[Peter Cornwell]

According to Halley, K9990 of No.152 Squadron was simply ‘abandoned after header tank collapsed 20 miles south of St Catherine’s Point, Isle of Wight,’ on 18 July 1940. The airframe was subsequently struck-off on 31 July. But my notes extracted from the No.152 Squadron ORB make no mention of the incident (odd in an otherwise well-compiled document) nor do I have any knowledge that this was as a result of naval AA fire. Can someone please confirm or otherwise ?

12 August 1940 43 Squadron, Tangmere Hurricane R4110. Returned to base with damage to engine and oil tank caused by return fire from He111s engaged over the Channel 12.45 p.m. Pilot Officer C. A. Woods-Scawen unhurt. Aircraft repairable.
I don’t believe WOODS-SCAWEN was wounded in this action. He was certainly flying next day.

I have no knowledge that BATT of No.238 Squadron forced-landed damaged on 11 August 1940 but the Squadron ORB confirms that he did so two days later:
13 August 1940 238 Squadron, Middle Wallop Hurricane P2989. Belly-landed at Eartham, near Tangmere, oil tank ruptured and cooling system damaged in attack by Bf 109 south of the Isle of Wight. 7.27 a.m. Sergeant L. G. Batt unhurt. Aircraft damaged but repairable.