65 Squadron, Tangmere, morning, 15th August 1940

It's another fine day and we start with another patrol, this time to the factory in which our aircraft were built - Supermarine's, at Southampton. Which was pretty well wrecked by a daylight raid by KG55's Heinkels on 26 September 1940, supposedly after the Luftwaffe had lost the Battle of Britain. Hopefully not what will happen today, while we're looking after the place!



We've been told to expect replacements in men and machines. But for now, all we can put up are six Spitfires. No point fretting over that. Tangmere is soon falling away behind us...



...and I've swung around to the west, towards our patrol area.



The boys don't take too long to catch up and soon we're climbing steadily.



A quick look at the map reminds me of the basics of our sortie. The summary doesn't repeat the height, though - what was it, Angels sixteen?



The Coastal Command base at Thorney Island is soon slipping behind us. it's a good landmark; also somewhere you can get down, if you're out in this neck of the woods, but can't make it all the way home to Tangmere.



Rather than wait till we're on task, I ask the Controller for a fresh vector about half way there. It's as well that I do, for the Bandits are now reported to be coming in behind us.



Round we go!



And there they are! Sneaky beggars - just goes to show that you can never trust a Hun!



...to be continued!