluggish and I couldn't maintain speed. Therefore I called my RTB.

I then sought my home airfield, which proved difficult at low altitude and with a spinning compass. Running low on fuel I eventually found the airfield.

Speedy77 Red 3

Good show, Speedy - I've looked at the track file, that was a nice shot on that 109, you got him leaking coolant, though it seems he made it back to base.

You and Hinkel got a bit close for comfort attacking that Ju88 though, try not to crash into eachother, then after that you attacked the Ju88 whilst Hinkel was below your nose, so you might have ended up colliding due to a loss of visibility, I'll let you off though seeing as we were in a rush to sort out the Junkers before the snappers came down, just try to keep an eye on your wingman in future.

i saw speedy his tracers at some point but could not see speedy himself. that explains a lot

Indeed, it was a little close. I normally try not to be so gung-ho, but I was very much aware we were already committed to the attack with 109s bearing down on us. So I thought I'd have one chance at best. This turned out to be the case as I was clobbered just afterwards!