Pilot Officer Klonko 54 Squadron B Flight RAF Hornchurch
20.07.1940 0900hrs
Scrambled to intercept an enemy raid heading for a convoy in the Thames estuary. Heading out from Hornchurch the weather was very cloudy and it looked like the Squadron was going to be heading into a storm. We reached the vector at Angels 16, the Flight Leader bringing B flight into a position to scan the area. Minutes later the Tally Ho went out- four Ju88s were spotted, approximately 5,000 ft below us. The clouds silhouetted the small enemy formation heading for our convoy.
We dived to attack, with my flight mates quickly dispatching the 88s. I managed to get off a quick burst into one of the machines before the crew hit the silk. Whether or not it was my attack, or a previous attack that had caused them to bail is unclear. I put in a claim anyway.
During the melee, I was separated from my Flight and wingman. While scanning the skies for my formation, I spotted a group of Spitfires going into the attack. 2,000 ft above, a formation of around six 109s had dived in to attack. I soon found myself in the middle of a dogfight, with 109s and Spitfires twisting and turning around me. I got off a short burst at two of the 109s and decided to make a break for home. Just as I set course for home I was bounced by a 109, who must have dived on me from behind. The first thing I knew of the 109s presence were ribbons of tracer streaking past my Hurricane's port side. The bullets and cannon shells smashing into my engine. Flame erupted from the port side exhaust, and 'plane started to feel uneven in pitch. Luckily the fire didn't take hold, and I was able to Split-S away from the 109.
As I was hobbling along, trying to make the safety of the closest friendly airfield, I caught glimpse of the 109 coming around for another go. This time his burst of fire missed me but he stayed on my tail for some time before breaking contact and flying South. I engaged WEP and dived for the coast.
Just as I passed over the coast the Oil temperature had hit maximum on the gauge and the engine quit. I made a belly landing in a farmer's field, managing to keep the wings on this time, but the plane was still a write-off.
